Breast Augmentation Incision Options

An important issue to discuss with your plastic surgeon before breast augmentation is the placement of incisions. All incisions placement options are designed to conceal as much scarring as possible from view. But each incision option still comes with its own set benefits and disadvantages. To ensure optimal results, a little pre-op investigation is warranted.

The four main types of breast augmentation incisions are the inframammary (breast crease incision), peri-areolar (nipple incision), transaxillary (armpit incision), and TUBA (navel incision), with the two most common being the inframammary and the peri-areolar.

Inframmary Incision: positioned in the crease below the breast, inframmary incisions can be used for any of the three implant placement options, subglandular (over the chest muscle), partial submuscular (upper 2/3 of implant under chest muscle), and complete submuscular (entire implant under chest muscle). This incision option allows the surgeon the best visibility and control over implant placement during surgery. Revision surgery is also easiest to perform using the original incision when the inframmary option is used.

Peri-areolar Incision: one of the two most commonly used incision options, the peri-areolar incision follows the edge of the areola, the dark area of the skin surrounding the nipple. This technique allows for all three implant placement options and offers the surgeon great visibility and control of the breast area during surgery. For those combining a breast lift with their augmentation, the peri-areolar option will be used since a nipple incision is needed in all breast lift procedures.

Transaxillary Incision: offering the advantage of well-hidden scars in the natural creases of the armpit, transaxillary incisions are commonly used in endoscopic procedures. This incision option requires greater skill than the inframmary and peri-areolar options, so be sure to choose a surgeon familiar with this technique if a transaxillary incision is important to you. Many women like the hidden scar offered by this option, however, if revision surgery is needed, a new incision will be needed which will result in additional scarring. Though implants can be placed in all three positions using this technique, the implants are being placed far from the incision site. Therefore, your results may not be optimal unless a skilled surgeon is used.

TUBA: TUBA stands for trans-umbilical breast augmentation, and uses a belly button incision. Also known as the "scarless breast augmentation", TUBA incisions are nearly undetectable. Though more and more surgeons are learning and performing this technique, it is not nearly as common as other breast augmentation procedures. Before undergoing a TUBA breast augmentation, it's important to choose a surgeon with the skill to properly perform it. Due to the great distance from the incision to the breast area, the surgeon has less control of the implant placement using this technique. Though both subglandular and partial-submuscular implant placement can be performed using the TUBA technique, finding a surgeon able to perform the submuscular technique may take some looking.

Though some scarring is inevitable with all types of surgery, even cosmetic surgery, careful placement of the incisions combined with advanced wound care techniques can make scars less noticeable. For more information on incision options for breast augmentation, St. Louis plastic surgeon and his staff will be happy to answer your questions.

Breast Lift/Augmentation Combo offers Great Patient Satisfacion

According to a study presented to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast lifts and lift/augmentation combos offer a very high rate of patient satisfaction. 99 percent of women asked about their surgeries said they'd have it performed again.

In the past, patient satisfaction of breast augmentation and breast reduction have been studied, but breast lift and breast lift/augmentation combos had not been adequately examined.

Breast augmentation surgery is performed to increase breast size, while lifts remove excess skin to correct unwanted sagging. Lift/augmentation combos provide an increase in bust size with vertical repositioning. Lifts are also commonly performed with breast reduction surgery, which also offers a high satisfaction rate among women.

For more information about breast lift, breast reduction or New Jersey breast enhancements, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franckle.

What is Breast Implant Profile?

We know about various breast implant sizes, and the difference between saline and silicone gel, but what the heck is the breast implant profile? Well, the profile refers to how much an implant projects or stands out from chest in relation to the implant's base width. Various implant profiles work better with different body types.

For women with a narrow frame a high profile implant may result in a more natural look due to the narrower base. For those with wider frames a moderate to low profile implant may give better coverage.

Both saline or silicone gel implants come in a variety of profiles to choose from, generally low, moderate, or high though they may be referred to by other names.

For help deciphering the various breast implant choices, Boston breast implant plastic surgeon Dr. Moss offers a website to help.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon Abroad

To choose a plastic surgeon close to home, you'd hopefully check his or her credentials and disciplinary record; research their education; make sure they are board certified by a reputable plastic surgery organization, such as the American Board of Plastic surgery; meet with the surgeon for at least one consultation; research the surgical facility; and repeat the entire process with several surgeons until you are satisfied you are choosing well. So it should go without saying that your evaluation process for a surgeon abroad should be at least as rigorous.

With the price-driven popularity of medical tourism on the rise, more and more patients are going under the knife abroad with surprisingly little research. In fact, the internet has become packed with cosmetic surgery "vacation" packages offering tummy tucks, facelifts, liposuction and breast augmentation combined with resort stays, sight-seeing tours, and ample pool-side pampering all conveniently pre-planned and at prices that far beat those of the surgical procedures alone in the U.S.

When considering plastic surgery overseas, the first thing to remember is that plastic surgery is not a vacation activity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the "vacation" activities that lure many to these package deals have no place in plastic surgery recovery.

"Vacation activities should be avoided after surgery. To properly heal and reduce the possibility of complications, patients should not sunbath, drink alcohol, swim/snorkel, water ski/jet ski, parasail, take extensive tours (walking or bus), or exercise after surgery."

Be skeptical of any deal or agency that emphasizes the "vacation" or "resort" aspects. Though inviting, they serve as a distraction from where a patient's focus should be when considering plastic surgery and choosing a surgeon.

When seeking a competent plastic surgeon abroad, there are tools that can help. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers a surgeon-finder tool on their website listing surgeons in 73 countries who meet U.S. standards for training, surgical experience and safety issues.

To those considering quality, domestic cosmetic surgery, Conroe, Texas plastic surgeon Dr. Kim offers complimentary initial patient consultations right here at home.

With Envision Implant Sizing System, Getting the Wrong Size Is Not a Worry

The Envision Implant Sizing System is a unique way to determine which breast implant size patients want. The sizing system was developed by Dr. Kinsley, a female plastic surgeon, and offers the unique perspective of a woman on a woman's surgery. The Envision System is designed with the patient in mind, to help her make the decision that's right for her. After all, no one is ever eager to have implant revision surgery. Do it right the first time.

EAK Envision Implant Sizing System includes ($34.95 plus shipping):

> Tester implants in the four most popular sizes (275cc, 325cc, 375cc, 425cc)
> Breast sizing ruler
> Booklet by Dr. Kinsley with answers to common questions
> Instructional DVD outlining how to use the Envision System
> Before and after photos of implant recipients
> An Envision Bra to test the implants (cup sizes: 32/34, 36, 38, 40+)

> Order additional sizes or replacements on the website for $9.95 plus shipping for a single tester
* Additional sizes available: 250cc, 275cc, 325cc, 375cc, 425cc, 475cc, 525cc, 575cc, 625cc

Once you have the system, don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes and your own clothes. Look at yourself in bra alone as well as other clothes like t-shirts, dresses and swimsuits. Get opinions from people you trust, or other implant patients. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Though the Envision System will not show you absolutely how your implants will look, it will give you an idea of the feel, weight and shape that you will experience once you've undergone your augmentation. This is one of the most important parts of getting a breast enlargement, so doing it right can prevent unnecessary problems later on. For more information on the EAK Envision Implant Sizing system, or to order, visit www.envisionimplants.com

Understanding a Physician's Credentials Before Plastic Surgery

Many doctors advertise they are "board-certified," but understanding what that means can be tricky. Physicians in many specialties can perform cosmetic procedures and be "board-certified" in something, whether it be dermatology,ophthalmology, or podiatry, but that doesn't mean they are trained plastic surgeons. If you are considering any type of plastic surgery, be sure the physician you choose is amply trained in the cosmetic procedure you seek by checking with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. To be certified by the ABPS, a doctor must have graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency. He or she must also have practiced plastic surgery for two years prior to certification and pass comprehensive oral and written exams. The ABPS also offers the added assurance of requiring re-examination every 10 years.

Another great resource for choosing a qualified plastic surgeon is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The ASPS required its members to be certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as meet additional requirements, such as operating only in accredited medical facilities, and fulfilling continuing medical education requirements. The ASPS requires six years of general surgery experience instead of the five required by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with three, rather than two years of plastic surgery training.

Another important step in choosing a plastic surgeon is determining what type of plastic surgery they specialize in. If you're seeking breast augmentation, choose a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation rather than rhinoplasty or other facial procedures. Make sure to find out how many procedures like yours they have performed, and view before and after pictures to be sure the surgeon can deliver the results you want.

There are a few more tricks to use to determine whether a surgeon is someone you should trust or run away from. For instance, you should compare the price of the procedure you are considering with prices being charged by other surgeons. If there is sharp disparity, be skeptical. Cosmetic surgeries performed at extremely low prices can have hazardous results. Also check out which hospitals and facilities he or she is allowed to perform surgery in. Even if you are having an office-based procedure it's important to remember, if the hospitals you trust don't allow him or her to operate in their facilities, you certainly don't want them operating on you.

‘Miss Bimbo’ - Breast Implant is not a Kid’s Game!

It is no more a matter of surprise, if you see your 8 year old daughter showing more interest in breast implants than the normal kiddie activities.

A silly and stupid new online game, 'Miss Bimbo' played by girls between ages 7 to 16 helps them perform breast implants to their dolls. They get virtual credit to play the game, but later on require to send text messages that cost $3.00 each to top up their accounts.

The ‘Miss Bimbo’ website promotes extreme diets and other cosmetic surgery information to your 7-8 year olds. On viewing this kind of content, these young girls may suffer eating disorders or will aspire to have breast surgeries, which is unnatural at this age. You need to keep close watch on your kid’s internet activities. Your daughter may feel that ‘Miss Bimbo’ needs a ‘Jumbo’ and keep sending text messages costing your pocket and making you feel like a ‘Dumb’ with exorbitant mobile bills.

Breast implant, is most preferred choice among women to have shapely upright breasts and boost self esteem. But this game is advisable only when these kid's have reached certain maturity levels to understand. After all breast implant is not a kid’s game!