:: Post Surgery Recovery Blog ::

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), nearly 348,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in 2007, a 64% increase from 2000. 

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reported that between 2002 and 2003, the number of women and girls younger than 18 who got breast implants nearly tripled, from 3,872 to 11,326.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons strongly believes that no one younger than 18 should undergo plastic surgery.

Cosmetic breast implants for patients younger than 18 are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, except in cases of reconstructive or corrective surgery, such as asymmetry.

 To find a board certified Plastic Surgeon for breast procedures, go to www.eBreastAug.com.  To find a board certified Plastic Surgeon for all procedures go to www.PlasticSurgeryPages.com.

Selecting the best plastic surgeon is an important decision.  You will want to select a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and have experience in your particular desired procedure.  Plastic surgery recovery is another important factor to consider prior to making your decision.  You will want to know exactly what to expect not only as it relates to results but also the amount of time needed to recover.

To achieve optimal results, your plastic surgeon will recommend that you wear a Compression Garment immediately following your liposuction procedure and for several weeks thereafter.  ContourMD offers a complete line of Compression wear allowing you to Recover in Comfort.  View the Compression Garments doctors recommend.

Your doctor will instruct you to purchase and wear a Compression Garment following your Abdominal Procedure.  Abdominal Compression Garments will help to reduce swelling and increase blood circulation allowing for a faster recovery.  These garments are worn immediately after surgery and for several weeks following the surgery for optimal results. 

Prepare for your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon by making a list of questions and concerns.  Your surgeon will discuss with you your expectations and desires for surgery.  He/she will examine your breasts and body and advise you of the type, method, and placement of implants that best suit you.  Remember that every patient is unique and requires an individual analysis and plan.  To find a board certified plastic surgeon click here.

There are two options when it comes to Implant Placement; Sub Glandular (in front of the pectoral muscle) and Sub Muscular (behind the pectoral muscle).  Sub Muscular placement increases the padding overlying the implant offering more coverage and camouflage to the shape of the implant.  This is helpful in women bearing very little or no breast tissue at all.  Sub Glandular is for patients wanting a bigger rounder look such as dancers who request DD or larger.  

There are a variety of different incision types for breast augmentation. 

1.  Inframammary — This is where a small incision is carefully placed at the natural fold of the breast.  This method allow for precise placement of the implant and, in most cases, hides the scar.

2.  Periareola Incision - This incision is made around the edge of the areola (the darker skin around the edge of the nipple) and, in most patients, is barely visible with time.  This too allows for precise placement of the implant.

3.  Transauxiliary Incision - This incision is made in one of the crease lines of the armpit.  This method is used less often because it is more difficutl to get proper placement of the implant is some patients, and if there is a problem in the future, an additional incision on the breast may be required.

4.  Transumbilical (TUBA) Incision - This technique is performed endoscopically using scopes and cameras for implant placement.  Implant placement is not a precise as the Mammary Incision or the Peri-Areola Incision.

5.  Transabdominoplasty (TABA) — This technique is similar to TUBA but this is done in tandem with an abdominoplasty procedure.

To protect and help facilitate healing, you may want to consider placing Silicone Sheeting over your incision.

Breast Reconstruction is about art and skill and experience.  When choosing a plastic surgeon look for one who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  A good resource is ebreastaug.com.  At eBreastAug.com you will find information about breast augmentation surgery and you may also find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area.  Another great resource is the website for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  

Post-operative compression garments play a significant role in the overall recovery process. They help to reduce swelling and speed the healing process.  You can go to www.ContourMD.com to find a wide variety of post-operative compression garments to suite your recovery needs.