Posts Tagged ‘breast implants’

How Breast Augmentation Patients Differ By Geography

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

breast-surgery-geographyDo women in different areas have different needs or goals for breast augmentation? They might, according to a study in Winter 2010 issue of the Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery, which explores the “physical characteristics and implant details” of breast augmentation patients in three locations in North America.

Breast augmentation cases from Texas, British Columbia and California were assessed. Among the different patient groups, the authors (Janae L Maher et. al) found significant differences in average weight, body mass index and breast implant volume. They also checked for differences in height, age and parity (breast symmetry).

In British Columbia, the average patient was 33 years old with a BMI of 20.8 and a 389ml implant. In California, the average patient was 32 years old with a BMI of 21.6 and a 385ml implant. Patients in Texas were, on average, slightly older at age 36 with an (slightly higher) average BMI of 22.6. The Texas group also seemed to show preference for a significantly smaller implant of 335 ml.

This article is currently available for free via the Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery.

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Model With Largest Breasts Experiences Complications After Surgery

Monday, July 19th, 2010

A Brazilian model who underwent breast augmentation to have the largest breasts in the world, is now experiencing complications after her 32nd surgical procedure, which was performed in Brazil.  According to news reports, Sheyla Hershey has a staph infection in both breasts, which could be life threatening if it reaches the bloodstream.

Is this a common complication? Dr. Angelo Cuzalina, Tulsa cosmetic surgeon and President Elect of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, gave a brief statement about the topic:

Any infection in a breast implant is unwanted by both patient and surgeon.  They are fortunately very rare (just less than 3 in 1000 patients), but a breast implant infection is difficult to deal with when they do occur and almost always require implant removal.  Having massive implants just complicates the problem further due to the excess skin after removal.

Certain infections such as methocillin resistant staph (MRSA) are becoming more common in today’s society and require more aggressive treatment.  Patients should let their surgeon know if redness or unusual pain occurs along with fever combined with a general feeling of extreme malaise during the first few weeks following breast augmentation.

“Sheyla takes her craft seriously,” says the model’s official website.  After undergoing multiple surgical procedures on her breasts, lips and buttocks, she seems very comfortable going under the knife and talking about it publicly.

But in an interview with Fox News, she expresses regret for choosing extremely large breast implants and suggests that if she could start over again, she would.  As she demonstrates her daily routine on video, it’s clear that she’s a very dedicated and strong-willed woman.

Fox News Houston has a series of video interviews with Sheyla Hershey and you can read regular updates about her status on her website, sheylahershey.net

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Breast Surgery Workshop Hosted By Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center

Friday, May 14th, 2010

The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center recently hosted the 4th annual Breast Surgery Workshop.  Sponsored through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the nation’s largest medical society of cosmetic surgeons, the Montgomery based office held a 3 day workshop on breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction surgery.

Dr Mark Mandell-Brown, course director,  noted  there were  40 cosmetic surgeons attending from throughout the United States, England, Canada, and Taiwan.  “Our breast course has earned excellent recognition and is one of the most popular breast courses in the Academy,” stated Dr Mandell-Brown.

The doctors  learn the latest development in cosmetic breast surgery.  Through a combination of lectures, surgery, and anatomy labs, the visiting physicians can improve their skills.  “Its a great way to showcase Cincinnati to our visiting doctors” observed Therese Holden, Nursing director.  She added, “we really strive to make this an outstanding educational experience for the participants.”

With a practical approach, Dr Mandell-Brown, who has been named “Top Doc” in breast augmentation in the Tri-State, emphasizes what works and enhancing patient safety.  The doctors earn continuing medical education credits approved by the Accrediation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

Doctors attending the 4th Breast Surgery Workshop at The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center.

Physicians attended from throughout the United States, England, Canada, and Taiwan.

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The Latest Headlines in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

Monday, April 5th, 2010

Have you ever wondered about the first breast implants ever invented? Doctors on ModernMedicine.com have explained the evolution of breast implants and the key advantages offered by the latest 4th generation shaped breast implants.

Silicone breast implants have changed radically over the years, coming a long way from the first prosthetics.

Link: Modern breast implants evolve to latest generation of ‘shaped’

What happens after massive weight loss? Two sisters in Tulsa, Oklahoma recently after massive weight lossfound out when they each lost over 130 lbs. After conventional weight loss methods did not succeed, Marla Sheperd and Kelly Butler decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery.

With help from Dr. Louis Garosby and a cosmetic surgeon in Tulsa, the sisters are looking great.

Link: Sisters See Incredible Results Following Weight Loss Surgery

You probably know that SPF stands for sun protection factor. But how should you apply that to your daily life and choose an SPF rating that is right for you? People often think the sun protection factor is an estimate of how much time you can spend in the sun. According to the Beauty Brains blog, this is only half of the equation….

Link: What SPF really means

When an orthopedic implant fails, much of the time the (very high) costs are passed on to the patient, Medicare, or a health insurance company. Artificial knees and hips are “normally not guaranteed” says a recent New York Times story.

But take a look at breast implants from Mentor or Allergan and you see a different story. While breast implants are typically less expensive than other medical implants, their warranties have become more generous over the years. Both manufacturers now offer financial assistance and lifetime product replacement. With any type of implant, you should ask about warranties before your surgery.

Link: Makers of Artificial Joints Rarely Offer Warranties

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5 Important Things to Evaluate Before Your Breast Augmentation

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

OhioAlthough several surgical practices are offering breast implants in Cincinnati and Dayton, they are not all equal. With an elective surgery like breast augmentation, you want to be satisfied with the first operation. You also want excellent aesthetic results and an experience that is positive overall.

In order to achieve those goals, you may need to do some investigative work before you choose a surgeon. Use this list as a general outline of things to evaluate about each surgical practice.

1. Does your surgeon have specific training in breast augmentation and the versatility required to offer you multiple options?

Because skills often overlap, you might find different types of surgeons offering the same procedure. Just remember that only plastic and cosmetic surgeons receive training for breast augmentation as a primary part of their residency. Having a specific focus on cosmetic surgery of the breast will often translate into a greater ability to perform different techniques that may be necessary.

2. Who will administer anesthesia for your surgery?

Anesthesia is safe with a trained practitioner, but in the wrong hands it can pose a significant risk. Whoever administers anesthesia for you should be well trained, prepared for unexpected problems, and focused on your safety.

3. Who will be with you before, during, and after your surgery?

It is common for the supporting staff to oversee much of the operation and guide patients through the process. Doing this is vital to both the success of the surgery and to the overall experience.

4. Does your surgeon have privileges at a local hospital?

To obtain hospital privileges, your plastic or cosmetic surgeon must be able to prove and/or demonstrate a record of training for the procedures he or she intends to perform there. If your surgeon doesn’t operate in a hospital, he or she may be in an outpatient surgical suite or surgery center.

5. Is the surgical facility certified and safe?

Breast augmentation can be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. To receive proper certification, specific standards must be met. Read more about our AAAHC accredited facility in Cincinnati.

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6 Ways to Define Successful Breast Surgery

Monday, September 21st, 2009

What do satisfied patients say about breast augmentation? How do we define success in this field?  The August 2009 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery includes an article in which 6 factors related to breast augmentation success were identified, based on a study of patient surveys.

1. Satisfactory Breast Characteristics
This is clearly the main goal of any elective breast surgery.  Participants of the study commented about improvements in breast shape and the clothing options that were now available to them as a result.  One patient with breast implants comments, “I have really nice voluptuous, rounded, normal-sized perky breasts and I am sooo happy with them.”

2. Better Physical Well-Being
Breast reduction patients can get relief from back and neck pain, which often allows increased activity and better health.

3. Better Psychosocial Well-Being
Patients in the study shared the positive changes in self perception and experiences in social settings. Increased confidence and feeling as if you fit the perceived “norm” of the female body are said to be a common benefits of breast surgery.

4. Better Sexual Well Being
Enhancements in breast shape and size can bring improvements in sexual pleasure, largely because it alleviates “negative feelings about the breasts” that often cause women to feel less attractive.

5.  A Positive Experience With Surgeon
Women who experienced a good surgeon-patient relationship – with open, honest communication – expressed more satisfaction with breast surgery.  Patients who had an adverse relationship with the surgeon or staff reported being fearful, uncomfortable, and less satisfied.

6. Overall Satisfaction i.e. Fulfilled Expectations
Researchers also included the simple category of general satisfaction.  Would you undergo the surgery again?  One breast augmentation patient responds, “there is not one day that goes by that I am not so pleased that I did it.”

A similar article – “Satisfaction and quality of life in women who undergo breast surgery: A qualitative study” can be found on Biomed Central.

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What If I Suspect A Problem With My Breast Implant?

Friday, May 8th, 2009

implants-hand-300x300First, call Dr. Mandell-Brown and tell us what’s happening!

If you have saline implants, you’re not in any danger, although it will certainly look and feel strange. If you have silicone implants, the only way to assess damage is by MRI.

Breast implant failure can be caused by a variety of problems. In some cases, the problem occurs when the implants are filled above or below the manufacturer’s recommended fill range. Other times, texturing of a saline implant can result in excessive wrinkling and premature wear, causing the implant to fail.

Sometimes the implant itself may have a defect in its valve or seam. Isolated sutures placed inside the pocket for implant positioning may also inadvertently wear and breach implant integrity over time. Even regular wear and tear can cause breast implant deflation.  Your lifestyle can also play a role in implant longevity.

A deflated implant can be safely removed and replaced in a procedure similar to the original augmentation surgery. In most cases, the same incision is used to approach the deflated implant.

Recovery from breast implant repair surgery is usually easier than the original surgery, since the pectoralis muscle has already been stretched.

Worried about potential costs?  It’s possible that your breast implants are under a manufacturer’s warranty, which helps with the cost of replacement.

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