Breast Implants Before or After Pregnancy?

If you have never had kids, and you've thought about getting breast implants, it is likely that you have put some thought into whether or not you should wait until after you've had kids. Unfortunately, when it comes to this issue, there is no right or wrong answer, it is ultimately up to you. Most women like to ask their doctor about this, but most doctors will tell you the same thing, 'the choice is yours'.
Although the choice is yours, there are pros and cons to both. If you are a young woman in your late teens or early twenties thinking about getting breast implants, then you might have also put some thought into this. While some young woman are positive they want kids, others are not. If you want breast implants now, but are not planning on having kids for another ten years, then getting breast implants now may be the best choice for you. Most young women that really want implants now at young age, are not willing to wait that many years to have the breasts they've always wanted.
Secondly, you may also not want to wait until after you have kids to get your breast implants because at the end of the day, you may change your mind in a few years and never have kids. Some women say they want kids in the future, but plans change, so why wait until later to get your breast implants?
Now for the women highly considering waiting until after having kids, I know you've probably heard all the rumors. One of the most common rumors about having getting implants before pregnancy is not being able to breastfeed. Although the thought of this may sound scary, it is not particularly true. Most women that get implants before getting pregnant are still able to breastfeed after. During a breast augmentation, most plastic surgeons try to avoid damaging any nerves or tissues around the nipple and areola. Therefore, it is very rare for women to not be able to breastfeed after getting breast implants. Again, if you do not want to risk this possibility, then it may be best for you to wait until after having kids.
When considering getting breast implants, you should think of all factors that come into play. Whether you decide to get them now or after having kids, it is likely that you will get the breasts you've always dreamed of!

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5 Tummy Tuck Facts to Know

Many Americans continuously struggle with losing weight and on and off dieting and exercise. Unfortunately, sometimes a healthy diet and some exercises aren't just enough to give you the flat and toned stomach you really want. Especially when you've already lost a big amount of weight, it can be difficult to get the toned and tight stomach you once had. Sometimes, a person's skin just won't go back to the way it used to be. For people who struggle with wanting this flat stomach that seems impossible to achieve, a tummy tuck may be the perfect answer. This procedure, which is also referred to as an abdominoplasty, restores your abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat to create a smoother and more youthful looking tummy. Before getting a tummy tuck or considering it, there are a couple of things you should know:
1. A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Although a tummy tuck does remove some fat, it is not meant to treat overweight patients as a tool of weight loss. If you have already lost a great amount of weight, it is recommended that you wait a while before doing this procedure, just to make sure it is stable.
2. Recovery will last a few weeks. This procedure is one of the most extensive cosmetic procedures that does require a few weeks of recovery. For about the first five days after your procedure, you will need help from a friend or family member. You must rest your body and take your pain medications to help you recover faster.
3. There are different types of tummy tucks. Luckily, you have several choices when considering this procedure. The traditional abdominoplastic removes skin and fat as well as tightens the abdominal muscles. The mini-tummy tuck focuses on the loose skin only below the belly button. The extended tuck targets your whole lower torso. You should speak to your doctor before deciding which fits your needs best.
4. Men can get abdominoplastic too. Although abdominoplastic are more common among women after pregnancy, men are also great candidates for anaplasty after losing an extreme amount of weight. Men can also have loose abdominal muscles and sagging skin in the tummy area that just can't be fixed with exercise.
5. Results of a tummy tuck are fairly permanent. The results of your tummy tuck are permanent as long as your maintain your weight. You should definitely avoid any fluctuations in weight.

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The Five Most Important Things Every Woman Should Know About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery removes excess skin and breast tissue to achieve a breast appearance in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. During the procedure, once the skin and breast tissue is removed, the nipple is repositioned higher on the chest.
We recently discussed insurance coverage for this procedure and how a woman's weight can be a factor in the coverage decision made by your insurance carrier. We want you to be as informed as possible before you choose to have breast reduction surgery, so if you or a loved one is considering it, continue reading this article! We hope these quick facts will help you better prepare for a consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon.
1. Will there be scars after surgery?
Scars are a product of all surgeries, but it is important to understand where breast reduction scars will appear. Our scars are located around the nipple, straight down to the fold beneath the breast and in the fold itself. They are the shape of a keyhole or anchor. They are inconspicuous and can be easily covered with clothing. However, when your breasts are uncovered, the scars will be visible. There are procedures that leave shorter or less scars, but in my opinion, these do not give as natural a breast shape once healed.
2. Will I lose feeling in my nipples?
Although rare, complete loss of nipple feeling can occur due to nerve injury. This may interfere with sexual arousal and breast-feeding. Ten to 15 percent of patients experience some change in breast feeling. This can include loss of nipple sensation.
There are risks with any surgery. Infection, excessive bleeding, abnormal scarring, poor healing, slow healing, skin loss, changes in skin sensation, muscle or nerve injury, although uncommon, can occur. Although rare, loss of a nipple is possible. Fortunately, most problems resulting from such complications are correctable with additional surgery. You must completely understand your risk of complications before you choose to have breast reduction surgery. There are many different ways to perform a breast reduction procedure. Talk to your plastic surgeon about the pros and cons of their chosen technique.
3. How old do I have to be to have this surgery?
Breast development can continue into the early twenties. When breast reduction surgery is done before this time, there is a chance the surgery will have to be repeated. In addition, it may be emotionally difficult to adjust to the surgery during teen years. For these reasons, many insurance carriers will not cover the cost of a breast reduction if a woman is younger than eighteen years of age.
4. How long must I wait after breast-feeding before I can have breast reduction surgery?
You must wait for three to six months after breast-feeding before you can proceed with breast reduction surgery. This is due to an increased risk of blood and/or milk collections. In addition, it is impossible to predict what the size of your breasts will be until all the milk formation has passed.
5. Will breast reduction surgery increase my risks of breast cancer?
Breast reduction does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, all women are at risk for breast cancer and one in eight women in the US will be diagnosed with a new breast cancer. If you have family members who have had breast cancer, your risk is increased. Examine your breasts monthly and have mammograms as suggested by your primary care physician. Remember that breast cancer can occur at any age and a physician must properly evaluate all breast lumps. All breast surgery can interfere with the interpretation of mammograms. With this in mind, when you do have a mammogram, be sure to tell the physician or the x-ray technician that you have had breast reduction surgery, so they can do extra x-ray views, if necessary.

Dr. Mahsa Moghaddam is a Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) trained plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Meet her at http://www.nipntuck.com/dr-mahsa-moghaddam.

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Breast Augmentation - Silicone Implant Vs Fat Transfer

A pair of healthy looking breasts is what every woman desires to possess. While many have been naturally blessed with it, some will need to go through an augmentation in order to achieve the appearance that they will truly love.
The lack of breast volume may be due to past surgical procedures brought about by medical conditions. It may also be because of hereditary factors, something that the individual does not have any control over. Whatever the cause may be, breast augmentation remains to be among the top scientifically proven safe and effective solutions for women who wish to address their issues concerning a smaller breast size.
The majority of the breast augmentations performed are done using implants. These are prosthetics made out of a silicone sac that are filled with either saline, a fluid substance, or silicone gel. The silicone gel is being used far more than its saline counterpart for it gives off a more supple feel to the wearer. Silicones are also prevalently utilized in studies conducted about the procedure which increases its credibility of being the smart option between the two.
A contender to being the most popular breast augmentation procedure is slowly making waves in the cosmetic surgery arena. The fat transfer breast augmentation is growing increasingly in demand because it is less invasive and appeals to patrons looking for a more subtle increase. The Fat Transfer process starts with the extraction of fat from the patient's own body through liposuction. This also adds to the procedure's appeal for it offers slimming as a side effect. The specimen harvested will then be treated and purified to remove unwanted elements such as lipids, traces of anaesthetics, and other medical substances that may have transferred during the removal process. Once contaminants have been eliminated, the pure form will be injected in small quantities into designated areas surrounding the breast until the desired size and form is attained.
Breast augmentation using implants will remain to be the top option for it has been widely practiced and studied by astute medical professionals. It will not be, in any way, replaced by another procedure any time soon for it is truly a magnificent breakthrough and is sure to provide the results that the patient desires. Performed by a reputable board certified cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, breast implants will leave long lasting satisfaction to the patient.
But let us not take the fat transfer breast enhancement procedure out of the game for, as earlier mentioned, more are starting to look for a natural and less gruesome alternative to a bigger breast size. It does not, however, guarantee a dramatic increase to your breast's fullness and is more suitable for patients who are aiming for a more subdued change. Chances of fat being re-absorbed by the body, though very slim, may also happen which will cause for your breasts to decrease in volume over time.
If you are still unsure of which procedure to undergo, a consultation with your trusted cosmetic surgeon will definitely help in your decision making. Depending on your goals and the medical team's assessment of your body's overall readiness for the procedure, your doctor will be able to determine which breast augmentation type will deliver the results you want. Your heart's desire for a fuller chest, after all, is what we endeavor to give.

If you are deciding where to have a cosmetic surgery, having it in the Philippines is definitely a safe and good decision. To know more about your cosmetic surgery procedure, be sure to read our blog. Also, It would be best to consult your Filipino Surgeon, so that you may know all your options regarding breast augmentation procedure in Manila.

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Fat Grafting Offers Natural Alternative for Breast Reconstruction

One in eight U.S. women are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the most common cancer among women in this country and yet, many know little about what happens after diagnosis.
Women choosing a mastectomy should talk to their breast surgeon about different mastectomy options (traditional, skin sparing, nipple-areola sparing and breast lift-reduction pattern) to see which is right for them. Not all mastectomies are the same and the design and execution of the mastectomy is a major factor in determining the aesthetic result of the reconstruction.
Every woman diagnosed with breast cancer should seek a referral to a plastic surgeon. Breast reconstruction plays a vital role in a woman's self-esteem and sense of well being and it's imperative that a patient knows and understands all of her reconstructive options before her cancer is treated and removed.
The goal of breast reconstruction is to restore the breasts to near-normal shape, size and symmetry after lumpectomy or mastectomy. Breast reconstruction typically involves several procedures performed in stages, starting either at the time of mastectomy or later.
Implant reconstruction is a common choice because it's widely known. However, there is another option called fat grafting that many medical professionals are unaware of. Here's how it works:
Fat is harvested from the abdomen, flanks and thighs by liposuction. It is then processed and injected into the breasts through small incisions. Like other reconstructive techniques, fat grafting is a staged procedure with results achieved over time. This is an outpatient procedure, with each stage carried out every three to six months. The number of stages required for completion varies on an individual basis. Recovery time from each stage is typically less than one week with minimal down time from surgery. The results are long lasting and the patient also receives the added benefit of liposuction at the donor sites. Patients can expect breasts with a more natural look and feel.
Fat grafting is natural, flexible and versatile. It allows the plastic surgeon to gradually sculpt and reconstruct the breast to a natural looking shape and feel. This technique may be used for correction of deformities resulting from lumpectomy, as well as for post-mastectomy reconstruction. Studies suggest that fat graft injections may improve the quality and texture of radiated skin and provides an exciting new option for breast reconstruction.
Total breast reconstruction with fat grating is less common among plastic surgeons, but as one trained to do it, I've found the results to be very good and long lasting, whereas implants typically need to be replaced after 10-20 years.
All breast surgery will leave visible scars on the chest and although breast reconstruction will rebuild a breast, the results are variable. A reconstructed breast will always feel different from a natural breast.
Women should speak with their primary-care physician, breast surgeon and plastic surgeon about options and ask for guidance in making the decisions that will bring the best quality of life in the long run.

Dr. Mahsa Moghaddam is a Mayo Clinic trained plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Meet her at http://www.nipntuck.com/dr-mahsa-moghaddam.

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5 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Your Brazilian Butt Lift

Before getting any type of surgery, it is important to ask as many questions as you feel you need to make you feel as comfortable as possible with your doctor and the procedure. You should not be scared or ashamed of asking questions. The more questions the better!
The Brazilian butt lift is a fairly new technique used to increase the size of the buttocks. Because this is a serious procedure, you should take the time to think of what questions you may have about it. Just to help you out a little, here are some questions you should definitely ask your doctor:
1. Are you a board certified plastic surgeon?
Before even visiting a plastic surgeon, you should do your research to make sure he/she is a board certified plastic surgeon. If you haven't done so prior to your appointment, then this is definitely the first question you should ask. Many surgeons are board certified in other specialities that are not plastic surgery, this makes a huge difference! You want to make sure your doctor has all the right qualifications and specialties.
2. How many Brazilian butt lift have you performed?
It is important that your doctor has enough experience with this procedure. Because this surgery requires the removal and injection of fat, a certain skill level is required in order give each patient the best results for their body. Your doctor should be able to show you various before and after pictures of previous patients with a body type similar to yours.
3. How do you perform this procedure?
Your surgeon should be able to explain his technique so that you fully understand how the surgery works. The three most distinct aspects of this procedure are the liposuction, the fat processing, and the reinjection of fat.
4. How long will surgery take?
Each patient may have a slightly different surgery time. A typical Brazilian butt lift takes anywhere between 5 to 8 hours. This depends on how many areas of liposuction you wish to get and how much fat will be reinjected into your buttocks.
5. What do you think would look best for my body?
Although you may already have a clear idea of what you want your butt to look like after surgery, it may not be realistic. You want your body to look proportional. Therefore, having the right waist to hip ratio is key to creating the perfectly shaped body. Let your doctor tell you what would look best on you. Remember he has many years of experience and knows best!

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Is Breast Augmentation Good for You?

Unfortunately, many different factors of life can negatively affect a woman's breast tissue over time, such as weight changes, pregnancy, childbirth, genetics, and gravity. While many women just turn to push up bras to get their breasts back into place, others begin to consider permanently boosting them up through plastic surgery. The breast augmentation procedure is currently the most commonly performed procedure in the U.S. with over 300,000 surgeries per year. If you have started to consider getting breast implants, there are a few things you should think about.
The right time. Before getting implants, many doctors recommend that women should be in good health, not smoke, be at a stable ideal weight, and have fully developed breasts. Some women also prefer to wait until after they are done having children, but this is not necessary. Due to swelling of the breasts during pregnancy and nursing, women sometimes end up with bigger breasts and don't find the need for breast implants after all. But there is no way to predict if this will happen to you. Think about when would be the perfect time for your breast augmentation.
Do it for the right reasons. It is important that you do this for yourself and not for anyone else. Plastic surgery is a big a deal and should not be done to please anyone but yourself. Before following up with this decision, make sure it is exactly what you want.
Have realistic expectations. It is extremely important to have realistic expectations before getting breast implants. For the first few months and possibly up to a year, your breasts may not look completely natural. They will rest high on your chest for the first few months and it will take time for them to soften up. Do not expect to go from a AA to a DDD. Most patients with minimal breast tissue cannot jump to a huge breast size because the skin's elasticity may not cooperate, causing stretch marks. Your doctor will help you decide which implant size is right for your body.
Know the risks. Although a breast augmentation is a low risk procedure, there are possible risks that come with this procedure, just like any other type of surgery. Some risks include infection, bleeding, loss of sensation, contracture, and wrinkling of the breast implant. Following all orders from your doctor can help prevent any of these complications from occurring.

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More and More Butt Lifts and Augmentations

Society's image of the "ideal body" is always changing, and what may be considered beautiful today may be completely different in a few years. These changes are typically a reflection of celebrity gossip, fashion trends, and the industry of cosmetic and plastic surgery. In 2014, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that there has been a pretty interesting shift of trends. For many years, a boob job was the most performed cosmetic procedure, but within the last year the number of butt lifts and augmentations performed has skyrocketed.
Amongst all categories of cosmetic procedures, the butt lift reflected the biggest increase in 2014. Buttock augmentation using fat grafting more commonly known as the Brazilian Butt Lift, accounted for a 15% increase. The number of performed butt lifts increased by a surprising 44%. So what does this mean? It seems as this procedure, which was once looked down upon, is becoming more socially acceptable and desired. With celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj popping up all over our media sources, society can't help but to notice their round, plump behind. Naturally, we can't help but to find these figures attractive, making many women want to have a bigger behind.
Just a few years ago, the most common form of buttocks augmentation was the use of buttocks implants. Although these techniques yielded great results, the newly found technique of fat grafting has called the attention of many plastic surgeons and women worldwide. Through the Brazilian butt lift procedure, fat is removed from different areas of the body through liposuction, and then transferred to the buttock to create the perfectly shaped behind. One of the most beneficial factors of the procedure is the use of something natural, the patient's own fat. This one aspect alone has caused many women to turn to the idea of getting buttocks augmentation through this technique.
Over the last few years, this technique has become more and more popular. Because of the natural look and feel that results from this procedure, women all over the world are seeking the best doctors to give them their dream butt.
While breast augmentations still lie at the top of the charts, butt augmentations and lifts are rising to the top at an increasingly fast speed. The idea of having a small waist and big butt seems like a dream to most women and this procedure seems to be giving patients exactly what they want.

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Breast Reconstruction With Fat Transfer: Why It Makes Sense

Breast reconstruction with autologous fat transfer (from the same individual) is an option for breast restoration after lumpectomy, partial mastectomy and/or mastectomy for breast cancer treatment. Fat transfer to the breast is commonly used with implant based and flap based techniques to improve the shape and contour of a previously reconstructed breast. Total breast reconstruction with fat transfer is a newer, exciting option for women who do not want implants or an invasive flap procedure.
Minimal downtime
Breast reconstruction with fat transfer is an outpatient procedure which means you will not need to spend the night in the hospital after surgery. The discomfort associated with these procedures is less when compared to other breast reconstructive techniques (implants or flaps) and several women report that taking Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen) alone is enough. Most women choose to return to work after a few days of rest. You can resume all activities of daily living within two to three weeks after surgery.
It's versatile
Unlike breast implants which have a pre-determined shape, fat grafts are versatile and can be sculpted into a natural looking breast shape based on your body type. Plastic surgeons frequently use fat grafts to round out and fill in areas of the breast around previously placed implants and flaps to give these reconstructions a softer and more natural appearance. Now, with newer techniques and instruments, you can have your whole breast reconstructed with fat. Studies suggest that fat transfer can improve the quality of previously radiated skin and in select patients; it may restore some sensation to the skin of the breast after a mastectomy.
It's natural
It's your fat and it's yours to keep. Because the fat transferred is living tissue with a blood supply, the risk of infection, wound breakdown and/or skin loss is less when compared to breast implants. Complications of implant exposure, implant infection, rupture and capsular contracture are virtually non-existent. Although some of the fat and fluid injected will be resorbed in the first three months after surgery, once healing is complete the results are permanent. Additional fat grafting sessions can be added over time if more volume is desired.
Flap surgery is also a natural option for breast reconstruction. However, these procedures are more invasive, complex, lengthy and require a hospital stay of at least three to five days. Complex and long surgical procedures often carry a greater risk of complications and a longer recovery period measured in months.
Less hassle
The recovery from a fat transfer procedure is simplified. There are no elaborate wound care rituals and no drains to take care of. Also, unlike other procedures where antibiotics are required for weeks after surgery, with fat transfer, in most cases, they are not needed unless there is an unforeseen problem. The need for narcotic pain medications is also minimized. Since there are no implants involved, there is no need for multiple doctor's office visits for breast expansion prior to an implant exchange. All breast reconstruction is staged which means that more than one procedure will be required to achieve the final desired result. Breast reconstruction with fat transfer allows a woman to return to her daily life with less interruption and it allows her to plan her breast reconstruction around her other priorities in life.
It has fringe benefits
Because the fat grafts are typically harvested from the abdomen, thighs and flanks by a technique similar to liposuction, women choosing breast reconstruction with fat graft injections will see the benefits of liposuction at the sites from which the grafts are harvested. This usually means an improvement in contour and shape in the tummy, thighs and/or back.
Breast reconstruction with fat transfer is a newer technique among plastic surgeons and not everyone is comfortable offering this procedure. All surgical procedures have potential risks and complications. Make sure you understand all of the potential benefits, risks and complications of a procedure before deciding to have surgery. Ask to speak with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who has experience in breast reconstruction with fat transfer.

Learn more about how breast reconstruction can be naturally simplified with fat transfer by visiting http://www.nipntuck.com.

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An Overview on Breast Implants

If you are among those thinking about getting breast implants, it is better if you do some research before taking action. A lot of women fall for the "before and after" pictures of breast implants in adverts on TV and online, but in reality the procedure is very difficult, expensive and lengthy. Therefore, this article will attempt to shed some light on breast implantation.
The medical devices implanted underneath breast tissues to increase the size of breasts are breast implants. Implantation may be for augmentation or reconstruction of the breast. Moreover, breast implants can be used to improve the outcome of initial surgery. Generally, there are two kinds of breast implants: saline-filled implants and silicone gel-filled implants. Both feature an outer shell made of silicone, with different implants differing in size, hardness and shape.
Saline Breast Implants
For the women aged over 18 years, FDA approved saline breast implants are best for augmentation and reconstruction, regardless of age group. These implants have an external silicone shell packed with disinfected saline. Other features include the following:
• May be supplied unfilled (and filled during the implantation process) or supplied already filled
• Available in various sizes
• May have an even or textured surface to their outer shells
• Can be positioned with integrated fill-in ports to allow postoperative correction of implant saline level
• Less expensive than products filled with silicone
• Implant rupture promptly detectable
• Potential visible implant wave on augmented breast's surface with slim breast tissue
Silicone Gel-filled Breast Implants
These FDA approved implants are suitable for augmentation in those aged 22 years or above and breast reconstruction for women of every group age. These implants consist of silicone gel within an external shell. Other features include the following:
• Available in diverse sizes
• May have an even or textured surface to the exterior shell
• More expensive than saline-filled implants
• Feel more natural than implants filled with saline
• Less visible rippling in sensitive augmentations
• Cannot be positioned using a transumbilical incision; it is, however, possible to implant them using transaxillary, periareolar and inframammary incisions
Potential Complications
Generally, complication rates are higher in breast reconstruction surgery compared to primary cosmetic surgical procedures. The following complications might occur after implant procedures:
• Hematoma: Blood clotting in the breast that frequently causes swelling and pain
• Wound infection: Generally because of Staphylococcus aureus from the lactiferous ducts, though also sometimes due to rarer pathogens like Clostridium perfringens, mycobacteria, Curvularia spp, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger
• Seroma: A pocket of fluid collecting in the region of the implant
• Hypersensitive or hyposensitive breasts
• Problems with lactation, including trouble breast feeding among 20 percent of women
• Displacement of implants
• Implant undulation

Before initiating surgical operations in your body, it is wiser to collect knowledge on your medical procedures. You can find more information on how to get large natural breasts from our compiled article.

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