Will jogging mess up the breast implants?

Q. I love to jog. Will jogging mess up the breast implants because of all the bouncing up and down?

A. With all physical activities a good support bra is recommended. Some of my patients who have very large breasts use two support bras to get the added support they need for sports or aerobic activities. Jogging will not damage the breast implants, but it is recommended that you wear a good support bra.

Smaller Breasts with Liposuction

Q. If I want just a little bit of size take off of my breasts can you do this with liposuction?

A. Yes smaller breast reductions can be done using liposuction. This technique is generally not recommended on younger patients with dense breasts, on women who want an improvement in their breast shape or on patients who would benefit from having their nipples raised higher on the breast. All the liposuction breast reduction does is remove fat from the breast to reduce the size. This breast reduction technique leaves minimal scarring and no firming, or shape improvement.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery - Q & A with Dr. C - breast augmentation

Q. Is there anything other than a breast augmentation that will increase the size of my breasts?

A. Basically there is no miracle cream, herbal pill or apparatus that is going to permanently make the breasts significantly larger. The only way naturally to possibly increase your breast size with out surgery are, some birth control pills, weight gain and pregnancy.

Can I breast feed if I get a breast lift?

Q. Can I breast feed if I get a breast lift?

A. Some patients loose the ability to breast feed following a breast lift. No guarantees can ever be given to a patient that they can breast feed even if they don’t have breast surgery.

Can I breast feed if I get a breast reduction?

Q. Can I breast feed if I get a breast reduction?

A. Some patients loose the ability to breast feed following a breast reduction. No guarantees can ever be given to a patient that they can breast feed even if they don’t have breast surgery.

Can I still breast feed if I get breast implants?

Q. Can I still breast feed if I get breast implants?

A. Breast implants should not interfere with your ability to breast feed. Over the years I have had many women breast feed with implants. However, no guarantees can ever be given to a patient that they can breast feed even if they don’t have breast surgery.

What does the term “Snoopy Breasts” mean?

Q. What does the term “Snoopy Breasts” mean?

A. Snoopy Breast is a lay tern given to a breast deformity in which the breast shape looks like snoopy’s nose. This is a congenital deformity and is commonly corrected with surgery.

Can uneven breasts be fixed with a breast augmentation?

Q. One of my breasts is much larger than the other. Can this be fixed with a breast augmentation?

A. Yes a size discrepancy in the breasts can be corrected with breast implants. If the shape or nipple location is different on the two breasts additional surgery would correct this difference and not just a breast augmentation alone.

Should I replace my breast implants done over 15 years ago?

16. Q. I had my breast implants done over 15 years ago. They are still soft and I have had no problems. Should I replace them because I have had them so long?

A. If it isn’t broke don’t fix it. If you are still happy with the appearance of your breasts and you are not having any problems generally, I wouldn’t recommend any surgery. I would recommend regular breast exams, mammograms and maybe an MRI to make sure the breast implants are both still intact and not ruptured. The implant manufactures recommend changing implants after about 10 years, but the decision is yours. Certainly there are many patients who have additional surgery after having the breast implants in a long time, but it is usually to change implants to a different size and or lift the breasts as the shape may have changed over the years.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery - Breast Lifts under arm

Q. If my breasts are droopy can I still have my my breast implants put in under the arm like my girlfriend?

A. Well technically I can do the surgery though I wouldn’t recommend an axillary approach on a patient who has droopy or saggy breasts. Without examining you it is hard to say exactly what approach would give you the best result. However, based on your physical description I would most likely use a peri areolar approach for your surgery. The shape and size of your girlfriends breasts were probably different from your therefore the surgery I would recommend for you is also different. I suit the surgery to suit your individual needs so you get the best outcome possible.

What is the largest silicone breast implant made?

Q. What is the largest silicone breast implant made in the USA?

A. The largest silicone breast implant available in the USA is 800 cc’s There are larger adjustable breast implants like the spectrum or becker breast implants that are made up of both silicone and saline. These implants can be overfilled to over 1000 cc to 1200 cc’s depending on what the patient’s desires and what size is surgically safe.

What is a breast implant rupture and why do implants rupture?

Q. What is a breast implant rupture and why do implants rupture? How do I know if I have a rupture and what is done? Does silicone or saline rupture more?

A. Breast Implant ruptures happen for a number of different reasons. Over time the body can break the implant down and weaken its outer shell , a fall, a car accident, a sports injury,or any hard blow to the chest area can also potentially cause a breast implant rupture. To confirm an implant rupture with Silicone gel breast implants, Dr. Corbin recommends patients get an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) .Ruptures in the older silicone implants often stays inside or close to the capsule that has formed around the breast implant. If the surgeon removes the capsule and ruptured breast implant generally they will look for the any residual gel like substance and remove it at the same time. With the new generation of silicone gel breast implants the silicone gel is more cohesive and forms a unit instead of a runny liquid. Some people compare the texture to a gummy bear candy. If the new cohesive gel breast implants are cut in two they hold their shape and the silicone stay in the outer shell. The silicone does not migrate if ruptured. In addition the new implants have an improved stronger outer shell to help protect the implant and avoid ruptures.

Generally, the most common breast implant ruptures are seen in siltex saline breast implants. (Textured Saline Implants). If a saline breast implant ruptures it can deflate quickly like a flat tire or it can have a slow leak that deflates over time. If saline breast implants rupture the sterile saline solution is absorbed by the body. With this type of implant rupture Dr. Corbin recommends replacing the implants soon so that the breast pocket does not scar back down to the chest wall. Both American breast implant manufactures, Mentor and Inamed warranty their breast implants for ruptures for a lifetime. They will replace the breast implants free of charge if they rupture. There are also different extended warranties available to assist the patient with the payment for the surgeon’s fee and operating room and supplies. Go to www.Mentorcorp.com to what options for breast implant warranty mentor offers.

Are surgical fees negotiable?

Q. Are surgical fees negotiable?

A: Fees vary depending upon the procedure contemplated, the area of the country and market place, particularly as it relates to a specific surgeon's practice. Some doctors through good P.R. or time in the community clearly have more patients then they can operate on so therefore they raise their fees because the market place will allow it. "Do not think however, that just because a doctor charges more for a procedure, that he is necessarily the better doctor, it may be more an indication of his notoriety then his expertise". At the same time one should be wary of the physician whose fees are significantly lower than the market and offer cheap deals on breast augmentation. The surgeon may be doing this because he or she has just learned the procedure and wishes to gain greater experience or they lack some of the formal plastic surgery training or ASPS board certification and is thereby using lower fees to attract patients. With a surgical procedure I always say price should not be the most important issue. The most important issues when considering surgery is safety, an experienced and skilled board certified plastic surgeon, a board certified medical doctor to administer anesthesia, having the surgery performed in a safe facility that is accredited. Price can sometimes be negotiated, but plastic surgeons and anesthesiologists skills are not negotiable.

Which breast implants rupture the most?

Q. Which breast implants rupture the most?

A. According to my experience and the breast implant manufactures stats textured saline breast implants have the highest rupture rate.

Are Silicone breast implants dangerous?

Q. Are Silicone breast implants dangerous?

A. Gel breast implants are safe and have met the FDA’s health standards for medical devices used in the USA. Silicone breast implants are the most studied medical device in the history of medicine. On April 14, 2005, the Mentor Corporation, a leading manufacturer and supplier of medical products in the United States and internationally, announced that an advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the Company's silicone gel-filled breast implants are safe and effective for use in breast reconstruction and breast augmentation patients. This 7-2 recommendation for approval, along with a series of conditions stipulated by the FDA's General and Plastic Surgery Advisory Panel, represented a significant step towards the current FDA’s approval of Mentor's silicone gel-filled breast implants in the United States. Silicone implants are preferred and used regularly in other countries but were under major scrutiny in the USA after the moratorium in 1992.

On November 17, 2006 the FDA announced that silicone breast implants are safe and once again available for cosmetic use in patients over the age of 22 in the USA. After years of medical studies including information from doctors and patients using Silicone breast implants submitted to the IRB (Institutional Review Board) there is no medical evidence linking silicone breast implants to auto immune diseases or breast cancer. Silicone breast implants are considered safe.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery - Day of Surgery

Q. On the day of surgery: what do I need?

A: Generally we prepare our patients ahead of time at a pre operative appointment so they can plan ahead. Basically, on the day of surgery, prior to leaving for the hospital or surgical center, make sure that your refrigerator is filled with those things that you will need following surgery. If possible have all medications purchased ahead of time. Ice Packs and bed elevation should be prepared so that when you return home you can go immediately to bed without difficulty. The office will assist you in what type of clothing to wear prior to surgery to make it easier for you. Leave all jewelry and personal belongings at home. You will need someone to drive you to and from the surgery and remain with you for the first 24 hours. If you live further than an hour from the surgical center, and don’t want to be driven home after surgery there are local recovery centers or hotels near most doctor's office. Aftercare facilities frequently will provide transportation to and from the surgery center. For some patients staying close to the operating facility is much more comfortable than a long car ride home. The key to a successful and comfortable surgery and recovery is planning and preparation.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery - Mentor Breast Implants

Q.Where are Mentor Breast Implants manufactured?

A. The mentor implant manufacturing plant is in Dallas Texas. I have had the pleasure of being a guest of the breast implant manufacturer plant tour. I was very impressed with the facilities and Mentors advanced and meticulous commitment to manufacturing a product that is American made and of the highest standards.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery - Q & A with Dr. C - breast augmentation lift

Q.My breasts are saggy. Will a breast augmentation lift them?

A. As its name suggests a breast augmentation enlarges the breasts. It will fill in the saggy breasts, but it will not lift the breast. If a breast is droopy or saggy a breast augmentation alone without a lift may also make the breast hang more and not less because of the additional weight of the breast implants.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery - Q & A with Dr. C - nipple height differences

Q. One of my nipples is higher than the other. Can this be corrected?

A. Yes nipple height differences can easily be corrected. The procedure I would recommend would vary depending on the severity of the height difference. If one nipple needs a slight lift to match the other nipples location, I may suggest a crescent lift. If the nipple height difference is more obvious I would use a Binelli lift on the nipple that is lower to raise it to match the other side. In a more extreme case where the nipple is in a very unusual location, I may free graft the entire nipple to a better position to match the other breast. It is also important to remember that no person is exactly symmetrical and a small difference in nipple height may not even be worth chasing with corrective surgery.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery - Q & A with Dr. C - breast implant surgery

Q.If I smoke can I have breast implant surgery?

A. Yes, though I do not like to operate on smokers because smoking can affect the oxygen in the blood supply causing delayed healing. It wouldn’t hurt for a smoker wanting surgery to quit smoking 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. There are more extensive surgeries that I will not do on smokers, but a basic breast augmentation isn’t one of them.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery - Q & A with Dr. C - silicone gel breast implant

Q.What is the biggest breast implant made in the USA?

A. The largest silicone gel breast implant available in the USA is 800 ccs. The biggest saline implant manufactured in the US is 800 cc’s, but can be over filled to 1200cc’s.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery Q & A with Dr. C - breast implants

Q. Do the breast implant companies warranty their products?

A. Yes the breast implant manufacturers do have different warranties for their products. Here are the implant warranty options from Mentor.

Lifetime Product replacement – This applies to all mentor breast implant patients. This warranty provides that regardless of the age of the implant, when confirmed deflation or rupture, they are eligible for 1 to 2 no charge replacement breast implants of any size in a similar style.

*The Mentor Advantage is free and for all patients who have Mentor saline-filled and silicone gel-filled breast implants. This implant warranty offers a Lifetime product replacement policy. And for implants up to 10 years old mentor will pay up to $1200.00 financial assistance for Or, Supplies, Anesthesia, etc.Free contralateral implant replacement upon surgeon’s request.

***The Mentor Enhanced Advantage – This is optional. This warranty is for both saline-filled and silicone-filled breast implants and to be eligible, there is an enrollment fee of $100.00 within 45 days from surgery. This warranty offers Lifetime product replacement policy and for implants up to 10 years old they will offer up to $2400.00 financial assistance for Or, Supplies, Anesthesia, etc.Free contra lateral implant replacement upon surgeon’s request.

Expert Advice on Breast surgery Q & A with Dr. C

Q. What if one of my breast implants deflates?

A. Implant deflation is one of the known risks of breast surgery. The breast implants today are carefully manufactured with stronger outer shells and improved design to avoid implant deflation. There is however, no guarantees that an implant will or will not deflate. In my practice I see very few ruptures, but the deflations I do see are mostly of textured saline breast implants. If a patient does have a rupture I recommend they be reoperated on soon after the deflation before the breast pocket closes down. Because the implant manufacturer recognizes the potential of implant deflation they will provide the patient with a replacement implant or implants and pay $1200.00 towards supply and operating room expenses if the rupture happens within 5 years of the initial surgery. They offer a lifetime replacement on the breast implants and this will be deducted off your overall costs. Depending on the patient some opt to have both implants removed and replaced with new ones.

Q and A with Dr. Corbin - breast reduction

1. Q. I had a breast reduction in December 2004 by another surgeon for all the normal reasons, rashes, shoulder dents, sagging, etc.

It has been two years since my reduction, the swelling is gone, the scars are faded and I barely fill a B cup. I find myself not feeling as feminine or as sexy as I used to and miss the way I used to look and the looks I used to get. I am not looking to be abnormally large, but would like to be on the larger side of normal like I was before the pregnancy, a full 36D.

Things I don’t like about the reduction; the overall size is too small and they have a very flat appearance. There are creases and skin bulges along my sides, no real definition of the sides of the breasts and a large dent on the side of my left breast, the nipples point up, and no cleavage. I appreciate I will never have the breasts I did when I was twenty, but do believe augmentation could improve my appearance.

What I would like to get out of an augmentation; larger size, more cleavage, possibly improving my sides, nipples pointing forward, and a more natural youthful appearance. I have pictures of myself I can send.

A. Thank you for contacting my office. I see out of town patients on a regular basis.

Obviously pictures are worth a thousand words and they would help me to evaluate your needs. You can E-mail them to me or send them regular mail. Meeting and examining you would obviously be better. Getting the operative note from the MD that performed your reduction would also be helpful and might help prevent future problems during surgery.

As a general statement though there is certainly no reason why you can't have a breast augmentation and there is probably a very good chance that your breasts will obtain a more youthful shape with surgical modifications to their present appearance that I can do at the time of your augmentation.

Call the office for an appointment and ask to speak with Dee. Many times we arrange the consultations so that I see the patient on one day and arrange surgery for the next or following day, thereby simplifying their travel. Out of town patients need to have their lab work and medical clearance for surgery prior to their consultation/pre operative appointment.

I look forward to meeting and helping you.

Call (714) 671-3033 for an appointment

FHCMD