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Archive for the ‘Breast Augmentation’ Category

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Breast Augmentation 101: How to Get Great Results

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for women in the US and worldwide with a very high satisfaction rate.  I think the key to getting a great result is communication:  the patient has to let the surgeon know what they want in terms of size, feel, and look, and the surgeon has to let the patient know what is possible in their particular case and what it will take to get there.  When there is clear communication, the results tend to be fantastic and patients are very happy, so here are a three things to consider when going in for your consultation:

Saline or Silicone:  Which one will work best for me?

Both Saline and Silicone implants are available, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both.  Nationwide about 60% of patients choose silicone implants, and in my practice that number is higher, closed to 90%.  My patients tell me that the main reason they choose the silicone is the look and feel– if you want the most natural look and feel, especially if you’re really thin, in most cases silicone is the better option.  At the consultation, we show you the different kinds of implants so you can feel them and this usually helps patients with their decision process.

What size implant should I choose?

The size of the implant that you ultimately select is based on a number of factors.  These include your starting size and what size cup you want to be after the procedure, the width of your chest and the width of your breasts, and finally what we think your body could safely accommodate and would give you the results you want.  For most patients, there are several implant sizes that would work well for them, and this is where communication is really important.  I also think it’s helpful for patients to hold and even try on a few implants in a bra and T-shirt to get a sense at least of what their look will be, and ultimately it’s a decision we make together.

Do I need a breast lift also?

This is a really common question and one that requires some time to go over, but the bottom line in my opinion is this:  if you need a lift, you should probably get one.  Some patients are told that just having an implant, if they go big enough, will lift the breast significantly, and unfortunately this is not the case.  Patients are concerned about the extra incisions associated with a lift, but in most cases patients are much happier with the improved shape of the breast with the lift, and the incisions fade significantly with time.

So breast augmentation is a very personal decision, but an exciting one for patients as well, and we can help you with the decision by going over all of your options with you, showing you before and after photos of women with similar body types and goals, and making sure all of your questions are answered– this way you’ll have all the information you need to make your decision and get great results!

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Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants: A Review by Seattle Plastic Surgeon Dr. Shahram Salemy

Friday, August 21st, 2009

One of the most common questions patients ask me is which type of breast implant should they choose: saline or silicone.  The short answer is that either can look great, but what I like to do is talk with my patients about the advantages and disadvantages of each, and then give my recommendation.  In the end, though, it’s their call as to what they want.

Saline implants are less expensive, can usually be placed through a slightly smaller incision, and look great especially in women who have a little extra breast tissue already present.  In addition, if they do rupture, your body just absorbs the saline, and it becomes obvious pretty quickly that you need it replaced.  The disadvantage, however, is that they tend to feel less natural (more like a balloon in some cases) and in very thin women you can see some rippling along the sides of the breasts.

Silicone implants cost a bit more and may need a slightly larger incision to place them, but they offer a wonderful natural shape and feel, and are much less likely to show rippling than saline implants, although very thin women may still see a little.

In the end, it’s your body and your call as to what works best for you, but in most cases we can get a fantastic result with either choice!

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