Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Saline Vs. Silicone Implant Pros and Cons

jen — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:56:54 +0000

If you are considering an Implant Reconstruction or Breast Augmentation you are no doubt trying to determine if Saline or Silicone implants are right for you. Saline and Silicone implants are currently the only breast implants approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Below you will find a guide designed to help you better understand the risks and benefits of both saline and silicone implants so you are prepared to ask the right questions during your consultation.

1) Saline-filled Breast Implants: Saline implants are silicone shells filled with a sterile saline water, or salt water. Saline implants come in two shells, smooth and textured and two ‘shapes’, round or tear dropped shaped. Saline breast implants are also available in low and high profiles, and in many sizes. Saline implants are usually inserted into the breast empty and then filled with the solution to the size the patient desires. Normally the minimum age for getting saline breast implants is 18, unless the implants are needed for reconstructive purposes..

Benefits: Less threatening to your health should one rupture. If an implant does rupture, the patient will know immediately.

Downfalls: Should an implant rupture, the woman will have one or both breasts that appear deflated and will need immediate attention to restore a normal appearance. Greater chance of rippling or wrinkling. This is often considered the greatest downfall of saline implants. Often described as feeling like a water balloon.

2) Silicone Breast Implants: Silicone breast implants are filled with a silicone gel. Silicone implants have evolved dramatically over the years from a very thin, oily silicone substance to the current silicone gel used today. This improved gel decreases the risk that the silicone will leak out of the shell should it rupture.

The minimum recommended age for silicone implants is 22, unless for reconstructive purposes. The higher minimum age is required due to the risks associated with silicone-filled implants. While there are risks also associated with saline implants, the FDA feels that the risks associated with silicone implants is greater therefore they require a greater level of maturity.

Benefits: Most natural feeling implants. Generally smoother and softer to the touch. Less likely to wrinkle or ripple than saline implants. If a Silicone implant ruptures the woman will not see a physical difference for some time if at all.

Downfall: MRIs needed every 2 years to detect ruptured implants.
Neither silicone or saline implants are universally considered right for everyone. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is the only way to determine which implant is right for you.

Cypress Breast Reconstruction Options

jen — Mon, 07 May 2012 07:47:05 +0000

Being diagnosed with any kind of cancer is hard enough, but when it means losing a part of your womanhood, it can become all the more devastating. Dr. Basu and Dr. Kim understanding of the frustration and delicacy a breast cancer diagnosis brings and they work hard to ensure all of their reconstructive patients both understand and feel confident and positive about the decisions they make along their healing and reconstructive journey.

Just a decade ago options for breast reconstruction were considerably less, but these days there are several options available to women such as TRAM Flap reconstruction, Latissimus Flap reconstruction and implant reconstruction. Our plastic surgeons take into account each patients’ individual situations, needs, concerns and desires in recommending the best options for their patients. There is no “one-size-fits-all” option. The best way to determine what will be the right choice for you is through a one-on-one confidential consultation.

If you are ready to begin your path to reconstruction, contact our offices to schedule your consultation.

Breast Reconstruction Photo Gallery Houston

jen — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:54:14 +0000

There are so many factors to consider when deciding to undergo breast reconstruction. Everything from what type of procedure will be best, to finding the right plastic surgeon for the procedure can seem like an overwhelming task to navigate through, especially in the beginning. The good news is, we have all the information you need to get you started in your research and walk you through your options to find the best fit for you.

One of the best ways to start your research is by looking through our Before and After Photo Gallery. There you will find before and after photos of previous patients who’ve undergone DIEP Flap, Implant Reconstruction and Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstructions. If you see a particular result you like, it might be helpful to print if off and bring it in to your consultation to help you describe to your plastic surgeon exactly the results you hope to achieve. Always remember, though, that every patient comes in with unique challenges, needs and desires. Individual results may vary and it’s always best to talk to a plastic surgeon to find out what is going to offer you the best results.

Gel Implant Reconstruction

jen — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:48:07 +0000

Gel Implant Reconstruction is just one of the options available to women considering reconstruction. A two step process, the first involves putting in a temporary tissue expander implant at the tie of the mastectomy. This gets gradually expanded until the patients mastectomy skin has reached the volume necessary for the desired implant size. Once this has been reached the temporary tissue expander implant is removed and replaced with the actual silicone or saline filled implant.

Although these implants are FDA approved and have been proven not to increase risk of illness, there are other risks to consider. Implants are foreign bodies and this means risk of infection, rupture or deflation, and scar formation around the implant, known as capsular contracture. In addition, patients with reconstructive breast implants may require revisional surgery in the future. Therefore women who do not want to face the potential for revisional surgery secondary to implant related issues often choose alternative options such as an autologous tissue only reconstruction.

View Before and After Patient Implant Reconstruction Photos in our Online Gallery to get an idea of the results which can be achieved through Implant Reconstruction.

A Look Back Through Breast Augmentation Advancements

jen — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:50:37 +0000

Lately the benefits of stem cell breast reconstruction have been in the news a lot. Dr. Oz was talking about it on his show and Suzanne Somers is talking about her own personal experience with having it done as part of a clinical trial. While it remains to be seen if this new treatment will take hold and become a mainstay, one thing is for certain, we sure have come a long, long way.

Advancements in breast reconstruction and breast augmentation procedures are quite amazing to look back on. Take a look at this Wikipedia article on Breast Implants for an idea of the bigger picture of the time, effort, and people involved in making breast implants and breast reconstruction as realistic and safe as possible. We don’t know what the future holds for breast augmentation and reconstruction, but there is a lot of options available to us today. Ready to discuss yours? Contact our office today.

Breast Revision Surgery – Houston

jen — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:17:39 +0000

Women who are dissatisfied with a previous Plastic Surgeon’s work, with the size, shape, or placement of their implants, as well as women who have rippling, rupture or capsular contracture, may opt for a Revision Breast Augmentation.

We understand the frustration that comes with having to undergo a Revision Breast Augmentation which is why we work so hard to get things right for our patients the first. Unfortunantly, some things are beyond even the best plastic surgeons control. Whether undergoing a first time Breast Augmentation or a Revision Breast Augmentation, we want to make sure our patients get the results they want as well as feel safe, understood and cared for.

If you are unhappy with your current Breast Augmentation, we invite you to contact our office to schedule your confidential consultation. Our helpful, friendly staff will be more than happy to answer any question or concerns you may have.

Click here to read more about our Revision Breast Augmentation.

Breast Revision Houston

jen — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:30:44 +0000

Ultimately there are many reasons a woman may decide to opt for a Breast Augmentation Revision. Among these may include: dissatisfaction with the previous doctors work, dissatisfaction with the size, shape, or placement of the implants, rippling, rupture, or capsular contracture. In any case, having gone through a previous Breast Augmentation only to be disappointed in the subsequent outcome can be a very emotional and frustrating time.

Here at The Institute of Advanced Breast Reconstruction we want to ensure that you get the care and results you want. If you are unhappy with your current Breast Augmentation results or if you have developed rippling or have excess scar formation, we would like to invite you to schedule a consultation with us to see how we can help you restore your breasts to the appearance you desire.

Nipple Reconstruction – Houston

jen — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 00:50:47 +0000

A breast reconstruction surgery may be done with or without a nipple reconstruction. For some women, a breast reconstruction without the nipple reconstruction is enough. Other women may feel that the breast reconstruction is not complete with out the nipple reconstruction. A nipple reconstruction adds a lot to the appearance of a breast reconstruction. The nipple is recreated using small, local skin flaps and fat pulled from the breast mound. This final step in breast reconstruction is also covered by your insurance.

Learn more about Nipple Reconstruction Houston, view before and after nipple reconstruction photos, view the procedure in 3D, and find answers to common questions here! Ready to discuss your options? Contact our office and schedule a consultation.

Breast Reconstruction Techniques

jen — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:30:54 +0000

There are several different breast reconstruction techniques used today from a TRAM flap to a DIEP to a SGAP flap. There are primarily one of two things occurring in the a breast reconstruction procedure: the fat, muscle and skin from the back or abdomen is donated to build the breast mound, or tissue from the chest wall is expanded over time using an expander to create a pocket space for a silicone or saline implant. There are benefits and drawbacks to each and much of the decision will depend on what will work best for your body. No matter the technique, there will be scars, but your plastic surgeon will do their best to make them as inconspicuous as possible. Generally speaking, reconstructed breasts often don’t have the same sensation as normal breasts either.

Following the breast reconstruction procedure, it is common to experience slight bruising, pain and swelling which your plastic surgeon will tell how best to regulate and they will subside in the days and weeks that follow. Initial results will be visible immediately after the procedure, but more accurate results will be revealed after you’ve properly healed.

Click here to learn more about the various Houston Breast Reconstruction techniques.

Finding Strength in Other’s Stories

jen — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:02:32 +0000

Breast Reconstructive surgery is a personal decision for every woman and it can be scary to think about the long, daunting process, particularly if you’ve just come out of a long cancer battle and all its treatments. The important thing to remember in this is that you are not alone in this, in your fears, in your hopes, in this experience. Many women have been there before you and are now on the ‘other side’. It can be a great comfort and encouragement to hear their stories which is why we’ve set up a Patient Success Stories page. There you will find several women, all with their own unique circumstances who came to the conclusion that Breast Reconstructive Surgery was the right decision for them and you’ll be able to read what they have to say about their experience on the journey to rebuild both their breast and their lives.

Check it out now and get inspired by these brave, courageous, beautiful women!