BREAST ENLARGEMENT
Getting a new look and a new outlook
Breast enlargement is the most sought-after procedure performed by board-certified plastic
surgeon, Dr. Ronald Friedman. Perhaps this is because most women not only look better
after surgery but also feel more comfortable and confident about their appearance. Let us
walk you through the process.
The Implants
For the past 14 years, saline implants were the only FDA-approved devices for breast enlargement. In November, 2006 the FDA approved use of silicone gel. Saline implants have the advantages of a smaller incision (because they are not inflated until after placement), a lower rate of capsular contracture (implant firmness due to excessive scarring), and a substantially lower cost. Silicone gel implants have the advantages of a more natural feel and a lower risk of rippling.
Implants may be round or teardrop in shape. Round implants provide greater upper breast fullness, whereas
teardrop implants preferentially increase lower breast
fullness. The implant surface may be smooth or textured.
Smooth implants have a slightly higher rate of capsular
contracture (excessive implant firmness) but are thinner
and more natural to feel.
Implant size is a critical decision, and the final decision
is yours. Stuffing your bra with implants is probably not
the best way to determine size. Instead, Dr. Friedman
will ask you to select photos of women with the breast
size that you desire. If the size is realistic for your frame,
he will match the size as accurately as possible during
your surgery.
The Surgery
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia
(provided by a physician anesthesiologist) at
Dr. Friedman’s AAAASF-accredited private outpatient
facility, the West Plano Plastic Surgery Center.
Dr. Friedman generally uses a 3 cm (just over an inch)
incision near the fold under each breast. This small
incision is very inconspicuous in most women. The
implants can be placed above or below the chest
(pectoralis major) muscles.
Although placement above muscle is technically easier
and faster, Dr. Friedman believes that the improved
results generally seen with submuscular placement are
well worth the time and effort.
Rather than “bluntly dissecting” the breast tissue,
Dr. Friedman cauterizes the tissues as they are being
elevated. This reduces bleeding, nearly eliminates
bruising, and makes compression bras and ACE
wraps unnecessary. The small incisions are closed
with internal, dissolving sutures; there are no stitches or
staples to remove. Like the consultation, Dr. Friedman
does not assign any portion of your surgery to a nurse
or physician’s assistant. He is committed to performing
each and every surgery from start to finish.
 Prior to entering private practice in 1996, Ronald M. Friedman, MD served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Parkland Memorial Hospital
and Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. After graduating with
Honors from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago,
he completed his general surgery and plastic surgery training at
the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Friedman
has numerous publications, national presentations, and radio and
television interviews to his credit. He has written invited commentaries
for the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Plastic
Surgery Outlook. He is also an experienced wood and marble sculptor
whose work has been exhibited in several galleries and is part of many
private collections.
Dr. Friedman performs most cosmetic surgery procedures at his
AAAASF-accredited facility, the West Plano Plastic Surgery Center.
Conveniently located on the campus of Presbyterian Hospital of Plano,
the Center offers a high level of privacy and personalized attention.
|
After Surgery
Discomfort is usually mild and well-controlled with
prescription medication. Most women return to light
activities within a few days. Heavy lifting and upper
body workouts should be avoided for four to six weeks.
A bra may be worn if desired but is not necessary.
The Results
According to extensive surveys, 95% of women who
have undergone breast enlargement are satisfied with
the results. However, no surgery is free of risk, and
complications such as infection, bleeding, implant
deflation or excessive implant firmness are possible.
Of interest, recent data submitted to the FDA by breast
implant manufacturers reveals that 26% of women
undergoing breast enlargement required further surgery
within five years.
In contrast, Dr. Friedman’s five-year reoperation rate is
8%.
There are many decisions to make when choosing
to have breast enlargement. Remember that your most
important decision is the surgeon. Choose carefully.
Additional Articles:
Have makeovers become too extreme?
Perhaps the reality shows need a reality check
Breast Enlargement:
A Surgeon's Perspective
Breast Enlargement With Lift
Breast Enlargement
Life Imitates Art
A Chance
to Share 'America' with Rudy Giuliani
Plano People - Ron Friedman
Memoirs of a Shining Star
Making Music Again
Finding Solace in Music
|
