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Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Info and Photosclick the breast augmentation photos to enlarge
Ricardo L Rodriguez, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore, Maryland
"I want my breasts in proportion to the rest of my body"
"I want my breasts to look like they did when I was pregnant"
"I want to be a full C cup"Silicone breast implants are now available for cosmetic surgeryOn Friday November 17, 2006 the FDA ruled that silicone breast implants could return to the market for cosmetic procedures. Since 1992, silicon breast implants were banned for use for cosmetic reasons while the FDA gathered information regarding their safety. The only patients who received silicon implants during 1992-Nov 2006 were reconstructive patients and patients with problems such as capsular contracture and breast asymmetry. These patients were required to enroll a study where they were followed for 5 years post operatively. In summary, all of the FDA studies led researchers to conclude that silcione breast implants did not cause any kind of disease. Studies showed that there was no greater incidence of any type of disease in women with silicone breast implants compared to the general female population. Silicone implants were determined to be medically safe. Now, women will have a choice of whether to have silicone or saline implants.The Wall Street Journal reports that the FDA's recent decision approved the use of silicone implants for cosmetic purposes for women age 22 and older. Dr. Rodriguez is very experienced with silicone implantsDr. Rodriguez has been using silicone implants since 1988. Prior to the ban in 1992, Dr. Rodriguez used silicone implants as the implant of choice for cosmetic patients because of their natural feel. Since 1992 he has had scores of patients involved in the FDA study.Dr. Rodriguez applauds the lift of the ban and told MPT (Maryland Public Television) that it is a great thing that "science has prevailed". Read more about Dr. Rodriguez's historical perspective on the silicone implant controversy and why he likes silicone implants so much in his cosmeticsurg blog. Who are typical candidates for the breast augmentation procedure?Most women who undergo Breast implant surgery in our Baltimore Office fall into one of two groups. The largest group comprises women in their thirties with children. They have noticed a loss in skin tone with sagging of the breast. They often notice a decrease in size of the breast (most noticeable in the upper and outer portion). Sometimes the breast augmentation procedure is combined with a breast lift. The second group consists of women in their twenties who want larger breasts to balance the rest of their body. How long does the breast augmentation procedure take?The breast augmentation procedure takes under two hours. When can I go back to work after my breast implant procedure?You must plan to be out of work for 5 to 7 days. You can resume your regular activities within a week. Breast augmentation at the Baltimore office has a very high satisfaction rate. After the surgery many patients say they wish they had had done it sooner! What Decisions do I need to make before my breast augmentation procedure? Dr. Rodriguez will discuss the following 7 decisions with you during your initial breast augmentation consultation:
1) saline or silicon
2) size of implants
3) round or oval (size of implants)
4) textured or smooth (surface of implants)
5) under or over the muscle (placement of implants)
6) location of incision site (implant placement)
7) with or without a lift How are silicone breast implants different from saline implants?Silicone implants have a much more natural feel than saline implants. Please read Dr. Rodriguez's personal blog to understand the differences between saline implants vs. silicone implants. Dr. Rodriguez has worked extensively with silicone implants and believes they are the best choice for many women. Are the breast implants safe? Yes. Millions of breast implants have been placed in women in the USA alone, and millions more placed in women in other countries. Breast implants have been used for about 40 years. Most women have no problems. The most common problem that we see is tightening of the capsule that surrounds the implant. This often responds to massage but may occasionally need surgery to remove the capsule. Other rare problems include deflation of the implant. Detailed questions are discussed at your consultation.How do I know what size I will I be after breast augmentation surgery?Your breast size after surgery depends on two main factors: how big you were before surgery and the volume of implant inserted.
The volumes of the breast implants are measured in CCs. (30 cc= 1oz). The most popular implant size is 300ccs (10oz). You can get a rough idea of how big you look by placing the desired volume in a freezer bag and placing it in the lower part of your bra. In our Baltimore office patients try on actual implants by placing them in their bra. You should bring two different types of tops(a blouse and a tank top) with you to your consultation. This will help you make your decision about the implant size. Is it better to place the implant over the muscle or under the muscle?Each approach offers some benefits, however we usually recommend going under the muscle. Placing the implants under the muscle provides the most natural and long term result. Additionally, it is usually easier to obtain a mammogram. However, going under the muscle will require a few more days of recovery time. Is there a way to reduce the pain after my breast augmentation surgery?Patients have the option to purchase a pain pump which dramatically reduces your pain in the first 2 days following your surgery and help you recover in a lesser number of days. Please see Dr. Rodriguez's comments on why pain pumps help in breast augmentation. What is the cost of breast augmentation with saline implants?The total fee for breast augmentation (physician fee, implants, hospital, and anesthesia) is approximately $5500 for saline implants. What is the cost of silicone breast implants? Do they cost more than saline?Yes, silicone implants are more expensive than saline breast implants. Standard silicon implants cost $1800. Silicon implants thus increase the cost of the total surgery to around $6200. If you have asymmetry, adjustable silicon breast implants are sometimes recommended and those implants can cost $2200 or more. These adjustable silicon implants have a silicon sac surrounded by an adjustable saline sac. This allows the surgeon to adjust the implants via the saline sac so that you can attain symmetry. What manufacturer of implants do you use?Patients have their choice of Inamed (Allergan) or Mentor implants. Can I finance my breast augmentation surgery?Yes, we work with a number of finance companies such that you can have a low affortable monthly payment. Please call the office at 410-494-8100 for more details More information on the 7 decisions you need to makeTo read more about the 7 decisions please visit our sister web site dedicated to breast augmentation at www.breastimplants.net Please call our office at 410-494-8100 to arrange for your consultation or click the contact us button below.
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