Cosmetic Surgery For Blondes

Archive for the ‘breast surgery’ Category

There are two types of major breast surgery. Breast reduction surgery is where large breasts cause neck, shoulder, back pain, skin irritation, skeletal abnormalities and breathing problems. Because large breast cause these medical problems, this type of cosmetic breast surgery or Mammoplasty is usually covered by your health insurance. Although having a breast reduction can alleviate medical issues many women consider this surgery to feel better about their looks therefore boosting their self confidence.

Breast Surgery - Breast Reduction Surgery

A breast reduction is performed in a medical facility either at a hospital or cosmetic surgery center. Some patients can go home after a recovery period while others prefer an overnight stay. The procedure itself involves removing excess glandular tissue, fat and skin, and removing and reattaching the nipple in a new position. Not only is the breast reduced it is lifted and reshaped as well and the procedure takes at least two hours under a general anesthetic. After surgery the patient is required to wear a surgical bra for at least two weeks to a month for support.

When I had my breast reduction surgery in 1990, I wasn’t allowed to shower for a week and had to return to the surgeons office to get my stitches removed. It was very painful experience and the doctor’s assistant had to hold me down while it was being done. Luckily, today the stitches are buried and will dissolve on their own. There will be some scarring and numbness that will last awhile and your breasts will be hard while they heal. For the scarring you might try Kelocote Scar Gel.

To expedite healing it is advisable to stop smoking and taking any supplements like Omega Fish Oil at least two weeks prior to surgery. I returned to work after ten days. The average is 7-14 days depending on the extent of the procedure. (How much is taken from each breast.) If you don’t have a medical reason for a breast reduction your insurance company may still pay depending on how much is removed. Last I checked it was a pound in each breast.

The second major breast surgery is a breast lift surgery. You can opt for just a breast lift or have a lift with breast implant surgery. A breast reduction could be considered breast reconstructive surgery because a large part of the breast is removed and then it’s reshaped. A breast lift is an elective procedure due to the result of natural aging and therefore not covered by a health insurance policy.

Overtime a women’s breast will sag and lose its shape and firmness. These changes can be the result of pregnancy, beast feeding, weight variations and heredity. A breast lift or Mastopexy will lift and reshape the breast by removing the excess skin, tightening the surrounding tissue and repositioning the nipple. The procedure will last one to two hours and usually is done as an outpatient in a surgical center.

An alternative procedure is the Donut Breast Lift. The Donut Breast Lift requires less tissue to be removed thus a shorter recovery period. The surgeon will cut around the areola, then a donut shaped area of the skin is removed and the remaining skin is tightened which will lift the breasts.

You do not have to have large breast to want this procedure and some women will get a lift with breast enhancement surgery or breast augmentation surgery. Women can increase the size of their breast to enhance their figure…how much is determined during the initial consultation. Also during the consultation you will discuss which type and what size of implant you want. It is important to discuss your expectations with your cosmetic surgeon. This is outpatient surgery, but you might consider staying overnight.

You will be required to wear a support bra for several weeks, return to work within a week, avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until the doctor sees you on your post-surgery visit and gives you the go ahead to resume regular activities.

With breast lift with implants surgery, breast enlargement surgery or reconstruction for breast cancer surgery, they all require using saline, silicone or cohesive (gummy bear) implants. Breast implants surgery will give you larger and firmer breast.

What is the difference between saline and silicone?

Saline-filled implants are silicone shells filled with saline during the surgery. The empty shell is inserted through the belly-button, nipple or underarm, put into place and then filled. Silicone gel implants also are silicone shells that are pre-filled with silicone gel instead of saline.

Silicone gel is a thick and sticky fluid that closely imitates human fat which is a large part of the female breast. Saline isn’t compressible and therefore feels hard and unnatural. To lessen the firmness, surgeons place saline implants behind the chest muscle and slightly overfill it.

Gummy Bear Implants are still under a US clinical trial before final approval from the FDA. Gummy Bear Implants are not filled with saline or silicone but a cohesive silicone that is described as a soft solid and retain their shape.

If you are considering breast surgery make sure you consult with a board certified cosmetic surgeon. Your surgeon will recommend an implant based on your body type so you can get the results you desire, but ultimately the choice is yours.

How much does breast surgery cost. If it isn’t covered by your health insurance policy it will vary from doctor to doctor and from city to city. My advice is either to make phone calls and ask or do your research online. Most cosmetic surgery websites state a price for each of their procedures, but some do not.

Fortunately mine was covered by my insurance because my family doctor recommended the procedure due to my back problems. I still had a 20% co-payment which was 2,000. My cosmetic surgeon allowed me to have a payment plan. Some surgeons offer payment plans or have health care credit companies they work with. The health care credit companies offer higher limits with lower interest rates. They also guarantee financing for those with bad credit.

Again, I want to reiterate that you make sure the cosmetic surgeon is board certified. Obtaining a board certification signifies that the surgeon has completed the level of schooling and continued education that is required for the procedures they perform. Ask your surgeon how experienced he is, request references and look at before and after pictures. If you can express your goals and concerns with straightforwardness and receive realistic options and answers in return, you are destined for a successful breast surgery procedure.