Debra Beebee Appears on Survivor Television Show

Survivor Participant Debra Beebee The 2009 season of Survivor, the popular CBS television show, included Hedden Plastic Surgery patient Debbie Beebee.

A self-described people person, Debra Beebe is a middle school principal and married mom from Auburn, Alabama who believes that her natural leadership abilities and tactful problem-solving skills will contribute to her success as a castaway on Survivor. Debra, also known as "Bubbles," feels that her enthusiastic and energetic personality, in addition to her take-charge attitude, will erase any doubts about her ability to succeed in this game.

The fact that she is one of the older castaways will not be a hindrance for this woman who previously trained alongside Olympic athletes and still rises every morning at 4:30AM to get in her daily workout before tackling a day filled with hundreds of pubescent teens, pre-teens, parents, faculty and staff. Not one to be intimidated (even at a tiny 5'2"), Debra juggles work, her husband and her children. It's no surprise that this go-getter won "Alabama's Principal of the Year" award yet still finds occasional free time for shopping and dancing.

Debra feels that her occupation has taught her how to deal with politics which she can apply to the group dynamics of her tribe. With her abilities as a natural leader combined with her bossy and competitive nature, Debra plans to focus on the weaknesses of others in an effort to get them eliminated.

Debra is married with five children and currently resides in Auburn, Ala. Her birthday is September 28.

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Los Angeles Breast Augmentation: High Profile Breast Implants

Breast Implants Before and After Breast implants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and surfaces. Patients may currently choose between saline or silicone based implants. The type of breast implant selected should be based on your physical and soft-tissue characteristics, as well as your aesthetic goals.

Implants also come in a variety of profiles (or projections). Higher profile implants provide patients with great anterior (forward) projection and more superior breast fullness relative to a moderate or mid-range profile. Because higher profile implants have a smaller base diameter, they are ideal in patients with narrow frames. Because of the smaller implant width, patients can achieve their ideal breast cup size, while avoiding the lateral width or “rounded-out” appearance seen in moderate profile implants. Because of their tapered vertical height, high profile implants may also reduce visible rippling.

Dr. Hoefflin is a Los Angeles and Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in all aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, breast implants, breast lifts, revision breast surgery and breast reduction procedures. He has significant expertise in both primary and revision breast surgery. As such, he performs breast augmentation surgery using all types and profiles of both saline and silicone breast implants.

Dr. Hoefflin performs his breast augmentations using the dual-plane approach, a specialized technique in which the breast implant is placed both above and below your pectoralis muscle. This advanced technique reduces superior pole implant visibility, reduced capsular contraction, and potential distortion from contraction of the muscle. The result is a more natural, attractive, and long-lasting result.

To learn if you are a candidate for a breast augmentation in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, contact Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Hoefflin for a complimentary consultation.

TESTIMONY: “Dr. Hoefflin made the entire breast augmentation process so simple. I was interested in natural but attractive breasts. I did not want the large and overly apparent result I see in too many other women. I absolutely love my results and appreciate the attention to detail that Dr. Hoefflin gave me. Thank you.” – TH

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Consumer Demand Drives Growth in Aesthetic Market with Greystone Cosmetic Center Opening

Hedden Plastic Surgery & Spa Greystone June 2009 — Hedden Plastic Surgery & Spa Greystone have announced the opening of Greystone Cosmetic Center, a beautiful new 26,000-square-foot facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. William J. Hedden's new plastic surgery center and spa — located off Hugh Daniel Drive in the Greystone area — features comfortable exam rooms, a fully-accredited outpatient surgery suite, full service day spa and elegant waiting areas with flat screen tv's.

The popularity of television makeover shows has raised the profile of cosmetic services, and Dr. Hedden's new cosmetic center is designed to meet that increased demand. From "Extreme Makeover" to "Dr. 90210," television shows in recent years have erased the taboo of cosmetic surgery, Dr. Hedden said, driving the popularity of his practice among all types of people.

"Cosmetic surgery is not just for the people who are wealthy," said Dr. Hedden, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. "More people than ever want to look their best and live life to its fullest. Plus, minimally-invasive procedures — such as Botox and other skin injectables — have grown increasingly popular in the last few years."

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were more than 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2008, a 63 percent jump from 2000. The procedures include everything from breast augmentation and liposuction to chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

These days, people are more likely to ask questions about cosmetic services and then schedule a procedure, Dr. Hedden said. As a result, his practice draws people from across Alabama, as well as Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Florida. Besides Dr. Hedden, the practice includes Dr. R. Lee England, Dr. Kay Ellen Willoughby and the Estheticians, Massage Therapists and Laser Technicians of Spa Greystone.

In an effort to combine a wide variety of cosmetic specialists, the Birmingham-Hoover AL cosmetic center is also the home of the cosmetic dentists of Greystone Smile Design and Chiropractor Dr. Jenni Goodson of Goodson Health & Wellness.

TurnerBatson Architects designed the new facility, which sits on Butterfly Lake across from Greystone Golf & Country Club.

The building features a Spanish-style facade with Mediterranean details, while the interior is designed to be warm and client-friendly, TurnerBatson President Dave Reese said.

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Breast Augmentation Post Operative Information

DAY OF SURGERY 

After you surgery, you will spend 1-2 hours in the recovery room and then be discharged home. You will be given prescriptions to get filled. You will need someone to drive you home. Sleep with several pillows behind you to keep your head and chest elevated. There will be a mildly compressive wrap over the breast area to help reduce swelling. Ice packs may be used during the fIrst 24 hours if you wish. You will need someone to pamper you this first day, as you will be very sore.

DAY 1 AFTER SURGERY

You may take the wrap and all dressings off your chest and shower. No dressings need to be put back on. You may go braless, wear a sports bra, or replace the wrap; whichever is most comfortable. Do not wear an underwire or pushup bra. Do as little as possible around your house. Lift nothing over 5 pounds. Do not bend over to pick things up.

DAYS 2-7 AFTER SURGERY

You will slowly feel better with discomfort gradually improving. The breasts will be swollen and usually are more full in the upper part of the breast. You may gradually increase your activity, but still no bending over and lifting over 5 pounds. You will be asked to come to the office 4- 7 days after your surgery for suture removal. Do not drive as long as you are taking pain pills.

AFTER 1st WEEK

Pain and swelling continue to improve. Some people feel up to working, doing light activities only, after the 1 st week. Gentle massage on the breasts in a downward direction may be started. Gentle sexual activity may be resumed. Most swelling is gone after 3-4 weeks. The fullness in the upper portion of the breast gradually decreases starting at about 3 weeks and may take up to 6 months or longer to reach your final result. You will be asked to come back to the office about 2 weeks after suture removal for a follow-up visit.

AFTER lst MONTH

You may resume most activities but still no heavy lifting. Mild exorcise programs may be resumed. You will be asked to come back to the office for another follow-up visit about 7-8 weeks from the date of your surgery.

AFTER 2nd MONTH

No restrictions. Continue massage in a downward direction. You will be asked to return to the office for follow-up visits at about 6 months from the day of surgery and yearly thereafter.

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Getting the Most Out of Your Consultation!

Having plastic surgery is a very personal event in your life. Aesthetic plastic surgery not only can change your appearance, but also improve your self-confidence. Your selection of a surgeon is as important as your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery itself.

The selection a cosmetic plastic surgeon can often be an overwhelming task. Through years of experience as a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hoefflin has developed a number of helpful recommendations that can guide you through the consultation easily and comfortably. These suggestions can increase the probability that that you would acquire the greatest amount of beneficial information about your plastic surgery procedure of interest.

To get the most out of your consultation, Dr. Hoefflin suggests doing the following things:

1. Prepare yourself with some fundamental background on your procedure of interest. This will maximize the efficiency of your time being spent, and allow such time to be devoted to your particular questions of interest. Review ahead of time your surgeon’s website and explanation of procedures.
2. Create a list of specific questions or concerns to discuss with Dr. Hoefflin, as it can provide some desired direction for your conversation. For more thorough results, have follow up questions ready. This way, you can leave the consultation with as much information as possible.
3. Do your best to book your consultation on a day where you will be able to set aside 90 minutes to be in our office. We want to be sure to give you a sufficient amount of time to have the doctor answer all of your questions.
4. Bring along photographs of similar results you would like to achieve. This may mean photos of you when you were younger, before you had kids, or of models in magazines or catalogues. This assists Dr. Hoefflin in better understanding your aesthetic goals and facilitating the necessary steps in achieve the look you desire.
5. Patients who seek facial rejuvenation should bring in photos of his or herself from a time when they felt the most radiant to get the most natural result. Dr. Hoefflin further recommends bringing in photographs, if you are a female, of your mother, or if you are a male, of your father, for hereditary comparisons.
6. Breast augmentation patients are recommended to bring in bras or swimsuit tops to assist Dr. Hoefflin in better predicting the desired future size of your breast implant surgery.
7. Come in with a supportive friend or family member if the both of you are able and willing. Not only will their presence make you feel more comfortable, but they also serve as another source for questions. Additionally, your companion will have a better sense of what to expect during your recovery.
8. Although children are always welcome, we advise you not to bring them. We consistently hear from patients who bring their children in that they wished they hadn’t because they made it difficult to focus on the discussion at hand.
9. A week before your appointment, we will send over your patient intake forms. It is advised that they be completed beforehand to save time once you arrive at the office.
10. If you think the procedure you are considering might be covered by your health insurance, i.e. breast reduction or rhinoplasty/septoplasty, it would be beneficial for you to contact your insurance carrier to verify that your procedure of interest is in fact covered, or medically necessary. If you can, bring any forms sent to you by the insurance company. It saves significant time and gives us the opportunity to submit your claim to your insurance company quicker and more efficiently.
11. Understand that there may be needed lab work or tests to proceed with the surgery. All patients over the age of 50 must have an EKG, while all breast surgery patients over 35 must have a mammogram. If you would like to have the surgery soon after your consultation, it is a good idea to schedule those prior to the appointment.
12. Write down your current medications and allergies, if any. Provide Dr. Hoefflin with a copy of your medication list for your medical records.
13. If you are coming in for a corrective surgery, and have medical records from that previous surgery. Be prepared ahead of time with possible surgery dates and a surgical deposit to hold your date.
14. If you are interested or planning on financing your procedure, you can visit our website under ‘Financing’ to complete the online loan applications and obtain any information regarding such loans.
15. For visiting or out-of-state patients, Dr. Hoefflin lists valuable travel and hotel accommodation information on our website.

Dr. Hoefflin is a Los Angeles and Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons. He specializes in all aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery.

To schedule your complimentary consultation contact Southern California board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hoefflin.

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Improving Outcomes in Breast Augmentation

This study has been the culmination of research that Dr. Adams has done since 1996. The original publications were in 2000 and 2001 and then in Fall/ Winter of 2005 the clinical study confirming advances in breast augmentation and breast implants for aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Adams, Rios, Smith, Plast Reconstr Surg., January 2006.

Capsular contracture remains the most common implant related complication in breast augmentation and breast lift procedures involving breast implants. Dr. William P. Adams, Jr, MD is publishing a landmark study in the January 2006 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the premier Plastic Surgery journal in the specialty worldwide. “This study culminates the past 8 years of work we have done on capsular contracture and how we can make breast augmentation and breast implant procedures safer and better for patients” says Dr. Adams the Dallas based breast specialist. Dr. Adams and his colleagues have previously published recommendations to minimize capsular contracture using defined combinations of antibiotic solutions and refined techniques. “These previous studies were in vitro (test tube) studies and the November publication reviews the 6 year clinical results in patients using these techniques,” says. Adams, “The results demonstrate that the patients in this study had a 4-5 fold lower capsular contracture rate than the best data compiled for FDA breast implant clinical trials.”

The benefits to potential patients for both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery are significant. The study also demonstrated that in addition to the reduction in capsular contracture the overall patient re-operation rates were 2.8% compared to 15-20% seen in PMA breast implant clinical trials over the past 2 decades. “Using these advances in breast implant patients can have better and safer results including reduced 

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Silicone Gel Breast Implants More Popular Than Saline Breast Implants

We recently attended the annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. We spent a lot of time interviewing plastic surgeons from across the country to get their perspective on woman's breast implant choices. Almost all plastic surgeons indicated that the majority of their breast augmentation patients have been electing silicone gel breast implants over saline breast implants. One plastic surgeon estimated that 80% of his patients were opting for silicone gel.

The reasons women give for choosing silicone gel breast implants over saline breast implants include: a more natural feelless chance of ripplingThe reasons women give for choosing saline breast implants include: they cost lessruptures are easier to detectTo learn more about silicone gel breast implants, visit our silicone gel breast implant resource center. To cast your vote for which breast implant you would like to have in your breast augmentation, please vote using the poll on our home page.

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About Breast Augmentation

Women who choose to have breast augmentation surgery do so to improve their self-image. Some feel dissatisfied because their breasts never developed to a size that meets their expectations. Others want to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller than the other. Often, women want the procedure to restore their natural breast volume, which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or aging. Any one of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:
You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too smallWeight loss has changed the size and shape of your breastsAfter having children, your breasts have become smaller and have lost their firmnessDresses that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustlineOne of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the otherYou feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top.In addition, there are several musts for anyone considering breast augmentation:
If you are a young woman, your breast development must be completeYou must be emotionally mature and fully understand your own motivations for wanting the procedure (the best reason is to feel better about yourself)You must have realistic expectations, knowing that the procedure can bring improvement, but not perfection.What should I expect from the consultation?

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering breast augmentation. During this meeting, I will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery. You should arrive at the consultation ready to provide complete information about:
Previous surgical proceduresPast and present medical conditionsMedications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplementsThe results of mammograms you have hadAny history of breast cancer in your familyI will help you understand the factors that may affect your results. For example, gaining or losing a significant amount of weight may change your breast size. Pregnancy can also alter breast size in an unpredictable way. As part of the consultation, your breasts will be examined and perhaps photographed for your medical record. During this exam, I will consider the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the placement of your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). I may recommend that you have a baseline mammogram before surgery to assist in detecting any future changes in your breast tissue. After surgery, your mammograms will be done differently because special imaging techniques must be used to visualize the breast tissue. I may suggest additional cosmetic procedures to improve your results. For example, if your breasts are sagging, a breast lift procedure may need to be performed in conjunction with your breast augmentation surgery.

How is breast augmentation performed? The incision is small and is usually made in one of three locations: underneath the breast just above the crease; around the lower edge of the areola; or within the armpit. The majority of the time I use the lower edge of the areola incision because my patients have been so happy with the unnoticeable scar. When I use the armpit incision I use an operative endoscope so that precise pocket dissection can be performed. Once the incision is made, a pocket is created into which the implant is inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle located below the breast tissue. The decision of placement is individualized for each patient.

What can I do to prepare for my surgery? When the date for your surgery has been set, I will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after your surgery. Including: o avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery (aspirin and ibuprofen) Stopping smoking for one week before and after surgery is recommended o arranging for help or special care following surgery.

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How Do I Choose The Right Size Breast Implant?

When opting to undergo breast augmentation surgery, there are various factors that must be taken into consideration. One of the most important of these is breast implant size. This is why learning of your options will help you decide upon the right choice. In order to achieve a natural-looking appearance, it is best to choose a size that will complement the rest of the body and shape. Realistic expectations are vital when discussing breast enlargement surgery.In order to achieve a natural-looking appearance, it is best to choose a size that will complement the rest of the body and shape.

During a visit at my Inland Empire practice, your breasts and body will be examined in order to determine the most appropriate surgical plan to reach your desired outcome. Based on your particular anatomy, either saline or silicone gel filled breast implants will be used; saline implants are filled during the procedure, which allow me to use my professional judgment when doing so in order to achieve symmetrical results, while silicone implants are pre-filled and cannot be adjusted without complete removal and replacement. Patients may try out tester implants, which are inserted in the bra so that they may see potential results. Although actual results are not exactly the same, this gives the patient a better idea of what they may anticipate with their choice in implant size.

In addition, the amount of skin on the breasts greatly influences the breast implant size. If you have smaller breasts and minimal elasticity, you may not be eligible for a larger implant size. Should you opt for a large implant, there is a greater chance of rippling and implant visibility. For patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery (mastectomy), a spacer may be necessary prior to placing the permanent implant. However, the implant size is still dependant on the amount of skin and its elasticity.

Because no two patients are alike, the best way to determine the right breast implant size is by scheduling an appointment at my office. We can discuss your options and desired results in order to create a personalized surgical plan. Inland Empire and Riverside breast implants patients may also view before and after photos to see examples of previous patient results.

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Fashionably Subfascial: a (Not So) New Option for Breast Implants

We may feel like we are ahead of the curve in terms of innovation here in America, but an option for breast augmentation that has been popular for years in places from South America to Canada is just now starting to catch on here. The procedure, called subfascial placement (pronounced like fashion, not facial), is a versatile alternative that balances often competing factors between going over or under the muscle. I first heard about it several years ago at a meeting of the International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and found it useful in certain situations. I published the first article on the procedure in North America in 2005 and have been using variations of it routinely. Now others are starting to see the benefits of going subfascial and it is starting to gain popularity.

The most common implant placement remains under the muscle (submuscular, subpectoral, dual-plane) because of the need for better implant coverage in many patients. If the thickness of the skin and fat layer is too thin, then the upper part of the implant shows through and the transition from the chest into the breast isn’t as natural in appearance when going over the muscle (subglandular). But going under poses certain problems such as animation deformities, which are distortions of the breast with muscle flexion. Subfascial strikes a balance between coverage, implant support, and function.

The fascia is a thin but reasonably tough layer on the surface of muscles, consisting of connective tissue that makes the compartments that contain muscles. By carefully lifting the fascia off of the pectoral muscle, a space for the implant can be created that leaves the muscle intact. While not adding padding, the fascia is often enough to smooth the transitions around the implants and add support. This is particularly advantageous for athletic women and body builders. It is not ideal for every case, but as more plastic surgeons discover the benefits of using the subfascial plane, I expect to hear a lot more discussion about it and it should become a standard option discussed with patients alongside submuscular, split submuscular, and subglandular.

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Transumbilical (Scarless, Belly Button) Breast Augmentation Dr. Hoefflin

Transumbilical (Scarless, Belly Button) Before and After The transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), “scarless” or “belly-button” approach is a revolutionary technique in which saline implants are placed through small concealed incisions within the belly button, leaving no visible scars on the breast. The breast implants are placed behind the pectoralis muscle, and then filled with saline to meet the desired aesthetic goals of the patient. The result is a long-lasting, youthful, and attractive breast. The approach is unparalleled in terms of rapid recovery, minimal discomfort, and shorter operating times.

Dr. Hoefflin performs the advanced surgical technique of his Los Angeles and Beverly Hills transumbilical breast augmentations (TUBA) as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, as administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The operation takes about one hour and is performed within state-of-the-art and fully credentialed surgical facilities.

Dr. Hoefflin is a Los Angeles and Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in all aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, breast implants, breast lifts, revision breast surgery and breast reduction procedures. He has significant expertise in both primary and revision breast surgery. As such, he performs breast augmentation surgery using all types and profiles of both saline and silicone breast implants.

To learn if you are a candidate for a breast augmentation in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, contact Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Hoefflin for a complimentary consultation.

TESTIMONY:

“Dr. Hoefflin and his office staff were so pleasant and professional to work with. I thoroughly researched all my breast augmentation options and felt the transumbilical technique was the most appropriate for me. I am absolutely pleased with my results and would highly recommend the same technique to anyone interested in breast implants.” KD

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How To Prevent and Treat Breast Sag

Some women have sagging breasts (medically known as ptosis). A number of factors from aging to genetics to gravity contribute to sagging breasts. These factors almost guarantee that, as we age, our breasts will lose their youthful perkiness. Large-breasted women may experience this to a higher degree since their breast tissue is denser and heavier. Fortunately, plastic surgeons can easily remedy breast sag with a procedure known as breast lift. Sometimes breast lift will be combined with breast augmentation using breast implants and sometimes it will be performed on its own. Your plastic surgeon can let you know which option might be best for you. Sagging breasts usually result from a combination of factors, some of which we can control, others that we cannot. Following are some of the factors that may contribute to your case:
AgeDenseness of Breast TissueSize and Weight of BreastsLoss of Estrogen or ProgesteroneBreast FeedingLoss of Skin ElasticityPtosis affects many women. You can measure your degree of ptosis at home very easily using a ruler and your breast crease as a guide. Place the highest part of the ruler directly under your breast and against your ribcage, sitting under your mammary fold. Mild ptosis occurs when the central point of your nipple is above or on top of your measuring tool. Remember, the areola and your nipple are two different parts of your body, so make sure you are using your nipple as a guide. If your nipple is 1-3cm below the ruler, you have moderate ptosis. More severe cases see a 3cm drop between the nipple’s center and the mammary fold. This could also be evidenced by your nipples pointing down toward the floor. Asymmetry could also be present in ptosis patients who feel their breasts are too low on their chest wall or experience stretched out areolae, or may have a low breast all together (with no ptosis.)

Some women think they suffer from ptosis, but it’s really pseudo-ptosis (also known as pseudoptosis). Your nipple’s center will still rest at or above your mammary fold, but since your breast lobe is a bit flattened, your breast appears droopy. This condition may result from weight gain or pregnancy and may occur in breasts with smaller areolae. Typically pseudoptosis can be corrected with simple breast augmentation and does not require breast lift.

Chest-exercises, massage and creams have all been rumored to firm up the tissue in your breast area. Your breast muscle is separate from your breast tissue, so the improvement you notice from exercise is probably better muscle tone in your chest, but not any actual change in your degree of breast sag. Massage can increase blood flow and, in turn, make your breasts appear more youthful, but it won’t eliminate existing breast sag. Good, high quality moisturizing creams can certainly help to keep your skin more elastic, slowing down the process of aging and breast sag. However, by far the best way to prevent breast sag is to buy good quality bras that fit your properly.

You should always wear a supportive bra, even though it may be fun not to, and even when young. It is during youth when many young women make the mistake of wearing a non-supportive bra or play sports without the proper sports bra and fall victim to gravity and loss of elasticity. Look for a good fitting bra with underwire and a soft fabric. There is a very good technique for you to measure for bra size, so be sure you are headed to the store with the right information and not going by what seems to fit well. Most often, your bra store or lingerie representative can help measure you to make sure you are purchasing and wearing the right size bra and getting the support you need!

Remember, if your breasts already sag, your plastic surgeon can easily help you fix that with either a breast lift or breast augmentation. 

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Support Group for Women Considering Breast Augmentation

Real women gather every day to discuss all aspects of breast augmentation, breast implants, recovery, surgery and more on ImplantInfo's live breast augmentation discussion boards. We all research on the internet and many of us find our plastic surgeon on the Internet, but isn't it also nice to speak with women who have had breast augmentation? Use ImplantInfo's breast augmentation discussion boards to ask questions about anything related to breast augmentation. Examples of discussion topics on ImplantInfo include: choosing silicone gel breast implants vs. saline breast implantsrecovery informationplastic surgeons where to get bras post surgeryhow to know if your breast implants are dropping at an acceptable rateThose topics and many others are discussed by thousands of women on our breast augmentation discussion boards. If you are interested in participating, please click on this link to our breast augmentation discussion boards. 

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Rapid Recovery Techniques

Most women think breast augmentation requires a week or two-week long recovery period. However, that is not always true. New techniques and new surgical instruments mean that your recovery could be much faster.  If you read some of our Visitor Breast Augmentation Stories you will see that the more recent stories talk about faster recovery than the stories from the late 90‘s and early 2000‘s. If you are considering breast implants then ask your surgeon about rapid recovery.

Rapid recovery means different things to different plastic surgeons, but some elements that lead to rapid recovery include:
Precise and meticulous surgical incisionsLess tissue traumaGentle surgical touch with specialized surgical equipmentPatient agrees to specific post-surgical instructions for rapid healingYour plastic surgeon’s expertise in crafting a post-procedure healing regimenPost-surgical exercise schedule to be strictly followed It is important to realize that the list above is not complete and may vary based on the specific recommendations of your plastic surgeon.  Make sure you always follow your surgeon’s recommendations! 

During your breast augmentation consultation, your plastic surgeon will review if you are a candidate for rapid recovery. While health factors may impact your candidacy, the size of your breast implants, the incision location, the size and location of your pocket and other surgical factors required for your breast augmentation may also impact recovery. That is why it is best to discuss your specific case with a board certified plastic surgeon.

The length of recovery generally depends on the amount of trauma caused by the insertion of the breast implants. The less trauma, the faster the recovery. That is why rapid recovery techniques seek to minimize trauma and bleeding during breast augmentation surgery. An ideal rapid recovery breast augmentation should be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon trained in the proper techniques. It also involves precise surgical tools, a knowledgeable medical staff, an anesthesiologist, and an accredited surgical facility. Check to see if your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and that he operates in a facility that has been certified by the AAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facility). Rapid recovery breast augmentation techniques may vary from surgeon to surgeon as do the tools used for the procedure so make sure you ask what your plastic surgeon does to promote rapid recovery and what his or her recovery times are. 

The terms 24 Hour Recovery® and 24 Hour Augmentation® have been copyrighted by Dr. John Tebbetts, a plastic surgeon from Dallas, Texas. Dr. Tebbetts was the first plastic surgeon to document the results of using specific combinations of breast measurement, surgical technique and surgical instruments to promote rapid recovery. His findings show that used in the specific combination he adheres to, you can be back to most of your everyday duties in 24 hours and require nothing more than Advil for pain.  As his wife, co-author and patient administrator Terrye Tebbetts says, "24 Hour Recovery® requires NO post op pain medicine; A true 24 Hour Recovery requires Ibuprofen only – no narcotics."

In addition, Dr. Tebbetts’ documented rate of capsular contracture is less than the national average. He attributes this to the 24 Hour Recovery® technique. Dr. Tebbetts has published his methodology and results and presented them at numerous plastic surgery conferences. Many other plastic surgeons around the country and around the world have begun practicing his methods. To learn more about 24 Hour Recovery®, we recommend reading Dr. Tebbetts book, written with his wife Terrye, The Best Breast 2.

Depending on what type of rapid recovery procedure your plastic surgeon performs, your results may vary. You should discuss the benefits and risks with your plastic surgeon during your consultation to weigh your options.

The main benefit rapid recovery gives you is just what its name implies--less down time after surgery and a quicker return to your everyday life. Whether you need or want to get right back to work, pick up your children, or or get back to the gym, all that may be possible sooner with rapid recovery breast augmentation.

Another potential benefit of some forms of rapid recovery may be a lower incidence of capsular contracture. Dr. Tebbetts’ research indicates that strict 24 Hour Recovery® has a lower incidence of capsular contracture than the national average. However, you should ask your surgeon about capsular contracture and its likelihood. Ask your plastic surgeon if he tracks the percentage of his patients who get capsular contracture and what he does to minimize the chance that you will get it.

Rapid recovery carries many of the same risks as other types of breast augmentation, including risks from anesthesia and risk of infection. You should discuss these risks and others with your plastic surgeon to make sure that you understand them. Once you and your plastic surgeon have discussed the overall risks of anesthesia and breast augmentation surgery, you can come to a more educated conclusion. Remember, it is important for your plastic surgeon to recommend this procedure for you as a patient. Take our consultation checklist with you to your meeting and make sure you get answers to all of your questions regarding risks and details about rapid recovery breast augmentation. 

We offer more information on this site for you to learn about breast augmentation and breast implants generally and how they may impact your recovery. Following is a list of topics on this site that will be helpful to you. In addition, you should go to our breast augmentation and breast implant discussion boards to talk to other women who have had or are thinking about having breast augmentation. There is always lively discussion about many breast augmentation topics on our discussion boards.

Finally, the most important thing you can do is to consult with your plastic surgeon about your individual recovery and how your body should be expected to heal based on your specific case. The following link will help you to locate a board certified plastic surgeon.

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Gummy Bear Implants vs. Today’s Cohesive SIlicone Gel

Risks Associated Nipple Sensation Loss, Infection, Swelling, Breast Pain, Potentially Less Risk of Capsular Contracture Nipple Sensation Loss, Infection, Swelling, Breast Pain, Capsular Contracture
Rippling, Nipple Sensation Loss, Infection, Swelling, Breast Pain, Capsular Contracture

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Egrari Plastic Surgery Center offers 18 months No Interest payment plans

CareCredit for Cosmetic Procedures

CareCredit, the leader in patient/client financing, has helped more than 3 million patients/clients get the treatment or procedures they needed and wanted. With a comprehensive range of plan options, for treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, they offer a plan and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every budget.

No Interest Payment Plans

Up to 18 months, no interest financing options availableNo interest if the balance is paid within the specified time periodLow minimum monthly payments

Extended Payment Plans

24, 36, 48 & 60 month plan optionsFor treatment fees from $1,000 to over $25,00014.9% interest rateMonthly payments as low as $25 for a $1,000 fee balance

CareCredit® is offering NO INTEREST 12- and 18-Month Payment Plans through the end of 2010!

For more information go to Dr. Egrari's web site or contact the office.

Click here for Dr. Egrari's contact information.

Click here to contact Dr. Egrari's office by e-mail form.

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Silicone Breast Implants vs. Saline Breast Implants

There are some simple differences between silicone breast implants and saline breast implants. These differences will affect your choice of silicone gel vs. saline for your breast implants. Dr. Don Revis of Fort Lauderdale, FL, a board certified plastic surgeon, reviewed a summary of the differences for us. This is a multi-part article, but is summarized on page 1 if that is all you want. To read it, please see Choosing Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants. For other silicone gel breast implant resources, see our Silicone Gel Breast Implant Resource Center.  

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Computer Modeling For Size

If you are considering breast augmentation and breast implants, you must be curious to see what you will look like with different size implants. Surgeons have various techniques for deciding which implant size will be best for your body: from time tested rice bags to sophisticated measuring equipment. In fact, on this site alone, we have many articles and resources on different ways to determine size, such as:
Some factors that affect which breast implant size you will get include ribcage size, chest shape, existing breast volume and the amount of breast sag you may have.

When it comes to the size of the implant, projection (the profile of the breast implant) will impact the look you get from breast augmentation. Usually for women with a narrow frame the high profile breast implant is a better choice since other size breast implants may be too wide. Conversely, if a woman has a larger frame, the diameter of her breast will be wider; in this case, a low profile or moderate profile breast implant will allow the implant to adequately span the width of her breast mound. The plastic surgeon’s choice for patients’ breast implant shape, profile and size can be estimated many ways, but one of the latest is via computer imaging.

With this innovative technique, a computer generates images that approximate what your post-surgical outcome may look like. Many women feel this is a beneficial tool because they can see what they will look like before making such a big decision.

Traditionally, women would walk into their plastic surgeon’s office with magazine clips of bodies they envied: cleavage they wanted, how clothes should look with their new breast implants and other notes on size and projection. While these are still valid methods and thousands of plastic surgeons still use them, certain plastic surgeons now offer computer imaging technology that augments or replaces this approach. The technology takes your body type and overlays it with a picture based on the type of breast implant your surgeon recommends. This digital imaging allows breast augmentation patients to see the potential results and use the visuals to help guide their decision. Depending on which surgeon you speak to about computer imaging, the reviews are mixed. Some surgeons feel patients may not be entirely happy with the potential results since they may differ from the computer generated image. Other surgeons feel the 3D or 4D images (3D with a realistic color photo of you) help patients go forward with their breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction because it helps them to visualize what they will look like. The bottom line is, you may or may not be better off with computer imaging. Your plastic surgeon can help you decide if you should try it.

Computer imaging may be a great tool to help you envision the potential outcome of your plastic surgery procedure. However, it’s important to realize there is no guarantee of results and what you see may not be what you ultimately get. It is just another tool in a cosmetic surgeon’s office to help you make a decision based on what your figure may look like after breast implants.

Some surgeons may offer bras and breast implants to “try on.” This is the same concept, except here you are able to “feel” the breast implants on your body as well as see what your profile looks like in a mirror. Depending on your plastic surgeon’s values and traditions, either technique is effective for patients pre-surgery consultation.

Depending on the type of computer imaging machine your plastic surgeon has, you will need a photo of your torso to base the “before and after” photos on. Once the image is generated, you have your “before” photo. Then, based on the specific criteria you and your plastic surgeon discuss, you will get your “after” photo(s). If you are considering more than one type of breast implant, you can compare the results of both implants to see which more closely matches your desired outcome.

Some machines offer a 3D simulation system which projects your clothed body image onto the system and you can virtually try on implants with a bikini top on, in different sizes. You can view these real time results on-screen at your consultation to help guide the direction you take with your plastic surgeon. The newest technology out offers 4D which uses an actual photo of your chest and torso, rotating the color image in a 360 degree circle so you can view your virtual breasts from all angles. You will then see a “before and after” photo based on the different implants you chose to view on your virtual body. This will help you and your surgeon in determining your preference for your final outcome.

Post operatively, aesthetic results will depend on many factors including how the body heals, your plastic surgeon’s skill and technique, the communication you have with your plastic surgeon regarding your goals and post-surgery protocol. Keep in mind, the “after” image should only be a guide for a general overview of what your body may look like post surgery.

If you are looking for a way to visualize your body’s post-surgical results, then computer modeling for breast size may be of interest to you. To determine if your plastic surgeon has a machine or software they use to model for patients, it is best to phone the practice and ask what the procedure for breast augmentation consultation is like and what tools they use to “fit” patients, pre-surgery. 

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Virtual Plastic Surgery Consultations Assist Remote Patients

Up to 45% of my patients come from out of town, out of state and abroad. Obviously, a number of challenges are posed when initially consulting such patients due to geographical restrictions. Fortunately, due to the technological advances of today’s Internet, such as VOIP with videoconferencing and e-mail, both the patients and the doctors can get a sense of each other before they actually meet in person. Even though such a "virtual consultation" cannot substitute for a detailed face-to-face physical exam and interview, it does provide an initial backdrop for the surgeon to assess what the patient’s goals are, whether they have realistic expectations and lay down a framework for a particular surgical plan of action. In turn, the patient can assess their individual comfort level with the doctor, whether that doctor can potentially fill their goals and at what approximate price. One must realize that these "virtual consultations" cannot substitute for an in-person consultation nor can they be construed as offering definitive medical advice to a patient. They only serve as tools to facilitate a potential doctor-patient relationship, saving time and the expense of traveling to the doctor for a consultation if it is already obvious that it would be fruitless.
If you are choosing to communicate with Dr. Haworth via e-mail, etc., it is necessary that you send him properly taken photographs of the area or areas of your face and body that are bothering you. As a guideline facial photographs should be taken from four angles:
The first one is an AP (anterior-posterior) view.The second one is an oblique or 45 degree angle view.The third is a pure profile or side view (with the eyes looking straight ahead).The fourth view is called the worm’s eye view. The photo is taken from below and to the front. (This is only needed in rhinoplasty surgery.For the body, these same rules of thumb apply. Simply send well-framed photographs of your troublesome area (whether it be your hips, abdomen or breasts) in an AP, oblique and lateral view. Make sure that the photographs are taken at the appropriate distance-it is important that Dr. Haworth can get a sense of how your breasts, for example, relate to the width of your hips and waist. If the photographs are taken too close, anatomic proportion may be very difficult to assess.
If you have any questions on what photos to send, please contact our office using the links on the right side of this page.

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Dr. Fiorillo's Wellness Center & Training Studio Opens!

Dr. Fiorillo is a board certified plastic surgeon in Pearl River, NY. He has recently opened his own personal wellness center and training studio in Pearl River, NY with the hopes of improving the lives’ of his patients on a natural level. Dr. Fiorillo believes total body health and wellness is a combination of improving your body both inside and out.

He is becoming a pioneer in his field by giving all his patients the healthy, natural way to improve their appearance before surgery. Most people would never link a plastic surgeon to a wellness center, but with the obesity/overweight epidemic in America now, the two are closely intertwined. It's only when more people who are obese or overweight decide to live a healthier lifestyle, through eating well and exercising, the need for plastic surgery increases due to excess skin.

As people lose upwards of 50-200 lbs, there becomes a need for excess skin to be removed surgically. At Dr. Fiorillo’s Wellness Center & Training Studio the patient can now lose the weight they wanted or just become healthier through proper nutrition and exercise. If cosmetic surgery is needed after the patients' lifestyle improvement then that is where Dr. Fiorillo’s expertise in cosmetic surgery comes in.

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What To Do If You Need Breast Augmentation Revision

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Proper Symmastia Repair

This last and successful revision surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas DeWire

Immediately after my breast augmentation (in March 99) there was a raised area between my breasts which gradually got worse. I had a surgery 8 months later to correct it. It did not take. The first picture is pre-op. The second picture is how I looked after surgery. The third picture is immediately after my first redo, which did not work. Finally, the fourth picture is how I look now, despite corrective surgery. I am looking for the right surgeon to have it corrected the right way.

Note: This condition can occur in women who undergo submuscular breast augmentation when the muscle that is attached to the sternum and goes horizontally across the implants has been cut by the surgeon. When this occurs, everything can appear fine immediately after surgery. Within a few days, however, the pressure of post-operative swelling forces the implant to move and since the muscle that would hold the implant or implants away from the cleavage area has been cut, the implants move toward the center. As a result of the pressure the tissue can lift from the sternum and allow the implants to move into the center, causing the appearance of one large implant across the chest (hence the term "breadloafing").

Repair: To repair symmastia, the implants will be removed, typically through a crease incision and corrective work needs to be done and it should be done on the inside. If your doctor recommends external sutures (see photos), please consult a second plastic surgeon. External sutures, which involve sutures from the outside and down into the sternum, will cause additional and significant scarring in the cleavage area and the chances of the external repair being successful are minimal.

The correct repair of symmastia is an internal repair. The surgeon will cut scar tissue out of the cleavage area and roll it back into the pocket. These "rolls" will give the surgeon something to put permanent sutures into and the thickness of the rolls will give strength.

Below is a drawing submitted to us by a patient with symmastia and who is awaiting corrective surgery. The x's represent sutures. The surgeon will reattach the muscle with a row of permanent sutures. Then, the surgeon will put a row of permanent sutures in the cleavage area running down the side of each breast, curving at the bottom to make it look as natural as possible. Then, the surgeon will put a row of dissolvable sutures on each side of the cleavage. This will help to hold the cleavage down until the raw surfaces have time to heal together. This can cause the skin to pucker, but when the stitches dissolve, the skin smoothes back out. Then the implants are placed back in and the bottom of the breast is resutured.

After corrective surgery, your surgeon may recommend wearing the "Thong Bra" for at least two months to help apply pressure and keep the area stable until everything has time to heal. (T back sports bra worn backwards).

The patient featured above had this to say about her condition and the apparently incorrect repair that was done:

"My redo picture shows exactly how the surgery should NOT be done. I think it is important for women to know that if their doctor describes putting external sutures in, they should find a new doctor. My condition is worse now, and I have scars between my breasts. I've paid $6,000 total for this plus time off of work. I haven't been able to wear the triangle top bikini I've always dreamed about. In fact, I can't even wear normal tank tops or V-necks anymore because this is VERY obvious. I won't even let my fiancé see me topless. This has been a very difficult 10 months. Just when i though all my insecurities about me chest were going to vanish...they got about 1000 times worse.

Thank you so much for adding the "augmentation problems" part to the website. I felt so alone until 2 women with Symmastia finally responded to my posts on the forum, the chances of finding them were almost nothing. This area of the website will give comfort to many women knowing they are not alone.

The last picture on the right is the 2 month post-op view after this patient's correct repair with Dr. DeWire from Virginia.

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Symmastia of Breast Implants - Correction with Surgery

Medial confluence of the breasts, known as symmastia, occurs when two breast implants touch or are very close to one another in the center of the chest just above the sternum in the cleavage area. This occurrence, which can produce a web across the midline, is commonly referred to as bread loafing or uniboob, giving the appearance of tow breasts connected underneath the skin as the skin and tissue is pushed up. A possible consequence of unopposed muscle action with overzealous medial release causing aesthetic disfigurement and additional issues with discomfort and apparel problems, symmastia is a difficult surgical complication to address.

Patients with multiple breast operations, excessively large implants or overaggressive medial dissection are susceptible to developing symmastia. Symmastia seems to be more prevalent among thin women mainly due to the fact that thin women usually have less tissue or fat covering the sternum. Also, patients with pectus excavatum, a depressed breastbone, are more prone to symmastia. Pectus excavatum may cause the implants to slope inward, toward the cleavage area, creating more pressure on the tissues in that area, resulting in symmastia. Attempts to increase cleavage by releasing the soft tissues or inner origins of the pectoralis muscles lead to symmastia by surgically interrupting the natural barriers of tissue and muscle at the medial location of the breasts where the cleavage is normally defined. For instance, if the horizontal muscle, which lies on top of the sternum dividing the implants, is cut, then the possibility of the implants settling towards the middle of the chest is increased. This complication may occur when implants are placed either underneath or above the pectoral muscle.

Symmastia is difficult to treat and recurrence is common. Correction requires combined restoration of the initial presternal subcutaneous integrity and medial closure of the pocket. In order to repair symmastia, the space between the 2 implants must be securely closed off. The combination of medial closure of the breast implant pockets and suturing of the preseternal soft tissue to the sternum periosteum provides one satisfactory option to the surgical reconstruction of symmastia.

Often, it is necessary to “open” the breast implant pocket laterally (to the sides) to decrease pressure along the cleavage area. There are several methods used to correct the deformity, such as allogenic dermal grafting, fibrin-based tissue glue, and delayed filling of an adjustable implant.

Before the surgical procedure, careful markings are done with the patient in the upright and laying position. Often, symmastia co-exists with other breast implant malposition problems and breast asymmetry. These issues should be addressed as well.

In the operating room, the implants are removed and the external drawings are transposed internally with needle and dye technique (tattoo). This allows accurate placement of sutures to close off the overly expanded breast implant pocket. Prior to suture placement, however, the excess breast implant pocket capsule (scar) is removed (capsulectomy). This creates a “raw” surface that may help with tissue adhesion/scar formation and decrease the risk of re-occurrence of the symmastia. The edges of capsule remaining are sutured to one another (capsuloraphy). Often, a “mirror image” capsulectomy is required to expand the pocket laterally, decreasing pressure on the symmastia correction and improving appearance and position of the nipple-areola on the breast mound. A temporary breast implant sizer is placed and inflated to assess for correct positioning of the sutures and correction of the implant malposition.
Once satisfactory correction / appearance are achieved, additional sutures are placed for reinforcement of the repair. Finally, the implants are inserted and placed back in to the new pocket and the incision is resutured. After corrective surgery, the patient is instructed to wear a t-back sports bra or “thong bra” for at least two months. This brassiere is utilized to help apply pressure and assists in keeping the area stable allowing the area to heal and aiding in recovery.\
After this specific surgery, patients must be extremely careful to allow for full recovery.

Below are some of Dr. Pousti’s symmastia correction patients who are very happy with their results.

This 21 year old patient from Bonita, California came to see Dr. Pousti for revisionary surgery. She had gone to Mexico for her first surgery and ended up with symmastia of the breasts. Symmastia - commonly referred to as "breadloafing" or "uni-boob", occurs when two implants touch one another in the center of the chest. If the horizontal muscle that is connected to the sternum and goes across the implant is cut during surgery, then the implant can move toward the middle of the chest. Symmastia results from overly aggressive attempts to alter chestwall anatomy trying to increase cleavage in patients. This outcome is made worse by use of larger implants in thin patients, and is a problem for implants over or under the muscle, though submuscular implant placement allows the muscle to provide some softening of the transition to the cleavage area from the augmented breast mound. She wanted a good cosmetic surgeon in San Diego who was board certified and found Dr. Pousti. She has just recently gone through symmastia reconstruction and is allowing us to show her progress. This 30-year-old patient from Claremont, California has come to Dr. Pousti in need of revisionary surgery of her breast implant placement. Symmastia - commonly referred to as "breadloafing" or "uni-boob", occurs when two implants touch one another in the center of the chest. If the horizontal muscle that is connected to the sternum and goes across the implant is cut during surgery, then the implant can move toward the middle of the chest. Symmastia results from overly aggressive attempts to alter chestwall anatomy trying to increase cleavage in patients. This patient is 2 months post-op correction of her symmastia and bottoming out, removal of breast implants and breast reaugmentation surgery with 600 cc silicone gel implants made by the Mentor Corporation. This 25 year old patient from Palm Desert, California had her first breast augmentation surgery performed in Mexico. A few months after getting her breast implants, she noticed that she had developed symmastia (the implants were touching down the mid-line) and her implants were bottoming out. She had a uni-boob(as some call it). The patient was extremely upset about the results and worried about having revisionary surgery. Symmastia - commonly referred to as "breadloafing" or "uni-boob", occurs when two implants touch one another in the center of the chest. If the horizontal muscle that is connected to the sternum and goes across the implant is cut during surgery, then the implant can move toward the middle of the chest. Symmastia results from overly aggressive attempts to alter chestwall anatomy trying to increase cleavage in patients. This outcome is made worse by use of larger implants in thin patients, and is a problem for implants over or under the muscle, though submuscular implant placement allows the muscle to provide some softening of the transition to the cleavage area from the augmented breast mound. She found Dr. Pousti through her sister who had surgery and was very pleased with her results. She had bottoming out of both breast implants, encapsulation of both sides (left > right), and the areola were displaced laterally on both sides. This patient is ONLY 1 week and 3 months out of surgery so there is still some bruising and swelling but we can see what an amazing result she achieved. This patient chose to have silicone gel implants. She is VERY HAPPY with her results.
This 28-year-old patient from Bellflower California (Los Angeles Area) has had 3 pervious breast augmentation surgeries. Her original surgery was 9 years ago in Mexico. Unfortunately she has developed symmastia. She had come to Dr. Pousti for correction of her symmastia. This patient is 2 months post-op correction of symmastia, breast reaugmentation with silicone gel implants filled to 400 cc on both the left and right side made by the Mentor Corporation. This patient is very happy with her results.
This 20-year-old patient from Orange, California (Orange County) came to Dr. Pousti with symmastia. Symmastia - commonly referred to as "breadloafing" or "uni-boob", occurs when two implants touch one another in the center of the chest. If the horizontal muscle that is connected to the sternum and goes across the implant is cut during surgery, then the implant can move toward the middle of the chest. Symmastia results from overly aggressive attempts to alter chest wall anatomy trying to increase cleavage in patients. This patient needed revisionary surgery of her breast implant placement. Dr. Pousti has removed her breast implants, corrected her symmastia and replaced her breast implants with 450 cc silicone gel implants made by the Mentor Corporation. This patient pictures have been taken in the OR, as she continues to heal we will update her pictures.

Article Contributed by Dr. Tom Pousti, San Diego, CA

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Dana Littleton's Cosmetic Surgery with Dr. Hedden

Dana Littleton Before and After Breast Augmentation Dana Littleton had breast augmentation with Dr. Hedden after changing her lifestyle and losing weight as part of the O Health Challenge. She has been featured in national magazines Good Houskeeping and Oprah Magazine and is a motivational speaker.

Dana says Dr. Hedden gave her a gift she couldn't give herself. She had lost 118 pounds, had gone from a size 22 to a 4/6 and had been featured in the January 2004 issue of Oprah Magazine as well as on the Oprah Show. She travels the country and does interviews worldwide concerning her weight loss as well as motivating others through her faith. She is currently working on a book as well as modeling.

So, as you can see, Dana is quite driven. But Dana says, "I could run to Texas and back, and not grow a chest." Dr. Hedden helped Dana go from a 32AA to a lower C. She is thrilled with the results, and feels that her new breasts are a reward for all the pounds lost!

She is a new women, and enjoys telling women that she speaks to just how pampering and rewarding it is to have an area fixed that has plagued you. Dr. Hedden offers many services to help women look and feel beautiful, but Dana says, "I was amazed by his sincere kindness and gentle nature. He made me feel very comfortable, and he is blessed with amazing God-given talent. I will tell everyone how wonderful I feel and now look after Dr. Hedden so graciously helped me!"

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Terrye Tebbetts Breast Augmentation Q&A 9-15-2010

Breast Augmentation Q&A with Author Terrye Tebbetts Join ImplantInfo.com for a live discussion featuring author and patient educator Terrye Tebbetts. Terrye will be providing real time responses to questions on breast augmentation surgery and breast implants from 8pm CT to 10pm CT on ImplantInfo's "Ask the Doctor" forum.

Terry will also be giving away free copies of her book, The Best Breast 2, during the live Q&A. Simply ask a question during the session then email a copy of your question along with your address to Terrye at TTebbetts@plastic-surgery.com to receive your free copy of The Best Breast 2.

Terrye has been a patient educator and advocate for more than 20 years. Join her on ImplantInfo.com to learn about the most recent advances in breast implants and breast augmentation. She will also help you prepare for your consultation by making sure you ask the right questions when you see your plastic surgeon. 

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Women Choose Silicone Breast Implants More Than 2 to 1 Over Saline

That was the question asked by ImplantInfo.com in its nationwide poll of almost 500 women about to go under the knife. They chose silicone gel breast implants more than 2 to 1 over saline breast implants. When the FDA approved silicone gel breast implants on November 17, 2006, ImplantInfo.com’s breast augmentation discussion board moderators noticed that choosing between silicone and saline breast implants immediately became one of the biggest topics of discussion. Women argued passionately over the merits (and demerits) of both breast implant types. The history of silicone gel in the United States and the very public issues surrounding old silicone gel breast implants contributed heavily to the emotional tenor of some of the discussions.

In the last year, ImplantInfo.com’s moderators noticed a distinct change in the tenor of the conversations about silicone and saline breast implants. As more women posted about their positive experiences with the new silicone gel breast implants, the arguments grew less passionate and the choices seemed increasingly to favor silicone. The poll results back up those observations with strong empirical evidence.

ImplantInfo received 481 responses from women who were planning to have breast augmentation surgery. Of the total, 278 women, or 58% , elected silicone breast implants. Only 115 women, or 24%, chose saline breast implants. Interestingly, 82 women, or 17%, were still undecided. Only 6 women out of 481 said they did not care if they received silicone or saline breast implants. Plastic surgeons seem to be seeing the same choices in their practices. Dr. Richard Baxter of Seattle, WA says, “Our practice is 3 to 1 silicone to saline and it converted pretty quickly after FDA approval.” When asked why, Dr. Baxter pointed out that he participated in the adjunct study of silicone breast implants. “We were able to tell women that we used silicone for 10 years. That gave them the confidence to choose silicone breast implants.” While silicone breast implants may be more popular than saline, there are valid reasons, both medical and emotional, for wanting saline breast implants. For example, Dr. Baxter uses saline breast implants when a woman has a small size discrepancy because he can fine tune the amount of saline fill to give her symmetrical breasts.

Saline breast implants cost less than silicone breast implants. If breast augmentation cost is an issue, saline may be a better option. This can be especially true if the patient has a lot of natural padding to cover the breast implant. Women with a lot of breast tissue to cover the implant won’t be able to feel the implant itself beneath the natural breast tissue says Dr. Baxter. Finally, emotion can play a part in the decision too. Some women simply don't want to put silicone breast implants in their body. For those women, saline lets them sleep better at night.

Many women closely follow the status of the FDA trials for form stable silicone gel breast implants, more commonly known as “gummy bear” breast implants. These are the next generation of silicone gel breast implants. While widely anticipated, they may not be for everyone. Dr. Baxter states that they may only be appropriate in 15-20% of cases, for example in women who have an oval rather than a round base. You should discuss gummy bear breast implants carefully with your plastic surgeon if you think you are interested in them. While fashions change and medical technology continues to improve, women seem to have fallen in love with silicone gel breast implants. The move to silicone and away from saline happened quickly and, so far, seems very successful. Come to ImplantInfo.com’s discussion boards and find out for yourself what women are saying! Silicone Gel Resource Center
Long Term Care of Silicone Gel Breast Implants
What Size Should I Be
Silicone Breast Implants vs. Saline Breast Implants

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Choosing Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Dr. Teitelbaum is an internationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon known for his expertise in breast augmentation. He has extensive experience working with both saline and silicone implants, having helped design and test the most current models, and he lectures and teaches other surgeons how to perform breast augmentation surgery and achieve the best results with minimal pain and recovery time.

• Expertise. Dr. Teitelbaum is the only surgeon in the state of California, and perhaps the only in the United States to have participated in the clinical studies of the newest generation of breast implants (also known as “cohesive”, “gummy-bear”, or “form-stable” implants) for all three implant manufacturers—Mentor, McGhan (now Allergan), and Silimed (now Sientra.) He also testified at the FDA hearings on silicone gel breast implants. As a result, he has among the most clinical research experience of any physician in the U.S. with these implants, and he has taught plastic surgeons in the U.S. and overseas how to use these implants.

In the past few years, Dr. Teitelbaum has given over fifty lectures to other plastic surgeons on breast augmentation and breast implant revision surgery—including talks across the U.S. and in Brazil, England, Malaysia, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, and Sweden. He also teaches plastic surgery to residents at the UCLA Medical School.

Dr. Teitelbaum has published several recent articles on breast augmentation in the most prestigious plastic surgery journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—including, among others, a landmark paper on reducing the need for patients to have multiple operations, and analyzing how breasts can be damaged by improperly sized breast implants. He has written recent textbook chapters on both initial and revision breast augmentation surgery.

Dr. Teitelbaum is a principal figure in creating the curricula used to teach other surgeons how to select the proper implants for each patient and achieve the most-natural results. He invented a device to aid surgeons in implant selection and was awarded a US Patent in 2010. He is a lead instructor in the breast augmentation course offered to plastic surgeons at the annual meeting of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

• Patients. Dr. Teitelbaum is cosmetic surgeon to a number of influential people, models, and celebrities, but he is most proud to often be chosen by other physicians for themselves or their families. Dr. Teitelbaum is also frequently referred difficult cases from other top surgeons in the U.S. and around the world. Finally, Dr. Teitelbaum is often chosen by employees of breast-implant manufacturers—people who observe many plastic surgeons and have access to the results achieved with their products. Following a 2007 review of his clinical trial results by a two-person evaluation team that travels countrywide to review all surgical results for a particular implant—Dr. Teitelbaum received this note: “Jennifer is not given to false praise—what she told you about your work was truly from the heart, and I agree with her. You have that very unique gift which enables you to produce spectacular results over and over again.”

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Breast Reconstruction Basics: What You Should Know About Post Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

When you first hear the diagnosis of breast cancer, the decisions about treatment can seem overwhelming. In most cases though there is no urgency to decide; you have time to learn about your options. The time to discuss breast reconstruction is at the beginning, since it can affect the decision about whether or not to have a mastectomy. Here, we’ll take you from wondering to feeling wonderful – with information, pointers and tips to help you get from before and during (to after) breast reconstruction surgery with dignity, confidence and grace. Read entire breast reconstruction article.

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VIDEO: Breast Reduction Testimonial for Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Hoefflin

Kelly, a breast reduction and lift patient of Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Hoefflin, recounts her story in this video. See how Dr. Hoefflin made Kelly's life better by reducing the size of her breasts but keeping them proportional with the rest of her body. You will see from this breast reduction video that Kelly is ecstatic with Dr. Hoefflin's performance and care. Kelley went from a DDD to a size that fits her frame perfectly. You will also see that Dr. Hoefflin elevated her breasts and nipples to a more youthful position, improving her profile making her look younger.

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Save $500 When You Schedule Cosmetic Surgery by The End of the Year

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. James Murphy Save $500 when you schedule your cosmetic surgery procedure by the end of 2010.  You must schedule the surgery by year's end but you can have the procedure later.  Your consultation with Dr. Murphy is complimentary.

Some restrictions apply. Call or e-mail our office to learn more about getting the best value in cosmetic surgery!

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New York Plastic Surgeon Dr. Alan Engler Featured on the Style Network

New York City Plastic Surgeon Dr. Alan Engler Dr. Alan Engler, a New York City plastic surgeon, was featured on the Style Network for his breast augmentation skills. In this video, you see Dr. Engler consulting with a patient about breast implants and breast augmentation. You will also get a good laugh as the patient and her friend have some very funny moments. Use the video controls below to play, pause or skip through parts of the video. This video is hosted by Vimeo and was made available by Dr. Alan Engler, a New York City plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation with breast implants.

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Calobrace Plastic Surgery Center Micropeel Special

Micropeel Special Combat winter dryness and improve your skin with our micropeel special. Normally $150.00 now $120.00. Receive 10% off products to enhance your results.

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Preparing For Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

Decisions about breast implant type, size, incision, and pocket location will have a permanent effect on your breasts. Too often these decisions are based upon “patient choice” or “surgeon preference,” rather than the conclusions of the best scientific articles. As an astute observer of the unfortunate decisions that contributed to the problems he sees in revision augmentation patients, Dr. Teitelbaum will counsel you to make the decisions that will help you achieve the most beautiful result in both the short and long term. Three breast implant types are available: saline filled, silicone filled, and the so-called gummy bear. The natural feel of silicone filled implants has made them the most commonly used of all. Saline implants are available for patients who remain fearful of silicone (though the concerns of the 1990’s have been put to rest.) The highly cohesive or “gummy bear” implants are not FDA approved and patients wanting them are required to be a part of an investigational trial. Dr. Teitelbaum is a participant in all of the cohesive implant trials and will discuss with you whether these implants will be good for you (see additional sheet about these implants.) Deciding upon implant size is often difficult for patients and surgeons, but it actually should be very straightforward. Each breast has an ideal implant size if the goal is to make the breast look full and beautifully shaped. If a much smaller implant is used, the breast will not be full and the upper part will look empty. If a much larger implant is selected, the breast will look stuffed, round, bulgy on top, and less natural. This is true regardless of implant type and surgery technique.

If you want a natural look, or if you selected Dr. Teitelbaum because you were impressed with his beautiful results, allow him to size you based upon your measurements. Dr. Teitelbaum has taught sizing to many surgeons and received a patent in 2010 for an implant sizing device, so you can trust that his analysis will create the most beautiful breast possible. Some patients accept Dr. Teitelbaum’s suggestion because they realize he knows what will be the prettiest for their breasts. If patients are concerned that they could end up larger or smaller than they wish, he has them try on implants and see a 3D simulation of their results.

If you want to be larger than what the measurements determined is best for you, you must understand that to do so means that you will look more stuffed and round. If you want to be smaller, you must understand you will look less full. Going larger than ideal does not just mean that you will look less natural; it will lead to more skin stretch and thinning of your breast tissue from pressure, leading to problems years from now that can be impossible to correct. Dr. Teitelbaum has published articles on this topic and makes it a priority to help his patients avoid these sorts of problems.

The significance of the incision is far more than the resulting scar. Each incision involves different risks, recoveries, and long term results. Data has emerged demonstrating a substantial advantage for the underneath the breast (inframammary) incision. There is a better chance the implants will be accurately placed; there is a lower chance of the breasts becoming hard; there is a lower chance of needing another operation; the scar can be reused for any revision in the future; and the scar is often the most inconspicuous. He has experience with and can offer you all the incisions, but because the preponderance of data now favors the inframammary incision, he will probably suggest that to you. Dr. Teitelbaum will usually suggest the “dual plane” pocket, in which the implant is partially behind your muscle. This is one of the latest developments in breast augmentation surgery and Dr. Teitelbaum has written about it and taught other surgeons how to control the extent of muscle coverage to optimize shape. It allows maximization of coverage where necessary and enhancement of shape where desired, thereby realizing the benefits of both the in front and the behind the pockets. This optimizes breast shape, minimizes implant visibility, helps with mammograms, and reduces the chance of capsular contracture.

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FDA Reiterates That Breast Implants Are Safe

FDA Reaffirms Breast Implant Safety The FDA released another report on silicone gel breast implants that again reaffirmed their safety. Yesterday’s FDA statement concluded that silicone gel breast implants are safe and effective when used as labeled in breast augmentation. The FDA admits that there can be complications in some cases, but that the risks are well known and well understood by women. Specifically, the FDA’s conclusion is as follows: Based on the totality of the evidence, the FDA believes that silicone gel-filled breast implants have a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness when used as labeled. Despite frequent local complications and adverse outcomes, the benefits and risks of breast implants are sufficiently well understood for women to make informed decisions about their use. Manufacturers and physicians should continue to provide balanced and up-to-date information to women considering breast implants to help inform their decisions.
The FDA also noted that there was no apparent association between silicone gel breast implants and illnesses such as connective tissue disease, breast cancer or reproductive problems. In addition, the FDA concluded that breast implants do not hinder breast feeding nor do they pose risks for children who are breast fed. Silicone gel breast implants were pulled off the market in 1992 over fears that leaking silicone gel caused significant illnesses like the ones mentioned above. The allegations led to litigation and multi-billion dollar settlements, but scientists were never able to determine that the allegations had merit.

The FDA based its opinion on many studies done over a number of years. The largest studies were those begun in 2006 by Allergan’s Natrelle unit and Johnson and Johnson’s Mentor unit. Natrelle and Mentor are the two largest breast implant manufacturers in the United States. Both units are based in California.

The FDA’s recommendations include reviewing the literature about breast implants that will be provided to you by your plastic surgeon. While we believe this is important, we also believe that you should talk about the risks and benefits of breast implants with your plastic surgeon. A discussion with a trained, board certified plastic surgeon will give you much more information on breast implants than a simple brochure. According to Mentor,

We concur with the FDA that women should fully understand there are potential risks associated with breast implants, and they should discuss risks and benefits with their plastic surgeon prior to breast augmentation or reconstruction.
The FDA’s release is just another piece of good news for those with or considering breast implants. It is possible that breast implants are the single most studied medical device in history. The fact that the FDA repeatedly deems them “safe and effective” should help women to feel confident about breast augmentation surgery. While breast implants do have risks that should be understood, a discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon will help you to determine if breast implants are right for you.

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VIDEO: Dr. Hoefflin and His Patient Julie Discuss Breast Augmentation

Julie, a breast augmentation patient of Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Hoefflin, discusses her experience in this video. Dr. Hoefflin also explains his approach to breast augmentation in simple terms. He discusses breast implant size, incision location and other aspects of breast augmentation.

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VIDEO: Meet Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Hoefflin

This short video introduces Dr. Jeffrey Hoefflin and his practice. Dr. Hoefflin is a board certified plastic surgeon practicing in Los Angeles, just down the street from Beverly Hills. He specializes in all aspects of facial, breast, and body rejuvenation procedures. View his professional offices and state-of-the-art surgery center while learning about him and his staff.

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Breast Implants and Cancer - “Here we go again?”

FDA, Breast Implants and ALCL It’s all over the news and you have probably heard it: the FDA is concerned that there may be a link between breast implants and a very rare form of cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). According to the FDA, they are aware of 60 cases worldwide and 34 cases in the United States where woman who have breast implants also have ALCL. The FDA points out that they do not know if breast implants actually cause ALCL. The following quotation comes directly from the FDA’s white paper on breast implants and ALCL:

Based on available information, it is not possible to confirm with statistical certainty that breast implants cause ALCL. Because ALCL is so rare, even in breast implant patients, a definitive study would need to collect data on hundreds of thousands of women for more than 10 years. Even then, causality may not be conclusively established. (FDA, “Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) In Women with Breast Implants: Preliminary FDA Findings and Analyses, January 2011)

If you would like to read the whole FDA white paper, you may do so by clicking the following link: FDA White Paper on Breast Implants and ALCL. You may also download a PDF version here.

Approximately 10 million women worldwide have breast implants yet the FDA is aware of only 60 cases of ALCL that could possibly be related to breast implants. Both Dr. Philip Haeck, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News Chief Health and Medical Editor, state that your chances of getting struck by lightning are greater than your chances of getting ALCL from breast implants. The first thing is, do not panic! 60 cases out of 10 million breast implant patients is a tiny, tiny percentage - 0.0006%. If you feel good, you don’t need to do anything. The FDA says, “There is no need for women with breast implants to change their routine medical care and follow-up. ALCL is very rare; it has occurred in only a very small number of the millions of women who have breast implants.”

Most cases reviewed by the FDA were diagnosed when patients sought medical treatment for breast implant-related symptoms such as pain, lumps, swelling, or asymmetry that developed after their initial surgical sites were fully healed. If you have any of these symptoms, go see your plastic surgeon and have him examine your breasts and ascertain the condition of your breast implants.

In some ways, this media outburst harkens back to the Silicone Gel outburst years ago. The FDA pulled Silicone Breast Implants from the market, then allowed them back on the market after a 15 year ban. It turned out that they were safe all along and the outcry had no basis. Silicone gel breast implants were never pulled from the market in Europe because the science didn’t back up the ban. Perhaps our FDA has leaned its lesson. In its news release on January 26, 2011, the FDA states, “...the existing data support the continued marketing and use of breast implants.”

While it is still early in the examination of ALCL, let’s hope that the FDA continues to proceed rationally and doesn’t simply jump to conclusions the way they did in 1991. After all, women should have the right to choose the way they look and feel.

It is worth re-reading this insightful editorial on the silicone gel breast implant ban by Steve Chapman. This was originally printed in the Chicago Tribune in 2006, but has direct applicability to today’s breast implant and ALCL issue. Recovering, Finally, From the Breast Implant Panic

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2011 Discounts & Special Offers from Northern Nevada Plastic Surgery, Reno, NV

Rnno, NV: Northern Nevada Plastic Surgery Why not start 2011 off right with special offers from Dr. Murphy and Dr. Strand of Northern Nevada Plastic Surgery, Reno, NV?  Schedule your surgery with Northern Nevada Plastic Surgery and receive a spa package, good for one year, at Renew MD, Reno's most complete medical spa. Services include, massage, facials, and infrared sauna.

In addition, there are discounts for booking surgery within 45 days of your consultation and cash payment for your procedure..

Some restrictions apply. Call or e-mail our office to learn more about getting the best value in cosmetic plastic surgery and medical spa services!

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VIDEO: Dr. James Murphy, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon - Reno, NV - Patient Testimonials

Dr. Murphy and the staff at Northern Nevada Plastic Surgery are committed to providing the very finest in breast augmentation, breast lift and breast rediction surgery available today. We believe cosmetic surgery involves the emotional as well as physical well being. Our relaxed, yet professional staff is here to meet all of your needs. Please view the following video, to see Dr Murphy and his staff, and listen to actual patient testimonies.

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VIDEO: Breast Augmentation Revision with Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon Dr. Hoefflin

Los Angeles breast augmentation revision video testimonial for Dr. Jeffrey Hoefflin tells how he was able to help this mother feel sexier and more confident. Molly tell why she elected to have breast augmentation revision; why she chose Dr. Hoefflin; and tells us how happy she is with her results. Hers is a story similar to many mothers who are unhappy with the shape of their breasts after breast feeding. It is common for breasts to become droopy and less perky after breast feeding, even in women with breast implants. Learn how Molly and Dr. Hoefflin solved her problems and gave her great, youthful looking breasts. Also learn how Dr. Hoefflin's rapid recovery techniques helped Molly get back to work in only 2 days with virtually no pain medication.

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