Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Blog | Dr. Linderman

 The majority of women who choose to have a breast augmentation are concerned that their breasts are too small, or disproportionate to the size of the rest of their body. Some just want a different breast contour. Whatever the desired final result, however, the size of the implant used is vital to achieve a satisfactory outcome.

Most women who return for additional breast surgery after an augmentation do so because they're still unhappy with the size of their breasts. In most cases, they wish to go to a slightly larger size than they initially chose. Thus it's very important to discuss in detail what results you expect to achieve with your breast augmentation.

There are several factors to consider when determining the ideal size breast implant for your body. Dr. Richard Linderman uses a custom sizing method that takes into account:

• Your body type
  
• Specific body measurements
  
• The elasticity of your skin
  

With these personalized calculations, he can recommend the maximum size augmentation that will be in proper proportion to your body and improve the shape and profile of your breasts.

For additional information about choosing the right size implants, and about breast augmentation in general, please contact Dr. Linderman at our Indianapolis, Indiana plastic surgery offices at 317-848-5400. Consultations are confidential, and Dr. Linderman offers free initial consultations. With over thirty years of experience and over 7,000 surgeries, Dr. Linderman will be sure your breast augmentation is everything you want it to be.

Following breast augmentation a small number of patients may develop scar tissue around the breast implant. This is called capsular contracture and depending upon the severity of the scarring surgical intervention may be indicated to correct this conditions. Capsulectomy refers to the procedure of removing the scar capsule around the breast implant. In most cases it is preferable to remove the entire scar, which is called a total capsulectomy as opposed to just incising the scar termed a capsulotomy.

The type of implant, size of implant, amount of breast tissue present and implant location in relation to the chest wall muscle affect how your breast implants feel. Larger implants will stretch the overlying skin more and make the implants more palpable. Thin skin and minimal breast tissue provide less coverage over the implant. The more coverage obtained by placing the implant under the pectoral muscle, having more breast tissue and thicker skin will provide a better feel. The most important factor in a natural feel of the breasts is probably implant type. Silicone gel implants because of their higher viscosity more closely mimic the feel of breast tissue. This is an advantage of silicone gel implants. They also have drawbacks.

Some things you should ask your cosmetic surgeon:

• What are the risks and complications with my surgery?

• How long is the recovery period and what can I expect?

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure and are my expectations realistic?

• Will I need to take time off work and if so , how long?

• Remember there are no stupid questions. Take your time to find answers to all of your questions so both you and your plastic surgeon are comfortable with you decision.

The answer to this question depends on the clothing you are wearing and the condition of your tummy prior to tummy tuck surgery. In the vast majority cases the answer is yes as skin quality and tightness are significantly improved. I take great care in proper positioning of the postoperative scar to place in your bathing suit line so this will not be visible. Patients with larger amounts of excess skin and fatty deposits may have even more dramatic results. All patients have some postoperative swelling which may take several months to resolve. Overall, scar maturation, softening and fading may take up to a year and a half after tummy tuck surgery.

Over the last several years and increasing popularity of reality shows on television, the term Extreme Makeover has been used to describe various cosmetic surgical techniques performed on different areas of the body in a single surgical session. Common combinations include breast surgery, tummy tuck and liposuction. Other examples are multiple facial procedures such as facelift, brow lift and eyelid surgery. With the advent of bariatric surgery and extreme weight loss, patients present with multiple areas of skin excess. Removal of skin from the entire trunk with a body lift and breast lift surgery may be performed in one operative session. The combinations are limitless and the results that can be obtained can be marvelous.

Considering an Extreme Makeover?

The first question to consider is not whether the surgery can be done but whether it can be performed SAFELY while minimizing risks and
complications. In considering a patient for an extreme makeover, the surgeon must determine if the patient has realistic expectations and can he achieve them. Most importantly what is the patient’s overall health and are there additional risk factors such as smoking, diabetes or heart disease. The patient’s age, weight and history of previous surgical problems must be considered. Has your surgeon had significant experience in performing extreme makeovers? Having performed multiple extreme makeovers in my 30 years of practice, I generally will limit the length of anesthesia to six hours as it has been shown that complications do increase as the length of an operation exceeds this time period.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Extreme Makeover?

Combining surgeries in a single operative session allows multiple areas of treatment and a single recovery but the recovery may be slightly longer. Overall surgical, anesthesia and facility fees are less. Risks may be slightly higher but in properly selected patients, it is my opinion it is worthwhile to combine surgical procedures. If you are considering an Extreme Makeover, contact cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Richard Linderman

Aesthetic surgery refers to the subspecialty of plastic surgery which improves body parts and shapes and counteract the effects of aging. Cosmetic surgery attempts to alter and improve that which is normal as opposed to reconstructive surgery which attempts to or make normal that which has been damaged or is abnormal. Body contouring, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and facial rejuvenation are all procedures that are cosmetic surgery.

Although not as common, men present for liposuction surgery of areas such as the abdomen, hips or "love handles", chest and neck. Males present a slightly different problem to the plastic surgeon as the localized fats deposits that concern them tend to be more fibrous in nature and more difficult to remove with standard liposuction and tumescent. Ultrasonic liposuction is particularly effective in these areas to remove this type and fat and aid in skin retraction.