The issue of breast implant safety has been a hot topic throughout the last few decades.  As a result, more stringent standards have emerged in order to protect patients.  Current breast implant procedures primarily use silicone shell implants filled with a saline solution.   An implant will rarely rupture or leak.  With saline implants, the saline is safely absorbed into the body. 

    In the early 90’s there was a period call the “implant crisis” when silicone implants were erroneously associated with autoimmune diseases and other illnesses. Scientific studies during the last decade have  confirmed that there is no association with silicone breast implants and such diseases. As a matter of fact, the silicone gel implants were returned to full market availability in the United States in November 2006. 

    Other possible complications from breast implant surgery may include blood clotting or pooling, overly sensitive breasts or loss of sensation in the breasts, and capsular contracture (a hardening of the tissues surrounding the implant).  Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation a smooth one.  We take every necessary precautions to reduce the possibility of any complications.

    Silicone and saline implants have their own pros and cons; for example, silicone implants give the breast a more natural and softer feel. On the other hand, in some cases, the incision needs to be larger in order to insert an implant of greater capacity. Also, choosing a silicone implant will affect the type of incision and the cost of the procedure. Silicone is twice more expensive than saline implants and many patients prefer the latter because of this reason.  Saline implants might wrinkle more frequently and have a higher risk of implant palpability.

    In general, those women with some degree of sagginess of their breasts and more native breast tissue are better candidates for sub-glandular implant placement (above the muscle). Some disadvantages include a higher risk of implant wrinkling and a greater potential for implant palpability.  Those women with smaller breasts or  minor sagginess are generally better candidates for sub-muscular implant placement (below the muscle).  Advantages include less ability to feel the implant or less noticeable implant edges and wrinkling.  Its disadvantage is a slight more post operative pain.

    Placement of either silicone or saline implants under the muscle will actually help with displacement of the breast tissue allowing excellent diagnostic results with a mammogram. Beginning in their 40s, women should be screened for breast cancer with mammography every 1 to 2 years. For patient with a family history of early breast cancer mammograms are recommended beginning when they are 35 years of age.

    Every woman has her own expectations and starting point.  In order to achieve the best results,   the elasticity of the skin and the size of the rib cage have to be taken into consideration. This will limit the size of the implant that can be accommodated. When you try to exceed the limits of what the patient's body habitus can handle, it will result in a higher complication rate and an unnatural look. Also, if  breast tissues are loose,  trying to lift the breast by placing a large implant also    results in an unnatural  look and, unfortunately, a suboptimal result. This patient will require in some situations a breast lift combined with a breast augmentation.

    Patients of any age may undergo breast augmentation as long as they are healthy, free of breast cancer, and in general good condition. Women over the age of 35 or with a family history of breast cancer require a routine mammogram.

    Many women after surgery get accustomed to the swelling that generally occurs after surgery. When the swelling resolves, they miss the fuller feeling and desire to have a slightly larger  implant to compensate for the loss of the swelling.

    Our practice offers a brand new technology called the XS-300 Surgical Simulation System in photo-realistic CD that will help you see what you would look like even before your breast procedure.  This system will help you decide what implant size you want and will help you see the “new you” before the procedure is performed.  We are  the only practice in  Houston and its surroundings offering this service.

    All surgical procedures are accompanied by a certain degree of risk, whether the procedures are for medical or cosmetic reasons.  Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation go smoothly.  We carefully review your medical history and current health condition before deciding if it is safe for you to proceed with surgery.  It is important that you fully disclose all pertinent information so that we are able to make an accurate assessment of the risks involved.  We will take every necessary precaution to reduce the possibility of any complications.

    It is not uncommon to do breast enhancement procedures with a tummy tuck. This is what I call a MOMMY MAKEOVER!  This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance.  In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once.  However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications.  The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health.  Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.

    There are several important factors that come into play when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for you.  One of the most important factors is your health.  Being in good health greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during surgery and leads to a speedy recovery.  Next, you need to ask yourself what your motivations are.  People who have plastic surgery generally find that the surgery enhances their overall appearance and self-esteem.  Thirdly, you should have realistic expectations.  Plastic surgery is both a science and an art, neither of which are perfect.  Set reasonable goals as to the results you wish to achieve and be prepared to thoroughly discuss these goals during your initial consultation.

    During your consultation, we will discuss your desired changes and expectations, review your medical history and current health, and make an assessment on whether the procedure(s) in question is/are right for you.  This is a good time to ask specific questions about the procedure(s) so that you are fully prepared mentally and emotionally for surgery.  We will discuss the results that can be achieved, with the aid of photos and/or computer imaging.  When a final decision is made, you will need to sign an informed consent stating that you are fully aware and understand what is entailed by your pending operation, including the potential complications and secondary effects.