Which breast enhancement surgery is right for me?
Breast Augmentation / Enlargement Surgery with Breast Implants
Breast augmentation surgery is a popular cosmetic surgery option that increases the size and enhances the shape of the breasts. During the surgical procedure, the cosmetic surgeon makes select incisions in which to place breast implants. The size, shape, type, and texture of the breast implants will be discussed during the consultation process. Candidates for breast enlargement surgery are those who wish to increase the size of their breasts. The best candidates will be in good health and will have realistic expectations as to what this surgery can accomplish.Breast Lift Surgery
Breast lift surgery is another popular cosmetic surgery option that is designed to improve the shape and firmness of the breasts. During the surgical procedure, the cosmetic surgeon makes select incisions through which the surgeon will remove excess tissue and tighten the remaining skin. The end result is perkier, less saggy breasts. Candidates for breast lift surgery are those whose breasts are sagging or droopy as a result of weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural process of aging. As with breast enlargement surgery, the best candidates will be in good health and will have realistic expectations as to what this surgery can accomplish.Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is performed in order to reduce the size of breast that are overlarge and cumbersome. During this surgical procedure, the cosmetic surgeon makes select incisions through which the surgeon will extract excess tissue and skin. The end result is breasts that are comparatively smaller and better proportioned to a person's body. Candidates for breast reduction surgery are those with breasts that are too large for their frames who experience physical pain because of the overlarge breasts. As previously mentioned with the other breast surgeries, the best candidates will be in good health and will have realistic expectations as to what this surgery can accomplish. For more information on the above breast enhancement surgeries as well as liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), facelift, rhinoplasty, and more, it is important to speak with a skilled plastic surgeon in San Antonio or visit a San Antonio and Austin area plastic surgery office to schedule a consultation.What is facial plastic surgery?
Facelift
A facelift is a great way to eliminate the problem lines of the face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and loose or sagging skin. The procedure involves a discreetly placed incision along the hairline through which the surgeon will remove excess tissue and help tighten the skin. The procedure is sometimes combined with a forehead lift and facial fat removal for a complete facial rejuvenation.Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
If you have issues involving the shape, size, or contour of your nose, a rhinoplasty (nose job) can help address each of those issues. In fact, the surgical procedure can also be used to address respiratory problems that a patient may suffer from.Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
If you have crow's feet, bags under the eyes, or wrinkles and creases around the eyes, a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is best to address those issues. This procedure can be used to address issues with the upper eyelids or lower eyelids. The procedure can also be used to add a fold to the upper eyelids or to help improve vision that is impeded by sagging eyelids.BOTOX® Injections
If facial plastic surgery is not an option for you, you can always turn to non-surgical treatments. One of the most popular non-surgical treatments to address facial wrinkles are BOTOX® cosmetic injections. These injections help relax facial muscles so that facial wrinkles are not triggered by the tensing of these muscles. For more information on facial plastic surgery as well as liposuction, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast enlargement with breast implants, and other procedures, we encourage you to visit our San Antonio and Austin plastic surgery office.What You Should Know About Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion Treatment
Microdermabrasion is often referred to as a “lunchtime” procedure because it can be completed within an hour and requires no downtime. Patients can return to work immediately following microdermabrasion treatment. The treatment begins with the physician or aesthetician using a handheld device to spray a stream of superfine crystals against the skin. The microdermabrasion device gently suctions the crystals as it exfoliates and polishes the skin. This process gently removes the outermost layer of damaged skin, which in turn stimulates collagen growth, helping to reveal a fresh layer of healthy, younger-looking skin. Most physicians will recommend that patients undergo a course of 5-12 microdermabrasion treatments every two to three weeks to see optimal results. Treatments generally take no more than half an hour. Side effects are limited to slight redness of the skin (though makeup can be applied after the procedure to conceal any redness).Is microdermabrasion painful?
Most patients agree that microdermabrasion is not painful. The process is intended to be gentle and no numbing agents are necessary. The exfoliation may produce a warm, tingly feeling throughout the treated areas, but some patients find this to be a positive aspect of treatment (meaning it feels like it’s working). At worst, those with sensitive skin may experience a slight irritation that feels similar to mild sunburn. To learn more about microdermabrasion as well as laser hair removal, liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), facelift, rhinoplasty, or breast enlargement surgery, it is important to visit our San Antonio and Austin cosmetic surgery office to schedule a consultation.Breast Reduction Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions
How big will my breasts be after breast reduction surgery?
How big your breasts will be after a breast reduction surgery depends on how big they are now and how big you want them to be. When you have your initial consultation with the doctor prior to the surgery you both will decide how big or small you want them to be. The biggest concern is to eliminate your pain and bring you to a normal lifestyle. However, you also still want your breasts to look natural after the procedure.What happens during breast reduction surgery?
When you have breast reduction surgery the doctor will cut from underneath the breasts where the crease is so it is not noticeable and between the breasts. If your breasts are too large to the point the fatty tissue to be removed is excessive then the doctor may be required to remove the entire nipple. The risks associated with the surgery usually involve removing the nipple. However, to properly perform the breast reduction surgery the doctor may have to do so. The doctor will suction out the excess fat inside of both breasts proportionately so they match and look more natural. When the procedure is complete the doctor will stitch you back up.How much does breast reduction surgery cost?
The cost of breast reduction may be around $5,000 to $10,000 depending on how large your breasts really are. One thing to consider is talking to your doctor about the insurance company paying for the surgery. Many insurance companies will pay for breast reduction if it is causing a serious problem with living a normal lifestyle and causing too much pain.Why should I consider breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction is the only way for some women to live a normal lifestyle. Too large of breasts make it difficult to exercise, fit into clothing, and much more. The breast reduction surgery is a simple procedure depending on the amount of fat that is removed from the breasts. The surgery may also be covered by your insurance. For more information on breast reduction surgery, breast enlargement surgery with implants, liposuction, rhinoplasty, or facelift, we encourage you to speak with a skilled plastic surgeon in San Antonio.Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) - Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in blepharoplasty and what results can I expect?
During cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed from the top and bottom eyelids to make the eyes look younger and more open. A blepharoplasty can help you to see better without the excess skin, can help sagging or drooping eyelids, can help you look more awake and alive, and can help the appearance of bags around the eyes.When will I see the results from eyelid surgery?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery will allow you to see results as soon as the swelling and bruising starts to diminish. This normally takes a couple of weeks.How long will the results last that you can get from blepharoplasty?
Most of the time, the results that you get from this eyelid surgery will last for a very long time. When fat is removed, it does not regrow, which will allow you to enjoy the results for many years. Very rarely is another eyelid procedure needed.Is there any scarring that occurs from this surgical procedure?
Any surgical procedure has some scarring, but in this type of procedure, the scars are normally located in the creases of the eyes, which make them virtually invisible after they have healed. If you have surgery on the lower eyelids, the scars can even be placed inside of the eyelid, which will mean that they cannot be seen at all.How long do I have to take off of work to have this surgery?
You can go back to work within two to three weeks after surgery, but it may be a little longer until all of the swelling and discoloration is gone. To learn more about eyelid surgery as well as other cosmetic surgery options such as facelift, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), body contouring surgery, and BOTOX injections, contact our San Antonio and Austin plastic surgery office for a consultation.Breast Implants - Frequently Asked Questions
Do breast implants last forever?
Breast implants will not last you the rest of your life. When you get breast implants you should consider that you will need to have your implants replaced at some point in your life. Most experts agree that the average life span for a breast implant is about 16 years.What breast implants are better silicone or saline?
Saline implants are considered to be safer by most experts and it this point in time they are more readily available. That said, silicone implants are now much safer than they once were. In addition to this, they are more natural in appearance than saline implants.Do breast implants interfere with mammograms?
Breast implants do have the ability to interfere with mammography testing. This is true with both saline implants and silicone implants. If you have breast implants your mammography technician will take extra films and make sure the films have come out clear before they will release you from testing.How much do breast implants cost?
Getting breast implants is pricey whether you are getting saline implants or silicone implants. The average cost for breast implants is around $3,500 dollars. However, that may be greater or less depending on your geographic location, choice of surgeon and plastic surgery choices.What is recovery like after breast implants?
In general, most women return to normal activity within a few days of having their procedure. Within one week they can return to work and within three they can return to exercise. To learn more about breast augmentation surgery as well as other plastic surgery options such as breast lift surgery, liposuction, facelift, and rhinoplasty, contact our plastic surgery office serving San Antonio and Austin.Which plastic surgery procedure is right for me?
Facial Plastic Surgery
Facial plastic surgery procedures such as facelift, rhinoplasty, and cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can help turn back the clock, eliminate wrinkles and lines, and help improve the contour and shape of the nose. Your surgeon will determine which procedure or combination of procedures would be best suited to meet your needs.Body Contouring Surgery
With body contouring options such as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and liposuction, you can have that sexy, shapely figure you've always wanted and that that diet and exercise may not be able to achieve. A combination of body contouring options may be required following massive weight loss or pregnancy. In the latter case, a mommy makeover may be performed.Breast Enhancement Surgery
Breast enlargement surgery, breast lift surgery, and breast reduction surgery can all help improve your overall body contour and give your bustline the youthful, perky appearance you've always wanted. A combination of procedures (augmentation + lift, reduction + lift) may be performed depending on your unique situation.Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments
If you are not eligible for any of the above cosmetic surgery options, you may be a good candidate for a non-surgical cosmetic procedure. Our practice offers non-surgical procedures such as Botox injections, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, and laser hair removal. To learn more about any of the above cosmetic procedures and to find out which one is right for you, we encourage you to visit our San Antonio plastic surgery office also serving Austin. During a consultation we will help determine the right treatment plan for you.Examining the Mommy Makeover Procedure
Reasons to Undergo Breast Augmentation Surgery
Small Breast Size
Some women may feel self-conscious about the size of their breasts. If a woman does not have enough existing breast tissue, her breasts will be small. Breast augmentation surgery will help increase the size of the woman's bustline and likely improve her self-confidence.Asymmetrical or Uneven Breasts
Some women have breasts that are markedly asymmetrical, uneven, or are of different sizes. Problems such as these can lead to a great deal of self-consciousness and discomfort in social setting. Breast augmentation surgery can remedy these situations as well. Placing breast implants or a single breast implant can help remedy asymmetry and size differentials.Sagging Breasts
Sagging or droopy breasts can also be remedied through breast augmentation surgery. In such cases, it's common to perform a breast augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift, which helps increase the size of the breasts while also making them perkier and firmer than they were prior to the surgery.Makeovers After Child Birth
Mommy makeovers address a number of body contouring issues associated with pregnancy. A breast augmentation or breast lift may be performed to address sagging or drooping breasts prior to child birth, in conjunction with body contouring surgeries such as liposuction or tummy tuck. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, please consider contacting or visiting our plastic surgery office in San Antonio. We look forward to discussing your goals with you.Top Five Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation Surgery
Things to Consider When Picking a Plastic Surgeon
Today, the number of men and women choosing some type of plastic surgery is tremendous. While some people will have surgery to correct a defect, most people are simply looking for a way of capturing youth or improving appearance. Regardless of the reason, the most important decision a person will make is choosing the right doctor.
Whether they perform liposuction, facelift, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, or breast enlargement, any cosmetic surgeon being considered should be board certified above everything else. This certification means the surgeon has gone through special training specific to procedures and maintains a high level of educational, professional, and ethical standards.
Keep in mind that board certification can be obtained from a variety of organizations and while most stand by high standards for cosmetic surgery, not all are created equal. Therefore, never be afraid to ask which organization the surgeon is certified through. For example, the most recognized organization is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, where each plastic surgeon is required to go through in-depth clinical training, pass complex examinations, and go through recertification as required by law.
Obviously, the plastic surgeon should be someone who understands and is fully trained in the latest techniques and technologies, works in a respected facility, and can make you feel confident that the results from the surgery will be everything expected. Typically, a good cosmetic surgeon will provide referrals, as well as a portfolio to look at, showing pictures of patients before and after so you can see for yourself the level of work performed.
It is also important to choose a plastic surgeon that specializes in the area needed. If you were interested in having breast reduction surgery, then you want a surgeon who has years of solid experience and training with this particular surgery. Most of the highly respected cosmetic surgeons will specialize in one or two areas so if you find a doctor that covers everything, you should do your homework first.
Making a few wise choices will certainly increase your chances of getting a successful and safe surgery with outstanding results. As with any surgery, there are risks but to reduce the risk with plastic surgery, choosing the right surgeon is crucial. Having any type of plastic surgery is a serious decision, not something to take lightly or hurry through. Therefore, start by choosing a board certified surgeon and meet with several surgeons to find the one that best meets the criteria for success.