Breast Augmentation General Q & A

Even though Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure, there are a lot of questions women have.This Q & A is an overview of some of them… but my intention here is not to replace the consultation. The consultation is an invaluable part of my process. It is crucial to get to know my patients personally and to get on the same page. I hope this blog helps you along your journey to deciding whether a Breast Augmentation is a good fit for you and I hope to be talking with you further at a consultation, which can be scheduled at www.davinciplastic.com.

What Is A Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation specifically addresses increasing breast size and shape. Other surgical procedures related to the breast are:
Breast Reduction makes large breast smaller and more manageable. Patients with too large of breasts suffer from back pain and other issues, and a reduction can provide great relief.
Breast Lift helps sagging breasts look younger and perky. This is great in combination with an Augmentation or Reduction.
Nipple Reduction specifically addresses only the nipples, which can get stretched out during breastfeeding or may be out of proportion in relation to the overall breast size. A Nipple Reduction can bring the nipple size in balance with the breast for a more aesthetic appearance.

Saline or Silicone?
Saline is a silicone shell filled with sterile saline, or salt water. Silicone is a completely silicone implant. Both are shown to be safe, effective and dramatically improved over the last few years. Within these categories, there are many kinds of implants to consider. This decision is highly up to personal preference and goals. As there are quite a few aspects of this question to address, I will dedicate my next blog just to this topic.

What Does The Surgery Involve?

1.  Preparation: Consultation and decision on the size and type of implant, location of implant and incision location. You may need to get a blood test, stop smoking, adjust medications and vitamins.
2. Anesthesia: General anesthesia in our highest quality outpatient center will help you feel completely comfortable during surgery.
3. Incision: Your body type, breast size, type of implant, and scar preferences will help us to determine the optimal location (under breast line, armpit, belly button, or areola).
4. Insertion: Many factors will help us decide whether the implant should be inserted into a pocket above or below the pectoral muscle, including the amount of breast tissue already present, drooping, position and size desired.
5. Closing Incisions: This will involve internal sutures within layers of the breast tissue and on the surface skin closure.
6. Recovery: Like with any major surgery, there will be a period of discomfort that can be managed by oral pain medication. The first week is low key while wearing a support bra and possibly tending to a drainage tube for a few of those days. After 2 weeks normal activities, except for exercise or strenuous exertion, can resume. We will see you and check on you to make sure you’re doing ok. It’ll take between 4 to 6 weeks to feel somewhat normal. The skin can continue to feel tight and sensitive beyond that, but it shouldn’t impede your everyday life.
7. Results: Over and over again, my patients have confirmed that the recovery is worth the results. The implants take a few weeks to “settle” into their position and the scars will take some time to fade, but your body satisfaction and restored femininity are long lasting and well worth your investment in yourself!

Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Naturally oversized breasts cause physical and emotional problems for women of all ages.  Breast Reduction or Mammaplasty Reduction is the only way to permanently reduce the breast size and create breasts that are more in proportion to your body. 

With so many women today seeking breast reduction surgery, surgeons have come to understand the various reasons women choose to downsize and reshape their breasts.  Here are a few:

• To make overly large, heavy breasts…smaller
• Eliminate emotional distress, discouragement and embarrassment
• Reduce or eliminate back & neck pain
• Relieve shoulder discomfort caused by bra strap grooves
• Get rid of breast crease skin irritation and rashes
• Decrease excess, stretched skin that causes low hanging breasts
• Resize the aereola area
• Create a breast size in proportion with your body
• Renew self esteem, self confidence and sexual enjoyment
• Be able to wear and enjoy the clothing you’ve always wished you could
• Enjoy more activities you couldn’t due to breast size and weight
• Achieve Renewed health and beauty for life!

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS THAT BREAST REDUCTION DELIVERS “RELIEF”…Back and neck pain as well as grooves hindered activities of daily living.  After surgery, women were able to be more active, lift heavier objects and enjoy more dynamic movements…with less stress and little to no discomfort. Spinal weakness and disorders from lower back distress were improved.  Self confidence increased as did self satisfaction.

AM I TOO YOUNG FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?  This is a common question in today’s society.  Here’s my answer….There is no specific, ideal age for a Breast Reduction, but among younger women these things need to be considered:  1) Is the patient in her 20’s and experiencing the above mentioned problems.  2) Does she have a strong desire to reduce the size and shape of her overly large breasts (macromastia)?  3) Has she stopped growing in height and in breast size?  4)  Is she emotionally mature?  If the answer to these questions is yes…then she could be an ideal candidate.  You should know that when younger women have Breast Reduction surgery…Revisional surgery may be needed later in life.

AM I TOO OLD FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?… another common question women in their 60’s plus frequently ask me.  Mammaplasty Reduction is very common among more mature women and can be very effective with the correct assessment of her health, skin condition, emotional maturity etc.  Older women typically suffer with “overly large breasts” due to hormone changes from menopause and weight gain. They reap the same benefits as younger women…and today are more eager to have these age defying, health restoring procedures.

WHAT’S INVOLVED IN BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?  This is a surgery used to remove excess fatty breast tissue and glandular tissue while removing excess skin in order to downsize and reshape the breast to be more in proportion with your body.  Note: it’s important to be at a normal or close to normal proportional weight, and be able to maintain it to avoid affecting your long term results.

OK…That said, the bottom line is: whether you choose to make a dramatic change or just reduce your bra size by a few cups, Breast Reduction Surgery offers the best results for women with large, heavy breasts. Should you ever want to increase your breast size…Implants or Fat Grafting can achieve this.

This is the time of year many men and women decide to do something for themselves.  For the Holidays, for career reasons, health issues, to improve or enhance your their life…and just because they’ve always wanted to.  If that describes you, let’s talk soon!

I‘m here to help you achieve optimal health and wellness, to look and feel your absolute best!

Steven Davison M.D.

“DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”

Every woman has her own idea of the “ideal breast.”  Many women are born with breasts that are too small and many women dream of larger, well proportioned, symmetrical, and not droopy or sagging…but sexy breasts. I have found this to be true among women of all ages and stages in life.

Today’s women consider their breasts to be their most feminine attributes and many women are choosing procedures that will create their ideal breast including breast rejuvenation for aging sagging, deflated breasts…or implants, fat grafting and breast lifts for restoring more youthful breasts, or breast reduction for overly large, too heavy breasts…or a combination of these to create their “ideal breast.”

In this blog I cover a few common breast myths with more information on the  procedure options, in future blogs.

When it comes to breast options, going bigger, smaller or lifting the breasts to a more youthful position requires correct understanding and knowledge of what these procedures entail.  There is a lot of misleading information that affects perception and can lead to poor choices.

MYTH #1…Breast Lifts are the only way to “lift” the breasts.   Breast Lifts work effectively for breast lifting if skin elasticity is good, there is a minimum of ptosis (sagging) and the nipple position will allow it.  However, implants are often chosen instead of a surgical lifting, for added volume and shape. Lifting with implants can be achieved if the right type of implant is used in the right patient.

MYTH #2…A Breast Lift achieves permanent perky breasts, elevated to a more youthful position.  Truth is: “nothing is forever.”  Aging cannot be stopped…but we offer many age defying options that can slow it down a bit…and rejuvenate  aging areas of the body.  A Breast Lift settles into position within a year after your surgery…this often appears as falling or drooping when in fact it’s just fullness being redistributed to the bottom of the breast.  As you age, your breast continues to age also and over time can become droopy again.  In the meantime, you can look years younger!

MYTH #3…Fat transfers ensure that your breasts are immune to future weight fluctuations and related breast changes.   FALSE!  Truth is:…the breasts are affected by weight gain/loss just as much as the rest of the body.  There is little you can do to avoid these changes if you are subject to weight fluctuation.  So if you plan to have a Breast Lift with or without implants or fat grafting injections, maintaining a healthy weight is the best way to prolong the wonderful, youthful results of your Breast Lift.

I have performed hundreds of Breast Lifts and by combining my honed surgical and artistic skills with todays advanced surgical science…my patients enjoy long lasting, outstanding, natural looking results.  Choose your surgeon wisely!

The next blog will cover Breast Implants.  Today’s implants are very natural, offer a host of sizes and shapes which means they can be “customized” to your personal needs and goals.  They are safe, effective and longer lasting.  Women love them!

Holidays and Christmas Wedding are coming soon.  If you’ve been thinking about an anti aging, age defying makeover, now is a great time to get it done…to look your absolute best…for now and for years to come.

Stay Well and Healthy!   Steven Davison M. D.

DAVinci…where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.

Every brides’ goal is to have picture perfect, flawless and glowing skin on her wedding day.  Grooms want to have a clear complexion and be fit and trim with a great upper torso and much more. Today’s couples plan and do more together than ever before…especially for their wedding.  So in order to accomplish these goals, you must start a few weeks before your wedding date.  

Brides and Grooms Skin Care plan looks like this:

• Use only trusted skin care products…such as Obagi for beautiful, healthy  skin
• Perform your skin care regimen daily without fail
• Avoid shell fish, limit alcohol, stop smoking and avoid extractions (they inflame the skin) and tanning beds….there is no safe tan!
• Dietary:  eat lots of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables,  cut back on or eliminate fried foods, sugar, excess salt, processed foods
• Sugar molecules attach to collagen fibers and cause sagging skin and wrinkles
• Alcohol causes blotchiness and swollen skin
• Excess salt causes puffiness
• EAT lots of foods loaded with antioxidants (raw fruits and vegies….must be fresh)
• Pure Water….drink lots of it to stay well hydrated and detoxed
• Skin Care Regimen…must be daily routine and include:  cleansing, toning, moisturizing.    Exfoliate 1 time per month prior to your wedding.
• Sleep…the body heals and renews only during sleep.  Get 7 to 8 hours a night.
• Deep Breathing….stop and deep breath several times everyday
• Crying…avoid crying the week before your wedding to avoid red eyes and puffiness
• Lighter Makeup…Brides …lighten up on makeup and let your skin breathe
• Facial….get one a few days before your wedding day…focus on smoothing, exfoliation and hydration
• Wedding Day gel mask….lots of water….lots of deep breathing! (apply a gel mask that morning to clarify and smooth your skin….drink plenty of pure water and breathe deeply.

Beautifying Procedures Brides and Grooms Love!

Many brides and grooms want to look their absolute best on their wedding day…for those perfect photos, lasting impressions…and cherished memories.  The most popular procedures they choose include:  Tummy tucks, Facial Fillers, Lipo/Abs sculpting, Spa procedures to help transform troubled, aging skin to look and be more youthful,  Lip augmentation to get beautiful, sexy lips….Nose Jobs, Breast Augmentation or Reduction and others.

Today’s Couples Stay Younger Together…

Men and women arrive together to tailor their age defying programs!  The days of women showing up alone, having a breast procedure or facial rejuvenation treatments and then hoping no one notices right away….those days are long gone.  This is a new day! Husbands and wives, brides and grooms are scheduling appointments together and planning their age defying, beautifying treatments….together.  It’s lots of fun for all of us and so rewarding.

Society demands it…Men and Women want it!

Health and wellness that achieves wonderful youthful results incorporated with small procedures, started early enough to reverse early signs of aging.  We now thoroughly understand the aging process and the timetable at which visible signs of aging will occur.  In response to that, we can do small things early on and absolutely reverse and slow down the process.  Treatments like injectable facial fillers such as Juvederm, Botox, Obagi skincare products that work from the cellular level to create healthy skin from the inside out and other options.

Lots of Options for everyone…

These are just a few of the many ways you can prepare for your big day…but you must start now.  Come on in and let’s get to work on your personalized plan so you’ll be ready.  Visit my website for ideas and procedure overviews: https://www.davinciplastic.com

Helping people be their healthiest and most youthful is what I do best!

Steven Davison, M.D.

At DAVinci…I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.