How Breast Implants Affect Self Image

When a woman undergoes breast augmentation with implants, she will undergo a change in her self esteem. Every time a person has an alteration in their physical appearance, whether as a result of plastic surgery or from natural causes, they must incorporate the change into their psyche. This is true of both positive and negative alterations.

If an individual decides to go under the scalpel on their own volition, they will most likely have an array of emotional stages to go through. If they have been troubled by a flaw in their appearance, as in the case of an unsightly facial or body part issue, they may feel anticipatory and excited. High expectations may cause them to feel elated and happy. After the surgery, they may feel relieved and pleased with their new shape. But this isn’t always the end of the story.

There are also psychological stages that aren’t always expected. First of all, a person must get used to a “new me.” Even physical features that aren’t favorable are still familiar. Fuller breasts may feel unfamiliar and even like someone else’s body. There may be guilt over the pricetag or about altering what Mother Nature has given them. If these unexpected feelings occur, however, they are usually short lived. In a matter of weeks, it will seem that this lovely ample bustline was always there. An increased self image and esteem results becomes firmly established. Many women who receive breast implants report a greater quality of life thereafter.

Saline or Silicone Gel?

Though silicone gel implants have been back on the market for awhile, the debate over which implant is the best option continues. Of course, the answer is one each woman needs to explore and answer for herself, based upon her own goals and concerns.

To make this choice a little easier for those considering breast augmentation, Savannah plastic surgeons at Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery explore some the pros and cons of each implant type on their website.

Some of the points they cover include:

*Incision size required for each option. (Saline generally require smaller incisions than silicone.)
*Patient safety if implant ruptures. (Saline can be absorbed naturally by the body while silicone cannot.)
*Availability to women of various ages. (Silicone are only available to women 22 or over.)
*Size adjustability. (The size of saline implants can be adjusted during surgery while silicone gel cannot.)
*Implant feel. (Silicone gel tends to feel more natural than saline.)
*Skin rippling around the breast. (Saline implants sometimes ripple, causing an unnatural look, while silicone gel do not.)

For more information about breast implant options, consult the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' website or webmd.com

Breast Implant Placement Options

Decisions concerning breast implant placement is often left up to the plastic surgeon. But understanding the various placement options and how they may affect your results can be helpful when planning your breast augmentation and in choosing a plastic surgeon. The three basic breast implant placement options are subglandular, partial submuscular, and complete submuscular. All three place the implants behind the breast in various ways, and each has it's own advantages and disadvantages.

Subglandular (over the chest muscle): the least complicated placement option to perform, subglandular placement situates the implant between the breast tissue and the chest muscle, making finding a surgeon capable of performing the procedure quite easy. This method also offers less post-operative pain and a shorter recovery period than the other two options. Aesthetically, subglandular offers a rounder result, an effect some women seek and others find too "unnatural" for their taste. This method can also accommodate larger implants than other placement options, and can be used as a "quick fix" for mild drooping, postponing the need for more extensive breast lifting techniques. It should be noted, however, since there is no muscle or connective tissue support of the implants with this technique, this "quick fix" is only temporary, and drooping will most likely become more severe at some point after surgery.

Disadvantages of subglandular implant placement include more noticeable rippling and implant edges due to less tissue covering the implant. Capsular contracture (scaring around the implant causing hardening and implant distortion) is more common with subglandular placement, and "bottoming out", the downward migration of the implants, is somewhat common with this technique. Another important consideration is mammograms, which tend to be more difficult to perform when this method is used, with an estimated 40% increase in obstruction. Mammograms can be performed, however. But they require more images than traditional mammograms, an expense that may not be covered by insurance.

Partial submuscular (partially beneath the chest muscle): placing the top 2/3 of the implant under the chest muscle, this placement option offers what many consider a "more natural slope" than the over the muscle technique. It also hides rippling and implant edges better in the top portion of the implant than the subglandular placement option. Due to its partial placement beneath the muscle, it does involve more post-operative discomfort and a longer recovery period. Capsular contracture risk is decreased using this method, and mammograms are less hindered. But because the bottom portion of the implant is not supported by muscle fascia (connective tissue), "bottoming out" can still occur with partial submuscular placement.

Complete submuscular (completely beneath chest muscle and fascia): with this method, the top 2/3 of the implant is situated beneath the chest muscle while the lower 1/3 is supported by connective tissue, greatly reducing the risk of downward migration or "bottoming out". This technique offers a more natural, less round look then subglandular, as well as a reduced risk of capsular contracture and easier post-augmentation mammograms. Rippling and implant edges are much better concealed using this technique than the other two options. Complete submuscular placement does entail more post-operative discomfort than the other methods, and it is not performed by all plastic surgeons due to the skill it takes to master the technique. For women with widely spaced breasts, cleavage can be difficult to create using this placement option, and some women find their implants seem awkwardly high on their frame at first, until their chest muscle has had time to relax enough to properly accommodate the implants.

By evaluating your implant placement options and discussing them with your plastic surgeon, you can go into your surgery feeling better informed and create the breast enhancement results you seek. For more information about breast implant placement or breast augmentation, Tallahassee Plastic Surgery Clinic offers information and comprehensive consultations.

Breast Augmentations in Dallas with Dr. Steven White

Dr. White is a double certified surgeon committed to high quality patient care. He offers breast augmentations, lifts, reductions, and a non-surgical enlargement procedure. Dr. White believes "there are no shortcuts to knowledge and experience," and patients see this belief in their results.

Dallas Breast Augmentation with Dr. White:
* Double Board Certified
* Specializes in cosmetic surgery of the body
* Dr. White involved in every aspect of the surgery
* Anesthesia done by a doctor
* Personally monitors patient throughout the healing process
* Privileges at 8 local hospitals and 3 surgery centers
* Breast augmentation, lift and reduction procedures available
* Non-Surgical Breast Lift System
~BRAVA Breast Enhancement and Shaping System
~No surgery necessary
~Visible results take at least ten weeks
~Mechanical means of enlargement (no chemicals/ medications)
~Best for single cup size increase
~Consistent, night treatments (done at home)

Dr. White's concern for his patients and his desire to produce natural appearing results has earned him a reputation for high standards. He has been listed as one of Dallas' Top Doctors for the past three years. His specialization in body surgery gives him the expertise to perform breast enhancement surgeries that patients are pleased with. For breast augmentations, Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. White offers patients op

Very Good General Information at Breast Implants USA

Among the hundreds of Plastic Surgery Portals, there are a few who seem to be doing it well.

Recently I had the opportunity to talk with one of the team at Breast Implants USA.

What impressed me most was the attention to the needs of both Patients and their Spronosring surgeons. If you're a plastic surgeon looking for a place to promote your practice, or a woman looking to learn more about breast implants we highly recommend Breast Implants USA.

Breast Implants Doctor Advises Women to Choose Wisely

Dr Elizabeth Kinsley of Covington LA has created a system to allow women to make sure they make the right choice the first time.



Breast Implants