Is Fat Transfer with a breast augmentation an option in Tampa, FL?

Is a Natural Breast Augmentation using fat better than breast implants? Having your own natural tissue injected for breast enlargement sounds so intuitively appropriate. A one or two cup size increase may be possible without the worry of implant rupture or capsular contracture. Fat transfer is already widely used for Breast Reconstruction, why not Breast Augmentation?

Well, there are risks. Only a certain percentage of the fat cells ultimately survive. The remaining cells may cause inflammation, lumpiness, fatty cysts or calcium granulomas.

Calcium deposits in the breast raise the suspicion of breast cancer and may lead to unnecessary biopsy. Think twice if you have a family history of breast cancer.

Do I need a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?

Breast Implant

A breast implant will plump up and restore the volume lost in an empty deflated breast. If the associated breast sag is mild, the nipples point forward and not down, the areola are still in the center of the breast and the selected implant can fill the loose skin than a breast implant alone may work. In the Lakeland, Brandon and Riverview areas Dr. Shienbaum can help you determine if breast implants would suit your desires.

Breast Lift

A breast lift procedure is usually necessary for large and pendulous breasts if the nipple points south, or if the areola is at the bottom of the breast and the breast nipple sits below the inframammary breast fold. An aesthetically pleasing breast shape is possible if there is a satisfactory breast volume.

Both

Top Tampa plastic surgeons can also combine an implant placement with a breast lift. This procedure, called an Augmentation Mastopexy, may be necessary if there is insufficient existing breast volume to construct a full round well-shaped breast.

Are there alternatives to Breast Implants?

Tampa plastic surgery has many alternatives, here are four the main option groups:
1. Brava breast enlargement system – utilizes a special external vacuum pump bra which is worn continually for several weeks. About a one cup enlargement is possible however following completion of the treatment there is a potential for the enlargement to diminish.
2. Natural fat transfer breast enhancement – while a fat transfer is now widely used for breast reconstruction following mastectomy, it still has limitations and risks which have prevented more widespread acceptance and use.
3. Creams, Hormones, and Pills -There exists a huge variety of generic and hormonal ointments and pills to promote breast enlargement, however, there is no convincing verifiable proof of their long-term efficacy
4. Push up Bras -There is a huge assortment of this longstanding option.

How painful is Breast Augmentation?

Most of the pain following Breast Augmentation arises from detaching and elevating the pectoral muscles. This allows a space for r insertion of the implants. The discomfort can be minimized by gentle surgical technique which avoids trauma to the underlying rib peritoneum.

Dr. Shienbaum administers a long-acting block of local bupivacaine (Marcaine ) anesthetic which will last for several hour and minimize the need for post op pain medications. Your degree of pain both in duration and severity will vary with your individual tolerance and perception.

Having performed thousands of breast augmentations for over a 30 year period, Dr. Shienbaum has developed his technique to allow the most comfortable experience possible. He can inform you about you can expect in during your procedure in the Tampa, FL area.

How do I massage my breasts after Breast Augmentation?

Messaging breast implants are thought to reduce the risk of capsular contracture by maintaining the implant pocket. This allows additional space for the implant and hopefully a more supple result.

Be certain to message the implant and not the breast skin. The implant itself should be gently moved in all directions, up, down and sideways in a circular type motion. This displaces the implant and will resist the potential for the breast tissue to tighten down around the implant.

Massage is not recommended for textured implants and its long-term value has been questioned by many experienced Plastic Surgeons

How will pregnancy affect my Breast Implants?

Pregnancy will not damage the shape or integrity of your breast implants. However, the rapid expansion and stretching of breast tissues, lactation, and breastfeeding and hormonal influences may change the surrounding breast tissues characteristics.

Stretch marks and ptosis ( sagging ), areola discoloration and breast atrophy (volume loss) are the most frequent concerns following pregnancy. One side may be affected more and result in uneven and asymmetrical breasts.

Breast ptosis can be readily corrected by a Breast Lift which elevates the breast tissue back to its normal position. Stretch marks ( striae ) are more difficult to address. Ultimately your individual genetics play the dominant role in determining the appearance of your breasts following pregnancy.

At what age am I too old for Breast Augmentation?

There is no specific age that prohibits breast augmentation. Rather it is your medical health and ability to safely undergo surgery that are the most important considerations. Serious medical issues such as labile hypertension, advanced diabetes, lung compromise and coronary artery disease require careful evaluation of the potential risks.

According to The American Society for Aesthetic Surgery nearly 11 % of women undergoing Breast Enlargements are over 50 years of age. And many older women will want their aging implants replaced rather than removed and going without.

Your chronological age should not be the deciding factor in cosmetic surgery. It is a highly personal decision and your health, safety and self-perception are ultimately what matter most. In Tampa, FL patients of many different ages opt for breast augmentation.

Are Breast Implants safe if I have an auto Immune disease?

Most doctors in the Tampa area now agree. They agree that breast implants neither cause autoimmune disease or make the condition worse. However, the medications taken to suppress the autoimmune disease symptoms may increase the risk of infection and delay healing.

The FDA found that women with breast implants had no greater incidence of immune disorders than women without implants. It is highly questionable that removal of breast implants will make your existing autoimmune disease disappear. There is simply no convincing evidence that associates breast implants with autoimmune disease.

How do I know if my Breast Implants are leaking?

Saline Implants

Leaking saltwater filled saline implants will typically show a sudden, rapid decrease in size as the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body. Sometimes there may be a slow leak with a gradual decline in size but this is the exception. The deflated implant bag can often be felt within the breast tissues.

Silicone Implants

Signs and symptoms of Silicone implant leakage may include a sudden firmness or soreness, a misshapen contour, palpable lumps or surface irregularities. The leaking silicone material may induce an inflammatory response which can cause a tight capsular contracture.

A leaking silicone implant is difficult to detect because there is no loss of volume. This is especially true of modern Cohesive “ Gummy Bear” implants which are highly viscous and maintain their shape. Older silicone implants are more liquid and silicone droplets may migrate into the surrounding tissues. Learn more about all three types of breast implants.

Studies & Tests

Even if the implant shell integrity has been compromised the silicone contents will be contained by an intact breast capsule. This intracapsular leak is often “ hidden” and difficult to diagnosis.

Your routine mammogram will often provide the first clue. An additional ultrasound study will demonstrate frank rupture while an MRI is typically needed to detect small and intracapsular silicone leakage. Remember your MRI report includes a certain percentage of false positives and negatives. In the Tampa, Lakeland, and Brandon areas, your physician may be able to detect any problems as they occur.