While today’s implants definitely offer more beautiful and natural results than at any other time in history, constant innovation is an integral part of any specialty field, and that includes plastic surgery. Here’s a look at some of the breast augmentation advances we might see in the future. LIGHTWEIGHT SILICONE IMPLANTS Although silicone implants look and feel very much like natural breast tissue, one of their biggest downfalls is their weight. A lighter weight silicone breast implant has…
When considering any surgical procedure, there’s nothing wrong with doing a little investigation to see if there’s a nonsurgical alternative first. However, today’s market is crowded with dubious claims of miracle treatments, many of which offer limited benefits and may be quite risky. Perhaps you have heard of the so-called BOTOX® breast lift, a nonsurgical “solution” for lifting and firming the breasts using the familiar injectable. What’s the truth about using BOTOX® for…
Tuberous breasts are the result of a congenital deformity that occurs when the breast fails to develop properly during puberty. For women who feel embarrassed about a more tubular breast shape, breast augmentation can help restore a fuller, more spherical appearance to the breasts as long as the proper steps are taken. 1. BAND RELEASE Tuberous breasts occur when a band of constrictive tissue develops at the base of the breasts, preventing them from expanding and growing into a typical mounded…
If you have asymmetrical breasts, you may have concerns that getting breast implants won’t give you the results you hope for. However, the right combination of implants plus other breast enhancement procedures can not only give you a beautiful breast augmentation outcome but also improve symmetry between your breasts. PLANNING YOUR AUGMENTATION There are a few different options when it comes to correcting asymmetry, depending on your goals: If you want larger breasts overall, I can use…
Most of us associate breast reconstruction with a mastectomy, or full removal of the affected breast as part of cancer treatment. However, advances in cancer treatment allow for oncologists to perform lumpectomies in more cases. If you’ve only undergone a lumpectomy, is reconstruction surgery really necessary? A NEW EMPHASIS IN BREAST CANCER TREATMENT The old philosophy regarding breast cancer was that the safest approach was for surgeons to excise a significant amount of existing breast…
Many of my patients think that looking younger is an either-or proposition: either you can benefit from nonsurgical procedures, or you need a facelift. I actually endorse a more comprehensive and inclusive approach whenever it makes sense. Not only can many nonsurgical treatments delay the need for a facelift, but there are some that may even help improve your facelift results. A PROACTIVE APPROACH Facelifts are most commonly performed for patients who are 55 or older to correct some of the more…
While the most obvious benefit of getting breast implants is a generous increase in cup size, many of my patients are surprised to learn that there may be a few added benefits as well. Here’s a look at some of the positive changes my patients often see after breast augmentation. 1. BETTER SYMMETRY Although a certain degree of asymmetry between the breasts is perfectly normal, some of my patients feel discouraged if they’re faced with a difference of a cup size or more. By using implants of…
Many people believe that teens and young adults these days are growing up in a society that places greater importance on physical appearance than past generations. As a result, there’s a trend toward young adults asking for (and parents giving) breast implants as a high school or college graduation gift. On the surface, the “limbo” in between high school and college seems like the ideal time for an 18-year-old to schedule and recover from breast augmentation, before she begins her new life…
Even if you’ve already made up your mind that you want silicone breast implants rather than saline, your pre-surgery decision-making process isn’t finished yet. There are two distinct variations within the world of silicone implants, and understanding the differences and advantages of each kind can help you make an informed decision. NOT ALL SILICONE IS CREATED EQUAL Depending on how it’s produced, silicone can vary in its degree of cohesiveness and firmness. Therefore, implants filled…
My priority in all my surgeries is to ensure a positive and supportive experience for my patients, and this is especially true for breast reconstruction. Part of creating a compassionate environment involves taking steps to promote a faster, more comfortable recovery. According to recent research from the Mayo Clinic, a new approach toward surgery and recovery called an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) may take this philosophy even further. CHANGING THE NORMS First used in Denmark over a decade…
This case shows how Dr. Savalia used a chin implant to balance the patient’s facial features rather than rhinoplasty. When you see your own face every single day, it’s easy to fixate on one particular feature that you don’t like. In reality, though, facial harmony is about ensuring that all the features of your face are proportionate to—and in balance with—each other. For this reason, I focus on a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation that may include more than one procedure…
This patient photo shows the youthful look that’s possible through eyelid surgery. Noticing that your reflection in the mirror is starting to look older than you feel can definitely be unsettling. For my patients who are concerned about early signs of aging but are not ready to commit to a facelift, I recommend a few alternatives they can try for great results. 1. BOTOX® AND INJECTABLE FILLERS BOTOX® was the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States last…
