15 Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Augmentation Surgery

In Argentina, the breast augmentation surgery remains the most popular cosmetic surgery for women between 20 and 45 years of age. Despite of the vast information available, it is common to hear questions and myths. Here are the 15 most common questions:

1- Can I get pregnant and breastfeed after a breast augmentation surgery?
Breast implants do not cause any inconvenience to get pregnant or breastfeed since they had not demonstrated consequences, neither to the mother or baby. This is regardless of whether they are placed in front of or behind the pectoral muscle.

2- Do breast implants cause cancer?
Despite some alarms over 20 years ago, is scientifically proven that the implants do not trigger this type of illness and there is no confirmed relationship with autoimmune diseases.

3- Is it better to place the implants from behind the chest?
This is seen from aesthetic criteria and will be better or worse according to the characteristics of each patient and the surgeon’s criteria.

4- If I have sagging breasts, do I need prosthesis?
Implants only provide volume; they do not lift nor hold. For a breast lift (mastopexy) we must use techniques for this purpose, and if we also want to increase we will add a prosthesis.

5- It is possible to have my breasts more together?
Anatomically, in general, the breasts are located outside of the sternum. Therefore there must be a 2 or 3 cm between them. Usually we used as a parameter the distance between the midline and the nipple. This must be between 8 and 10 cm, according to the width of the chest and texture.

6- Round or “tear drop” shape?
Basically implants add volume. The form will depend on the pre-existing form. In general, the anatomic “tear drop”are used for cases of total breast reconstruction post-mastectomy.

7- Do you have to replace the breast implants or are they definitive?
The prosthesis does not have “due date” but over time they wear out as the same prosthesis. For this reason, manufacturers recommend changing them every 10 or 15 years. After that time, if they are in good condition and there have not been major aesthetics changes, you can proceed without problems. There are no definitive prosthesis but there are different qualities.

8- What happens if the breast implants break or encapsulate?
They can break or encapsulated for many reasons. However does not imply an alarm condition or disease. The current prosthesis have evolved in its production, stronger outer layers and filled with cohesive gel. If this situation occurs, does not constitute an emergency and a replacement should be scheduled.

9- Is it better a surgery with local anesthesia?
Usually, the type of anesthesia will depend on the surgeon criteria and anesthesia team. The anesthesia should be adapted to the type of procedure to be performed. It is important to be operated in a clinic, with appropriate authorizations, with appropriate technology and infrastructure and trained professionals.

10- Are the textured surface breast implants better?
Currently the most commonly used are the textured surface breast implants, as it is found to have less chance of capsular contracture. However, some surgeons still use smooth-surface when placed behind the muscle.

11- How is the breast enlargement surgery and its recovery?
The breast augmentation surgery is performed in the morning and you usually are discharged in the afternoon. You have to rest for 3 days and then you can do daily activities but you cannot practice sports or sun tanning for 30 days. You will need to use a special bra and stay in Argentina for at least 7 days for a close monitoring.

12- Do I need a pre-surgical check-up before a breast enlargement?
Yes, the medical tests that you will need to have done are blood test, urine test, electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG) and a mammography.

13- After having a child, how long do I have to wait to perform a breast implants surgery?
To perform a breast augmentation surgery you have to wait 2 months after you stop breastfeeding. If you have never breastfed your baby, it wouldn’t be necessary to wait this time.

14- Can I have a breast augmentation with fat injection?
Breast augmentation by lipofilling (fat transplantation) is still in the experimental stage. One of the main problems is that the fat can produce calcifications that looked like breast cancer on mammograms. Nowadays, the only method to increase the volume of the breast is with silicone implants.

15- What are breast implants risks or side-effects?
The silicone implants have been used for over 30 years with minimal problems. Although this type of operation has virtually no side effects from the possible risks and complications include infection, fluid accumulation, swelling, skin discoloration, capsular contracture and implant leakage or rupture.

Extra:

16- How much does breast augmentation cost abroad?
The price for a breast augmentation surgery in Argentina is usually around USD 2,850 but this may vary according to the needs and requirements of each patient. Contact us to get your Free quote!

Breast Augmentation with Fat Injection Causes Confusion on Mammograms

Note: Sublimis Argentina offers breast augmentation surgery with breast implants

A breast augmentation procedure in which fat from other parts of the body is transferred to the breasts causes / can cause false suspicion of breast cancer on follow-up mammograms, according to a study in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The mammographic changes occurring after fat injection are indistinguishable from abnormalities associated with breast cancer, according to the study by Dr. Cong-Feng Wang of Meitan General Hospital, Beijing. Based on this “mammographic confusion,” the authors conclude that the use of autologous fat injection for breast augmentation should be “prohibited continuously.”

Before and After breast augmentation with breast implants

Microcalcifications Cause Confusion on Mammograms after Fat Injection

Dr. Wang and colleagues report on 48 women who underwent autologous fat injection for breast augmentation between 1999 and 2009. In this procedure, small amounts of fat obtained by liposuction from one area of the body (such as the hips or thighs) are injected to shape the breasts.

In the study, mammograms obtained some years after fat injection showed “clustered microcalcifications” in eight of the 48 women – a rate of 16.7 percent. In all eight cases, the microcalcifications were regarded as “highly suspicious” for breast cancer.

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- Note: For breast augmentation surgery Sublimis Argentina uses Mentor, Eurosilicone or Nagor breast implants

- PIP breast implants were sold under a different brand name in Europe

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons issues a warning to women who have gone abroad for breast augmentation – following reports of implant rupture from patients who never suspected they were given controversial devices now taken off the market. PIP implants, it has emerged, were being sold under a different name in some of the most popular cosmetic surgery tourism destinations around Europe, regularly visited by British patients seeking low-cost procedures.

It has been estimated that around 50,000 women in the UK have Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) breast implants, but the discovery that the fraudulent devices were also sold in countries such as Belgium, Poland and the Czech Republic under re-branded name ‘M-Implant’ by Dutch firm Rofil Medical means that the number of women who should be on the alert is much higher. Studies last year found that the company originally making the low-cost implants, which has since gone into administration, not only dispensed with a protective shell but used an untested gel, said to have been intended for use in mattresses.

- Breast Implants (no specific brand)

Although the French medical device regulatory authority (AFSSAPS) found no acute toxicity (cytotoxicity) effect on tissue, tests for genotoxicity (effect of the gel on DNA of cells) did not give a conclusive result and further extensive testing will need to take place.

PIP implants were known to have been popular with the larger domestic chains and commercial clinics because of their low cost. It has been estimated that 60,000 people travel out of the UK for medical tourism every year, and roughly a third of those do so specifically for cosmetic surgery.

Controversial breast implant gel not toxic

Preliminary Testing Shows No Evidence of Toxicity

London –  The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, welcomes the news from the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that the gel inside controversial PIP implants shows no evidence of chemical or genotoxicity (potential for cancer). The BAAPS, the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit, reiterate that any ruptured implants, of any kind, will still need removing.

A study earlier this year found that the company making the low-cost PIP implants, which has since gone into administration, not only dispensed with a protective shell from 2005 but was also using an untested gel, apparently intended for use in mattresses. Further tests are still being conducted by the French Competent Authority (AFSSAPS).

According to consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President Nigel Mercer:

“We would like to praise the MHRA for their proactive response in conducting safety tests and are delighted with the results – that there is little risk to patients from the gel. Hopefully this will reduce the anxiety of patients whilst further studies are expected from France. Our advice remains that women with suspected rupture contact their surgeon and undergo an ultrasound and removal, as they would with any ruptured implant.”

Statement regarding PIP implants warning from the MHRA

London – As the discovery that the substance inside a cut-price breast implant is not what had been tested initially to make its use legal, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit, warns the public that choosing a provider solely on price can backfire.

As the French company behind PIP implants goes into liquidation, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS former President Douglas McGeorge says; “There have been questions about the safety and efficacy of these implants in the past – but as they were a ‘cheap’ option they may have proven popular with the commercial chains. Although it is unlikely that anyone’s health is in immediate danger, this must remind everyone that price should never be the sole consideration when choosing a cosmetic surgery provider.”

According to Nigel Mercer, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President; “Concerned patients should contact their surgeon to find out what implants they have. Only PIP implants are involved and as yet there is no evidence that the gel they contained is harmful and we understand that it will not leak into the body. ”

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is in close discussions with the French Regulatory Authority for Devices (AFSSAPS) as the product has now been taken off the market, and will be indicating if follow-up of patients is required.

Plastic Surgery Statistics: Male Breast Reduction nearly doubles in 2009 in UK

Despite Recession 36,482 Aesthetic Surgery Procedures Took Place in the UK

London, UK – The economy may have been sagging but the nation still found ways to remain uplifted during 2009, according to the latest audit figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. The number of surgical procedures last year exceeded 36,400 –a slow but steady rise of 6.7% from 2008, despite the financial downturn. The most impressive stats have been recorded specifically in male surgery, the demand for which has grown by 21% overall, with the number of gynaecomastia (or ‘man-boob’) ops alone having shot up by 80%.

Highlights:

* 36,482 surgical procedures were carried out by BAAPS members in 2009, a 6.7% increase from 2008, when 34,187 were performed
* Women had 32,859 procedures in 2009, up from 31,183 (a modest increase of over 5%) but interest in male surgery far outstripped them with a 21% rise overall (from 3,004 last year to 3,623)
* The number of male breast reduction or gynaecomastia ops (‘man boobs’) nearly doubled from 323 to 581, a staggering 80% increase and moving from 5th most popular procedure for men to 3rd
* Breast reduction surgery proved popular among women as well, rising by 17% from 3522 to 4122
* Male brow lifts rose quite considerably (up 51%), from 72 to 109, as well as male facelifts which went up by nearly a quarter (23%) and male tummy tucks (up 20%)
* Rhinoplasty (or ‘nose jobs’) proved very popular with both sexes, increasing by 25% overall, thus rising from 7th most popular procedure to 5th
* Although facelifts actually fell in demand by 8% among women, the steadfast rise in brow lifts, eyelid surgery and nose jobs suggests patients may have sought cheaper and more targeted rejuvenation procedures
* Breast augmentation remains the most popular procedure with 8,565 performed this year (up just 1% from 2008)

Before and after a male breast reduction surgery (gynecomasty)

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American Society of Plastic Surgeons Hosts 78th Annual Meeting

Showcases Latest Research, Novel Procedures & Emerging Trends; Seattle, Oct. 23-27

Arlington Heights, Ill. – Whether in a quest for beauty or out of necessity, millions of Americans will have plastic surgery this year. To stay ahead of the demand, the hottest topics, technologies, and research will be presented at Plastic Surgery 2009, the annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Oct. 23-27, in Seattle. The meeting, held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, will be attended by more than 5,000 doctors, medical personnel and exhibitors in the field of plastic surgery.

“Plastic Surgery 2009 is the complete plastic surgery experience featuring the latest information on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery techniques,” said ASPS President John Canady, MD. “New discoveries on facial aging, novel uses for Botox® to treat chronic pain, concerns about do-it-yourself cosmetic treatments and more will be explored. Amazing reconstructive surgery breakthroughs that will one day allow U.S. soldiers with artificial limbs to feel sensation will be revealed.”

Opening Ceremonies
Keynote speaker and accomplished teacher, writer, and orator, Atul Gawande, MD, will discuss his unique perspective on the practice of medicine and healthcare reform, during Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The annual Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity awards honoring inspirational reconstructive plastic surgery patients who’ve overcome traumatic illness or injury will also be recognized for their courage and altruism.

Breast Reconstruction Art Exhibit
Created to raise awareness about the many forms of breast reconstruction, the Out of the Shadows…Into the Light art exhibit will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25 – Tuesday, Oct. 27. The exhibit shares the stories of breast cancer patients, through plaster sculptures of their busts, representing various stages of breast cancer. The creator will discuss how she created art from tragedy.

Special Media Event
Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery is one of the most popular panels at Plastic Surgery 2009. For the first time, ASPS is bringing Hot Topics presentations straight to the media during its Hot Topics Overview/Webinar for the Media on Monday, Oct. 26, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. During this dynamic hour, journalists can get answers to questions regarding the latest technologies and procedures and engage in conversation with the experts.

Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall, open Saturday, Oct. 24 – Monday, Oct. 26, will showcase more than 300 companies, featuring products and devices including the latest breast implants, injectable wrinkle fighters, cosmetics/skin care, and body contouring technologies. This array of exhibitors will bring plastic surgeons up-to-date on cutting-edge products and technologies to better care for patients.

Closing Ceremonies
Closing Ceremonies on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. will feature recognized heart and lung transplant surgeon, the Honorable William H. Frist, MD, who will discuss the future of healthcare in America. He will present his vision of increased availability and affordability of quality healthcare.

Studies, panels, and courses presented at Plastic Surgery 2009 include:

* Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery
* Rejuvenation of the Upper Eyelid – Is Less Really More
* Breast Augmentation with Liposuctioned Fat: A Fifty Patient Study Over Five Years
* Achieving Predictable Outcomes in Buttock Rejuvenation
* Not All Facelifts Created Equal – New Ways to Reshape the Face
* Non-Surgical Rejuvenation – Lasers
* Facial Aging and the Mid-Facelift
* Five Year Outcome of Surgical Treatment of Migraine Headache
* Military Plastic Surgery – A Global Update
* The Efficacy of Botox in the Treatment of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
* Composite Tissue Allotransplantation (Face Transplants) – Have We Achieved Liftoff
* The Impact of Breast Reduction on Low Back Compressive Forces and Function
* Functional and Structural Repair of Peripheral Nerve Injury by Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
* Breast Reconstruction Managing Flap Reconstruction
* Carcinoma and Hyperplasia in Breast Reduction Surgery: Increased Sampling Leads to Increased Detection
* Inter-Relationships of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Body Mass Indices in the Massive Weight Loss Population

Breast Reconstruction Procedures: Are Breast Cancer Patients Being Kept In The Dark?

Plastic Surgeons Show Support, Rally for a Woman’s Right to Choose

Arlington Heights, Ill. – Despite the increase of breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008, nearly 70 percent of women who are eligible for the procedure are not informed of the reconstructive options available to them, according to a recently published report. Newly released statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows there were more than 79,000 breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008 – a 39 percent increase over 2007. But in spite of this, current research suggests that many breast cancer patients are missing out on a key conversation that should take place at the time of diagnosis.

“Women need to understand all of their options to make an informed decision,” said ASPS President John Canady, MD. “Those who are diagnosed should be immediately referred to a full team of physicians that can provide breast care, and plastic surgeons need to be included as part of that treatment team.”

Taking the position that every woman deserves the right to choose which, if any reconstruction option is best for her, the ASPS is launching an ongoing effort to bring public awareness to breast reconstruction issues, including education, access, and a team approach. Because early involvement by plastic surgeons and other physicians can allow development of an optimum treatment plan for each individual patient, collaboration amongst specialties is essential. As such, ASPS suggests that primary care, general surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology, gynecology, and plastic surgery be available from the onset of treatment to ensure the greatest possible outcome for the patient.

It is also important that patients actively participate in their treatment. Though a common misconception, eligible patients should not assume that anyone other than a board-certified plastic surgeon affiliated with an accredited facility is qualified to perform breast reconstruction. While technology has made breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction better than ever, it does not negate the need for medical expertise within each specific area of care.

Among the factors contributing to patient awareness and understanding, specific education regarding the options for breast reconstruction is often lacking. Therefore, in the coming months, ASPS will reach out to women through a variety of materials, ranging from information cards and online videos, to an ad campaign featured online and in the waiting-room publication produced by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

“We know that there are many issues surrounding breast reconstruction and that addressing them all will take time, but this is a very important first step,” said Dr. Canady. “Our goal is to make sure that those women who are not getting breast reconstruction are doing so of their own accord and not because they are uneducated or uninformed about their options.”

For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons