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Breast implants

Will Breast Augmentation Results Last Forever?

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Every plastic surgery patient that I speak with wants to achieve outstanding aesthetic results from their cosmetic procedure. But they also want those results to last. This is perfectly understandable. After all, undergoing a cosmetic procedure like breast augmentation requires time, energy, and resources that no patient wants wasted on less than excellent aesthetic results. Today I wanted to discuss breast augmentation results, and more specifically, how long patients can expect theirs to last.

One of the most important aspects of any plastic surgery consultation appointment is helping my patients establish realistic expectations. Unfortunately, “forever” is never a realistic expectation. Breast implants can last many years. But it’s a fact that implants may begin to move and shift within the body over time, leading to natural wear and tear that can impact the appearance of the breasts. Additionally, natural aging or considerable weight fluctuation can also affect the appearance of the breasts in the years following breast augmentation.

In the following video I discuss breast implants and how long patients can expect them to last following their breast augmentation procedure:

One of the best ways to promote outstanding, long-lasting results from a breast augmentation procedure is to have your surgery performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Being proactive about following your surgeon’s post-surgery care instructions and making follow-up appointments after surgery can also help extend the lifespan of breast implants. For more information on breast implants or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for additional plastic surgery videos, tips, news, and more.

Debunking Common Myths About Breast Implants

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Myths and falsehoods persist in the world of plastic surgery. Which is why I am always happy to help my prospective cosmetic surgery patients separate fact from fiction. Even procedures as commonplace as breast augmentation are not exempt from this. In my experience, the best way to combat this misinformation is to address specific falsehoods directly. That’s why I have taken time to debunk a few of the most common myths about breast implants.

Myth #1: Breast Implants Will Last Forever

woman-holds-breast-implantsIt is not realistic to expect the implants used during a breast augmentation procedure to last forever. Recent innovations including stronger shells and more stable fillers have led to breast implants today that are more durable than ever before. Still, there is no guarantee that even more durable breast implants will last a lifetime. On average, breast implants last between 10 – 20 years. I recommend performing regular self-exams and scheduling follow-ups with your plastic surgeon to make sure your implants are still intact and looking their best.

Myth #2: Breast Implants Will Effectively Treat Breast Sagging

Breast implants are designed to alter the size and shape of the breasts, not their positioning. That’s why undergoing breast augmentation will not be able to help women who experience significant breast sagging. That is what breast lift surgery is for. However, in many cases I am able to combine the two procedures into one surgery to help my patients achieve the comprehensive results that they desire.

Myth #3: Patients Can Pick The Exact New Bra Size That They Wish

While it’s true that women undergoing breast augmentation will have a large variety of potential new breast sizes to choose from, it is difficult to precisely pick out a specific cup size prior to the procedure. Although I am able to help present patients with different implant volume options measured by the cubic centimeter (CC), this cannot be used to predict an exact cup size according to size specifications of a certain bra manufacturer. Especially because each manufacturer’s cup sizes differ from each other.

I have been performing breast augmentation for decades and I continue to explain to patients that even a modest change in breast size can rejuvenate a patient’s entire silhouette. When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like myself, breast augmentation is a very safe procedure for women who are good candidates. For more information on breast implants or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, at Atlanta Plastic Surgery today. Follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional cosmetic surgery tips, news, and more.

Choosing Between Immediate or Delayed Breast Reconstruction

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There is no shortage of important decisions to be made for women considering the possibility of breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. The first and most obvious choice is, do they want to undergo breast reconstruction at all? If so, they must then consider all of their options including if they want to choose breast implants or undergo autologous breast reconstruction using their own natural tissue during their surgery. To help guide prospective patients on their breast reconstruction journey, I want to focus on another important decision they will have to make: whether to undergo immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.

Immediate breast reconstruction describes when the reconstruction procedure is performed at the same time as the breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy). In these cases, both the breast cancer surgery and the breast reconstruction act as components of the same procedure. Some breast recon patients are drawn to the idea of waking up from their initial surgery with their breast(s) already rebuilt. However, this approach may not be an option for some patients. For example, if additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are required, breast reconstruction will have to wait.

Some women wait to have their breasts reconstructed. This is known as delayed reconstruction. In addition to waiting on additional treatment, some women may not be ready to have an additional surgery. Others who initially decide against having breast reconstruction done may change their minds over time. Delayed reconstruction can help in these cases. In some cases, delayed reconstruction can be performed even years following the completion of breast cancer surgery and additional treatments.

In the video below, I explain both approaches and discuss how they can both help women after breast cancer surgery:

 

Undergoing a breast reconstruction procedure can help women feel whole again following their breast cancer battle. Whichever reconstruction option is ultimately chosen, the end goal is the same: to help the patient begin their new post-cancer life with a fresh start and the repaired breasts they desire. For more information on breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, at Atlanta Plastic Surgery. Don’t forget to follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, videos, and much more.

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