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breast revision atlanta

Ask Dr. Elliott: Questions on Cosmetic Breast Surgery

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When it comes to which areas are most commonly treated with cosmetic surgery procedures, the breasts always rank very highly on the list. And with good reason. The breasts are very prominent features for both women and men. If you’re unsatisfied with the look and feel of your breast area, this can lead to not feeling comfortable in your own skin and a very negative impact on your self-esteem. With this in mind, I have taken some time to answer questions about a few of the most popular cosmetic breast procedures I have been performing in my years as a double board-certified plastic surgeon.

dr elliott plastic surgeonQuestion #1: Can a breast lift help counteract the effects of pregnancy on my breasts?

A Breast lift procedure can help offset the effects of pregnancy and are very common for women who experience sagging breasts after their pregnancy and breastfeeding. During a breast lift, I remove excess skin and underlying tissue in the breast in order to elevate and reshape the breast. The remaining breast tissue is then repositioned (along with the nipple) to provide firmer, perkier breasts. This is why breast lifts are a very popular option for patients considering mommy makeover procedures.

Question #2: Are there any recommended nonsurgical treatment options for gynecomastia?

Unfortunately, not that I’m aware of. In my experience, male breast reduction is the only way to treat the true causes of gynecomastia. Gynecomastia, or enlargement of the male breasts, is caused by an excess of male glandular breast tissue. Despite what some may claim, there are no pills or supplements that can effectively reduce the amount of excess tissue in the breast area. Additionally, many of these pills can have negative side-effects on your body. Diet and exercise can potentially help some men that have experienced breast enlargement due to weight gain, but exercise cannot help you lose breast tissue.

Question #3: Will my recovery from breast revision be more difficult than my initial breast augmentation recovery?

Although every patient is different and your experience may vary, recovery from breast revision surgery is typically more comfortable than recovery from the initial breast augmentation. However, your recovery may depend on the amount of scar tissue that is removed as well as other factors. Breast revision patients are often able to return to their normal activities within several days of their procedure. There may be some lingering soreness, similar to the feeling experienced following the initial breast augmentation.

I hope you found this helpful. I’m always happy to answer questions I receive from my patients. After all, the more educated a patient is about their cosmetic surgery options, the easier it will be to help select the procedure that will help them achieve their new aesthetic goals. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott and follow me on social media for more plastic surgery tips, photos, news, and more.

3 Things to Know Before Breast Revision Surgery

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In my experience, most patients are very satisfied with their results following a breast augmentation procedure, although there can be exceptions. Certain women may want to revise their initial breast augmentation results, whether this is due to changes like stretched skin that occur due to weight fluctuation or aging, complications with their implants like capsular contracture, or simply out of a desire for another change to their breast size. Regardless of why they seek their cosmetic alteration, these tweaks are possible thanks to breast revision surgery.

3 Things to Know Before Breast Revision Surgery

When performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, breast revision can alter the results of a previous breast augmentation for women who aren’t happy with either the look and/or feel of their new breasts. Educating yourself about breast revision surgery and all your potential options is essential in order to make an informed decision about your procedure. That’s why I have provided some helpful things to know for any patient curious about breast revision and what results it can help them achieve.

You’ll Need Some Time Between Your Procedures

I instruct all my breast revision patients to wait at least one year after their breast augmentation before undergoing breast revision surgery. This time is necessary in order for the body to fully heal and for the final results of the augmentation to be seen. After all, there is no way to be sure that you’re not satisfied with your new breasts until you’ve seen their final form.

You Have Choices To Consider Before Your Breast Revision

Just like before your initial breast augmentation, you will need to make a number of choices before undergoing a breast revision. First, you’ll need to choose which type of new implants that you want (saline, silicone, etc.). Additionally, you’ll need to decide on the new breast size you prefer, as well as the placement of the implant, whether or not you also want or need a breast lift, and more.

There Could Be Additional Scarring

Whenever possible, I will use the same incision used during the patient’s previous breast augmentation to minimize any additional scarring. However, some patients may require a breast lift to address loose and saggy skin and/or muscle at the same time as their breast revision in order to get the best-possible results. In these cases, there may be additional scarring. However, these scars will fade with time and can be easily concealed by a bra or bathing suit

No patient should feel like she didn’t get the absolute best cosmetic surgery experience possible. Additionally, patients should have the option to change as her body does. Breast revision provides women with a second chance to achieve the look that they always wanted. For more information or to schedule your plastic surgery consultation today, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest cosmetic surgery news, photos, and more.

Is One Breast Implant Type Better Than the Other?

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Women desire breast augmentation surgery for various reasons including wanting a change in breast size, altered shape, symmetrical appearance, or following a mastectomy. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott, who has performed over 2,000 breast augmentation procedures, is committed to providing satisfying results to his patients and reducing implant-related risks.

breast implants atlanta gaDuring breast augmentation, breast enlargement is achieved using breast implants made of either silicone, saline or cohesive silicone gel. In order to achieve a more natural result, an implant is typically placed behind the pectoral muscle. The operation can be done either through an incision on the lower breast or around the areola. Saline breast implants come in a variety of shapes and are filled with a predetermined amount of sterile saltwater solution after being inserted into the breast. Another type of breast implant are the highly cohesive silicone gel filled variations from Sientra® and Mentor®. Silicone implants in general are composed of semi-solid silicone gel and provide a thicker covering so that patients have reduced risk of implant leakage.

Do any implants have advantages over the other? In short, “yes.” However, this is all in the eye of the patient. Dr. Elliott values letting patients take the lead, letting their needs and desires come first. While Dr. Elliott uses his expertise to help patients in making the decision on an implant type, it is ultimately the patient’s breast augmentation. Because Dr. Elliott genuinely cares about his patients, their satisfaction will always come first.

For patients who are no longer satisfied with their results, have experienced an implant-related complication, or desire a different implant type, Dr. Elliott performs breast revision to address concerns and restore the appearance of the breasts.

If you are interested in any of the breast procedures Dr. Elliott performs, please contact us to make an appointment for a consultation. To learn more about the other procedures Dr. Elliott offers, please visit his website and follow him on  Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.