BREASTENHANCEMENTMD.COM GREATBREASTS.NET Breast Enhancement: September 2006

Friday, September 29, 2006

Why this blog? Well, I have been a patient coordinator in one of Charlotte's busiest plastic surgery practices for almost two years. Dr. Bednar at Metrolina PLastic Surgery has been a board certified plastic surgeon for almost 20 years. I do everything from answering inquiries over the phone and internet, setting up consultations, scheduling surgeries, talking to patients about money and financing, getting patients set up w/ aftercare if necessary or putting patients up in hotels if they are coming from out of town-I am basically in many ways a concierge.

Having plastic surgery is by no means a cut and dry process-for many people it is a decision that has been in the making for a long time-they are nervous, they feel vulnerable, they feel guilty sometimes for giving into their own vanity-what they need in many ways is direction. Many, however, feel excited about the idea of rejuvenation, getting back to the body before babies, they feel like they deserve to take care of themselves for once. We as a team have to guide them through the maze of information that is out there, assess their needs and make sure that we can match the expectation of the patients with that of the surgeon.

Having plastic surgery is an emotional issue. I am excited about this blog because I feel that I can be a great resource for many people out there who are contemplating or have already had surgery. I see things from the other side-my experience and exposure to this side of the world can shed light on many misconceptions floating out there in internet land. This is why the blog was conceived. Not only will you hear from me regularly but Dr. Bednar will also add some of his philosophy and talk about issues that are important. The tone of this blog is very informal yet professional-Dr. Bednar and I will try to bring forth many different topics to create an informative blog.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Basics you should know before deciding on having Breast Enhancement surgery.

Breast Augmentation should be performed in a hospital or on an out-patient basis under general anesthesia in a fully accredited private surgical facility. The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in their appearance. Advances in breast implant technology and surgical technique are making breast augmentation a popular option among women of all ages desiring a more flattering, better proportioned figure and more wardrobe choices. Your surgeon should work with you to recommend the procedure and type of implant best suited for you to achieve the most natural and desired results.

The method of carefully inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your individual anatomy and the physician's recommendation. Often, the incision will be made in the armpit and a pocket will be created for placement of the implant behind the pectoral muscle. This placement may reduce the potential for capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue). In addition, there is little risk of interference with mammography and breastfeeding.

Thousands of plastic surgery procedures are performed successfully each year. When done by a board-certified plastic surgeon, the results are generally positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with these procedures. In fact, any imaginable risk or complication is possible. You should be given extensive pre-op counseling and instruction in writing prior to your surgery so that you are well informed and confident in your decision.

Post-operative complications such as capsular contraction (tightening of scar tissue around the implant), infection around the implant, or excessive bleeding may occur after surgery. Occasionally, breast implants may leak or rupture. While the majority of women do not experience these complications, your doctor should make sure that you are fully aware and understand the risks and possible complications associated with breast augmentation. In general, recovery can be as little as 3-5 days. Your sutures will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take 3-5 weeks to disappear.

For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance.

Sylvia Gorman
Patient coordinator
Metrolina Plastic Surgery - Charlotte, NC