Category Archives: Breast Augmentation

Quality of Life Improves After Breast Augmentation

Quality of Life Improves After Breast Augmentation

Women decide to undergo breast augmentation procedures for various reasons. Some want the procedure for the sole reason of having larger breasts, while others get the procedure after having a mastectomy. A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that women who have undergone a breast augmentation procedure report having a better quality of life overall. The women claimed to have gained confidence in both their psycho-social and sexual well-being.

Better Quality of Life

Very happy smiling womanThe BREAST-Q survey was used to measure each woman’s standpoint before and after the procedure. The survey was created for a new patient-reported outcome measure, with both satisfaction and quality of life evaluated through a modular, procedure specific structure. The survey focused on six aspects that affect the quality of life: satisfaction with breasts and overall outcome; psycho-social, sexual and physical well-being; and satisfaction with care.

Women took the survey six weeks before the surgery, six weeks after the surgery and again six months later. More than 600 women participated in the survey and were asked to rank their satisfaction on a 100-point scale. Most women received silicone implants, and in each surgery, the implant was placed under the muscle.

Results of the Study

The study found an increase of satisfaction levels from 25 out of 100 up to 80 out of 100 after the surgery. Psycho-social and sexual well-being had a similar outcome.

However, the study also found that many of the older women tended to have a decrease in their quality of life following the surgery. Six weeks after the surgery, they reported having lower physical function. However, after an additional six weeks, their physical function levels returned to normal. A lower physical function could cause a delay in the recovery process, meaning patients will have to attend more follow-up appointments with their surgeon to ensure that full function does eventually return.

ASPS member Dr. Amy K. Alderman stated, “The older patients seem less satisfied with their aesthetic result and less likely to have their expectations met.”
The survey also revealed that older patients were not as satisfied with their breasts following the procedure. Scores from women over the age of 50 averaged at 77 out of 100. Meanwhile, the scores for women under the age of 30 averaged 90 out of 100.

An increase in the quality of life is considered one of the most important factors when undergoing a cosmetic surgical procedure. Breast augmentation is the most common procedure in the US, and in 2013, about 290,000 women underwent a breast augmentation procedure.

Dr. Adlerman concluded, “These data along with other research using the BREAST-Q can be used on the policy level to support the availability of breast implants for women in the US and worldwide.”

If you are considering a breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Reynolds. He is a board certified plastic surgeon with a broad range of expertise. He can answer any questions you have about the procedure. For more information about Las Vegas breast augmentation, contact 702.410.9800.

Breast Augmentation Las Vegas

Breast Augmentation – Before or After Having Kids: Does it matter?

breast augmentation las vegas

Breast augmentation before or after having children?

You know you want to have kids one day. You have anticipated it your entire life. After maturing and settling into your adult body, you have also decided that you want breast implants via a breast augmentation procedure one day. This raises the question: Should you get a breast augmentation before or after having kids?

The time you should get a breast augmentation depends on a few factors. If you plan to have kids in the immediate future, you should wait until after you have had kids. If you aren’t planning to have kids right away, the decision is ultimately up to you. Here are a few factors you should consider about breast augmentations.

It is important for potential moms to know that implants will not affect fertility. Some women have the misconception that implants could affect the ability to conceive a child. It doesn’t matter whether your implants are silicone or saline, you will still be able to conceive a child. The FDA did a study about implants and fertility. It was revealed that implants will not increase the risk of a miscarriage either.

If you get your implants before having kids, be aware that there is a small risk that pregnancy could impact the quality of your breast augmentation. It only happens in a few cases and the majority of women were still happy with their breast augmentation even after giving birth. A major factor to consider is the length of time since getting your implants. The older the implants are, the more likely pregnancy could affect them. It is imperative for potential patients to know that breast implants are not permanent. Most women have their implants in for about 10 to 15 years before getting them redone. Getting pregnant 10 years after getting a breast augmentation will likely affect the appearance of your breasts. This is something that needs to be discussed with your Board Certified plastic surgeon. Genetics could also be a factor. A good idea is to ask your mother if her breasts experienced major changes during her pregnancy. If your mother did, you will likely experience these same changes as well.

Breastfeeding is another concern that many potential moms have. Physically women with breast implants are able to breastfeed normally. Psychologically, some women may not be able to. Many women who believe they won’t be able to breastfeed will prevent themselves from producing milk. This can happen to women with or without implants.

It is important for breastfeeding mothers to know that the implants are completely safe. No matter if it is a silicone or saline implant, it will not affect your baby’s health.

There is no medical need to wait until after having children to get a breast augmentation if that’s what you desire. It is ultimately the potential mother’s decision to be informed of the small potential of an issue later that she would want to get corrected.

If you have any questions about breast augmentations and pregnancy, you should schedule a consultation with  Las Vegas plastic surgeon Dr. Reynolds.  Dr. Reynolds is a Board Certified plastic surgeon and can effectively answer any questions or concerns you have in regards to the procedure. To schedule a consultation, contact Reynolds Plastic Surgery at 702.410.9800.

Breast augmentation

There are various reasons why women choose to get a breast augmentation. Some simply wish to have bigger and fuller breasts, whereas others had to get a mastectomy for breast cancer. Breast augmentation in Las Vegas can be done with the help of doctors at Reynolds Reconstruction. Before going under the knife, it is important to know all the facts.

Types of implant

There are two types of implants used for a breast augmentation: saline and silicone. Your Las Vegas plastic surgeon can discuss with you the benefits and risks of each one. Ultimately, it will be your decision which is the best choice. You will get a chance to feel each option and see a variety of pictures of each. Many women claim that the silicone implant feels more real, but there is a risk of Breast_implants_in_hand_01it leaking. The FDA requires a woman to be at least 18 years of age to get the saline implant and at least 22 years of age for the silicone implant. Saline implants are typically filled after they are implanted. This means there will be less visible scarring. Depending on the surgeon, your body type, implant type and size of enlargement, the incision will either be made around the areola, under the breast or through the armpit.

Recovery

Again, recovery depends on all the different factors involved. Typically, pain will subside after a few days. You will need to take it easy and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for about six weeks after the procedure. You will need to wear an elastic bandage over your breasts or a support bra to reduce the swelling. You will need to wear it for at least a week.

Maintenance

Unfortunately, breast implants will not last a lifetime. Women with the silicone implant will need to get an MRI of their chest three years after the procedure is done and every two years following that. The doctor can be sure that there is no silent rupture in the implant with the MRI scans. Typically an implant will last around 15 years. Even if the implant never ruptures, you may still need to get the implant replaced at some point in your life. This is simply due to the aging process. Skin may sag in unattractive ways around the implant. Change in hormones or weight fluctuation can also have an effect on your implants. Even if your implants seem perfect at first, it is important that you attend regular appointments with your Las Vegas plastic surgeon to ensure they stay in good shape for as long as possible.

If you or someone you know is unhappy with the way their breasts look, consider talking with a breast augmentation surgeon in Las Vegas. They can answer any questions you may have about cost, recovery and the different types of implants. When considering get a Las Vegas breast augmentation, think of all the benefits and risks. This is a major procedure and should not be taken lightly. For more information, contact Reynolds Reconstruction at 702.410.9800.

Top Breast Reconstruction Myths

breast reconstruction mythsTop Breast Reconstruction Myths

You might think you know everything there is to know about breast augmentation and breast reconstruction but you likely have given in to some of the top breast reconstruction myths.  At Reynolds Plastic Surgery, we have all the information you need to help you get all you need to understand before you undergo a breast implant or reconstruction procedure. Read on to find out more about breast reconstruction myths.

Myth #1: The common size for a female breast is a C cup

This is not true at all. In fact, there are a huge variety of sizes of breasts across all women, and there is no uniform size. C may be the “desired” size by most women in the world, but it is not the most common. Some women are KK’s and others are AAA’s. All sizes and shapes are beautiful and different.

Myth #2: Your breasts will stop developing when you are in your mid-teens

A lot of women don’t actually attain the full growth of their chest until their mid to late twenties. Some women find changes in their breast tissue all the way through menopause. Don’t lose heart!

Myth #3: You’ll always wear the same bra size

This is false. You will likely go up and down sizes up to 10 times in your life, what with pregnancies and other hormonal changes that cause your breast tissue to go up and down in size.

Myth #4: Your breasts need to be symmetrical

You might have heard women refer to their breasts as the “twins”, but it is likely  not true that they’re exactly alike. Your breasts will most likely be different.

Myth #5: Any women who undergoes breast reconstruction does so for an increase in cup size

This is false. Pregnancy actually zaps fat from the chest, and women want to restore that full look once they have completed all their pregnancies. This means that many women undergo breast reconstruction to add the volume back.

Myth #6: Bras can cause cancer

This is absolutely untrue. You may have seen rumors floating around the internet, but there has been no proven scientific evidence that this is in any way linked to breast cancer. Don’t worry yourself about this.

Myth #7: If you have small breasts, you will be unable to breastfeed

This is untrue due to the fact that breast size has nothing to do with milk production, and everything to do with the amount of fat that is in a woman’s chest. There is no correlation between size and the amount of milk.

Understanding these processes will help dismiss all these breast reconstruction myths and get you on the right track when you are looking into having breast reconstruction, or wondering about how best to go about a procedure. Speak with board certified Las Vegas Plastic surgeon Dr. Reynolds’ staff today for more information and you will be much happier with your results. If you have any questions regarding this type of procedure or any of the other ones we offer, contact us for a consultation today. Gathering all the information you can before you begin a procedure will help you feel more confident on the operating table. Contact us today at 702.410.9800.

Breast Augmentation: Part Three

Breast Augmentation Evaluation

Breast Augmentation in Las Vegas

When a patient is considering breast augmentation surgery that is not for reconstructive purposes, a psychological evaluation may be suggested. This is in no way meant to be offensive to the patient. It may not be suggested, but if the breast augmentation evaluation is suggested along with the many other medical evaluations, it is for the benefit of the patient.

Some breast augmentation patients are young women with a personality profile that may indicate some form of psychological distress surrounding her personal appearance and her bodily self-image. There may be a history of having endured criticism or teasing about the aesthetics of her person. In studies surrounding body image concerns of breast augmentation on patients as well as studies on body dysmorphic disorder in regards to cosmetic surgery, there have been reports that women who underwent breast augmentation surgery also had undergone some amount of psychotherapy. These women may also have suffered low self-esteem. Some patients may also present frequent occurrences of psychological depression or suffer body dysmorphia.

A post-operative patient survey may ask about mental health and quality-of-life. Many women with the aforementioned body and esteem issues may report improved physical health, physical appearance, social life, self-confidence, self-esteem, and satisfactory sexual functioning. Furthermore, some women may report long-term satisfaction with breast implant outcomes; some despite having suffered medical complications that required surgical revision, either corrective or aesthetic. If you have any questions on this or are ready to schedule your consultation, please contact us today at 702.410.9800.

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