How To Choose Best Size For Boob Job Cosmetic Breast Implant Surgery by Minneapolis St Paul Doctor
CHI Publishing
April 14, 2009
Breast Augmentation--Choosing the Correct Size
"By having a breast augmentation you are not trying to change your body, you are enhancing what is already beautiful," wrote one of my patients. An interesting study was done among women who underwent breast implantation. Initially, many of the women were shocked by the change and felt they had made a terrible mistake because their breasts were too large. Six months after surgery, 90 percent of the women said they were okay with the size. One year later, 90 percent wished the implants were larger. So I counsel my patients that one year after the operation, there is a 90 percent chance they will wish they had had bigger implants.
Waking up in the recovery room and seeing new breasts for the first time is one of the most exciting parts of the surgery. However many women feel they have two huge, hard torpedoes glued to their chest, instead of natural soft breasts. The implants may be swollen for a few days, and are naturally tight. Their new breasts will soften gradually and take on a more natural shape over the next six months.
Many patients are reluctant to go as big as they want because of worries the change will be too obvious. I tell them to go home, start stuffing their bras and wear loose clothing. That way the change wonīt be as noticeable. If a patient suddenly appears larger overnight, an acutely aware person (usually her mother!) may put it all together. So how do you decide which size to pick? Terms like "bigger," and "not too big," and donīt communicate your image clearly. Big to you and big to me are two different things. Placing implants of various sizes into your bra will be more helpful.
I measure a patientīs rib cage, breast fold, tissue thickness, breast width, and even the distance to the belly button and shoulders during my examination to better ascertain how she will carry a certain size implant. Careful measuring helps me to better appreciate what she and God are giving me to fashion. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of breast augmentation, itīs worth 10 times more. I sometimes ask patients to bring in pictures from Victoriaīs Secret or a similar catalog to help me understand what breast size they want. They can also choose from our office preop and post-op photo album.
One to three pictures is sufficient because any more can be confusing. I refer frequently to these pictures in the operating room as I perform the procedure. Once the implants are inserted, I sit the patient up while she is still asleep. Then I walk around and look at my work from every angle, constantly adjusting the implantsī position and size. I try my best as an artist and a human being to match the pictures she has brought in. I tell patients, "Iīm an artist, but Iīm also trying to be a mind reader." I want to give each woman what she envisions, and pictures help me do that.
I also encourage patients to review my website, www.tcplasticsurgery.com. You can look for patients with your body proportions, age, height, weight and cup size both preop and post op. Pay attention to any differences you may see in the preop photos from one side to the other. You can print these out and bring them in as well. Rank your photos in terms of size and implant position—just right, a little too high, too low, whatever—and write your notes on the picture. Be frank about your expectations. Too many pictures—more than two or three—can be confusing, however.
Many patients want cleavage from breast enlargement, but often this is not possible. I release the muscle attachments as far toward the middle of the breastbone as I can, but after that itīs between you and God (or a really great bra) whether or not you will have cleavage. If you have a wide space between your breasts because of a broad sternum, you will never have cleavage.
I use both silicone and saline implants. Silicone gel implants look more natural and feel softer with less chance of visible wrinkling. Studies show silicone implants do not increase the incidence of disease or the chances of developing breast or other cancers. The FDA recommends MRI scans to follow gel implants postop. Saline implants, on the other hand, are less expensive. I can insert a saline implant through a smaller incision and can more easily adjust for minor size discrepancies between each breast during surgery. Implants come in various shapes. About 99 percent of the time, I insert a standard round implant. Discuss the pros and cons of each shape with your surgeon.
www.tcplasticsurgery.com
Gryskiewicz Twin Cities Cosmetic Surgery
For more information, please contact our office at:
(952) 435-0177 or (952) 842-1000
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