December 2018

Breast augmentation is a very popular cosmetic procedure in terms of numbers of procedures. But beyond that, it has one of the highest satisfaction ratings of any cosmetic procedure. If a woman has always felt dissatisfied with her breasts, whether that stems from size, asymmetry, or any other reason, augmentation surgery can really change her self-esteem and body image.

Deciding to move forward with breast augmentation is a big decision, but Dr. Frank reminds his patients that there will be other decisions to be made beyond the initial yes or no.

The choices can sometimes feel daunting — How do I know what to choose? — but Dr. Frank will provide information and help you with each decision.

Implant type

You’ll first choose your implant type: saline, silicone, or cohesive silicone. Each option has its own pluses and minuses.

Saline implants can be placed through a smaller incision, as they are filled once placed into the breast pocket. If they rupture, the body simply absorbs the saline water. Saline implants do have a higher incidence of wrinkling. Plus, if they rupture, you’ll still need replacement surgery to remove and replace the deflated shell.

Silicon implants have become more popular than saline. They are generally thought to feel the most like natural breast tissue. However, if they rupture, the silicone needs to be removed. Most of today’s silicone gels are far more cohesive, however, and stay in or near the implant shell.

Cohesive silicone implants (commonly known as gummy bear implants) are a new addition to the implant options. They are filled with thicker gel, hence the gummy bear name.

Implant size and shape

Beyond the type of implant, you’ll need to decide on the size and the shape of your implants. Some patients believe they will select their implant size based on the same sizing system used with bras. That’s not the case. Implants are sized based on the amount of the substance filling the implant. For instance, implants may be 350 ccs. That is cubic centimeters. The most popular sizes are generally between 330 and 400 ccs.

You’ll also need to choose projection. As an example, these are the five styles available with the Allergan Natrelle Inspira breast implant line:

• Smooth Round Low Profile (widest base/lowest projection)
• Smooth Round Low Plus Profile
• Smooth Round Medium Profile
• Smooth Round Full Profile
• Smooth Round Extra-Full Profile (narrowest base/highest projection)

All manufacturers have similar options. Currently, the two most popular styles with these Allergan implants are Full Profile first and Medium Profile second.

There are other choices you’ll make, such as do you want to place your implants atop or beneath the pectoral muscle? Again, Dr. Frank will help you with all of these so that come the day of your surgery, you’ll be calm and excited for your new figure.

Do you have questions about breast augmentation? Would you like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Frank? Call us at (403) 245-1228 to make an appointment.

Breast augmentation is a popular procedure that we conduct to help our patients gain the confidence they wish to feel in their physical appearance. One attribute that is shared among a good number of women who seek this procedure is a desire to stay physically fit. Breast augmentation gives them the complementary curves that top off their beauty goals. When exercise is an important aspect of a woman’s life, she may find it challenging to allow herself full recover from her surgery. “When can I work out?” is one of the most common questions we hear as we prepare for this body-enhancing procedure.

The techniques employed in the placement of breast implants is so precise and gentle that most patients feel able to return to normal activities relatively quickly. This can be good, but it can also create confusion in the area of exercise. We submit that our patients do the following:

• Wait until the post-op follow up visit to even think about hitting the gym, or the yoga studio, or whatever form of exercise is preferred. We provide post-operative instructions for a reason, and one of the top details is to postpone exercise until cleared by Dr. Frank. Trust the timing of your return to exercise.
• Let your body be your guide. Once you are medically cleared for your return, pay close attention to what your body has to say about your workout routine. Give a little extra rest when needed. In fact, schedule that day off when you do nothing more than take a nice relaxing walk.
• Go easy on the upper body. Upper body exercises can stress the muscles in the chest and arms, those that have been disrupted in surgery. Resist the urge to reach for your former weight, and start your post-surgical workouts with lighter weights that are gentle on these muscles as they build up their strength.
• Get support. In the first few days after breast augmentation, you may have relied on a few close friends or family members to help you. Now, your biggest support is a good sports bra. This is necessary regardless of the type of exercise you do, even yoga can put strain on recuperating muscles and tissues.

Is breast augmentation something you have always wanted to do? Learn more about this procedure by calling our Calgary office at (403) 245-1228.