Blog | Dr. Ryan Frank

Important Considerations in Breast Augmentation

As the field of plastic surgery has evolved over the past several decades, the options women have for breast enhancement has grown significantly. No longer is the only choice saline or silicone. Today, plastic surgeons like Dr. Frank consider multiple factors, and they discuss their effect on the final outcome with patients. In addition to size, the type of implants, their placement, and the method of access are three important factors to consider.

Type

The two primary types of implants, silicone and saline, each have unique characteristics that will affect how they ultimately look, and how they feel. For this reason, patients must know what to expect before choosing one over the other. Many women today instinctively lean toward saline implants. However, new, cohesive silicone gel is an appealing option that should be discussed.

Placement

Breast implants may be positioned beneath the breast tissue, glands, and milk ducts in the subglandular placement technique. Another option is to have implants inserted between the pectoral muscles and the chest wall. The placement of implants will affect how high they sit on the chest, which affects how breasts look in proportion to the rest of the body. Although it may seem logical that implants placed above the muscle, rather than below, may sustain less stress, the opposite is actually true. Submuscular implants less often experience capsular contracture, or tightening around them.

Access

Access translates to incisions, so it an important consideration. Implants may be inserted via three routes: through a periareolar incision around the nipple, through an incision made beneath the fold of the breast, or through a transaxillary incision made through the underarm. The most predictable results tend to come from the inframammary incision made at the breast fold. However, the experience and technique of the surgeon also affects outcome. Dr. Frank’s passion for cosmetic surgery developed at an early age. This has driven him to pursue advanced education through which he can meet the needs of each patient.

If you are in the Calgary area and are interested in enhancing your figure with breast augmentation, we invite you to learn about your options in our comfortable, friendly office. Speak with an experience member of our staff at (403) 245-1228.

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Tummy Tuck After C-Section, Let’s Talk

Abdominoplasty

Across North America, approximately 1 of every 3 births are delivered using cesarean section. This surgical procedure may be necessary for some reasons, or it may be chosen by an expecting mother. However it occurs, a C-section birth often alters the abdominal profile to such an extent that a woman feel unhappy with her appearance. The popularity of Mommy Makeovers is a testament to the desire women have for satisfactory body contours after childbirth. An aspect of this process that may be of particular interest to a mother who has given birth via cesarean section is tummy tightening with abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is a procedure that addresses laxity in the abdominal wall. It is not intended to remove excess fat tissue, but to tighten the muscle tissue that has been stretched beyond its capabilities to bounce back. Here, we want to discuss a few tips for women who are considering a post-cesarean tuck.

Give your body time to recover. We understand how urgent the need to feel good can be. However, women who have undergone a C-section have undergone major surgery. The body needs time to recuperate from the stress of this procedure, and from the pregnancy itself. The general recommendation is that cosmetic surgery after childbirth occurs at 6 to 12 months post-delivery. Before that time, the sense of urgency can be addressed by choosing a qualified cosmetic surgeon and scheduling a consultation for the future procedure.
Work on fitness goals before surgery. Establishing healthy post-pregnancy lifestyle habits such as eating a well-balanced, low-sugar diet and exercising daily does a lot to support recovery from pregnancy and childbirth. These habits also prepare the body for an intended cosmetic procedure. Through diet and exercise, it is possible to achieve the noticeable reduction in body fat, which maximizes the results from abdominoplasty when this surgery can be performed.
Be patient. It’s hard to be patient when you want your body to go back to its pre-pregnancy shape. We understand. But health is the primary objective after giving birth, along with bonding with your bundle of joy. There is no value in rushing the process of physical recovery. In fact, trying to do so can create fatigue that inhibits the optimal quality of life.

Our friendly staff is happy to schedule an appointment for you in our Calgary cosmetic surgery office. Call (403) 245-1228.

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What Really Happens During Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is a common procedure that may be performed in conjunction with liposuction, or as a stand-alone treatment to top off one’s weight loss journey. If you’ve wondered about what a tummy tuck could do for you, chances are you’ve read a bit of misleading information somewhere along the line. Here, we will discuss three details of this procedure that you should know.

Muscle Repair

A common school of thought regarding abdominoplasty is that this procedure tightens muscles that have become loose due to pregnancy, age, or weight gain. In reality, the muscles of our body know how to extend and to flex, which means they most often recoil after being stretched. The looseness that is noticed across the midsection is most often related to the connective tissue that makes up the abdominal wall. The tightening that is conducted during a tummy tuck can repair the rectus diastasis, which is integrated within the connective tissue across the abdomen.

Belly Button

The navel, or belly button, is an important structure that is preserved throughout the abdominoplasty procedure. It may be repositioned, but it is not removed and recreated. You could think of your belly button as a tube. What you see is one end of the tube; the other end is inside the abdomen, attached to connective tissue. With careful technique, the navel is released and then reinstated, or brought back through the uppermost layer of tissue, after the skin has been tightened. Surgeons attempt to preserve the same essential appearance of the belly button during abdominoplasty. However, it is possible for slight differences to be noticed, depending on suture technique and other factors.

Fat Distribution

Some patients worry that fat removed during abdominoplasty may redistribute elsewhere. There are two answers to this theory. One is that tummy tuck surgery removes so little fat tissue that no dramatic changes occur. Fat reduction is a job for liposuction. Second, the fat that is removed from the body is gone forever. The results from either liposuction or abdominoplasty, or a combination of the two, are maintainable with healthy lifestyle habits.

Learn more about body contouring in a consultation with Dr. Frank. Call our Calgary office at (403) 245-1228.

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How Breast Augmentation is Customized Just for You

Breast Augmentation

It seems needless to say that breast augmentation is a customized procedure. While most patients recognize this fact, how implants are selected to achieve the most natural-looking results may be somewhat of a mystery. Here, we discuss the adaptable features of breast implants that enable us to address the unique aspects of every patient’s body.

Of course, breast implants are not a one-size-fits-all type of product. During the consultation process, the focus is given to the extent of enlargement that is desired. Additionally, Dr. Frank uses a discerning eye to examine the range of size that will look most at home on the patient. “Sizers,” or try-on implants may be placed inside the bra to assess the overall appearance that may be achieved with various sizes. A note about size: beauty comes from proportion, not from a particular cup size. It is important to choose breast implants based on factors such as the frame, height, and weight.
Not only do patients have the option of saline or silicone in their implants, but nuances vary from product to product, as well. More patients are leaning toward form-stable silicone implants to achieve the look and feel of natural breast tissue. However, saline remains a viable option for some. The material is best understood by consulting with an experienced cosmetic surgeon about your needs and preferences.
Implants are no longer merely round shells filled with saline or silicone. Today, there are options that resemble a woman’s natural anatomy. The teardrop implant is tapered at the top and fuller at the bottom, whereas round implants are more balanced. Each has the potential of looking natural.
Location of incisions. The incisions for breast implant insertion may be made in one of three primary locations. While incisions may be made within the armpit or around the areola, a large percentage of patients prefer to have incisions made along the inframammary fold or the lower crease of the breasts.
An implant shell may be textured or smooth. It was once believed that textured implants would reduce the risk of capsular contracture, though studies have yet to confirm an unmistakable benefit. Due to the thickness of the wall of textured implants, the result may be a firmer feel to the touch.

Cosmetic treatments, whether surgical or non-surgical, should be customized to meet patient need. For personal care in a friendly environment, call (403) 245-1228.

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Know the Reality of Silicone Breast Implants

Breast Augmentation

Women have been obtaining breast augmentation with silicone breast implants for more than 50 years now. In that time, numerous safety studies have been conducted, and several changes to the composition of breast implants have improved patient outcomes. The number of breast augmentation procedures performed each year continues to grow; a reflection of women’s confidence in this procedure overall.

Still, there remains a bit of mystery around silicone breast implants. Namely, the question of longevity. What many women ask us during their consultation is “do silicone breast implants have to be replaced every ten years?” This is a wonderful question to ask because, if you were to believe what you read or hear, your perception might keep you from attaining the shape you have wanted for so long.

First, we want to say that there is no across-the-board recommendation for replacing breast implants every 10 years. Next, we want to look at where this idea came from.

Several years ago, a report from an FDA study was published, revealing that 1 in 5 women in this particular study needed breast implant replacement at around the 10-year mark. Replacement may have been necessary due to capsular contraction or tightening around the breast implant, or rupture, or some other problem. This is one detail in the study.

When we look further into the statistics of the replacement for silicone breast implants, we can see that 1 in 5 accounted for only 20% of patients in the FDA study. From this standpoint, we see that there was a larger percentage of women for whom no breast augmentation revision was needed after 10 years. This is not to say that study participants never needed to replace implants, but it suggests that there is a lower chance than may have been interpreted by the initial release of information.

Details to Consider

If you are considering breast augmentation with silicone breast implants, there are details that may set your mind at ease.

All breast implants have a warranty from the company that manufactures them. Warranties may vary based on the form of the implant, filling (saline or silicone), and other factors. Warranties are not expiration dates; they are simply a statement of responsibility from the manufacturer of a product.
The FDA study that led to a widespread belief regarding replacement was released in 2011, long before the development of more form-stable implants and newer insertion techniques. These advances in breast augmentation are significant, as they have improved the long-term success of treatment.
Breast exams are an important aspect of long-term health and wellness. This includes medical checkups and mammography at the recommended intervals.

Your Calgary cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Ryan Frank, can provide you with detailed information regarding breast augmentation and breast implants. Call (403) 245-1228.

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Are You Considering Revision?

Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision Surgery

Breast augmentation has been a leading cosmetic surgery for many years. As trends have changed regarding what is deemed “beautiful,” some women have sought care to revise and further refine their shape with breast augmentation revision. This secondary procedure may be performed for some reasons, such as:

Rippling.
Changes to profile due to breastfeeding or age.
Desired size change.

It is no secret that breast revision surgery is an intricate matter. The procedure must account for scar tissue and the delicate nature of the implants that are in place. An experienced surgeon like Dr. Frank recognizes the nuances of revision surgery that may limit size increases or positioning. Our staff does our best to walk patients through their revision journey from start to beyond completion to ensure a satisfactory outcome.

What You Need To Know

Breast revision surgery is no less complex than breast augmentation. Having had a previous surgery does not mean that recovery will be any easier. That being said, it also will not be any worse.

Patients can expect:

To feel groggy from anesthesia upon waking in the recovery room. A member of the surgical staff will be in the room to welcome the waking patient.
Prescription pain medication will need to be taken prior to the depletion of anesthesia. This way, tenderness or discomfort is easier to manage.
The torso will need to be propped with pillows or wedges for optimal support. A compression garment will also be worn for several days.
It is beneficial to stay in Calgary rather than fly or drive hours after breast revision. Follow-up is necessary to approve travel, so we may recommend scheduling a two-week stay, or purchasing a flexible return ticket.
New breast implants settle into their resting position over several weeks. During this time, tingling, numbness, swelling and bruising will gradually diminish.
Similar to initial breast augmentation, breast revision requires a short wait prior to resuming exercise and normal work habits.

There is no reason to live with breast shape or size that you do not love. Learn more about breast revision surgery when you call (403) 245-1228.

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Is Gynecomastia Treatment a Permanent Solution to Male Breasts?

Male Breast Reduction

Breast tissue is something that we expect to be soft and plentiful on the female chest. On the male chest, the breasts are expected to be slimmer, tighter, more toned. This is true even amongst men whom would not be described as athletic. The presence of excess tissue often leads to substantial loss of self-esteem. Men with gynecomastia often experience a sense of isolation, sometimes going so far as to try and hide excess tissue beneath tight undergarments or layered clothing. This is why we are proud to provide gynecomastia surgery to the men of Calgary in a professional, friendly manner.

Addressing the Big Question

Judging by the immense popularity of gynecomastia surgery, there is very little question about the efficacy of this procedure. However, men may wonder about the longevity of their new body. Will gynecomastia surgery solve the problem of excess breast tissue for good? Is there a possibility that male breast tissue will return sometime after initial treatment? These are good questions and warrant a descriptive response.

In most cases, male breast reduction meets the objective of sculpting the chest, and also the objective of long term results. The needs of individual patients are met by our performance of a comprehensive consultation and initial assessment. Sometimes the issue is that too much tissue has developed in the breasts. Sometimes, the breast glands are part of the problem. By discerning the extent of involvement during the initial consultation, Dr. Frank can secure the best results for each patient. Now to possible reasons that male breast tissue may re-grow after treatment.

The list of risk factors for gynecomastia are no different for men who undergo initial treatment than for men who do not obtain treatment for this condition. The primary reason why breast tissue may expand is weight gain. Any man who gains a significant amount of weight is at risk for some of those fat deposits setting on the chest.

Secondary to weigh gain, but associated with it in many cases is an increase in estrogen-dominance. Hormone imbalance can occur for other reasons, including the natural progression of age and the onset of andropause. Yes, that’s a thing. Where weight is concerned, what men need to understand is that excess fat allows estrogen to soar. The more estrogen in the body, the less testosterone there may be. It’s a vicious cycle that should be avoided if at all possible.

Additional reasons that expansion of fat cells in the breasts may occur include the use of certain medications, of anabolic steroids, or of marijuana.

Contact our office in Calgary at (403) 245-1228 to discuss gynecomastia and your treatment options.

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Does Breast Lift have to Mean Implants?

Breast Lift

The human form changes over time. For a woman, this can mean that her midsection expands as she carries her children. It can also mean that her breasts enlarge, and remain that way, for several months or years as she nurses and nurtures her growing family. From hormonal fluctuations to weight gain with or without pregnancy to the simple aspects of aging, a woman’s body goes through a lot. At some point, what is seen in the mirror feels somewhat unrecognizable to what she had enjoyed in her youth. If this resonates with you, there is immense value in implementing healthy habits to nourish your body – and in consulting with your trusted plastic surgeon to correct concerns such as drooping breasts.

Like any cosmetic procedure, it is necessary to ask many questions. One that we often hear from women considering breast lift surgery is whether or not they can obtain their desired result without breast implants. Mastopexy is focused on lifting alone, not on adding volume. So, the answer to this question is yes, it is possible to get the desired result without implants. The caveat is that it depends on the results you want to achieve.

A Closer Look at Expectations
Breast lift surgery is performed to reinstate a more youthful projection of the breasts through repositioning. If the nipples and areolas have also taken a downward turn, they can be repositioned, as well. After the mastopexy procedure, breasts sit higher on the chest. This may give the illusion of greater fullness. However, no volume is added, so the upper pole of the breasts may have a minor slope where deflation has occurred.

If the end-goal is to recover the position and “perkiness” of the breasts, then a patient may be completely satisfied with her breast lift. If the desired outcome is to add volume in order to restore or create fullness and shape, we would discuss how breast augmentation with implants may be the best way to achieve this.

Patients of Dr. Frank are provided with the personal attention they need to explore their options through in-depth discussion of expectations and recommended procedures. If you would like to know more about breast lift or breast augmentation surgery, call our Calgary office at (403) 245-1228.

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Thinking about Rhinoplasty? Here’s What you Need to Know!

Rhinoplasty

If you’re unhappy with the size, shape, profile, or other characteristics of your nose, chances are you may have considered rhinoplasty. As you move toward your most confident decision, here are some details you want to know.

One of your most important decisions about rhinoplasty is choosing your surgeon. Technique is vital to an optimal outcome.
An experienced surgeon is one part of the whole. The end-result of rhinoplasty can also be affected by your genes! If cartilage and skin are weak, these factors can diminish what the most skilled surgeon can achieve.
Your nose is your nose. Yes, it’s good to have an idea, or even images, of noses you admire. However, your surgeon should take into account how your “ideal” would actually look on your face.
The intent of your experienced plastic surgeon is to create a nose that is at home on your face so the whole is enhanced.
The architecture of the nose can only be modified so much. Reshaping is a meticulous process that involves cartilage more often than skeletal structure.
Cartilage manipulation and removal also needs to be somewhat limited. Removing too much will affect the structural integrity of the whole, and may create a deformity. Ideally, skeletal support will be sustained or even reinforced. by proper shaping.
It is nearly impossible to achieve perfection with even the most painstaking rhinoplasty procedure. Insisting on this could lead to a great deal of disappointment.
In some cases, a minor revision surgery can be performed to put the finishing touches on a previous rhinoplasty. However, this is typically only done to improve breathing capabilities or shape. Rhinoplasty revisions are considerably more complex than the initial procedure, which is why it is vital to choose your surgeon with the utmost care.
Generally speaking, a young patient with firm cartilage, good health, and resilient skin should be able to achieve the desired outcome from rhinoplasty.
The final result from rhinoplasty can take months to fully appear. Expecting this can give you the patience you need to feel the most satisfied with your process.

Modern surgical techniques and the right structural and genetic makeup can add up to a beautiful rhinoplasty experience. To learn more about this procedure, call (403) 245-1228.

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Debunking Cosmetic Surgery Myths

Plastic Surgery

Around the turn-of-the-century, the way humans went about fact-finding changed dramatically. Rather than seeking information in printed literature, or from trusted personal sources, we now tend to turn to Google to learn about everything from home decorating to medical care. We encourage our patients to find their facts in the right places. Otherwise, there is a risk of being fooled by plastic surgery myths. Here, we will set the record straight.

It is a cosmetic surgeon who should perform cosmetic plastic surgery.

This is an interesting topic, and a belief on which your entire surgical plan could go awry. A “cosmetic surgeon” is a doctor who has, in fact, been trained to perform certain procedures. However, there is no acknowledged specialty for cosmetic surgery. The specialty board certification that indicates the necessary training is in the area of plastic surgery. Dr. Frank performed rigorous residency training and plastic surgery at the University of Calgary. Additional fellowship training was obtained in the areas of cosmetic and pediatric surgery at the University of California, San Diego. This level of training is reflected in the skills that have been consistently demonstrated throughout the numerous procedures performed on our patients.

The factor that drives cosmetic surgery is price.

This is true on one front. Certainly, you have a budget to keep in mind as you go about choosing a cosmetic plastic surgeon. However, keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to obtain the appearance you desire. This does not come from a special deal, it comes from years of training and experience on the part of your chosen physician.

Cosmetic treatment is for women.

Throughout the 20th century a great deal of change occurred. One of those changes is the idea that only women are concerned about their appearance. In the past 15 years, the number of men seeking cosmetic care from a trusted plastic surgeon has increased dramatically; to the tune of more than 200%.

There are numerous ways in which we can help you feel better about the appearance of your face and body. For more information on our services call (403) 245-1228.

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