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what are tear drop breast implants

​What are Teardrop Breast Implants?

Breast Augmentation

Teardrop breast implants are an alternative to round breast implants. Many women opt for teardrop implants due to their more natural look and feel vs. the round implants that have been the staple of plastic surgeons for many years.

They come in several brands such as: Mentor, Allergan and Silimed. Despite the marketing hype, whichever major brand you choose is just as good as the other. Each plastic surgeon has his/her favorite brand that has worked well for them (and their patients) over the years.

Originally designed for women who needed reconstructive breast surgery, tear drop breast implants were recently approved for use in America by the FDA in 2012. Prior to that, they were only available in many parts of Europe and select medical study centers.

As the years went by, more and more women opted for a more natural look and feel vs. the traditional high cleavage round implants that have become synonymous with the word “breast implants”.

Why are They Called Teardrop Breast Implants?

Teardrop breast implants are aptly named because they resemble a human tear. The teardrop breast shape has a wide, round base that gently slopes upward, giving a more natural appearance. They are designed to maintain their shape and are sometimes referred to as “Gummy drop” or “Form-stable”. A different way to describe it would be to think of a piece of memory foam. As you press on it, it naturally depresses. When you release pressure, the memory foam reverts to its original shape.

They are also designed in a wide variety of shapes. While the general profile is that of a teardrop, you can find ones that have a “tall” profile and a “wide” profile. The reason for this is that one size does not fit all. Women’s bodies are unique and as such the surgeon will make a recommendation as to which profile/implant will look right on your body. Ultimately, the final decision lies in your hands.

What Benefits Do Teardrop Breast Implants Have?

Teardrop breast implants were originally intended for women who were looking to have reconstructive breast surgery, but after a few years more and more women started opting for the teardrop look vs. the older “rounded” look. At the end of the day, you’re probably going to get less attention (from both men and women) if you opt for teardrops over rounded implants.

Teardrops are also great for women who have very little breast tissue to begin with due to the fact that shaped implants (teardrops) help define the shape of the breast without creating the unnatural looking round shape that’s a telltale sign of older implants.

They are also good if the nipple on the breast is in a position that is lower than ideal, and the person wants to improve the nipple position without undergoing a breast lift.

Aside from coming in many different sizes and shapes, teardrops also come with one of two kinds of fills: Saline and Silicone. Each has its own benefits:

Types of Fill for Teardrop Breast Implants

Saline

  • Requires smaller incision than it would for a silicon implant of the same size.
  • Generally speaking, saline implants tend to cost less than silicon.
  • If a saline implant breaks or ruptures, it will be completely harmless. The size and shape of the breast will instantly deflate, and it will be very noticeable that there is a problem (and you should call the doctor ASAP).
  • Saline implants have a flexible fill volume that the doctor can adjust according to aesthetics as well as the shape/size that you desire.

Silicone

  • Implants are filled with a very thick gel, that holds shape and gives off the feel of real breast tissue.
  • Silicone implants tend to have less wrinkles and rippling than saline ones.
  • If silicone implants rupture, the breast will retain its natural shape and no gel will be spilled out into the body.
  • These kinds of implants have a standard fill volume for predictable results. What you see is what you get.

I Want Teardrop Breasts! Now What?

First you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Keep in mind that while teardrop breasts are meant for a more natural look, they’re probably not going to be as noticeable as rounded ones are (due to the lack of cleavage on a teardrop vs. round implant). They also tend to cost a bit more than the rounded ones.

When you talk with your surgeon, be sure to ask as many questions as you can. You can never ask too many questions regarding the type of implants you choose.

Teardrop breast implants are also more technically challenging for the surgeon and the end result can be highly contingent upon the skill of the surgeon. They can be hard to place in the right area for a natural look. If you choose an experienced plastic surgeon, you can feel confident that you will be happy and satisfied with how your new breasts look.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teardrop Breasts

Are there any specific situations or body types where teardrop implants are more suitable than round implants?

Teardrop implants are often recommended for women who have less breast tissue or who are looking for a more subtle enhancement. They can also be a good option for women who want to correct asymmetry or restore breast shape after pregnancy or weight loss.

Are there any potential risks or complications associated with teardrop breast?

Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation with teardrop implants carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and changes in nipple sensation. There is also a risk of the implant rotating or shifting position, which may require additional surgery to correct.

In the hands of a skilled surgeon, there should be little to no complications as long as post-op instructions are followed.

How is the surgical procedure for teardrop implants different from that of round implants?

The surgical procedure for teardrop implants is similar to that of round implants, involving incisions, placement of the implant, and closure of the incisions. However, the shape of the implant requires careful positioning to ensure a natural-looking result.

What is the recovery process like for teardrop implants, and are there any special considerations compared to round implants?

The recovery process for teardrop implants will involve some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and to wear a supportive bra to help with healing.

Your doctor will provide post-op instructions to follow as your body heals from the surgery. There should be no difference in the recovery from teardrop breast implants when compared to traditional round implants.

Can teardrop implants provide a more natural-looking result than round implants, especially for women with less breast tissue?

Yes, teardrop implants are often recommended for women with less breast tissue or those looking for a more natural-looking result. The teardrop shape can help create a gentle slope and a more natural contour, which may be preferred by some women over the round, more noticeable look of round implants.

How long do teardrop implants typically last, and are there any maintenance or follow-up procedures required?

Teardrop implants are designed to be long-lasting, but like any breast implant, they may need to be replaced or removed at some point due to complications or changes in the breast tissue. Regular follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon are recommended to monitor the implants and ensure they are functioning properly.

Are there any specific activities or lifestyle factors that could impact the suitability or longevity of teardrop implants compared to round implants?

While teardrop implants are designed to provide a more natural-looking result, they may be more prone to rotation or shifting position compared to round implants. Patients are advised to avoid activities that put pressure on the breasts, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, to reduce the risk of complications.

teenage skin care

Skin Care Routine for Teens – What is Too Much?

Skin Care

One concerning thing that we’re seeing more often these days is how younger and younger people are trying to alter their appearance, or trying to fit in with that they think society deems as beauty. This can range from plastic surgery all the way down to excessive skin care routines, and it might be doing more harm than good.

We’ve noticed a trend in society and on social media, where young people, particularly pre-teens and teenagers, doing things to their body that they think will help them stay young looking in the long run, but may actually harming them instead.

In the past we’ve talked about what age we believe to be too young to receive plastic surgery, specifically cosmetic plastic surgery, not surgery required to correct a physical ailment, but today we wanted to talk about something that a lot of people don’t consider to be dangerous… skin care.

Teenage Skin Care Routines

Social media, especially Tik Tok, is known for being a great place to seek out information, tips and tricks on almost anything, beauty secrets, new outfits and clothes trends, and of course the latest dances and music. However, not everyone knows the difference between right and wrong on these apps. They can’t tell what is misinformation, bad information, or just flat-out wrong information.

It’s for this very reason that we see many pre-teens and teens believing that they are doing something good for their long-term health, when they may be doing the exact opposite.

Too Young For Skin Care Treatment?

Many girls these days feel that if they take care of their skin starting at an early age, that it will help them as they grow older and begin to lose that youthful glow, but that’s not always the case.

Skin care treatments designed to help remove blemishes, reduce redness and puffiness, reduce fine lines, and things of that nature, are designed for people who are already experiencing these things in their lives, not as a way to prevent them from happening in the future.

TikTok and other social media trends are teaching these kids about using topical steroids, abrasives, and other chemical compounds to help rejuvenate their face and skin.

The fact is, these kids are still kids, and their skin is youthful and hasn’t begun to lose the elasticity that we notice as we get older. There is no reason for children to be using these harsh chemicals on their faces as a preventative solution.

Of course, if you suffer from a specific skin condition, and your dermatologist has prescribed one of these specific medications, like retinol, then it’s ok, but chemical peels, face masks, and things of that nature, aren’t going to help you as you get older, they can actually damage the skin when you’re too young.

What Skin Care Routine Should a Pre-Teen/Teen Follow?

We understand that everyone, no matter what age, wants to look their best whenever possible. Utilizing face masks and different facial chemicals and products like that aren’t the answer to smooth beautiful skin when you’re still young. Once you’re into your late 20’s and you start to notice more wrinkles and lines in your face, then you can start considering a more aggressive skin care regimen, but as a teenager there are only a couple things you should be doing to keep your skin healthy and youthful.

1. Wear Sunscreen

One of the worst things for your skin is the sun. The UV rays are detrimental to your skin if it’s not protected. Over exposure to the sun can cause things like skin cancer, dry skin, redness, and can cause your skin to age faster than it normally would.

The best thing you can do for your skin when you’re younger, and at any time in your life really, is to make sure you’re wearing at least SPF 30 sunscreen when you’re going to be exposed to the sun for longer periods of time, especially on your face.

There are many different moisturizers available that also have sunscreen in them. These are perfect for your daily facial skin regimen, even as a younger teen. Which leads us into our next point.

2. Moisturizer

In addition to wearing sunscreen and avoiding long exposure to the sun, a basic moisturizer will help with dry, flaky, itchy skin in the winter months, and won’t be detrimental to your skin over time.

As a pre-teen or teenager, these two products are the only thing you should need to help keep your skin healthy at that age, unless your dermatologist prescribes something else.

Other products like face masks, chemical peels, steroids, and topical vitamins could cause irritation and won’t provide you much benefit at that stage of your life. Your skin is still young and vibrant, while having not been exposed to the elements yet.

Protecting Your Skin as a Teenager

If you’re really interested in keeping your skin clean and healthy when you’re young, sunscreen and moisturizer is all you need. These products will help protect you from the damage the sun can cause, and the moisturizer will help keep your skin glowing and help prevent dryness.

So, unless you’ve visited a doctor and they have recommended that you try other products to help with specific skin ailments or conditions, there is no need for you to be using these harsh products at this age. The chemicals in these products can do more damage than help when you are young and are mostly unnecessary for healthy skin until you’ve reached your late 20’s, early 30’s, when you can really start to see the damage that time, and the sun, have done to your skin.

stories from the operating room

Stories from the Operating Room: You Won’t Believe What Happened

Entertainment

When you’ve been in the plastic surgery field for as long as Dr. Adams has, you naturally have some stories to tell. Some of these stories would be hard to believe if he hadn’t been there to witness them firsthand, but all these stories are 100% true.

The number of stories that Dr. Adams could tell you would only be limited by the amount of time in a day. As the world evolves and humans are introduced to new technologies and advancements in society, the number of ways a person can hurt themselves is always growing. You would be absolutely surprised by the sort of injuries an emergency room sees on a daily basis.

With these new injuries comes advancements in treatments and surgical procedures. For example, before the invention of the automobile, doctors weren’t used to seeing injuries to the extent that we see today due to car accidents. This has led to a better understanding of how to treat and help those patients with more extensive injuries that people would never have experienced before.

This week Dr. Adams took to his YouTube channel to discuss just a few of the most unforgettable moments in patient care that he has witnessed during his career.

Unforgettable Moments in Patient Care

Wrist Reattachment

Some of the most unforgettable procedures that Dr. Adams has had to deal with is reattaching of limbs or body parts that have been cut off. While it’s not the rarest occurrence, what happened in this particular instance was out of the ordinary.

A worker was working near a large industrial an on top of a building and accidentally got his hand cut off at the wrist due to the spinning fan blade. When they brought him into the ER for surgery, they did not have the hand when they brought in the patient.

It turns out that when the fan cut off the hand, it sent the hand flying off the building and five stories down to the street below. Once it was on the street it was then run over by the local garbage truck. So once the hand was brought into the hospital it had tire tread marks on it and was badly banged up.

Thankfully, because of the skilled doctors at the hospital, they were still able to reattach the hand and after a lot of physical therapy, the patient now has a functioning hand again. But it’s not every day that a severed limb comes into surgery with tire tread marks on it after having been thrown off a 5-story building.

Hostage Surgeon

One seemingly normal morning in the hospital turned into a nightmare situation for everything on staff that day.

On a Saturday at one of the busiest emergency rooms in the southwest, Dr. Adams was walking into the ER as he normally would, when he noticed that there wasn’t a single person in the area, not even staff, and the area smelled like a firework had gone off.

It turns out that a person who was arrested by the police needed to be brought in for medical treatment, but decided to grab the police officer’s gun just before he was brought in. The suspect managed to get a shot off, which thankfully did not hit anyone in the area, and then grabbed a staff member in the ER and took her hostage.

He tried to make an escape with the hostage but released her as he ran out of the doors and took off down the street. A little while later the suspect was brought back into the ER due to a gunshot wound sustained when the police finally caught up to him.

And wouldn’t you know it, the same surgeon that he had taken hostage earlier, was the one that had to treat him for the gunshot wound when he was brought back.

Stories from the Operating Room

These are just a couple of the many stories that Dr. Adams has from his storied career as a surgeon in Texas. If you had the time, he could sit down and tell you stories about things you didn’t even know were possible.

It just goes to show you that doctors and surgeons truly have dealt with almost everything. Sometimes they even have to put their personal feelings aside in order to help out those that need their assistance.

So, if you like these stories and want to hear Dr. Adams talk about them directly or want to hear another story we didn’t include in this article, be sure to click on the video above.

Dr. Adams and his colleagues post many different informational and edutainment videos on his YouTube channel every week, so make sure you subscribe to stay up to date on what is happening in the world of plastic surgery!

beauty treatments 2024

4 Incredible Beauty Treatments to Consider for 2024

Skin Care

2024 is your year! This is the year you work on you! And what better way to kick off the year and get ready for spring/summer by treating yourself to some well-deserved beauty treatments.

As plastic surgeons, we do our best to make you feel comfortable in your skin. We provide a variety of different surgical options that can help you enhance your features and qualities to help boost your self-esteem. However, not everyone wants to undergo a surgical procedure just for cosmetic purposes.

Because surgical procedures can seem risky and require a lot more recovery time, a lot of plastic surgeons and med spas are offering non-surgical procedures that can temporarily help improve your skin and appearance without the downtime.

From injectables to skin treatments, we’ve selected 4 of our favorite non-surgical beauty treatments that you should consider for 2024!

Our Favorite Non-Surgical Beauty Treatments

Jawline Fillers

Did you know that the back of your jaw has the strongest muscle, per capita, in your body?  These jawline fillers, like Botox, can allow for softening/weaking of this muscle to help you get better shaping in your jawline.

You can then move forward in your jawline and add some fillers, or your own fat, to create more of a contour within your jawline to make it more pronounced.

This procedure has become very popular recently, especially because it can help alleviate pain from TMJ or TMJ induced migraines. So, if you’ve been suffering from TMJ related pain, and your dentist hasn’t been able to help, you may want to consider talking to a plastic surgeon.

Injectable Biostimulators

In terms of injectables, these biostimulators like Sculptra, help the body to produce its own collagen instead of relying on the fillers to “fill” in those areas of concern.

These fillers cause an inflammatory response at the injection site which causes your body to produce its own natural collagen to help fill in wrinkles or help smooth out problem areas in the skin.

Radiesse works similarly but stimulates a collagen response without causing an inflammatory response in the body.

One of the best parts of these biostimulators is that you go in for a couple treatments, 6-8 weeks apart, and the results can last for up to two years without intervention.

Minimally Invasive Neck Lifts

When most people think of a full-on neck lift, they think of major incisions, followed by removal of skin, and then a physical tightening, as the skin is brought together and sutured. But for minimally invasive neck lifts, we rely on radio frequencies and microneedling to help tighten up the skin in the neck.

In addition to the radio frequency treatments, a small incision can be made under the chin, which will allow the surgeon to help tighten up the skin and the muscles underneath, helping to produce a stronger neckline.

So, instead of the typical incisions and skin tightening used during a traditional neck lift, these minimally invasive ones will produce good results, without the need for multiple incisions.

Sub-Dermal Hydrator

SKINVIVE is the first “skin booster” available in the United States. With a small injection in your cheek, it helps to moisturize and boost the skin from the dermal level as opposed to the outer layer of your skin.

This can help add a little fat back into your face if you’ve lost weight in your face, while also providing moisture to dry skin. And since the procedure can last up to a few months, it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and will have you looking your best throughout the summer months.

Look Your Best in 2024

As we start to move out of the winter months and into spring and summer 2024, it’s time to get those beach bodies ready! And while you’re focusing on getting your body in shape, why not enhance your skin as well!

Skin, on the face especially, is one of the first things that people see when they meet you. As you’re being introduced to someone new, where are you looking, typically into their eyes and then around their face, so why not look your best this summer when out on the town or hanging out with new friends.

These 4 non-surgical beauty treatments are a great way to enhance your facial features and give your skin that boost that it needs after coming out of the dry winter weather. And the best part about these procedures is that they are all minimally invasive and will allow you to get back to your everyday life as soon as you walk out the door.

If you’re interested in procedures like this, contact us today at Dr. Adams Plastic Surgery in Dallas, Texas. We offer a number of different non-surgical treatments and procedures through our office as well as our Aya Med Spa here in town.

So, what are you waiting for! Make 2024 the year of you. Looking your best will help you feel your best, which will bring out that confidence that we all have deep down inside.

labiaplasty

What is a Labiaplasty? Why Might it Be Necessary?

Plastic Surgery

Over the years Labiaplasty has exploded in popularity amongst women of all ages. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reported that labiaplasty procedures in the US have increased 45% in 2015-2016.

The size, shape, and color of the labia widely differs amongst women. It can change due to childbirth, aging or congenital defects. What once was a taboo subject is now a mainstream medical procedure that many women are undergoing – some for aesthetic reasons, others for valid medical concerns.

What is a Labiaplasty?

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that “trims” the excess (or redundant) folds of skin of the labia minora. There are many ways of performing the surgery and they can be pretty complex. How and what the surgeon does is entirely dependent upon the needs and desires of the individual undergoing the procedure.

For example, the labia could be made smaller or more symmetrical or even flush with the vagina. This can be performed by taking a “wedge” out of the labia or entirely removing the part that is excessive. The look and shape of the labia differs from woman to woman so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. Deformities of the clitoral hood can also be corrected.

Labiaplasty Pain and Recovery Time

The surgery itself can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. It’s usually performed under local anesthesia, but the patient can opt for conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Overall, it’s generally considered safe and recovery is usually quick.

Is Labiaplasty Painful?

As with any surgical procedure, there will be some pain. The surgeon might prescribe pain medications and antibiotics to help speed up the healing process. If there are any scars, they will be invisible due to the location of the surgical incisions.

After having a labiaplasty, most women can return back to work in one week without any issue. It may take 2-3 weeks before they can exercise, and it’s recommended to wait four to six weeks before engaging in intercourse. During the healing process, women are also instructed not to wear tampons or tight clothes.

Complications from Labiaplasty

Medical complications are generally mild and rare. The most common complications reported are excessive bleeding, poor wound-healing, labial asymmetry, and infection. In very rare cases a revision surgery might be required.

How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost? And Will Insurance Cover It?

Labiaplasty is considered an elective surgery, which means that most insurance companies will not cover it. Because typical insurance companies will not cover the cost of a labiaplasty, most plastic surgeons will offer some sort of payment plan that will allow you to pay off the cost of the procedure over time.

While we can’t give you an exact price without having a consultation, labiaplasty’s in the United States can cost anywhere from $1500 to $6000 depending on the amount of work that needs to be done, the location within the country, as well as the experience of the surgeon.

The best way to get a true cost estimate for a labiaplasty is to schedule a consultation with a surgeon. They will be able to examine you and break down the cost of the procedure for you.

Why Would Someone Need a Labiaplasty?

Aesthetic Reasons

In 2008, the Journal of Sexual Medicine came out with a report that stated 32% of women who had labiaplasty did so in order to correct a functional impairment and 37% solely for aesthetic purposes.

There are many reasons why women opt for this procedure. Some do it for aesthetic reasons. As “Brazilian waxes” (and other hair removal procedures) have grown in popularity over the years, more and more women have become self-conscious of their genital areas.

Adult websites also play a small role in why women want this procedure done. Some women opt for labiaplasty because they want to look like the women in adult magazines and on websites. Women who are in their teens and early 20’s tend to undergo this surgery for aesthetic purposes. Other women are self-conscious about the outline of their vaginal area through clothing, especially when they’re wearing tight fitting active wear such as yoga pants.

Medical Reasons

There are also valid medical reasons why labiaplasty would be performed. The excess labia skin can cause physical discomfort when wearing certain clothes. Riding a bike, exercising, or even sitting at a desk for any period of time can also cause pain and discomfort.

Other women have trouble putting in a tampon or experience inflammation or chafing when having sex. Excess skin around the labia minora can also become enlarged on one end, but not the other.

Labiaplasty is also performed in sex reassignment surgeries (male-to-female). It’s usually the second stage of the procedure wherein labiaplastic techniques are used to create a clitoral hood and labia minora.

Criticism of Labiaplasty

There are critics of the surgery who say that the reason women undergo labiaplasty is due to poor self-image of themselves. More and more teenage girls are wanting to undergo labiaplasty and many surgeons recommend against it due to their bodies not being fully developed at such a young age.

There are some critics who claim that undergoing the procedure for cosmetic purposes is completely unnecessary. They state that due to the current culture of removing pubic hair, the labia becomes more visually prominent. There is also a huge misconception that labiaplasty is a form of “genital mutilation” (it is not because the intention of the procedure is to help, rather than deny sexual pleasure to a woman).

Ultimately, the final decision should be left to the patient. If the procedure improves the quality of their life in some way, shape, or form, then they should undergo it regardless of what others think or say.

Improving Quality of Life

The vast majority of women who have undergone a labiaplasty have reported a marked improvement in the quality of their lives. Their clothes fit better, they no longer have that embarrassing “camel toe” look, and their self-confidence/self-esteem rises.

When it comes to sexual intercourse, some women report that an enlarged labia can cause extreme amounts of pain. Labiaplasty can help alleviate the discomfort and make sex enjoyable once again.

Whether the reason is cosmetic or medical, labiaplasty is one of those procedures that can help women feel better about themselves as well as provide a level of comfort that wasn’t there prior.

Labiaplasty in Dallas, Texas

There are many valid reasons for wanting to undergo the labiaplasty procedure. From improved aesthetics, to correcting the discomfort felt when performing regular everyday activities, labiaplasty has helped countless women improve the quality of their lives.

If you are interested in labiaplasty, or would like to learn more, give the offices of Dr. Adams a call at 214-965-9885 or schedule a consultation online. Dr. Adams is an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeon and has the expertise and experience to help you look and feel your very best!