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​Detecting Breast Cancer When You Have Implants

​Detecting Breast Cancer When You Have Implants

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Many women who undergo breast augmentation surgery often wonder how their implants will affect breast cancer prevention. Are there additional precautions women with breast implants need to take? The truth is, prevention methods for women with implants are slightly different than those without.

Here are some breast cancer prevention tips for women with implants:

Check your breasts regularly. Just as with women who don’t have breast implants, self-examinations are important. In fact, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women finding a lump themselves. If you have breast implants, make sure that you are familiar with the way your breasts feel, so you can notice any abnormalities should they appear.

Many women with implants have actually reported that self-examinations were easier after their breast augmentation surgery.

Get a mammogram. Most women start getting annual mammograms at age 40. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that allows doctors to see changes in breast tissue. Mammograms can be used to detect breast cancer in women who don’t show any signs or symptoms of the disease.

The mammogram itself isn’t much different for women who have implants. There are typically four additional images that are taken in order to ensure that the doctor can properly see the breast tissue around the implants. These extra pictures are called implant displacement views. The implant is pushed back against the wall of the chest and the breast is pulled forward over it.

There are cases, however, where a woman’s implants have obscured the mammogram images, making it harder for the doctor to see any abnormalities. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that the radiologist performing the mammogram has experience performing and reading mammograms of women with breast implants.

Some doctors may recommend that you get a mammogram before and within one year of breast augmentation surgery. The mammogram you get after your surgery will serve as a baseline for future tests and make it easier for doctors to notice any abnormalities in the future.

Talk to your doctor. Make sure that your doctor is aware that you have implants, especially prior to getting a mammogram. Although it’s very rare that a mammogram can harm your implants, it’s best to let the doctor know so they can be sure to take those additional images.

Your doctor may also decide to give you additional tests, such as an MRI screening.

Breast cancer detection is not that different in women with breast implants. Although extra precautions should be taken, such as additional mammogram images, breast cancer can still be detected. It is also important to note that studies have shown that there has been no increase in breast cancer risk, no difference in survival rate, and no difference in stage of disease or recurrence rates in women with implants vs women without implants.

If you have any questions about breast augmentation surgery, please contact us today.

​5 Do's and Don'ts of Choosing Your Implant Size

​5 Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing Your Implant Size

Breast Augmentation, , , , , , ,

When it comes to implants, size matters – and bigger isn’t always better. Following these tips will help you and your surgeon select the best implant size for your body, ensuring you’ll have the best results from your breast augmentation surgery.

Do: Measure Carefully

To determine implant size, it’s important to know your chest and breast dimensions. Measure the breast width in centimeters starting from the inside (cleavage area) in a straight line out to the outside edge of the breast. Breast width is important because implants that are slightly narrower than your natural breasts typically provide the best fit.

Don’t: Stuff Your Bra to Determine Implant Size

The Internet is full of guides on how to use baggies or pantyhose filled with rice or birdseed to figure out how large you’d like your implants. Since implants are filled with silicone gel or saline, not birdseed, this doesn’t give a very helpful idea of what your implants would actually look like! Many surgeons do have sample implants you can insert into your bra to get a rough idea of how big you’d like to go, but this is often misleading and the look and feel of the implant can be drastically different when it is actually inside the breast, rather than stuffed into a bra.

Do: Use 3D Imaging to See What Your New Breasts Will Look Like

Playing “dress-up” with implant samples can fun to get an idea of what you’ll look like after implants, but for a more accurate picture of your new look, find a surgeon that uses 3D imaging to show you what you’ll look like post-surgery.

Vectra 3D Imaging cameras take multiple photos from different views to build a three-dimensional model of your body. Your surgeon will be able to manipulate the model view to adjust the size and shape of the implants to fit your specifications. You’ll be able to see your future breasts from all angles, ensuring that you and your surgeon are on the same page about your desired results.

Don’t: Leave it to Implant Sizers

Some surgeons use single-use disposable sterile sizers during surgery to help guide implant selection, but to guarantee the results you want, decide on your size with your surgeon before surgery. This is called tissue based dimensional planning. Dr. Adams is internationally known for his many presentations and publications on this topic.

New 3D Imaging software allows surgeons to adjust sizing and show you in advance what your results will look like using different types and shapes of implants. Relying on those advanced tools, along with accurate measurements and markings, is a better way to ensure you’re satisfied with your implant size. Spending a little extra time before surgery to settle on a size and shape, rather than letting the surgeon rely on sizers in the OR, may also cut down on the surgery time and cost.

Don’t: Get What Your Friend Has

Sure, she looks great! But every woman is different, and the size and shape that looks phenomenal on her might not be as flattering on you.

There are many factors that determine implant size: your desired results, breast tissue density, breast size, chest size, height, weight, even exercise habits! Talk to your surgeon about your lifestyle and your ideal post-surgery breasts, measure accurately, and use 3D imaging to select implants that will look amazing on you. Dr. Adams uses all f this information to customize your implant type and size for you.

You might need a different size and shape than your friend, but with proper planning and consultation, you can have breasts that make you look and feel just as confident!

During consultation, Dr. Adams will walk you through the best steps to determine which implant will fit your breasts the best. Our office offers all types of implants including cohesive breast implants, saline and silicone breast implants, 3D imaging and the 24 hour fast track recovery. Learn more about our breast augmentation surgery here or feel free to contact us with any questions.

Do Non Surgical Breast Augmentation Alternatives, Like This Breast Enlargement Pill, Work?

Do Non-Surgical Breast Augmentation Alternatives Work? Mythbusting the Gimmicks

Breast Augmentation, Non-Surgical, , , , , , , , , ,

“We must – We must – We must increase our bust!” The jingle appeared in Judy Blume’s renowned 1970 book, Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, and many women are still searching for the best way to do just that. Breast augmentation surgery is increasing in popularity. But with a range of modern non-surgical alternatives on the market, varying in cost and effectiveness, what’s the best option?

Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the most popular breast augmentation alternatives to find out what works – and what doesn’t.

You can learn about the realities of breast implants in the No Spin News video below!

BRAVA Bra

The BRAVA Bra is a system for breast tissue expansion. The “bra” features two molded gel cups that suction over the breasts. The controller exerts a continuous force on the breasts, gently pulling on the breast tissue and causing it to gradually expand over time.

The gel cups and controller, worn beneath a fabric sports bra, are designed to be worn for 10 hours a day for ten weeks (generally overnight). The manufacturer reports that women can expect an increase in size anywhere from half a cup to two cup sizes. Dr. Adams is more skeptical and  studied the system in 2000 on 10 patients. The results were overall quite minimal.

Furthermore, many customers have expressed their disappointment with the BRAVA Bra’s results, saying that they experienced side effects such as sagging and grooves that looked like stretch marks, among other side effects, with little to no improvement in size. That’s a lot of effort and time for little to no change.

Breast Enlargement Pumps

Similar to the BRAVA Bra, breast enlargement pumps work by applying suction to the breasts to gradually expand breast tissue and increase size. The suction promotes blood flow and tissue growth, which stretches the muscle and allows it to “grow.”

The BRAVA system is an automatic system, while other breast enlargement pumps have manually operated pumps that can exert more force in a shorter time period. Users with manual pump systems should be careful not to use too much force, as that can cause damage to the breast tissue. Many manufacturers say that users can increase about 1-2 cups sizes if the pumps are used daily for at least 6-12 weeks.

We’ve spoken with many patients who are unhappy with the results they see after all of this effort. Many patients reported only temporary improvement that was not significant.

Push-Up Bras

Push-up bras create the appearance of larger breasts, but they don’t make any permanent physical changes to increase your actual breast size. Brassieres are designed with different goals in mind, and push-up bras aim to lift breasts and enhance cleavage. These bras have underwire supports and cups with padding or inserts in the center of the cup to create the appearance of “lift.” Push-up bras can have molded cups with padding or softer gel inserts for a more natural shape.

Breast Enlargement Pills & Creams

The supplement market is flooded with breast enlargement pills and creams promising all-natural, non-surgical breast enhancement. These products are not monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so their claims have not been verified. Many companies manufacture both creams and pills to work in tandem to increase breast size.

The creams, in general, are applied topically to the breasts using a massaging, circular motion to stimulate the breast tissues and encourage new cell growth. Many of the creams include ingredients designed to “firm,” similar to those in anti-cellulite creams. Just

Breast enlargement pills claim to work with female hormones to stimulate tissue and gland growth in the breasts. Many popular options available today are promoted as “all-natural” options because they contain herbs rather than artificial hormones, but it is important to note that “natural” and “herbal” do not always mean a product is safe. Products that could create changes to the glands at the cellular level would also carry a risk of potentially causing harmful changes to the tissue.

Working Out

Some exercises can “boost” the bust, but because the breasts themselves do not contain muscle tissue, the effect of working out is limited. Exercises like pushups and chest press can strengthen and enlarge the pectoral muscles in the chest that lie beneath the breast tissue, creating the appearance of larger breasts even though the actual breast cup size will not increase through exercise.

Non-Surgical Breast Enlargement vs. Breast Augmentation Surgery

If it sounds too good to be true – it usually is! For women seeking a permanent increase in breast size, breast augmentation surgery using implants is currently the only proven way to achieve the desired change. The idea of surgery can be intimidating or scary, and the procedure can be more expensive. But when performed by a reputable cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Adams, breast augmentation surgery is a safe and effective option.

Breast enlargement pumps don’t cost as much as augmentation, but they require a lot more time commitment for results that may vary by person – sometimes they don’t work at all.

Pills and creams are non-surgical but not without risk. They may end up damaging your breasts more than enhancing them. Working out and wearing push-up bras create the illusion of volume without any changes to the actual breast tissue.

Dr. Adams says, “It’s about producing a beautiful breast. Patients come to me for that specifically and we can best achieve their desired results with a fast track 24-hour recovery breast augmentation.”

Women who are serious about enhancing the size and improving the shape of their breasts will find that the most efficient way to achieve their desired results, customized for their bodies, is breast augmentation. Learn more about the cost of a breast augmentation and what exactly the procedure involves by contacting us!

What to Expect and Ask at a Breast Augmentation Consultation

What to Expect and Ask at a Breast Augmentation Consultation

Breast Augmentation, , , , , , ,

Consultations are arguably the most important part of the entire breast augmentation process. Not only will you use the consultation to choose the right plastic surgeon for you; you will also use it to identify your goals for your breasts. This is why it’s so important to be fully prepared for your breast augmentation consultation.

If you’re not sure how to prepare for your consultation or you’re feeling nervous, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll help you understand what you can expect and which questions you should ask.

Take a look at the Plastic Surgery Channel video below to learn about online consultations from Dr. Adams. 

What Should Your Consultation Goals Be?

It can be scary going to go into a consultation with no expectations about what’s going to happen. But even worse than that, it can leave you unprepared. You want to make sure you have goals in mind while going into your consultation so that you use your time with the surgeon wisely. You should have two goals during your breast augmentation consultation:

  1. Making sure the plastic surgeon is qualified and that you feel comfortable around him/her.
  2. Identifying realistic goals for your breasts with your surgeon.

What to Expect at a Breast Augmentation Consultation

At Dr. Adams Plastic Surgery, Dr. Adams and his specialized team will discuss your expectations and what changes can realistically be made to your breasts based on these expectations. You can also ask any questions you may have during this time.

Since Dr. Adams individualizes each one of his patient’s procedures, he will discuss the variables that may affect your surgery, including your age, the size and shape of your breasts, condition of your skin, and whether an implant is advisable.

Our patients’ favorite part of the consultation is typically the 3D breast imaging. During the first part of the consultation, you will receive a quick 3D scan to generate an image of your breast. From there, Dr. Adams will take very accurate measurements of your breasts. He will then create a 3D visual image of the expected surgery results so that you can see exactly what your breasts will look like after surgery.

While other plastic surgeons may use more imprecise methods, like stuffing, to show you what your implants may look like, Dr. Adams published a study in 2014 in The Aesthetic Surgery Journal that found that3D imaging is 98% accurate in showing final results during the consult. Patients love it.

How Do Online or Phone Consultations Work?

If you don’t live in Texas, an online or phone consultation can save you time and money. The goal of a remote consultation is a little different than a face-to-face consultation.

Remember, nothing can replace an in-person consultation. A virtual consultation is really just a preview, allowing you to make sure that the surgeon can do what you are looking for and that you feel comfortable with the surgeon. Once you confirm that the surgeon is qualified and can achieve your goals, you can book a face-to-face meeting for a more detailed discussion about the breast augmentation procedure.

Find out how to set up an online breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Adams here.

Questions to Ask

The best way to find out if a plastic surgeon has had extensive training in breast augmentation is to talk with them face-to-face. Remember, plastic surgery procedures are not regulated. You don’t have to be board certified in order to perform breast augmentations. That’s why it’s incredibly important to do your research and ask your plastic surgeon questions during your consultation. You should try to find a surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation for your surgery, like Dr. Adams.

Here are a few questions you should ask during your consultation:

  • Are you an active member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)?
  • Which boards are you certified by?
  • How long have you been performing breast augmentations?
  • How many years of training do you have?
  • Do you have the privileges to perform breast surgery at a hospital?
  • Do you specialize in breast augmentation?
  • What procedures are you known for?
  • Do you have any publications? If so, how many?
  • Do you get invited give lectures on breast augmentation?
  • How many breast augmentations have you performed?
  • Which type of implant do you recommend for my breasts?
  • Which incision site and placement site do you recommend for me?
  • What are the risks and complications?
  • How will my results look over time?
  • How long will my recovery take and what will I be expected to do to make sure I have a safe and speedy recovery?

We hope this list helps prepare you for your breast augmentation consultation. At Dr. Adams Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation specialist Dr. Adams offers in-depth consultations to ensure that all of your questions are addressed, goals are identified and that you and he are a good fit.

woman using Snapchat in plastic surgery procedure

Snapchat in Plastic Surgery: Is filming live videos of surgical procedures a good thing?

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Celebrity doctors have been around for a while. But doctors filming themselves performing a procedure live on their phones for anyone to see is definitely a new thing. Though it may sound shocking, a growing number of plastic surgeons have built up quite a following on Snapchat by filming their surgeries in full graphic detail.

The question to ask now is whether or not filming these live broadcasts of surgical procedures on Snapchat is a good thing, or if it’s simply unethical. We asked several top plastic surgeons about their thoughts on this topic and for their predictions of the future of Snapchat in plastic surgery.

The Trend in Live Plastic Surgery on Snapchat

Plastic surgery procedures used to just be between the doctor and the patient. Nowadays, patients consent to getting their surgery broadcasted live on Snapchat and seen by thousands of followers. Some patients even request that their surgeon give viewers their Snapchat usernames and a shout out to a loved one.

One surgeon in particular, Dr. Matthew Schulman, is at the forefront of the plastic surgery Snapchat trend. He gives excellent insight into why people are watching and the effects of Snapchatting.

Dr. Schulman says he has several hundred thousand followers on the social media app, according to Fox News, and that about 90% of patients consent to their surgeries being broadcasted on Snapchat. Schulman also says that about 80 to 85% of people who come into his practice for a consultation follow him on Snapchat. He started using Snapchat after Instagram began taking down images from his account.

According to Refinery29, people who watch Schulman’s Snapchats include those interested in getting plastic surgery, people in the medical field and other viewers who are fascinated by the gory clips. Dr. Schulman says that he receives good questions about plastic surgery and that people watch him and his staff each day like a soap opera.

Experts Answer: Is Snapchatting Live Surgical Procedures a Good Thing?

While this new trend is certainly growing, should plastic surgeons jump on the bandwagon and start using Snapchat? Or is Snapchatting these surgeries having a negative impact on the industry and, even more importantly, patients? Dr. Adams spoke to four top plastic surgeons on NO Spin Live from The Plastic Surgery Channel and asked for their thoughts about broadcasting live plastic surgery procedures on Snapchat.

Daniel DelVecchio, MD: “Clearly we are seeing people who are violating ethical standards: showing pictures of surgery, writing on patients during surgery. This [Snapchat content] is inappropriate. When you are in the operating room, you should be one thousand percent focused on doing the operation. If you are entertaining people on Snapchat, that is unethical.”

Ashley Gordon, MD: “I think that the people who are [Snapchatting] a lot are those who are trying to use it as a marketing [channel] for surgeons who aren’t that busy. They are trying to generate and get more patients [through Snapchat]. I agree with Dan: you need to be focused on the patient and the surgery you are doing [in the operating room], not [asking about your Snapchat videos with questions like,] “Did you get that shot?” and  “How does it look?”

Mark Epstein, MD: “I think there’s a difference between putting an instructional video for patient education purposes on your website and being a showman on the Internet. So I have a great reservation about the real purpose of this other than as a marketing tool.“

Dustin Reid, MD: “The thoughtful surgeon needs to decide whether they want to be a video star or a good surgeon. Even if the patient consents, I don’t think they recognize what they are consenting to. It is an invasion of their privacy whether they know it or not when they consent [to being filmed on Snapchat]. And our society will probably ultimately have to get involved and give guidelines on using this type of video.”

Conclusion

While the Snapchat trend continues to grow, it’s important that we protect patients and create ethical standards when using social media. The last thing we want is for plastic surgeons to think of their procedures as a source of entertainment and marketing rather than a serious and life-changing surgery. Keep an eye on our video gallery for more educational insight on the latest plastic surgery trends!