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7 Things to Know Before Getting a Breast Augmentation

7 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Breast Augmentation

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1. Manage Your Expectations

Before you book a consultation with a plastic surgeon, it’s important to manage your expectations. Don’t go into the consultation with a set idea of what you want. Your plastic surgeon will take measurements of your body and recommend an appropriate implant size and incision location based on your unique needs.

Tissue-based planning involves measuring parts of your body, including your breast width, skin stretch, etc. Based on your measurements, Dr. Adams will be able to give you a range of recommended implants for your breast. He will also recommend the ideal incision location, which is in the inframammary fold.

The reason that the other incisions, like the areola or the armpit, are inferior to the inframammary incision is because there is a higher risk of infection or capsular contracture with other incision locations. Dr. Adams’ will also show you his high-quality scar therapy program to give your scars their best appearance.

Not everyone is built the same, so basing your expectations off of what you’ve seen work with someone else, may not be the best option for you. This is why it’s always important to talk with your doctor and get their expert opinions.

2. Be Prepared for Future Breast Revisions

While breast implants today are designed to last longer than previous generations, they are not meant to last a lifetime. There is still a chance that you may need to replace or revise your implants in the future.

The FDA recommends getting an MRI every other year to check the status of your implants. If you start to feel uncomfortable, or notice something that’s just not quite right, you should setup an appointment with your doctor to get things checked out.

Breast implants are designed to put up with normal everyday activities, but sometimes over exerting yourself, exercising too much (or the wrong way), or participating in extraneous physical activities can sometimes cause breast implants to leak or become dislodged from their normal state.

3. Knowing What to Expect from a Breast Augmentation

A common question that many women interested in breast augmentation want answered is: what will I look like after my procedure? Many offices will have women place implants in their bras or put rice in a bag and then place it in their bras to try to show them what their breasts are going to look like after their augmentation.

Instead of using rice bags or trying on different sizes of implants in a bra, opt for the Vectra 3D imaging system. It’s a more accurate way to predict what you will look like after the procedure. With 98% accuracy, you can see a 3D image of your body with different implant sizes and shapes.

After having a scan made of your chest, Dr. Adams can decide which implants will be the best fit for your body based on tissue-based planning. And since the Vectra 3D imaging system uses 3D scans of your actual body, you’ll be able to see 3D renderings of what you would actually look like with your breast implants.

4. Take a Break from Exercising

Recovery from Dr. Adams’ breast augmentation is very rapid and allows you to go back to work, pick up children under 3 years old, and even go shopping the day of your procedure. But you do need to be prepared for some restrictions, such as exercise limitations.

It’s important to take some time off from your exercise regimen for the recommended period of time after your procedure. For the first two weeks after surgery, avoid exercise that raises your heart rate above 100 beats per minute. After two weeks, you may begin cardio and after six weeks, you may begin chest-focused weightlifting.

You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon where he will make sure things are healing as they should and they can give you a better estimate of how long you need to limit your exercise based on your healing.

5. Your Breasts Will Sit High in Your Chest Immediately After Surgery

When implants are first placed in surgery, they are put inside the chest. This causes the tissues to move to the upper part of the breast. Because of this, women may feel like their breast implants are very high up on their chest for the first couple of weeks after the procedure. It is completely normal to feel this way, as it takes about 6-8 weeks for the bottom part of the breast to fill out and the nipple to naturally tilt up.

6. Expect Changes in Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Surgery

It is very common to not feel any sensation in your nipples after your procedure. It is also completely normal for your nipples to be more sensitive after your procedure. When your breasts are augmented, the nerves that lead to the nipple are stretched around the implant, which in turn can cause hypo- or hypersensitive nipples.

This change in sensitivity of your nipples can be temporary but can also be long-lasting. If you have concerns about the sensitivity of your nipples before or after your surgery, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.

7. Avoid Underwire Bras and Push-up Padding

After surgery, it’s important to avoid bras with underwire or push-up padding for the first 6 weeks. These types of bras can cause improper healing and may lead to other complications.

Breast augmentation surgery can be a life-changing procedure, but it’s important to understand the risks and limitations before going under the knife. Knowing these 7 things about breast augmentation will help you to ensure a successful and safe procedure. Remember to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.

If you ever have any questions in regard to a breast augmentation with Dr. Adams, please call our office at 214-965-9885 or contact us online.

Beware of Vampire Breast Lifts! They Are Too Good To Be True

Vampire Breast Lift – What is It? And Are They Too Good to Be True?

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A non-invasive breast lift that takes just 15 minutes with little-to-no recovery time sounds like it could the future of breast enhancement – but is it too good to be true? Dr. Adams, an international authority on breast augmentation, notes that there is no science or data behind vampire breast lifts. So should the widespread vampire trend stay in pop culture and out of cosmetic procedures? Let’s take a look.

Watch Dr. Adams pick a part vampire breast lifts in the No Spin News video below.

What is a Vampire Breast Lift

Vampire breast lifts get their name from the iconic blood-sucking characters from folk tales to hit T.V. shows because, like their namesakes, the treatments involve sucking out a patient’s blood.

During a vampire breast lift, a doctor will draw your blood and extract platelet-rich plasma (PRP) through a process known as centrifugation or spinning. This process allows the doctor to separate the blood plasma from the other blood cells.

A vampire breast lift only requires the use of the platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, and not the rest of the blood cells.

These platelets contain a high concentration of proteins, known as growth factors, which can theoretically help heal injuries quicker and rejuvenate the breast tissue to appear plumper and fuller.

Once the platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is separated from the blood, it is combined with dermal fillers and re-injected into the breasts with the intention of stimulating collagen production and blood flow. Allegedly, this leads to fuller, firmer breasts in just a few weeks.

Does a Vampire Breast Lift Work?

Vampire breast lifts claim to improve the overall appearance of the breasts by smoothing wrinkles, fixing inverted nipples, reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scar tissue, and lifting sagging skin. The treatment does not increase cup size.

Like other injectable cosmetic treatments, these types of procedures are temporary, and benefits are primarily superficial (smoothing wrinkles, for example). Vampire breast lifts are non-invasive injections; there is no part of the treatment that involves physically lifting or manipulating the breast tissue, although they may be able to give the appearance of more fullness or smoother skin and cleavage. They cannot, however, lift the breast.

Many plastic surgeons are skeptical at some of the claims made regarding vampire breast lifts. There is little to no scientific data to back up any of these claims made about helping to lift the breasts or make them appear fuller. At least nothing that directly correlates to the injection of PRP.

If you inject any sort of filler or liquid (like saline) into a woman’s breasts, you are going to notice them appearing fuller or slightly larger, however this is just because you are injecting more of a substance into the area, so of course when you add something under the skin it’s going to seem like an enhancement.

PRP treatments are typically used in orthopedic settings to help the healing process in ligaments, damaged joints, tendons, and muscles. PRP treatments in orthopedics has been studied and has been shown to help the healing process for these damaged areas, but with regards to breast lifts, there is no data suggesting that PRP treatments on their own can essentially mimic the effects of a surgical breast lift.

How Long Do the Results Last?

As we said, we don’t believe that there is enough science behind the vampire breast lift procedure to encourage our patients to seek it out, but some doctors claim that the effects can last for months, however we are skeptical of that.

Since it’s just an organic injectable you may notice some fullness and smoother skin in the first few days, but as your body begins to reabsorb those platelets, any effects you experienced will being to wane and you’re body will go back to normal.

The idea behind PRP therapy for breast lifts is that the platelets help to stimulate collagen production and blood flow to the area, which is supposed to help make the breasts appear fuller, however just using injectables is not going to give you anywhere near the effects that a surgical breast lift would give you.

Is a Vampire Breast Lift Safe? Are There Side Effects?

If you choose to try a vampire breast lift, it is very safe. This is a non-surgical procedure that draws your own blood, extracts the platelets from the blood, and reinjects it back into your body. There are no foreign materials or outside elements at play when undergoing PRP treatment.

As long as you’re not allergic to the material used in the syringes, then you should have no major allergic reactions or debilitating side effects.

The only side effects that you may experience are related to injections in general. You may notice some bruising or soreness near the injection sites as the need has to puncture the skin in order to inject the platelets. But since the organic material being injected into your body was produced by your own body, there should be no other side effects.

How Much Does a Vampire Breast Lift Cost?

While we do not perform vampire breast lift procedures in our office here at Dr. Adams Plastic Surgery, you can expect to pay between $1500 and $2000 depending on the office you visit and the location.

If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

A fifteen-minute breast lift with no recovery time might seem like the best breast augmentation procedure on the market, but be sure to read the fine print. Data is scarce on this relatively new-to-market treatment, and reviews or before-and-after testimonials are rare.

Dr. Adams notes that vampire lifts are – at best – soft tissue fillers. Fillers can’t possibly lift breasts or make them larger. Therefore, they don’t work as a breast lift.

Critics of PRP therapy have argued that adding rich plasma does not equate to more healing power. The human body requires a precise balance of cells and nutrients for optimal function; adding too much platelet-rich plasma could disrupt that balance in useless or even harmful ways. Some skeptical of vampire breast lifts have also raised concerns about introducing additional growth factors into an area of the body that is already prone to developing cancer.

If you really want to get your perky breasts back, traditional breast lifts are the best option. Take a look at our before and after breast lift photos to see just how effective breast lifts are when performed by a renown plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation. Interested in learning more about breast lifts? Contact us today! Dr. Adams can put you on a proven path to perky and more youthful breasts.

Why Men Love Big Breasts: The Scientific Theories

Why Men Love Big Breasts: The Scientific Theories

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If you are a woman wonderfully endowed with large breasts, you may have experienced conversations with males whose eyes tend to drift south of your face. Why do men find big breasts so attractive? What is it about large boobs that men find irresistible?

We’ll look at some theories that different scientists have come up with to explain this phenomenon.

Glandula Mammalia: What Exactly Are Boobs?

What many people call “boobs” are actually fat-filled mammary glands that produce milk. It is one of the main physical features that sets mammals apart from other animals (mammary is the technical term associated with breasts). Humans are also classified as mammals because both males and females have breasts.

However, the female breasts appear larger than males’ for a few reasons. First, females have more estrogen than males; estrogen is a hormone that promotes breast growth. Second, biological theorists say that female breasts evolved specifically to increase in size. The additional fatty tissue could be an adaptive feature designed to support breastfeeding and sexual purposes.

Men, Boobs, and Babies

Large Boobs and Fertility

Larger breasts may also signal increased fertility. This may or may not correlate with some cultures’ view of female body parts—such as the breasts and hips—as indicators of fertility and the capacity to sustain a healthy pregnancy. Since breasts grow larger during weight gain, in olden times, this may have meant that the woman was well-nourished, which would benefit both the potential father and offspring. It simply meant that she had access to food and resources.

Interestingly, this may still be true in the 21st century. But theories, including evolutionary ones, are still in the realm of speculation. Not all cultures view large breasts as necessarily attractive sexually, and preferences seem to vary.

Ability to Provide for their Babies

Another theory that may explain why men like large breasts has to do with how breastfeeding bonds the mother and her infant.

While large or small breasts have no bearing on the amount of milk a female body will produce after giving birth, larger breasts often are seen as a more ample food supply for the baby. And while this is merely a physical trait for the outside observer looking in, those without knowledge of how the female anatomy works, still believe that larger breasts will provide better.

Hormones

In a similar way, couples also bond more when breast stimulation is involved, thanks to the hormone and neuropeptide oxytocin. Oxytocin is otherwise known as the “love drug,” or “cuddle hormone,” and it plays a role in maternal as well as sexual bonding.

Our brains release oxytocin during sex. Humans are the only mammals who have sex face-to-face, so breasts are in full view during intercourse. So men, don’t be surprised by the fact that you and babies have this one thing in common: you both like breasts. But again, while this theory may have some truth to it, it’s not conclusive to say that hormones are the primary reason why men like big breasts or breasts in general.

Big is Beautiful – Media Portrayal of Women

Culture, exposure, and upbringing are a few factors that might have shaped a lot of men’s preference for big breasts. One of these factors could be the media. As a cultural artifact, the media pegs women with larger breasts as more desirable.

With constant exposure, we learn at a young age that bigger breasts are “sexualized.” For some men, it could be how they were taught to perceive the female figure. Besides learned fondness, different breast sizes – not just large ones – may have varying effects on the male brain as hormones like oxytocin may affect everyone differently. It certainly doesn’t affect men the way it does women.

While breast sizes have differed over time, in the United States the average bra size is 34DD. Men in the US may find this average attractive since it’s larger than the former average two decades ago (size 34B). Apart from size, eye-catching breasts may also be more firm and perky, as saggy breasts may be associated with less vitality.

Overall Physical Appearance

The scientific ideas mentioned above, in regards to why men love large boobs, may explain some of what’s going on in their minds, but the truth of the matter is, men can be very physical beings, for better or worse.

Men, more than women, tend to be attracted to a person through their physical appearance when first starting out a relationship. This is the thing that draws a man to a woman and the thing that catches their eye. If the physical attraction is there it may lead to a deeper level of attraction as the relationship continues.

Men tend to find women with larger breasts more physically attractive for a number of reasons. As stated above, the media portrays larger women as being more beautiful. Larger breasts are more aesthetically pleasing to some men and can make a woman appear more feminine than smaller breasts. Larger breasts can make a woman more confident in herself, which can be more attractive to men as well.

Confidence is very attractive to men, and women, so while the larger breasts may seem like the reason men are more attracted to a women with large breasts, it could also be because that women is more confident in herself because of the way she looks.

Do Men Prefer Bigger Boobs Over Smaller Ones?

Almost everyone loves larger boobs. Studies have shown that around 90% of men prefer breasts that are a size or two larger than the standard size but has also shown that men just love breasts.

Men find all types of breasts attractive whether they are round, teardrop, perky, or other shapes. So regardless of your breast size, there are men out there that love all types of breasts. And if you’re not comfortable with the current size of your breasts, you should not be making changes to your body because of what men think.

Instead, any changes you make to your body should be because you want them. Larger breasts can help boost your self-esteem and make you more confident, which in turn will also make you more attractive to a partner.

Are There Health Benefits to Naturally Large Breasts?

Outside of large breasts being more attractive to men, there are some health benefits that come along with having bigger boobs.

You may actually sleep a little better with larger breasts, but not for the reasons you think. Because women with larger breasts may have a hard time sleeping, they require more support in order to keep things balanced. This extra support may actually help the rest of your body relax and sleep well, thus giving you a better night’s sleep.

Boosted self-confidence can come with larger breasts, as we’ve mentioned before. This self confidence boost can impact your mental health as well as your physical health. However, depending on your body type, large breasts can also cause people to live a more sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to weight gain as well as less physical activity.

Women who have large breasts have been found to be more fertile due to higher levels of the hormone estradiol. This can make it easier to get pregnant, so make sure to practice safe sex if you’re not ready for a baby.

Larger breasts have also been attributed to higher IQ’s in women and they can even keep you warmer during the cold months of the year!

Breasts of All Shapes and Sizes

Whether it’s because of a biological response or a learned preference, guys just like breasts. They really do. And as long as their appreciation doesn’t cause any trouble, this is a good thing.

Unfortunately though, not every woman has breasts she likes. If you’re unhappy with your breasts, you don’t have to be stuck with them forever. Breast augmentation can provide you with the breasts of your dreams, as long as you choose the right surgeon. Dr. Adams is an international authority on breast augmentation and has developed and refined techniques to make breast implant safer and easier, including fast-track 24-hour recovery. Contact us to learn more!

5 Telling Signs That You May Need a Breast Reduction​

5 Telling Signs That You May Need a Breast Reduction​

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While many women dream of having bigger breasts, some are born with ones that are much too big for their body. Heavy breasts can lead to a life of both emotional and physical pain. There’s a reason why over 100,000 breast reduction surgeries were performed in 2014.

If you have very large breasts, a breast reduction surgery, technically known as a reduction mammaplasty, can transform your life. Researchers have noted that breast reduction surgery has completely resolved patients’ complaints of neck strain, headache, aching shoulders, heavy anterior chest and strange sensations in the little fingers.

If you have any of the following five telling signs that you’re breasts are too big, you should consider breast reduction surgery.

1. You Experience Upper Back Pain

After carrying heavy breasts around every day of your life, you can develop pretty bad back pain. Researchers in Turkey found that big breasts affect the curvature of your spine, which causes upper back pain. If you always feel like your breasts are a physical burden, even when you’re doing nothing, breast reduction surgery can definitely help you. In fact, it may be the key to resolving most of your upper back pain.

2. Your Shoulder and Neck Hurt.

Your back isn’t the only part of your body that suffers with the weight of your large breasts. During a study conducted in 2012, researchers found that the weight of a woman’s breast is an important cause of shoulder and neck pain. If you have large breasts, you should speak to your doctor about the relationship between your breasts and your shoulder and neck pain.

3. You Notice Other Physical Problems That Are Related to Large Breasts.

Along with back, neck and shoulder pain, your large breasts may be causing a number of other physical problems. If you experience breathing problems (especially when you are lying down), headaches, a heavy chest, strange sensations in your little fingers or rashes underneath your breasts, breast reduction surgery might be able to help.

4. Your Breasts Cause You Emotional Pain.

Have you ever been embarrassed by your breasts? Many women who have unusually large breasts struggle with finding clothes that fit them or are afraid to wear a swimsuit. They also suffer with feeling uncomfortable everyday because people stare at them. You shouldn’t have to be unhappy with your body for the rest of your life because of something you can’t control. A breast reduction can erase all of that emotional trouble, making you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

5. You Have Problems Exercising.

If you experience pain in your breasts during moderate or vigorous workouts, your breasts may be too big for your body. This pain can prevent you from exercising as much as you’d like, and can even discourage you from working out at all. Breast reduction surgery may help you to live a healthier life.

How Breast Reduction Surgery Works

Now that you may be considering breast reduction surgery, you probably want to know how it works. During a breast reduction, your plastic surgeon removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from your breasts.

The technique used to do this varies from surgeon to surgeon. Usually, an incision is made around your areola, and continues downward along the natural curve of the crease beneath your breast. Then, the nipples are moved to their new position. Your breast is reshaped by moving the skin, and liposuction may be used to remove fat. Finally, your surgeon will stitch it all back up.

After surgery, you’ll find that your breasts are smaller, lighter and firmer. Depending on the technique used, you may or may not have a scar. But either way, a scar is definitely worth the improvement in quality of life most people get after they’ve been struggling with heavy breasts all of their lives.

If you suffer with any of the signs above, we suggest that you speak to your doctor about breast reduction surgery. After reduction mammaplasty, your life will never be the same again. Many of our patients experience dramatic improvements in their lives, both emotionally and physically.

If you’re interested in learning more about breast reduction surgery and if it’s right for you, feel free to contact us today. Dr. Adams is an international authority on breast contouring, developing innovative techniques that make surgery safer for patients.

​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.