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6901 SNIDER PLAZA
SUITE 120
UNIVERSITY PARK, TX
75205
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Tag Archives: breast implant size

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

December 12, 2016Breast Augmentationbreast augmentation, breast augmentation consultation, breast implant size, breast implants, breast size, breasts, implant size, plastic surgeryadmin

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.

Top 5 Things to Know When Scheduling a Breast Augmentation Consultation

February 11, 2016Breast Augmentation3D imaging, board certification, breast augmentation, breast augmentation consultation, breast implant size, breast implants, breast surgeon, consultation, consultation fee, implant size, Vectra 3D imaging systemadmin

Do breast surgeons charge a consultation fee?

The initial thought of paying upfront to see a doctor might seem unnecessary. But when it comes to quality and care, a consultation fee is a good thing. If a breast augmentation doctor isn’t charging a consultation fee, there is a good chance that they are double booking appointment times to make up for people who “no show”. That means your appointment time is cut in half. Having a breast augmentation is too big of a decision to meet with the doctor for a rushed appointment.

Paying for a consultation usually guarantees that you have a set amount of time dedicated to just you and the doctor. This gives you enough time to ask all the questions you may have and make sure you and your breast surgeon are on the same page. A consultation fee usually assures you that the doctor values your time, so they want you to value theirs as well. Think twice before going to a doctor who has a “free” consultation.

Another reason a doctor might not charge a consultation fee is because their procedure costs are inflated. They know they can get you in the door to come see them with a free consultation, but they will make up for the lack of consultation fee by tacking it on to the final quote. Either way, you still pay the consultation in the end.

Why is board certification so important?

Plastic surgery procedures are not regulated. You don’t have to be a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform plastic surgery. Be leery of the words “Cosmetic Surgeon”. Cosmetic surgeons are not plastic surgeons; Board-certified Plastic Surgeons have had many years of extensive surgical training. Cosmetic Surgeons are often doctors that have attended a weekend course on plastic surgery procedures, and many times have not had formal surgical training. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: How long have they have been practicing? Do they have privileges to perform plastic surgery at a hospital?

Hospitals only allow doctors to perform procedures they are qualified to perform. That is why some surgeons perform “awake” breast augmentation or procedures in their office or privately owned surgery center. Know who is operating on you.

You should also check out the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners website for any malpractice lawsuits and the credentials.

Ask what procedure the surgeon specializes in or what procedure they are known for. Other good questions would be:

Do they have any publications?
If so, how many publications?
Do they get invited to give lectures?
How many of these surgeries have they performed?

It’s always a good idea to go to a surgeon that is experienced in the procedure you are interested in.

What method does the doctor use to select the breast implant size?

Some plastic surgeons like the “stuffing the bra” approach. This is where they will have you put a bra on and stuff the implant in the bra to determine the best size for you.

There have been studies that this method of selecting an implant size is far from accurate. It does not give an accurate representation of what the implant will look like under your muscle and tissue, nor will it give you a good indication of what your breast results will look like in a bra or shirt.

Some surgeons give you a range of implant sizes that may work for you. The surgeons will order all of the sizes and put “Sizers” in and take them out based on their opinion of what the implant looks like inside of your breast pocket. The danger of this is skin stretching, trauma, and infection.

A recent study done by Dr. William P. Adams Jr. was published on the accuracy of 3D imaging. The study showed that this imaging technology is 98% accurate. Vectra is a 3D imaging system that allows you to see what you would look like with different size implants in real time. It allows you to see what you would look like nude as well as in a swimsuit top. It is now the top leading technology in breast augmentation surgery.

Are you getting what you pay for?

If you are paying a consultation fee, make sure you are getting a generous amount of time to spend with the doctor, asking questions and getting as much info as you can. Getting a lot of information helps you make the best decision on whom to choose when having your procedure. Make sure to ask what is included in your consultation cost; it’s good to know what you’re paying for.

Before you leave your consultation, be sure to ask if your pre-op/post op visits are included in your surgery quote or if there will be extra charges for those appointments.

Make sure to ask what all is included in the surgery quote and what exactly you get for the total amount. You should also ask if there are any outside costs.

Some people are looking for the breast surgeon who is the least expensive. Sometimes getting the “best” price doesn’t always give you the “best” you. There is a reason a doctor may be significantly cheaper than another. The surgeon may be cutting corners in order to give you the price you are looking for. A breast augmentation surgery is a long term one. Don’t cut costs in the moment to be disappointed with your results in the future.

When is the first available breast augmentation consultation appointment?

If you have a certain date that you are looking to have a breast augmentation procedure done on, it’s important to know when the first available consultation date is.

Most offices are booking anywhere from 2-4 weeks out for their consultations and then 2-4 more weeks, from your consultation, to actually have the procedure done.

When calling, also ask when the next available surgery date is. This allows you to start planning the process and helps you work around your schedule. When planning surgery, also ask about recovery time. Discuss any special events or vacations you may have scheduled to make sure the recovery time doesn’t conflict with any of your plans.

Guide for Selecting the Correct Breast Implant Size for You

January 14, 2016Breast Augmentation3D imaging, breast augmentation, breast implant size, breast implants, breast types, implant size, silicon breast implants, stuffing, surgery, Vectra 3D imaging systemadmin

When searching for a plastic surgeon, you may get several different recommendations on implant sizes that will leave you confused and overwhelmed. Study! Study! Study! Be sure to do your homework. Dr. Adams is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in a specific technique and is invited all over the country to teach and publish medical literature. Just like with any surgery, it is important do as much research as possible before you choose a breast augmentation surgeon.

Women also tend to compare themselves to friends and pictures on the internet. Breast augmentation surgery is a very popular surgery and is commonly discussed among women. Realize that there are very specific reasons that women will get different recommendations.

Here is our guide for selecting the correct implant size for you.

Be realistic with the results your breast type can produce.

All women have different breast types, shapes and sizes – there are no two breasts that are the same. The measurements of your breast will determine the implant size that fits your breast the best. Every woman has a different amount of breast tissue and this will affect the size. Women who have less breast tissue before surgery will be smaller than a woman who naturally has more breast tissue.

Different skin types will produce different appearances as well. A patient that has tight skin will have breasts that look tighter and perkier. Women with looser skin will have more of a relaxed look. These skin types are determined by genetics, weight loss, aging, pregnancies, and breastfeeding.

Since all women have different breast types, your breast augmentation result with not be the same as your friend or a picture off of the Internet. The examples below show two women with two different breast types that were both perfect candidates for breast augmentation with Allergan Silicone 304cc breast implants. Case A has little breast tissue and tight skin. Case B has relaxed skin with more breast tissue. Even though both patients have the exact same implant type and size they both have a very different result. Case A has breasts that are round and full; Case B has breasts that are larger with a relaxed and natural look.

Case A Case B

Do not get stuck on an implant size before being examined, it may not be right for you.

Getting stuck on an implant size, because of a friend’s size or a picture you saw on the Internet, does not mean you will get the same result by asking for that same implant size. Again, everyone is different, and to prove that, below you will see 4 different patients that have different results but all have the same implant size: Allergan Silicone 339cc.

It is also important not to get stuck on bra size. The bra industry does not manufacture their bras by the same size chart as breast implants. Keep in mind when you go to different stores you can be a different cup size. This is why it is very important to select a size that looks good on your body – not what bra size you will be.

How large is too large?

There is a specialized technique of selecting an implant size that fits your breast. The method is called the High 5 System. This method has been published and proven to calculate the perfect-sized implant that fits your breast the best. The measurements will determine how much room is in the breast and how much volume needs to be added to fill out the breast.

Once the size range is chosen, the exact size will be selected based on your personal preferences. Vectra 3D imaging is a visual tool that is used during Dr. Adams’ consultation to allow patients to see their results before surgery. Being able to see the breast augmentation results on your own body will give you the confidence that you made the right choice before surgery.

The goal with selecting the appropriate size is not only to produce a natural and appropriate look; it also can help with lowering risks of complications and give you longevity. Women that go with an implant size that is too large for their breast will experience results that look unnatural. Even worse, receiving an implant that is too large can distort the shape of the breast. Over time, the skin will not be able to support the implant and will cause stretching, rippling and atrophy, which is thinning of breast tissue. This can cause irreversible damage that could lead to additional surgery sooner than you expect.

Below, on the left, is a patient that preferred a fuller unnatural look. She has more upper pole fullness and you can see that her nipple stretched downward over time. The other type of stretching is what is most commonly known as “Bottoming Out”. You can see in the example on the right that this patient’s implants are too large and heavy for her tissue. The weight of the implant caused her nipples stretch upward, this created a long distance between her nipple to the crease of her breast. A larger implant is not worth the risk. It is always best to select a size that is safe based on your measurements.

Keep the rice in the kitchen!

Stuffing bras with rice bags or implant samples is very misleading and an inaccurate way of determining what size you will be after surgery. Implants placed inside of the breast will look completely different than stuffing your bra. Dr. Adams helped develop a 3D imaging tool that shows women a very accurate simulation of how their body will look after breast augmentation surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Adams conducted and published this study in the premier Aesthetic Surgery Journal. The study showed the imaging is 98% accurate after comparing the simulation with the actual post-surgery result.

Roostaeian J, Adams WP, Jr. Three-Dimensional Imaging for Breast Augmentation: Is This Technology Providing Accurate Simulations? Aesthetic surgery journal / the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic surgery 2014; 34(6): 857-75.