Tag Archives: breast implants

​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

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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.

What to Expect and Ask at a Breast Augmentation Consultation

What to Expect and Ask at a Breast Augmentation Consultation

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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.

Breast Augmentation After Pregnancy: Guide to Getting Your Beautiful Breasts Back

Breast Augmentation After Pregnancy: Guide to Getting Your Beautiful Breasts Back

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Pregnancy can take a toll on your breasts. Not only can your breasts undergo major changes in size when you’re pregnant, but they also get pulled and sucked on while breastfeeding. Needless to say, your breasts can look a lot different after having a baby. This is why many mothers choose to have a breast augmentation after pregnancy. Breast augmentation can give you your beautiful, youthful breasts back by restoring volume.

Watch the video below to see a mother of two recovering from her breast augmentation 24 hours after her surgery with Dr. Adams.


How Long Should You Wait After Pregnancy?

We never recommend that women jump straight into breast augmentation surgery after having a baby. It’s important that you finish breastfeeding and your breasts are no longer changing in size. Allow your body to return to its normal hormonal rhythms and weight. Give yourself time to recover. About 3 months after you finish breastfeeding, you can speak to Dr. Adams about whether or not your body is ready for breast augmentation surgery.

While you want to make sure you wait until your body is ready for surgery, you don’t have to worry about taking time off from your baby after a breast augmentation at Dr. Adams Plastic Surgery. Thankfully, Dr. Adams’ 24-hour breast augmentation recovery technique allows busy mothers to get right back to taking care of their children after surgery. You can go back to your normal activities, like driving and grocery shopping, immediately.

Before and after breast augmentation

How Does a Breast Augmentation After Pregnancy Help Your Breasts?

After pregnancy, many women may notice that their breasts look “empty” and have lost volume. While it’s no surprise that your breasts grow a cup or more during your pregnancy, this added volume can disappear after you have had your baby, giving your breasts a sunken look. We’ve seen some cases where breasts are smaller after pregnancy than they were before, throwing off your breast to body proportion.

Breast implants can provide youthful fullness and shape to your breasts again, dramatically improving your size proportions and balance after pregnancy. Dr. Adams has over 15 years of experience performing breast augmentations on mothers.

About Breast Augmentation Recovery for New Mothers

One of the biggest concerns we have heard from new mothers interested in breast augmentation is the time needed for recovery. After all, it’s important for mothers to spend time with their babies during their early years and be available to take care of them. Dr. Adams has developed a breast augmentation technique that allows his patients to be up and about just 24 hours after surgery. Over 95% of Dr. Adams’ patients return to normal activities within 24 hours after their breast augmentation.

In the video above, you will see a patient of Dr. Adams, 23-year-old Alicia, receiving a live breast augmentation on camera. After Alicia’s surgery is over, the mother of two does exactly what Dr. Adams suggests: she takes a nap and a quick shower and then goes out to dinner. Add in a few arm raises and it’s as if the surgery never happened. She is able to do all of this while taking only prescription-strength Ibuprofen for pain and soreness. Just three days after surgery, Alicia returns to her daily life and her job as a hair stylist. Her results were better than she imagined.

If this seems too good to be true, be assured it is what Dr. Adams does every day; however, many surgeons make various claims of offering quick recovery breast augmentation. Patients should be critical in their evaluation of many claims. If a surgeon promises great results and has not:

  1. demonstrated them during live surgery
  2. published their recovery in peer reviewed journals
  3. treat patients using the process for breast augmentation principles
  4. prescribed narcotics for breast augmentation
  5. do not provide a dedicated patient education consult prior to the surgeon consult

it is extremely unlikely they are giving patients a 24-hour recovery. Dr. Adams has proven and taught his 24-hour recovery technique to thousands of surgeons many times during national and international meetings and live surgery symposia. In fact, he has been invited to perform more live breast augmentation surgeries in the past five years than any other surgeon. The 24-hour recovery is what makes his surgery technique so desired by patients, especially busy moms.

If you’re a mom who’s worried you don’t have time to take care of your children and get breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Adams’ breast augmentation technique may be a great solution for you. Not only will Dr. Adams give your perky breast back with youthful volume after pregnancy, but you will also be able to go back to caring for your baby immediately after surgery. Contact us to learn more today.

Top 5 Things to Know When Scheduling a Breast Augmentation Consultation

Top 5 Things to Know When Scheduling a Breast Augmentation Consultation

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  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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

Selecting breast implant size with Vectra 3D ImagingSome 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.

  1. 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.

  1. When is the first available breast augmentation consultation appointment?

Breast Augmentation Consultation CalendarIf 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.