Tag Archives: Vectra 3D imaging system

7 Things to Know Before Getting a Breast Augmentation

7 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Breast Augmentation

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.

Top 5 Things to Know When Scheduling a Breast Augmentation Consultation

Top 5 Things to Know When Scheduling a Breast Augmentation Consultation

  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.

Guide for Selecting the Correct Breast Implant Size for You

Guide for Selecting the Correct Breast Implant Size for You

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

Allergan Silicone Breast Implant Size Result Allergan Silicone Breast Implant Size Result - Patient 2

  • 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.

Silicone Breast Implant Patient 1Silicone Breast Implant Size Patient 2
Silicon Breast Implant Patient 3Silicon Breast Implant Size Patient 4

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.

Patients With Nipples Stretching Upwards After Selecting Breast Implants that are Too LareBottoming Out Nipple Stretching After Breast Augmentation Surgery

  • Keep the rice in the kitchen!

3D Imaging for Breast AugmentationStuffing 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.

  1. 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.