Breast Augmentation & Under Wire Bras

We generally avoid using under wire bras for six to eight weeks following breast augmentation. There are two reasons for this approach. First, when patients undergo sub muscular placement of breast implants, the pectoral major muscle may undergo spasm in the early post-operative period. This may force the implant in an upward direction and lead to malposition. When this situation arises, we utilize compression to force the implant in a downward direction. An under wire bra would have the opposite effect.

Another reason for avoiding under wire bras in the immediate post-operative period is the potential for the bra to irritate a fresh surgical incision.  An infamammary incision would be directly beneath the under wire bra and this might lead to irritation of the incision.

Exercise Following Breast Augmentation

Recovery times following breast augmentation surgery vary from patient to patient. These times are significantly impacted by the nature of the procedure, the patient’s employment, and the patient’s social situation. It’s important to realize that even though breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure, it’s still a significant operation with associated risk. For this reason, premature return to normal activity can result in an increased incidence of complications.
  
We generally recommend light activity for the first week following the procedure. After one week, patients are allowed to gradually resume normal non- strenuous activities. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting are not allowed for at least six weeks in most cases. At six weeks, most patients are able to resume all of their normal activities.

Insurance Coverage for Blepharoplasty?

When redundant upper eyelid skin results in obstruction of vision, it’s more than a cosmetic issue.  Patients often have excess skin, which obstructs vision superiorly and laterally.  Under these circumstances, excess upper eyelid skin can actually cause significant functional problems.  For instance, this can create problems when driving a motor vehicle and this can be potentially dangerous.  When this happens insurance carriers will occasionally view upper lid blepharoplasty as
medically necessary and cover its expense.

Before insurance carriers cover the expense of blepharoplasty they require that certain criteria be met.  These include documentation of symptoms and physical findings associated with visual field obstruction.  In addition, visual field studies that demonstrate visual field obstruction are critical to insurance approval.

Visual field studies are typically performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The study is performed by measuring the patient’s response to a series of flashing lights. The patient’s responses are recorded and a computer- generated report is made. This report will demonstrate any visual field defects that the patient may have. The initial study is followed by a secondary study in which the upper eyelids are taped in an upward direction.  Improvements in the results of visual field studies with the upper lids taped as opposed to untaped would indicate that blepharoplasty would benefit the patient.

Signs of Breast Implant Leakage

In the majority of patients undergoing breast augmentation, implants last a lifetime. Occasionally, implants deflate and need to be replaced.

Current data suggests that implants deflate at a rate of 1% at one year and 3% at three years. Over time, this number can be expected to grow. Implants may deflate with no apparent cause or may deflate secondary to trauma.

When saline implants deflate, the diagnosis is relatively easy to make. These implants lose volume and flatten quickly. Silicone implants present a much more difficult problem when they deflate. Rupture of silicone implants may not be apparent for years.

Signs of deflation include soreness, redness, loss of volume, change in shape, and sometimes, capsular contracture. These signs may be subtle and a history of trauma may be the only early indicator.

Aesthetic Surgical Images Sees 100,000th Patient

When you’re considering cosmetic surgery, the experience of your surgeon is extremely important. In 1970, Aesthetic Surgical Images saw its first patient. We are proud to say that after 43 years, we have seen over 100,000 patients. This is not only a testimony to our longevity, but the support of the community as well.

One of the driving forces behind the achievement of our practice is the strength of our surgical team. Comprised of four, board-certified plastic surgeons, our team members were selected not only for their credentials, but also for how their skills would complement one another for the benefit of our patients. For these reasons, you can count on our surgeons to provide integrity, trust, and excellence from the consultation and surgery to each postoperative visit.

Drs. Heieck, Edney, Bruneteau, and Montag want to thank the community for your continued support and look forward to serving you well into the future. As always, our cosmetic consultations are complimentary. To schedule a day or evening appointment, please call 402.390.0100.

Should I Get Breast Implants If I Plan On Getting Pregnant Later?

The results of breast augmentation surgery are never permanent. Changes in weight, normal aging, pregnancy, and breast-feeding can all be expected to change the breasts. Each patient who is considering breast augmentation and possibly pregnancy should be considered individually based on their personal situation. As a rule, if a patient is planning pregnancy within a year of surgery, we generally recommend postponing surgery until after the pregnancy. Most patients who present for breast augmentation don't have plans for pregnancy in the short term, but realize that it's probably in their future. It's important for this group of patients to realize that pregnancy may impact their final result.

The impact of pregnancy on breast augmentation varies from patient to patient. Some patients are minimally impacted, while others note sag of their native breast tissue, volume loss, and stretch marks. This often results in the need for secondary procedures, such as implant exchange and breast lift.

When is the Best Time to Get a Mommy Makeover?

Pregnancy causes significant changes in a woman’s body.  These changes vary from patient to patient and are permanent in most cases unless surgery is undertaken to reverse them. These changes can affect the breast, abdomen, and lead to fat accumulation in the hips and thighs. Many patients attempt diet and exercise, but this isn’t always helpful.  This problem can ultimately affect self-confidence, self-esteem, self-image, and the quality of day-to-day life. For these reasons, many patients request breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction.

The timing of surgery following pregnancy is important and several issues should be considered before proceeding with surgery. It takes time for a new post-pregnancy body to reach its new baseline following pregnancy. During this period, stretched skin may contract, a swollen uterus may shrink, and the weight gained during pregnancy may gradually disappear.

The breasts also undergo significant changes with pregnancy and breast-feeding. This results in breast enlargement, which continues with nursing. After nursing is stopped, it takes time for the breasts to return to their new baseline. At this point, the breasts may be smaller and have sag. This process takes three to six months to occur. All of these changes need to occur before a mommy makeover is considered.