How Much Do Breast Implants Cost?

October 5, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

Considering breast augmentation in San Francisco but worried about the breast implants cost? Many patients would love to enhance their chest and overall profile with breast implants, but price is certainly something worth giving close consideration to.

Unfortunately, health insurance does not typically pay for breast augmentation or breast implants unless the procedure is performed for medical reasons — such as for a patient who has undergone a breast cancer related mastectomy and will require breast reconstruction with implants.

On the other hand, there are certainly alternative options for paying for breast implants if this surgical procedure is something you are truly serious about.

In the article below, we will go over the major factors to consider when looking at the average cost of breast augmentation. We’ll also take a look at some of the ways patients typically pay for breast enhancement surgery.

How Much Do Breast Implants Cost?

How Are Breast Augmentation Costs Calculated?

The cost of breast implants (a breast augmentation procedure) is calculated differently for every plastic surgeon. Most notably, each plastic surgeon is going to charge their own unique cosmetic surgeon’s fee.

A surgeon’s fee is a plastic surgeon’s cost for their services, and it usually includes use of their office space and operating room (if applicable), their equipment and staff, and their services during consultation appointment and follow-up appointments.

Some surgeons offer additional services and products as well as consultation fee, such as items to assist with the breast implant surgery recovery process.

Depending on all of these factors, in addition to the geographical location of the surgeon’s practice, most plastic surgeons have a set fee that they start with for each procedure. Note that plastic surgery practices located in urban areas tend to charge more for consultation fees than plastic surgery practices located in rural areas. The cost of living is simply very different when you compare the two.

From there, additional charges may be added when a patient’s situation requires special treatment or extended care.

For example, a patient who is seeking breast augmentation revision surgery because of a botched breast augmentation with another surgeon’s fees, may be charged more for their revision surgery than a patient who is seeking their first breast augmentation. This is simply because the former patient would require extra care, which would be more extensive and challenging.

Breast Implants Cost

In addition to a surgeon’s fee, patients need to pay for their actual implants as well. Breast implants can go from basic pricing to quite expensive.

For example, gummy bear implants (and sometimes even silicone gel implants) tend to be more expensive, whereas saline implants tend to be on the inexpensive side.

Aside from implant material, there are a range of considerations various factors and options to look at when choosing your breast implants.

This is where your consultation appointment will be extremely important. Dr. Sieber will work with you one-on-one to help you determine the best types of breast implants for you and your goals.

Facility Costs and Anesthesia Fees

Naturally, your main contact throughout the entire experience of getting breast implants is going to be your plastic surgeon and their team.

But it’s worth noting that you’ll be using services, equipment, and healthcare providers in other settings as well.

Most notably, if you undergo surgery at a hospital or outpatient surgical facility, you’ll need to pay the costs these facilities charge in addition to your surgeon’s fee and the cost of implants.

In some cases, plastic surgeons will already have included these fees in their final cost estimate. That is, they will consider these costs their own and then separately charge you for them with an all inclusive price. But more often than not, these charges will be itemized separately on your bill.

In addition to facility costs, you’ll more than likely need to directly pay an anesthesiologist and their nurses as well. Breast augmentation can be performed with general anesthesia, or, sometimes, with local anesthesia and sedation.

With general anesthesia, especially, the cost is higher, so this may be a significant portion of your final bill.

Additional Fees

Lastly, other out-of-pocket expenses may be expected of you for cosmetic procedure as well. This may include things like preoperative tests required for breast augmentation surgery clearance, postoperative compression garments, postoperative medications, etc.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Breast Implants?

The cost of getting breast implant surgery can vary significantly based on multiple factors. To obtain an accurate estimate, you should book an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your specific needs.
Still, as a general guideline, it’s important to note that breast implants tend to be more expensive due to the additional complexity and surgical techniques involved in achieving both augmentation and breast reshaping.

Payment Options for Breast Augmentation Surgery

Some plastic surgeons may offer financing plans that allow patients to pay for their procedure in monthly installments.

More often, surgeons partner with medical financing companies or healthcare credit card companies to offer upfront coverage and reasonable payment plans. CareCredit is one example.

Of course, you can always pay upfront for your breast augmentation surgery, and most surgeons also accept credit card payments for breast implant surgery.

Questions and Answers

How long do breast implants last?

Saline or silicone implants generally have a lifespan of approximately 10 to 15 years, with up to 20% of women opting to have them removed or replaced within a decade. Some women may choose to undergo revision surgery sooner, often motivated by a desire to upgrade to a more modern implant model.

Are breast implants covered by insurance?

Typically, insurance plans do not include coverage for breast augmentation procedures. However, they do provide coverage for breast implants for women who have undergone mastectomies as a result of breast cancer.

It’s important to note that if you require additional surgeries in the future, your health insurance might not extend coverage for those procedures. Furthermore, having breast implants may potentially impact your insurance rates in the future.

Set Up a Personal Consultation for Breast Implants

Although the cost of breast augmentation is certainly worth giving close consideration to, also remember the benefits that breast surgery can provide. For many patients, it is totally life changing.

Getting the breasts and body you’ve always dreamed of can boost your confidence, improve your career and relationships, and give you that nudge you needed to continue leading your best life.

Whether you choose silicone or saline implants, large or small, teardrop breast implants or round, we can help you decide on the best cosmetic surgery approach for you and your goals.

Of course, if you have questions about the procedure or your average breast augmentation cost, we’re always here to answer them.

Book your consultation appointment today to discuss your procedure and get a quote for the total cost. Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber performs breast augmentations in the San Francisco Bay Area.

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-much-does-breast-augmentation-cost

What You Should Know About the Mentor Implants Recall

Articles

October 4, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

You may or may not have read about Allergan’s decision to voluntarily recall all inventory of BIOCELL®textured breast implants and tissue expanders. There’s been a lot of buzz about the news, and some of the headlines out there can understandably be alarming.

Here’s a little more information to help you understand why their textured breast implant were removed from the market after nationwide distribution and what you should know about the recall, especially if you feel that this announcement may personally affect you.

FIRST THINGS FIRST, WHAT EXACTLY IS BIA-ALCL?

The reason the FDA determined that these textured breast implant are no longer sold or used is because a link has been found between textured implants and a rare type of lymphoma called Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). BIA-ALCL isn’t breast cancer, but a lymphoproliferative disorder classified as a slow growing type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or a disorder of the immune system.

Each year the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) and similar organizations are funding research projects to further understand what exactly is causing BIA-ALCL to form in some women, but not in others. Current theories support a bacteria mediated lymphatic disorder. This happens in textured breast implant because there is an increased surface area in which bacteria are able to remain protected from the body’s immune system. Over time, this results in chronic inflammation and the development of abnormal immune cells.

WHY WERE THESE IMPLANTS SPECIFICALLY RECALLED?

There are many types of breast implants on the market which are currently approved by the FDA for use. Within the United States, all breast implants are manufactured by one of four companies: Allergan, Mentor, Sientra, and Ideal. Only Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra manufacture implants with surface texturing. It’s very important to understand that the FDA recall only applies to Allergan’s BIOCELL® TEXTURED breast implants and expanders.

So why was only one type of breast implant from one company singled out? As of July 6, 2019, the FDA has recorded 573 cases of BIA-ALCL. Of these cases, 481 have been attributed to Allergan’s Biocell texturing. Of those 573 cases, there have been 33 deaths as a result of a late or delayed diagnosis of BIA-ALCL.

In evaluating all cases of BIA-ALCL, not a single case to date has been discovered in women who have only had smooth breast implants, but is associated with breast implant which have texturing.

As you can see in the images below, each breast implant manufacturer uses a slightly different process to produce their texturing which results in different patterns and depths on the various implants. Breast implant texturing can be graded from grade 1 (smooth) to grade 4 (the most texture).

The aggressive surface of Allergan implants has been found to have six times greater risk for ALCL than other textured surfaces. About 84 percent of BIA-ALCL cases are attributed to Allergan implants, opposed to the other FDA-approved brands with texturing. Although all of the breast implant companies have all had at least 1 case of BIA-ALCL associated with their textured breast implants, Allergan’s textured implants specifically were removed from the market because they had a disproportionate number of cases of BIA-ALCL compared to the other implant manufacturers (Mentor worldwide and Sientra).

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF DEVELOPING BIA-ALCL?

A paper written by Dr. William P. Adams Jr. and myself that was published in the Journal of Aesthetic Surgery evaluated risk stratification using a concept called micromort. The value of one micromort is defined as a 1 in a million chance of death and is used to stratify the riskiness of day to day activities. To get an idea of this scale, simply getting out of bed as a 20-year-old increases risk of death by 1 micromort; driving a car for 1 hour per day increases risk of death by 2 micromorts; and running a marathon increases risk of death by 8 micromorts per run.

Using current statistics, the risk of a woman with textured breast implant dying from BIA-ALCL during her lifetime is about 1 micromort.

For comparison, the annual risk of a woman dying from breast cancer is about 500 micromorts. So although there is a risk for developing BIA-ALCL from textured breast implants, statistically speaking that risk is very small, or about 0.005%.

The FDA, along with all leading medical societies, does not recommend removal or replacement of textured breast implants in patients who have no symptoms. You are your best advocate for your breast health, so it’s important to know what the signs and symptoms of BIA-ALCL are and to pay attention to any changes in the breast implant size or shape of your breasts. If you have breast implants, continue to perform monthly self breast exams. If anything seems out of the ordinary, it is best to let your surgeon and/or primary care doctor know.

SYMPTOMS OF BIA-ALCL

The first symptom of developing BIA-ALCL is unexplained swelling, typically only seen in one breast. If you are experiencing breast swelling without any history of trauma to the breast, then now is a good time to contact your plastic surgeon. Other things to note:

The average time to develop the condition is approximately 8-10 years post-implantation
BIA-ALCL most commonly shows up as a delayed seroma (collection of fluid) or a mass that can be felt, which develops years after the implants were placed
This fluid can cause the breast to enlarge significantly over days or weeks. It can also present as a lump in the breast or armpit, firmness of the breast, or pain

If you suspect a change in your breasts, your surgeon will order an ultrasound or MRI to assess for any fluid buildup around the breast implant and collect the fluid for screening. Just like many skin cancers, when detected early, BIA-ALCL is a very treatable disease which can be successfully treated through surgery alone in the majority of cases. After the breast implants and surrounding capsule are removed, most patients won’t need any additional treatment. In all early stage cases, the disease was fully resolved by this surgery alone. For uninsured or underinsured patients diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, two separate funds have been established to help offset the costs for treatment. You can get more information and read about eligibility here.

I HAVE TEXTURED IMPLANTS – NOW WHAT?

If you don’t have any swelling and otherwise do not have any issues with your breast implants, then there is nothing else to do at this point other than continue monthly self breast exams. Currently, neither the FDA or any plastic surgery society recommends that women should remove textured breast implants to prevent BIA-ALCL. However, it is understandable that for some women, the concern about BIA-ALCL is enough to decide to have the textured implants removed prophylactically. If you’re reading this and don’t feel comfortable with the idea of living with your implants, then it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your plastic surgeon to discuss how to proceed.

OPTIONS AFTER BREAST IMPLANTS

Most women originally had a breast augmentation to increase their breast size or restore fullness to the breasts. If you still desire to have larger and/or fuller breasts, your surgeon can place new smooth silicone breast implants at the same time as the removal of your textured implants and capsules. As mentioned before, there have been no reported cases of developing BIA-ALCL due to smooth breast implants.

If you decide that you no longer want to have breast implants of any kind, then you can simply have them removed without replacement. However, if volume is still a concern, an option is to perform fat transfer to the breasts. This is done by performing liposuction on various parts of the body, then injecting the fat into the breast to improve breast size and shape without the need for implants. To be a candidate for this procedure, you do of course need to have fat somewhere on your body which can be harvested for transfer and understand that there are limitations to the size and shape that can be achieved through fat transfer alone.

If you have excess breast skin after your breast implants are removed, your San Francisco plastic surgeon may recommend a breast lift (mastopexy) to remove excess skin and reshape your breasts. At the same time fat may be transferred to the upper pole of the breast to add additional volume to help fill the areas previously occupied by a breast implant.

Questions and Answers

What are the issues with mentor implants?

Mentor has taken the proactive step of implementing a voluntary recall for particular batches of MENTOR® Smooth Round Saline Filled Diaphragm Valve (DV) Breast Implants with expiration dates ranging from January 01, 2025, to September 30, 2025.

What is the lawsuit against the mentor breast implants?

The lawsuit alleges that the Mentor breast implant’s faulty design and manufacturing processes were accountable for the emergence of cancer, contending that the company failed to adequately sterilize the implants prior to their distribution to hospitals.

Mentor Implants Recall: WHAT THIS ALL MEANS

If you have breast implants from a previous breast augmentation or mommy makeover procedure, you should determine if you have smooth or textured implants. If you currently have textured implants, realize that the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is very small and that the FDA and medical societies are not recommending the removal of breast implants in patients who have no symptoms. Continue to monitor for any changes in your breasts and know the early signs of BIA-ALCL (most frequently swelling on one side).

If you feel uneasy about keeping your breast implants, then see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and possible treatment options. For additional information on Allergan’s voluntary recall, including a list of affected products.

For in depth reading about BIA-ALCL, you can review the following links:

Molecular Drivers of Breast-Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (Blombery et al, 2019)
Long-Term Safety of Textured and Smooth Breast Implants (Calobrace et al, 2018)
2019 NCCN Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) (Clemens et al; ASJ 2019):
Current Risk Estimate of Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in Textured Breast Implants (Collett et al, PRS 2019):
What Cytokines Can Tell Us About the Pathogenesis of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) (Kadin et al, ASJ 2019)
Theories of Etiopathogeneis of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (Rastogi et al, PRS 2019)
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergan-voluntarily-recalls-biocellr-textured-breast-implants-and-tissue-expanders

Breast Augmentation Incision Placement Options

Articles

October 3, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

How much thought have you given to your breast augmentation incision placement?

For many women, this is one of the last things they’re thinking about when considering San Francisco breast augmentation surgery. Still, incision location is a critical decision that you should spend some time on. If you are unfamiliar with your options, this article is for you.

Below, we’ll go over your main breast augmentation incision location options and their benefits and drawbacks. Then, we’ll discuss a bit more about potential incision complications after your surgery and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about breast augmentation incision placement.

Breast Augmentation Incision Options: Choosing the Right Approach

When considering a breast augmentation procedure, one crucial decision to make is the type of incision that will be used with your breast implant choice. Different incision techniques offer unique advantages and considerations. Here are the main options you’ll have to choose from:

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is made along the natural crease beneath the breast. This incision type allows for precise breast implant placement and minimal interference with breast tissue.

Who Is This a Good Option For?

Inframammary incisions are an excellent choice for those seeking breast augmentation with minimal scarring visibility. This incision offers easy access for the surgeon to create the desired pocket for the saline or silicone implants (or any of the types of breast implants).

Benefits:

– Concealed Scarring: The incision is hidden within the breast crease, making it less visible.

– Precise Placement: Surgeons have better control over implant positioning.

– Reduced Risk: Lower risk of damage to milk ducts and nerves.

Drawbacks:

– Scar Concerns: While hidden, there may still be visible scarring for some individuals.

– Limited Size: Smaller incisions may limit your implant size options.

Periareolar Incision

The periareolar incision is made around the edge of the areola, which is the pigmented skin surrounding each nipple. This incision type allows for direct access to the breast tissue and implant placement.

Who Is This a Good Option For?

Periareolar incisions are suitable for individuals who desire a subtler scar and have well-defined areolas. It’s often chosen when combined with breast lift procedures.

Benefits:

– Camouflaged Scarring: Scarring blends with the natural transition between the areola and breast skin.

– Direct Access: Surgeons can precisely create the implant pocket and adjust nipple position if necessary.

Drawbacks:

– Potential Sensitivity Changes: There is a risk of altered nipple sensation, though this is extremely rare.

– Limited Areola Size: Individuals with small areolas may have limited implant size options.

Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary incision is made in the underarm area. This incision type offers a unique approach, allowing implant placement through a remote site from the breast itself.

Who Is This a Good Option For?

Transaxillary incisions are preferred by individuals who want to avoid breast scarring altogether.

Benefits:

– No Breast Scarring: The incision is hidden in the underarm area, leaving no visible breast scars.

Drawbacks:

– Limited Access: It may be challenging to correct implant placement issues if they arise.

– Additional Scarring Risk: While the scar is hidden, there may still be concerns about its appearance in the underarm area.

Which Incision Is Best for Breast Augmentation?

It’s different for everyone. This choice will depend on your goals, anatomy, the size of your intended implants, and what your surgeon says. Be sure to discuss your options thoroughly with your plastic surgeon to make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.

Potential Breast Augmentation Incision Complications

There are certain side effects that are completely normal during your breast augmentation surgery incision healing. These include swelling, bruising, slight discomfort, changes in sensation, and tightness. However, in rare cases, patients may experience complications during their recovery time for breast implants.

Again, this is rare, especially when patients do their utmost to follow their surgeon’s guidelines during recovery. But as with any surgery, complications are always possible and may arise, and it’s important to know what to look for.

Problem: Breast Augmentation Incision Opening Up

One common concern for individuals getting breast implants is the fear of incision opening. While it’s a rare occurrence, it can be distressing.

To minimize this risk, it’s crucial to follow Dr. Sieber’s post-operative care instructions diligently, including avoiding strenuous activities and keeping the incision site clean and protected. Additionally, maintaining regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon ensures any potential issues are promptly addressed.

Problem: Breast Augmentation Incision Pain Immediately After Surgery

Experiencing pain at the incision site immediately after breast augmentation surgery is normal. It’s a natural response to the surgical procedure. Patients are typically prescribed pain medications to manage this discomfort during the first few days.

It’s essential to take these medications as directed and to communicate any excessive or prolonged pain with your surgeon as this could be a sign of complications.

Problem: Incision Pain 2 Weeks After Breast Augmentation

Around two weeks post-surgery, some patients may still experience discomfort or pain at the incision site. This can be a normal part of the healing process, and it varies from person to person.

At the same time, it’s crucial to contact Dr. Sieber if you have concerns. If the pain worsens or becomes increasingly concerning after the initial healing period, it’s wise to have your incisions examined.

FAQ: Breast Augmentation Incisions

What is the most common incision for breast augmentation surgery?

The most common incision for breast enhancement surgery with implants is the inframammary incision. This incision can be used with a saline implant or silicone breast implants and is made along the natural crease beneath the breast. It is preferred by many surgeons and patients due to its ease of access and ability to hide scarring within the breast fold.

What size is the incision for breast augmentation?

The size of the incision for breast augmentation varies depending on factors such as the type of implant used, the chosen incision placement, your surgeon’s technique, and the individual’s anatomy. Ultimately, your surgeon will determine the appropriate incision size based on your specific needs and surgery choices.

When do incisions heal after breast augmentation?

Many patients inquire about how long for breast augmentation incision to heal. Incisions for breast augmentation typically start to heal within the first few weeks after surgery.

Complete healing can take several months, with scars continuing to improve in appearance over time. It’s important to follow Dr. Sieber’s post-operative care instructions to promote optimal healing and minimize the visibility of scars.

Set Up a Consultation With Dr. Sieber

Dr. David Sieber is a double board certified plastic surgeon, specializing in breast augmentation as well as other breast surgeries such as breast lift surgery, breast lift with implants surgery, breast fat transfer procedures, breast implant removal, breast implant revision, and breast reduction.

If you are considering this procedure and would like to learn more about breast augmentation incision placement or any other aspect of this surgery, give us a call today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sieber.

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/the-five-factors-of-breast-augmentation/

Should You get a Liposuction and Tummy tuck?

Articles

October 2, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

Getting a Liposuction and tummy tuck together is more common than you think. If you are interested in a tummy tuck, it is worthwhile to discuss the addition of liposuction with your plastic surgeon at your consultation appointment or at any time before your surgery date.

In the following article, we’ll explain what a tummy tuck is and how it differs from liposuction. We’ll also outline how the two procedures can go together for optimal results.

What Is a Tummy Tuck and Who Is It For?

A Abdominoplasty — is a life-changing surgery for many men and women. The surgical procedure tightens the muscles and loose skin around the abdomen, creating a firmer, flatter stomach that can often not be achieved in any other way except through surgery.

The most common candidates for tummy tuck surgery are those who have recently lost a significant amount of weight and mothers who are finished having children. Those who have recently undergone weight loss may have sagging skin removed on the abdomen that was stretched out during the period of weight gain and obesity. Despite working hard to exercise and eat healthy, excess skin can never be lost by these means.

Similarly, women who have had children often struggle with separated abdominal muscles and stretched out abdominal skin from pregnancy. Both groups may also struggle with stretch marks, which can sometimes be improved through a abdominonplasty.

What Happens During Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The tummy tuck procedure is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. It involves making a low horizontal incision near the pubic hair line. In some cases — when the location of the bellybutton must be altered — another incision will be made encircling the naval. The loose skin can then be lifted so that the abdominal wall muscles can be fixed and tightened.

Next, the skin of the upper abdomen will be pulled down, and the excess skin at the bottom will be cut off leaving a tummy tuck scar that will eventually be barely noticeable. When necessary, the bellybutton will be attached into position. Lastly, the incisions will be carefully closed up for as little scarring as possible.

What Is Liposuction and Who Is It For?

Liposuction one of the best body contouring procedures for anyone who wants to get rid of stubborn, exercise-resistant fatty tissue. Liposuction is most often performed around the abdomen, but it can also be performed on the buttocks, upper arms, thighs, face/chin, and elsewhere.

Most candidates for liposuction are at a healthy weight and have worked hard to get rid of those last few “vanity pounds”. Unfortunately, some types of fat seem to stick around no matter how much work you do, and the only way to get rid of these fat deposits is through cosmetic surgery — namely, liposuction.

It’s important to note that liposuction is not a form of weight loss in itself. If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, liposuction should not be your first solution. If, on the other hand, you are able to lose weight in a healthy way — usually through diet and exercise — and you still have excess fat that you’d like to have removed, liposuction may be the solution for you at that point.

What Happens During Liposuction?

Liposuction is slightly less invasive than a abdominoplasty, but general anesthesia or intravenous sedation are still typically used. When combined with a tummy tuck, one of these options will definitely be used for your optimal comfort.

Your surgeon will start by making small incisions near where stubborn fat is to be taken out. These small incisions will be the entering points for a thin metal tube called a cannula. This tube will be inserted into the incisions so that it can agitate and remove the excess fat through suction. Finally, the incisions will be closed.

When Is It Best to Combine a Tummy Tuck With Liposuction?

Combining a tummy tuck with liposuction is often called body contouring. You are addressing several issues at once when you combine these two procedures. Tummy tucks will take care of removing excess skin and fix weak abdominal muscles, while liposuction will remove exercise-resistant fat. Because both of these issues often go hand-in-hand, addressing them at the same time can result in overall better, more natural-looking results.

When you combine both procedures into one surgery, you can also save money, reduce the risk of complications (instead of having two separate surgeries, you’re just having one), and address multiple issues at once. Sometimes, your surgeon can even reduce the number of incisions he makes by combining these procedures.

Lastly, having one surgery for both procedures will reduce your recovery time by a large margin. Instead of having to recover from two separate procedures, you’ll have one recovery period during which you can put your full effort toward rest and recuperation. Additionally, in most cases, your surgeon will be able to use a layered suturing technique to close up your incisions.

This can eliminate the need for drains after surgery. Having to handle messy drains during recovery is a challenge for many patients, so this can make the recovery period significantly easier as well.

Does Everyone Who Would Benefit From a Tummy Tuck Also Benefit From Liposuction?

Not necessarily. Some people only need one procedure or the other.

For example, some people may think they have excess fat beneath their extra skin on the lower abdomen, but it could simply be the excess skin that is adding bulk to their frame. In this case, only tummy tucks would likely be necessary.

The best way to determine if you would be a good candidate for both a tummy tuck vs liposuction is to make a consultation appointment with a qualified plastic surgeon. At this appointment, your surgeon will give you a short physical examination and speak to you about your medical history.

Questions and Answers about Tummy tuck and Liposuction

Can you get lipo and a tummy tuck at the same time?

Many patients who’ve experienced significant weight loss inquire about combining liposuction and tummy tuck procedures. Our resounding answer is ‘Yes.’ Tummy tucks and liposuction, when performed together, deliver lasting, satisfying body contouring results.

How much weight lost after tummy tuck and lipo?

Liposuction can safely eliminate up to 11 pounds of abdominal fat, and when combined with the potential 2 to 15 pounds of excess skin removal through abdominoplasty, you could achieve a total weight loss of up to 28 pounds.

How many sizes do you go down after a tummy tuck and lipo?

Typically, patients can anticipate a reduction of 2 to 3 pant sizes following a tummy tuck, with some achieving an even greater waist size reduction. The outcome depends on the initial amount of excess skin and the patient’s dedication to post-surgery weight maintenance.

Book Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Appointment Today

Dr. Sieber a board certified plastic surgeon has unique qualifications and experience performing both individual tummy tucks and liposuction surgeries and combined tummy tuck-liposuction surgeries.

If you are interested in one of these body contouring procedures or both, contact our office today to discuss your options and book your consultation appointment.

Sources

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/should-you-add-liposuction-to-your-tummy-tuck

Breast Implant Shapes: What’s Right for You?

Articles

September 29, 2023/by Dr. David Sieber

Breast implant shapes are a critical factor when choosing the right implants for your breast augmentation. But before you go thinking there are tons of different breast implant shapes to choose from, know that the reality is, there are only two:

Round and teardrop.

Really simplifies things, doesn’t it?

In this article, we’ll be explaining the ins and outs of each breast implant shape and exploring the benefits and drawbacks of each one.

While breast implant shape is only one of the many decisions you’ll need to make on your breast augmentation journey, it’s certainly an important one. So, thinking caps on — let’s get started.

The Two Types of Breast Implant Shapes

Round Breast Implants

Round implants tend to be a popular choice among patients seeking breast surgery. These implants are characterized by their symmetrical shape, providing fullness and enhanced projection to the breasts. One of the key advantages of round implants is their versatility in achieving various aesthetic outcomes.

Round breast implants come in a range of sizes and profiles, allowing patients and surgeons to tailor the results to individual preference. A round breast implant is typically smoother and has a more natural feel when compared with a teardrop implant.

Surgeons often use them to create a fuller upper breast appearance. They can be placed either submuscularly or subglandularly. It’s important for patients to consult with their surgeon to determine if round implants align with their desired look and body type.

Teardrop Breast Implants

Teardrop breast implants (also called anatomical implants) offer a unique option for patients considering breast augmentation. They have a fuller bottom half, which tends to mimic the shape of natural breast tissue.

These implants feature a textured surface so that they don’t rotate within the breast pocket. The texture also promotes tissue adherence to the implant, potentially leading to more stable positioning within the breast.

Teardrop implants are popular in silicone gel options (not generally as saline implants) and come in various profiles. Patients interested in teardrop implants should discuss their benefits and drawbacks with a plastic surgeon.

Which Is Better, Round or Teardrop Breast Implants?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question because the choice between round and teardrop breast implants depends on your individual goals and preferences.

Both options have their merits. A round implant offers enhanced upper pole fullness and versatility, while teardrop implants provide a more natural shape and gradual slope.

Your surgeon can help you decide which is better for you based on your desired outcome and body type. If you plan to undergo any additional procedures, such as a breast lift, breast fat transfer augmentation, or liposuction, this may impact your choice as well.

What Other Factors Are There to Consider With Breast Augmentation?

When choosing your breast implants, there are several additional factors beyond breast implant shape that patients must take into account. Keep in mind that these factors will often influence (or be influenced by) the shape you choose as well.

Implant Size: Selecting the right implant size is crucial for achieving your desired appearance, and breast implant sizes and shapes often go hand-in-hand. It’s essential to consider body proportion and lifestyle when making this choice.

Implant Texture: Implants can have a smooth or textured surface. Textured implants may reduce the risk of certain complications but have their own additional considerations. Teardrop shaped implants tend to be textured so that they do not rotate.

Implant Material Type: Patients can choose between saline breast implants, silicone breast implant shapes, and gummy bear implants. Note that teardrop shaped implants are typically only available as silicone gel implants.

Both saline and silicone implants have their own factors to consider, such as natural feel, incision size, and rupture detection.

Implant Profile: Patients can opt for low, moderate, or high-profile implants. Profile affects how the breasts project and their overall silhouette.

Implant Placement: Breast implants can be positioned on the chest wall in a breast pocket either under the chest muscle (submuscular) or over it (subglandular). Placement depends on your body shape, amount of existing breast tissue, breast implant size, and other factors. All breast implant placement options have their own advantages and limitations.

Incision Location: Your surgeon can make incisions in different areas, such as under the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit. Your choice will impact breast augmentation scars and implant placement.

FAQ: Breast Implants

Do teardrop implants look more natural than round ones?

Teardrop implants are designed to resemble natural breast contours, making them a suitable choice for patients seeking a subtle and natural enhancement. However, both round and teardrop implants can achieve a natural look when selected based on individual anatomy and preferences.

Do breast implants cause cancer when they are teardrop shaped?

Breast implants, whether teardrop shaped or round, have not been proven to directly cause cancer. However, it’s important to note that there have been rare cases of a type of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) associated with textured breast implants, including teardrop shaped ones.

BIA-ALCL is a type of lymphoma that affects the tissue around an implant. The risk of developing BIA-ALCL is extremely low, and if you have concerns, it’s best to discuss them with your surgeon and choose the implant type that aligns with your preferences and safety considerations.

Are teardrop implants more expensive than round ones?

The cost of breast implants will vary based on factors like the type, brand, and your surgeon’s fees. Teardrop implants may be slightly more expensive due to their specialized design, but the price difference can vary between providers and manufacturers.

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today

Breast augmentation surgery can help you take control of your self-image and feel more comfortable and confident in your skin. If you have been considering implants, contact Sieber Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation appointment.

Double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber can help you decide between the basic breast implant shapes offered. Together, you’ll also discuss all the types of breast implants available to you and ultimately decide on the implants that will be best for your goals, body, and lifestyle. Call today to schedule your appointment!

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/which-breast-implant-shape-is-best-for-you/