A Best Friend s Guide to Breast Augmentation

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1 A Best Friend s Guide to Breast Augmentation

2 About our practice Dr. Russell Hendrick is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery of the body, as well as surgeries of the hand and wrist. With his extensive training, Dr. Hendrick prides himself on being able to focus his expertise on these areas to address the patient s specific needs. His philosophy on patient care is centered on taking the time to truly listen to his patients and their concerns and develop a treatment plan specifically tailored to the individual. Dr. Parker Velargo is a fellowship trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is also board certified in head and neck Surgery. Dr. Velargo is a specialist in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, nose, eyelids, ears, and neck. In addition, Dr. Velargo has extensive experience in nonsurgical treatments of the face and neck, including injectables and laser therapy. Dr. Russell Hendrick Dr. Parker Velargo Dr. Hendrick and Dr. Velargo are dedicated to helping you feel better about yourself by producing natural results through plastic surgery.

3 Your journey begins here. Have you considered increasing the fullness and projection of your breasts? Would you like to improve the balance of your figure? Are you looking to enhance your self-image and self-confidence? The decision to undergo breast augmentation is an important one, so we have created this Girlfriend s Guide to Breast Augmentation to provide you with valuable information on what to consider when deciding to undergo Breast Augmentation. Learn about the following: Choosing your Plastic Surgeon The Consultation The Procedure The Recovery The Risks Let us guide you through this life-changing journey.

4 Choosing your Plastic Surgeon Take your time deciding on which plastic surgeon you want to perform your breast augmentation. Research and verify the following about your plastic surgeon before your consultation: Plastic surgery specialty Years of experience and training Hospital privileges Surgical facility and accreditation by national or state agency Ask for referrals from friends and family, look up plastic surgeons in your area and contact the following professional organizations: American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

5 Questions voicing your concerns Your consultation will include a discussion of how you would like your breasts to look as well as your concerns about the procedure. Ask your plastic surgeon these questions and pay attention to his/her bedside manner: Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery? How many years of plastic surgery training have you had? Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals? Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally-or state-recognized accrediting agency, or is it state-licensed or Medicare-certified? What will be expected of me to get the best results? Where and how will you perform my breast augmentation surgery? What shape, size, surface texturing, incision site and placement site are recommended for me? How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery? What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure? How are complications handled? How many additional implant-related operations can I expect over my lifetime? How can I expect my implanted breasts to look over time? After pregnancy? After breastfeeding?

6 Breast Augmentation introduction Breast Augmentation is breast enhancement surgery using a breast implant or sometimes fat grafting to increase the size and shape of the breasts. Sometimes after significant weight loss and/or pregnancy, the breasts can begin to sag from volume loss and excess skin. Breast augmentation can: Increase the size of your breasts Change the shape of your breasts Make the breasts more symmetric Create a more balanced figure Boost confidence and self-esteem

7 Breast Augmentation consultation Dr. Hendrick has performed numerous successful breast enhancement surgeries. During your consultation, he will listen carefully to how you wish your breasts to look and will make recommendations to help you make the best possible choices. As for the type of implant, there are silicone and saline implants. Saline is a FDAapproved device for women 18 years of age and older, while silicone is FDA-approved for women 22 years of age and older. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of implants, and these will be discussed in detail during your consultation with Dr. Hendrick.

8 Breast Augmentation procedure Dr. Hendrick performs his breast augmentation procedures under general anesthesia for the patient s comfort and safety. The surgery is an outpatient procedure allowing you to go home the same day, provided someone drives you home. Incisions vary depending on your anatomy and the type of implant used. An inframammary incision is placed under the natural crease at the bottom of the breast. A periareolar incision is made around the areolas. The implants will be placed either in front of or under the pectoral muscle. Dr. Hendrick will discuss his surgical plan with you and the reasons for choosing a particular type of incision, as well as the placement of the implants.

9 Breast Augmentation recovery Post-operatively, you can expect to feel tightness beneath the chest muscles, soreness, and swelling. You will be prescribed pain medication to help with any discomfort you experience. You will also be fitted with a surgical bra after your surgery, which you must wear for several weeks. Incisions: Incisions are cared for each day by cleansing the incision lines with mild soap and water, and any external stitches will be removed during a post-operative examination. Downtime: Most patients take 7-10 days off from work after an augmentation. Exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Be sure to always discuss activity restrictions with Dr. Hendrick to avoid any complication after surgery. Surgeon Instructions: A full set of post-operative instructions will be provided to you prior to your surgery. Feel free to ask any questions during your pre-operative visit.

10 Breast Augmentation risks All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are: Adverse reaction to anesthesia Hematoma or seroma Infection and bleeding Changes in sensation Scarring Allergic reactions Damage to underlying structures Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures Other risks specific to breast augmentation are outlined below: Infection Capsular contracture Implant rupture Mammography shadows affecting breast cancer detection Your plastic surgeon will discuss these risks with you.

11 Other Resources do your research Your journey is only beginning. If you re interested in doing more research, please visit the websites listed below. These resources will help you connect with the plastic surgery community, so you can learn more and ask more questions about breast augmentation. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) RealSelf New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery