Types of Breast Enhancement Surgeries and How They Affect Your Lifestyle

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. Dr. Andres Taleisnik, an Orange County breast augmentation specialist, offers this procedure to women in order to help them achieve the shape, volume and size of their breasts that best matches their goals and physique.

Breast Implants

Breast implants are used to increase the size and fullness of a woman’s breasts. Breast implants can be filled with silicone gel or a saline solution, and come in a variety of shapes and textures designed to achieve a certain aesthetic effect. Implants are typically inserted into a pocket created beneath the breast or behind the pectoralis muscle. Depending on certain circumstances, the implant may be inserted through the areola, the armpit, the belly button, or at the breast crease.

Greater self-confidence is one of the main benefits of breast implants. Women also happily report that they are able to expand their wardrobes to include styles of clothing that they couldn’t wear before.

Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is used to treat breast sagging – the natural loss of elasticity, firmness and shape caused by pregnancy, nursing, excessive weight loss and aging. A breast lift typically consists of the removal of excess skin, tightening the skin and, in some cases, it is combined with breast augmentation in order to restore shape and volume.

Breast lifts result in “perkier” breasts and a more youthful overall look. Because of this, breast lifts are a popular component of the “Mommy Makeover,” a series of cosmetic procedures that is designed to reverse the effects of childbirth and nursing.

Breast Reduction

Excessively large breasts can cause neck, back and shoulder pain which can lead to chronic health complications. Breast reduction surgery helps correct this issue by removing fatty tissue, glandular tissue and excess skin so that your breasts better match your frame size and become smaller.

Breast reduction helps alleviate strain on your neck and back and makes it easier to shop for clothing and exercise. Because of the long-term health benefits of breast reduction, these procedures are sometimes covered by insurance.

Dr. Taleisnik performs these breast surgeries and others at his Orange County plastic surgery practice. For more information, visit his website or call to schedule a free consultation.

Breast Implants Help a Rare Heart Condition

What would you do -- total panic notwithstanding -- if doctors were to find your heart beating under your kidney?

In a case so rare it has no medical name -- but is being described only as “a floating heart,” -- a Florida woman’s heart was found to be shifting around in her body. Doctors found it stuck in her rib cage under her kidney.

According to news reports, the 35-year-old woman’s right lung had been removed long ago, leaving space for her heart in which to wander around.

Having never seen the condition before, physicians were at a loss to come up with a treatment. One doctor said the patient was the only person in the world with the disorder.

The treatment? Breast implants!


Robert Rey, M.D. of Dr. 90210 fame shows a breast
implant
(Photo, courtesy of Dr. Rey.)

It required a four and one-half hour operation, but breast implants -- used in the standard breast augmentation procedure -- filled the space where the lung used to be and holds the heart in the correct position.

“Clever idea, actually,” says Robert Kotler, M.D., a board certified Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon. “The chest surgeons used the breast implants as a large-space ‘filler’.”

Editor’s note: Dr. Kotler is one half of the Tuck ‘n’ Stitch bloggers.

Plastic Surgery Stops Bullies in their Tracks!

When I was in grade school, no self-respecting kid would tolerate a bully, the weakest, whiniest and most puny kids not withstanding.

We weren’t tough guys; it’s just that any boy over the age of oh, 18 months, would get far worse when his dad found out his kid had succumbed to bullies and forked over his lunch money, baseball cap, pocket knife, the family IRA or whatever.

The standing rule was: face up to bullies and fight back, even if there were dozens trying to shake you down.

I think the Father’s Instruction Book had a chapter about one punch on a bully’s nose stopping the lot of them. The one exception about fighting back: if you were in an iron lung, wheelchair or in traction, your punching ability was somewhat restricted, making it understood you might miss the bully’s nose. But you had to fight back. According to The Father’s Instruction Book, there was no shame in fighting back and losing.

But in reality, I never did come across a bully who was put off by one -- or even one dozen -- punches in the nose. I think they became bullies in the first place because they were born without pain receptors. So logic for nine-year-old bullies was simple: “Hey, we can’t feel pain. Let’s just pick on people! So what if they hit us back?”


Your lunch money or your life!
(iynmeyer photo)

However, all of that was before plastic surgery stopped the assaults. In England, a new way of dealing with the problem is by rejuvenating the body parts bullies like to taunt other youngsters about.

Some British surgeons are giving children and teens surgical rejuvenation so that bullies won’t be picking on odd-looking features or making punch-deserving jokes about large noses or ears or small breasts. (Read more.)

(Disclaimer: kids’ lunch money may still be up for grabs, even after plastic surgery!)

Rhinoplasty

*Mr. Douglas McGeorge, head of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS,) recently revealed he had reshaped the nose of one youngster and supplied breast implants for others to stop teasing and bullying. For instance, one younger teen was picked on and bullied at three separate schools, because of an unattractive nose. Her parents were about ready to go “case-o” -- British slang for “going bonkers” -- before hitting on the idea of ponying up 3,500 Pounds (that’s $6121.50 U.S. dollars) for
rhinoplasty. Her parents say the problem was solved.

Breast Implants

Because some bullied teens are still growing, the thoughtful doc has put in expandable breast implants, which help to gradually expand the bosom. (Read about how expandable breast implants work.) Additionally, a nine-year-old in Scotland begged his parents for surgery to rid his face of a mole because school bullies called him “Moley” and beat him up after school because of his appearance. (More about mole removal.)

But the trend is not news. Back in 2006, it was reported that Britain’s National Health Service was springing for cosmetic plastic surgery for bullied youngsters in Scotland. (More.)

What do you think? Will plastic surgery stop U.S. bullies? Or, should we concentrate on pain receptor transplants for bullies?

*In the British Isles, M.D.’s are known as “Mr.”

Plastic Surgery Poll

Which is NOT the Real Plastic Surgery Procedure?

Of the procedures listed below, five are real and one is bogus. Leave your answers in the comment box below. Test Your Plastic Surgery Knowledge!

(1) “Bird Poop” Facial

A high-end New York City spa has come up with a way to rejuvenate delicate facial skin -- and without painful surgery. You’ve probably heard that sales pitch before, but master aesthetician Shizuka Bernstein is offering the Geisha Facial.

The concoction is made from several Japanese ingredients, held together with heavy doses of Nightingale droppings. (In Japan, it’s an ancient, time-honored ingredient known as “Uguisu no Fun.”) The treatment is being referred to as the “Bird Poop” Facial by the few who have actually had it smeared, er, that is, I mean applied and the thousands who stand by -- at a distance -- and watch in amazement.

(2) Breast Implants for the Lips

For years, surgeons have implanted empty breast implants in the chests of bosom-challenged women and then filled them with saline after the devices were securely nested inside the patient’s chest. Then, the implants were filled to a size that fits the patient’s frame, bone structure and wishes.

So why not do the same thing to make lips larger and more luscious?

Surgeons can now implant a tiny little saline bag in the lips and, then working through equally tiny filler tubes, fill the implants with just enough saline to make those smackers truly kissable.

(3) Water Jet Liposuction

You would have to travel to Thailand, but a new way to remove fat from those stubborn pockets of flab is blasting it away with powerful jets of water. One of the chief benefits is that no heat is produced inside the body, according to the owners of the SP Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. Just think of the device as an internal Water Pik for liposuction.

(4) ScarArt Hides Surgical Scars

Have a tummy tuck scar that runs across your lower stomach or perhaps a scar left from a C-Section, but still want to look sharp in a bikini? A new temporary tattoo, designed by a woman for other women, allows you to slap on a waterproof, smear-proof, and extremely colorful tat to hide that pesky scar. It lasts three days.

(5) Robotic Breast Augmentation

It doesn’t have anything to do with a clanking, whirring automaton doing surgery on its own. But, it’s possible for a surgeon sitting at a console to perform breast enhancement by giving instructions to extremely slim robotic hands.

The chief benefit is that the robot has the steadiest “hands” known and works through extremely tiny openings in the patient’s skin.

(6) The “Earlobe Job”

While almost every other part of the human body can have its drooping, sagging or shriveling parts rejuvenated, medical science has somehow missed the earlobes.

The problem? After decades of supporting dangling, swaying earrings that usually weigh a little less than a VW, aging earlobes become stretched and can sway and flop around like the ears on a blood hound. What woman wants earlobes sitting on her shoulders? Totally ruins the effect of a spaghetti strap dress!

Solution? Lobe Pumping. Just a syringe full of a facial filler like Restylane does the job for the short haul.

Of course, Restylane wears off in about nine months. For really severe cases, patients should see their plastic surgeon about surgical earlobe reduction.

Which is NOT the Real Plastic Surgery Procedure?

…Check back soon to see if you know which plastic surgery procedure is false!

Tattoo with a Breast Implant: It’s ba-a-a-a-a-ck!

We hate to say we told you so but, hey, did we not tell you so?

According to alert reader (and author) Dr. DiSaia writing in his most excellent blog Truth in Cosmetic Surgery., the man-with-the-breast-implant-tattoo-on-his-leg has suffered a medical setback.

For newer alert readers who have just signed onto our own most excellent blog, a January column here told about the top eight most far out uses ever for breast implants.

Number 7 told of a tattoo aficionado (that means he digs them a lot!) who inked a busty woman on his lower leg.

Here’s our blog post from January 9, 2008:


Above, Lane’s right leg. He is editor of
a body art and tattoo magazine in Edmonton, Alberta.

Thinking that a 2-D tat was too tame, Canadian Lane Jensen
asked a tattoo artist and wannabe surgeon to open his leg and surgically
implant tiny breast implants in the anatomically correct position of a
buxom woman tattoo. (Note: Do not try this at home. While these people were
totally untrained professionals working in a dangerous environment, they were lucky!
Lane still has his leg which is a miracle in itself!) And, hey, this is no time for quips about him being a breast-or-leg man!

(We don’t make these things up! Even if we did who could dream up a chesty leg?)

According to TMZ.com and the good Dr. DiSaia, the tiny implant burst, probably causing a nasty infection. That’s my guess judging from the angry red slash on the far left side of his leg.

Nonetheless, we wish him good health and remind him of the classic observation in Buddhism: “If you lose, don’t lose the lesson!”

I suppose the lesson here would be something along the lines of letting the pros do the surgery? “Pro,” in this case, meaning somebody who actually graduated from medical school.

The good news? He’s got his leg! So far, anyhow.

If you’re up for a story on what else can go wrong in plastic surgery, read more. (AFTER lunch, that is; the article is not what you would call appetite enhancing.)

Top Ten Myths about Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is the number one plastic surgery for 2006, the most recent year for which statistics exist. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 329,000 breast augmentation procedures were done in’06.

Myth #1: Breast Implants Cause Cancer
Studies and experimental data have not been able to link breast implants with cancer.

Myth #2: Breast Implants Must be Removed Every 10 Years
No specific data exists on the duration for implant replacement. Implants may last a lifetime or only a few years depending on various medical factors.

Myth #3: An Underwire Bra Should Never Be Worn with Implants
Underwire bras can be worn after healing. Over time, without proper support, the weight of the implants can create significant sagginess and stretch the breast tissue and skin. An underwire bra can prevent that.


A silicone breast implant

Myth #4: Shaped Implants are more Natural than Round Implants
Imaging studies have shown that both shaped, or anatomical, and round implants appear to have a similar natural slope when properly placed under the chest muscle. One complication of the shaped version: the implant bag can rotate and lead to disfigurement.

Myth #5: Loss of Nipple Sensitivity is Associated Only with the Periareolar Surgical Approach (through the nipple area).
Numbness can occur from any surgical approach if the nerves are stretched or traumatized during surgery.

Myth#6: Mammograms are Not Possible with Implants
Placing silicone or saline implants under the chest muscle helps with Displacement Technique Mammography and allows excellent results.

Myth#7: Over 50 Women Should not have Breast Augmentation
Patients of any age may undergo implant surgery as long as they are healthy, in good medical condition and free of breast cancer. Lab work is required for all surgical candidates while a routine mammogram is required for anyone over the age of 35 or with a family history of breast cancer.


A patient selects a breast implant

Myth#8: The Most Common Reason for Reopening the Incision is the Patient’s Desire to Remove the Implant Entirely
Actually, deflation (18 percent) and capsular contracture (also 18 percent) are the top reasons for reopening or undergoing a second procedure.

Myth#9: More Women Want to Go Larger on the Next Surgery, Believing They Went Too Small at First
That is not a myth but a true statement! Women get used to the swelling that generally occurs during the first two to three months after surgery. When the swelling subsides, they miss the fuller feeling and ask to have slightly larger implants put in.

Myth#10: It’s Easy to Detect a Rupture or Tear in a Silicone Gel Implant
Silicone ruptures are often silent because the implant holds its shape and may go undetected for years. An MRI is the most definitive method for determining a rupture or tear.

Source: Stuart A. Linder, M.D. F.A.C.S.
from his book, The Beverly Hills Shape: The Truth about Plastic Surgery.

Top 8 Far-Out Uses for Breast Implants

The world is filled with the results of unintended consequences. Sure, you can use cat litter to provide traction on an icy sidewalk, but whoever thought so many unintended uses for breast implants would crop up? We present the top eight:

1. Book Title



To win a $100,000 bet, Brian Zembic stepped up when another gambler put up the cash against Brian keeping 38C breast implants in his chest for one year. (Tip for guys: Women were fascinated and not the least bit put off by the enhancement. Maybe having a beefy chest is not such a bad thing, after all? Maybe forget the gynecomastia surgery?) The outcome? Brian became $100,000 richer and then was featured in the book, Man with the $100,000 Breasts. More. Casting for the movie continues but, so far, every leading actor has turned the role down because none wants to be seen with a bustline.

2. Airbags



Perhaps inspired by a Bulgarian woman whose 40 DD breast implants served as airbags and saved her life in a car crash, Japanese technology company Takata, the world’s leading supplier of auto safety belts, used a giant double implant template and came up with an improved air bag for cars. More

3. Man Pacifier



A San Francisco blogger known only as donnauwanna noted her life partner seemed to consider her breasts a source of comfort. So the clever donnauwanna decided to take matters into her own hands and created a squishy breast shaped stress reliever, modeled after one of her own. (We are NOT making this up. Read more.) Her fondest hope? “Maybe now he’ll leave me alone so I can get important things done!” Anyhow, here’s how to make one. But you really must want to do this because you start with a plaster cast of one breast. However, if the lady love is (understandably!) unwilling to slather her torso with cold, clammy plaster mix and sit still, waiting four hours for it to dry, some wives just toss their mates a silicone breast implant. Why? Silicone is like the real deal.

Of course, all this could easily be nipped in the bud because a new scholarly study found breast feeding can make kids more resilient to stress. More.

4. Ebay Sale



Mary Carey, an adult film start who ran for governor of California in 2003, put her 36 D implants (removed only because she wanted 36 DDD implant replacements ) up for sale on Ebay. As of January 8th, bidding was at U.S. $316.00. More.

5. Solve Crimes

A British murder victim was missing her hands and head when police found the body. But the woman had breast and buttocks implants, both of which carry serial numbers. The numbers cracked the case. More. Similar I.D.-by-breast-implant cases have taken place in New York and in Georgia.

6. Get-out-of-Army pass.

“ACHTUNG!! Today, D Cups! Tomorrow, Triple D Cups!”


(Actually, the headline reads: “The German Army will not allow my bustline.”

A German female soldier, 24-year-old Alessija Dorfmann, must leave the Army because she has D-cup size silicone breast implants. A German Army spokesman, Harald Kammerbauer, explained there is an increased risk of injury. More.

“I chust vanted to be all I can be,” lamented Alessija.

The case is under review so Fraulein/PFC Dorfman may be able to become the army medic, she signed up for after all.

7. A Curvy Tattoo


Above, Lane’s right leg. He is editor of
a body art and tattoo magazine in Edmonton, Alberta.

Thinking that a 2-D tat was too tame, Canadian Lane Jensen
asked a tattoo artist and wannabe surgeon to open his leg and surgically
implant tiny breast implants in the anatomically correct position of a
buxom woman tattoo. (Note: Do not try this at home. While these people were
totally untrained professionals working in a dangerous environment, they were lucky!
Lane still has his leg which is a miracle in itself!) More (without the
breast-or-leg man quips!)

8. Body Armor


(Photo by mzacha)

A woman’s silicone breast implants stopped a piece of shrapnel “inches from her heart” after a rocket attack in Israel. “The implants saved her life,” said an attending physician.
More.

If you’re still interested in breast implants and how they are used by more-or-less “normal” people, read more about inserting breast implants through the belly button.

Next: Implants? Who needs ‘em anyhow? Chewing gum claims it can enhance breasts!

World’s 1st Breast Augmentation: Done in Exchange for Otoplasty

Back in 1962, a 30-year-old Texas woman allowed doctors to surgically place silicone implants into her sagging breasts. But the patient really wanted her large ears reduced. The patient, Timmie Jean Lindsey, then a young housewife with six children, agreed to go ahead with the breast procedure if the surgeons would later perform an otoplasty, the ear pinning operation.

The Daily Mail in London recently told Timmie Jean’s life story and showed the very first before and after breast augmentation photos.

Read more about the world’s first breast enlargement with implants.