Irvine Plastic Surgery Practice Now Offers Short-Scar Face Lift
Andrew Smith, MD, FACS, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Although Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world, I’ve found over my years of practice that the reasons for breast augmentation are quite diverse. Obviously, most women simply wish to enlarge the size of their breasts. Some wish to improve the appearance of breasts that have begun to sag after losing weight or having children. Other women have breasts that are less firm than they used to be, due to aging, breastfeeding or pregnancy, while some have been unhappy for their entire lives with breasts that are unevenly sized. Whatever the reason, a more desirable breast appearance can be obtained through augmentation mammaplasty, and I perform many of them here in Irvine.
My primary goal in each breast augmentation procedure is to increase the size of the breasts while maintaining a natural appearance. In other words, larger breasts that look like a gift from Mother Nature. Natural breasts have tissue that’s evenly distributed, not just in the breast itself but in the area above the breast (called the upper pole) and the sides as well. Nothing looks worse than a breast augmentation that looks like two grapefruit were inserted under the skin with no attention to the area that surrounds the breasts. That result will look fake, something that no woman I’ve ever operated on has asked for! In fact, women often come to my office asking for a breast augmentation revision due to a previously performed implant procedure that yielded unsatisfactory results.
So let’s talk today about what a good augmentation procedure looks like, and how to get the best results when seeking breast enhancements.
First, a breast augmentation is based on a thorough understanding of what my patient wants when she comes for consultation at my Irvine plastic surgery office. What is she seeking? Breast enlargement yes, but perhaps some of the above-mentioned items are also to be considered, such as the projection of the breasts, matching them so they become more evenly sized, slightly lifting them and/or creating more firmness. When I perform a consultation, my initial examination and measurements tell me much about the procedure I’ll be performing.
For example, breast implants do provide a slight lift to the breast. However, if a woman needs more lift, a breast lift needs to be included in her augmentation procedure. I check the woman’s breast skin to see how tight the skin is, whether the skin is of normal thickness or very thin, and whether she has any concerns about her nipples, such as inverted nipples, that she also wants addressed in the procedure. We also discuss her desires for projection, firmness and anything else that concerns her. She’ll get to hold and feel several types of implants to help her understand the varieties of implants available. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of saline-filled versus silicone gel-filled. We’ll review sizing options too, so that at the end of her consultation we both understand the final look we’re reaching for. Last, we’ll discuss the location of the incision needed to insert the breast implant. This incision can be made under the armpit, around the areola or underneath the breast itself in the area called the inframammary fold, which is the spot underneath the breast where it meets the chest wall. The location of the incision depends upon patient preferences and the type and size of implant we agree to use.
Breast augmentation involves inserting either a gel or saline-filled implant either above or beneath the pectoral muscle of the chest. The goal is to increase the size of the breast while maintaining a natural result. Positioning can vary the result as well. Although it may seem easy, breast augmentation is actually a delicate procedure that requires a good eye and lots of experience on the part of the surgeon to create the most beautiful result.
I perform all my breast augmentations under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis at my Plastic Surgery Practice in Irvine, CA. I’ve chosen to work only with board-certified anesthesiologists to ensure my patients’ safety and comfort. Once the general anesthesia has been induced, I make as small an incision as possible. I then create a pocket to hold the implant. The implant is inserted and the area is closed with tiny stitches so as to result in as small and thin a scar as possible. This is the method used for gel-filled implants. For patients who desire saline implants, it’s possible to insert the implant through the areola or under the arm rather than underneath the breast. This is always confirmed in advance at our consultation.
Once the procedure is finished, the patient is placed in a special surgical bra that provides both support and protection. The entire procedure takes about 90 minutes, and my patient then rests about two hours in the recovery room before going home.
When my patients return home, they generally find that ice packs and mild pain relievers such as Tylenol are enough to feel comfortable. I caution them to not lift anything heavier than a loaf of bread and to avoid exercising until we’ve found at our post-op visits that it’s OK to work out. Bruising, soreness and swelling is normal. Most women feel up to resuming work and social activities in a few days.
If you or a friend are thinking about breast enhancements, please contact me to request a surgical consultation by clicking the link or calling my office at (949)-653-7000.
16100 Sand Canyon Avenue
Suite #230
Irvine, CA 92618
It’s very near our former office, so it’s super-easy to find!
Don’t wait for the rain to strut your stuff in one of winter’s most wearable fashions. Hunter Wellington boots are this season’s chicest cold weather choice. Definitely a timeless addition to your wardrobe, these fabulously functional boots originated in Scotland and date back to the 1800’s.
With an overwhelming variety of wintery boots on the market, opt for an old classic with a new twist. Hunter wellies come in a variety of fun colors, like bright fuchsia, lemon yellow, and cherry red, bringing instant cheer to any outfit or dreary day. Available in mid-calf or knee lengths ($105-$115), the beauty of their design is simplicity.
Not just cute and practical for a rainy climate, they are surprisingly comfortable and easy to wear daily. They have been my cure-all solution for lazy days in leggings and sweaters. They also look great when worn over skinny jeans or paired with tights and a casual skirt.
You can find Hunters at retailers such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s or online at Zappos.com. But buyers beware, Hunter’s run a full size large, so be sure to go down a size.
Don’t let sunny skies hold you back. After all, cowboy boots made their way off the ranch and equestrian boots are everywhere this season. It is time to give your old wellies some new love. On your next trip to the store ditch your Uggs for your Hunter wellies!
By Erin Stafford, AICI
www.erinstafford.com
(714) 351-3849
Most people seem to accept that they’ll gain a few pounds over the winter. Not me! Here are my top five tips to avoid gaining “Winter Weight.”
1. Start your day off right. Taking a brisk walk or jog and following it with a healthy breakfast will motivate you to make better choices all day.
2. Drink plenty of water. It will flush the cheat foods out of your system and help you feel full so you don’t snack on goodies all day long.
3. Eat an apple before you go out for the evening. You know there will be all sorts of yummy foods there and you should sample whatever you want – it’s a party! But if you arrive hungry, you might eat a lot more of those high-calorie foods than you planned to.
4. Don’t drink your calories. Creamy cocktails, hot chocolate and cider will add inches to your hips! Drink lower calorie drinks, like champagne and mineral water, and save your calorie budget for edible treats.
5. Fit exercise into your schedule wherever you can. Try to make it to the gym, but if you just can’t get there, play some flag football in your yard or ride your bike to the store. You could even do squats in the kitchen and lunges up the stairs. Every little bit counts.
I wish you all a happy, safe, active New Year!
Alysia Gadson
For all of Dr Smith’s clients, I am offering an initial consultation and the first workout free! There is no obligation – come in and meet with me and try my training. If you like what you receive, keep coming back at a discounted rate.
Call me on 949-554-4690 or email me at alysia@alysiagadson.com to schedule your appointment.
I enjoy keeping in touch with you through our monthly e-newsletter. Besides providing you with the latest information about plastic surgery and skincare, our newsletter offers informative articles on a variety of topics. If there is a specific topic you’d like me to address, feel free to contact my office!
Please visit us at our new Irvine Office in February at 16100 Sand Canyon Ave, Suite #230.
Contact Andrew Smith, MD FACS Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Irvine, Orange County to schedule your consultation.
18 Endeavor Suite 102, Irvine, CA 92618