Plastic surgical operations
Breast surgery, breast enlargement, breast lift, and other procedures
Breast surgery, particularly breast enlargement, is the most frequent type of plastic surgery.
The type of procedure is only decided upon after careful consideration given to a number of circumstances and conditions, and after the patient’s wishes and preferences have been thoroughly clarified. Treatment plans must be tailored to the individual, since there is a multitude of possible procedures within the field of mammoplasty. The beauty and success of plastic surgery lies in accurate planning before, and intuitive creativity during, the actual surgical procedure! As a plastic surgeon, harmony of body and soul and the creation of ideal proportions are my most important goals.
“Beauty is so much more important than anything else that we often perceive those who are possessed of it to be esteemed far above those who are wise, just, or bold.” (Lucian of Samosata)
It is particularly important to emphasise that aesthetic surgery is meant to satisfy the aesthetic requirements of healthy patients. Furthermore, it should be noted that physical changes are often at the root of serious mental problems and complaints, and therefore the desired surgical correction is often therapeutical mentally as well as physically! These surgical procedures can only be carried out on patients enjoying optimal health. Patients should be given comprehensive and detailed information, and a medical examination should be performed prior to the operation.
Operation plans are tailored to the individual in order to ensure that patients leave satisfied, with their requirements and expectations fulfilled. Nevertheless, we cannot emphasise enough the importance of precautions to be taken before, and things to do after, the operation. Our patients can familiarize themselves with all details from our information material.
The desire for physical change is sufficient motivation to take on the risks and strain of plastic surgery. Each and every procedure carries with it the stimulating wish for change and harmony. A full and smooth recovery, together with the confidence brought about by a successful operation, constitute the real essence of the surgeon’s work.
“Beauty is the best reference.”
Aristotle
Changes in the body, occurring during the course of life, can often pose ever deepening mental conflicts. There is a lot we can do to preserve our looks through regular exercise, weight control, good nutrition, maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle. However, sometimes the help of a plastic surgeon is indispensable in order to achieve harmony between a changed body and the soul.
Plastic surgery – The Procedure
Prospective patients about to make a decision are provided with the necessary information during a professionally accurate consultation and planning session, tailored to their individual situation. Please click on the link to my Facebook page for a detailed consultation form!
Surgical procedures are made safer by a medical examination and careful preparation beforehand. Chances for a successful completion of the desired operation can be enhanced if patients take the suggested vitamins and antibiotics, drink plenty of water, refrain from smoking, achieve and maintain their ideal weight, and keep up a positive attitude!
Lifestyle changes are very important both before and after the operation. Acute risk factors tend to emerge during the first 3-4 weeks. Everyday activities need not be suspended, provided the patient takes sufficient rest! Driving is not recommended for 4-5 days after the operation, but after 7-10 days, patients may normally return to work. All usual activities may be resumed after 2-3 weeks, and exercise or sports may be gradually reintroduced after 6 weeks.
Plastic surgery myths and misconceptions:
1) Postoperative diagnostics and treatment options
Annual radiological screenings, beside monthly manual self-examinations, are advised after every type of breast surgery, including breast enlargement. Depending on the patient’s age and anatomy, breast ultrasonography or mammography are her two options. Special cases call for an MRI screening. Breast tissue and glands, implants and capsules are all screened during the examination.
Despite popular belief, mammography is perfectly safe for the patient, provided it is done by an experienced professional. Necessary conditions are guaranteed in an increasing number of institutions. Before the examination, it is advisable to notify your practitioner of any previous plastic surgery and existing implants.
Implants do not affect any treatment or intervention necessary in case changes in breast tissue (e.g. cysts, benign or malignant tumours) are found. Fine needle aspiration, surgical biopsy, and any other treatment can be performed just as safely as before plastic surgery.
It is a scientifically proven fact that implants do not increase a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer, nor do they contribute to the recurrence of breast cancer! After the surgical removal of cancerous breast tissue, breast reconstruction is often performed using silicone implants!
2) Replacing implants
It is often claimed that implants need to be replaced every 10-15 years. This depends on the age and type of the implant.
Today’s high-quality, gel-filled implants are not warranted to be replaced by manufacturing and marketing companies! If the implant appears unharmed and whole during annual screenings and the patient is not suffering from any complaints or symptoms, implants can remain in place for an indefinite period of time. Naturally, implants created in 10-15-20 years’ time will be even more evolved, due to continuous intensive research and safer technology. This is the road of progress!
Modern implants are issued with a lifelong guarantee by manufacturers in case of a rupture of strong and unmistakable shrinking of the capsule constriction of the capsule (capsularis contractura).
In general, ladies tend to request their implants to be replaced more often than it would be warranted by the condition of the implant. This is mostly due to significant changes in body weight, or aesthetic changes resulting from childbirth and breastfeeding.
3) Breastfeeding and other postoperative activities, sports
Plastic surgery, carried out with adequately atraumatic surgical methods and using implants of the highest quality, does not affect the patient’s natural ability to breastfeed. Milk channels between the nipple and milk ducts in the breast tissue remain unaffected, both in case of sub-glandular and sub-muscular implant insertion.
Sports and other intensive physical activity can be gradually resumed six weeks after any kind of plastic surgery. Even extreme sports pursued amidst changing pressure (diving, parachuting, flying etc.) are safe!
At the same time, it should be noted that any kind of breast surgery, including breast enlargement, is not advisable until the woman’s last baby has been weaned for 3-6 months.
4) Liposuction: Anything, from anywhere!
The amount of subcutaneous fat varies by body part. During liposuction, different methods are used to reduce this fat as desired. Patients are satisfied with the result if sufficient fat is removed, but the skin ends up smooth and even, not lumpy. It should be noted that the amount of fat that can be removed depends on how deep it lies under the skin, and whether the procedure can be carried out or not depends on the skin’s quality and elasticity.
If the skin over the area to be treated is loose and full of stretch marks resulting from weight loss or pregnancy, liposuction in itself will not achieve the desired result. Both the patient and the practitioner will find thorough and accurate preoperative information and planning session useful to choose the appropriate type of plastic surgery!
