In 2007, the last year in which complete data is available, 350,000 cosmetic breast augmentations were performed in the United States. This is a 64% increase in the number of procedures since 2000. Over the past 9 years that have been tremendous changes in breast augmentation techniques as well as breast implant technology. Now, more so than ever before potential breast augmentation patients have a wide array of options from which to choose. The critical step is that these decisions must be made using sound evidence. For without sound evidence we are relying on personal impressions. It is equally important for both patients and plastic surgeons to base surgical options on meaningful data. In this fashion we can establish clinical guidelines to improve results and patient satisfaction. Over the past year, Prima Center for Plastic Surgery, has worked to gather information from our patients and this data is helping us make improved clinical decisions.
To make appropriate patient management decisions we use objective clinical data as rated by our plastic surgeons combined with patient reported outcome measurements. Our well crafted patient questionnaire covers a wide range including questions designed to understand symptoms, satisfaction and quality of life. By reviewing our statistics on a quarterly basis we are able to make effective, quality based patient care decisions. We are beginning to understand how this operation effects a woman’s overall satisfaction with the procedure and the process of breast augmentation.
A woman’s level of satisfaction is determined on many levels including physical descriptions such as breast shape, size, symmetry, cleavage and how their breasts fit in proportion to the rest of their body. Also surveyed are degrees of satisfaction such as outcome, care, pre-operative information, preparation for surgery, post-operative information, plastic surgeon, medical team, anesthesia, recovery room and office staff.
We are constantly looking for ways to improve ourselves and our patient’s outcomes. We have an improved understanding of issues such as breast shape, implant rippling, palpation of the implant edges and scar locations. We also assess a patient’s satisfaction with their overall care including our clinical and non-clinical staff. The goal is improved patient care in a quest to improve satisfaction. As patients become more involved with making health care decisions they are seeking meaningful data to help them understand the entire process and feel more comfortable with their choices.
For breast augmentation, Atlanta area women have one of the best facilities accredited by AAAASF and experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons in the southeast at their disposal. "We are totally focused on the entire breast augmentation process. This is one of the most popular procedures we perform. We use our extensive knowledge base and in-depth experience to provide for our patients beautiful natural looking results," says Dr. Jeff Zwiren of Prima Center for Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Phillip Nakano states, “Patient safety is of the utmost concern and always on our minds. We have the onlyl AAAASF accredited surgical suites in our area and we use only experienced, board certified anesthesiologists. Our entire medical staff is highly trained and dedicated.” http://www.primacenter.com
