Achieve the Body Image You've always Desired

Oct. 5, 2010 - PRLog -- For many women, feeling confident goes hand-in-hand with looking their best, and for some of those women, achieving such confidence and personal satisfaction can come from choosing breast augmentation. Other reasons for a breast augmentation may include:

•   Enlarging the breasts to make the body more proportional
•   Reshaping and enlarging breasts that have lost their shape due to breast-feeding
•   Balancing breast that differ in size or shape. Your reasons are unique and very personal, so your decisions about breast surgery should be made by you and your doctor based on your personal needs, desires and expectations.

Breast Augmentation
To meet your specific needs and desires, our surgeons at Gallaher Plastic Surgery,   http://www.gallaherplasticsurgery.com ,  use Mentor and Allergan breast implants. These implants are available in a variety of sizes and profiles. They are filled with liquid silicone gel or salt water that is similar to the fluid that makes up most of the human body. The saline implants are inserted into the body without fluid and then filled during surgery through a fill tube. When the fill tube is removed, the implant automatically seals itself. Gel filled implants require a slightly larger incision.

The Shape of Your Implant
Round implants are the most popular choice, and are available in both moderate, moderate plus and high profile styles. Moderate profile implants offer a full, round shape. High profile implants provide greater forward projection for a more prominent silhouette in a narrower chest area.

The Size of Your Implant
Gallaher Plastic Surgery, http://www.gallaherplasticsurgery.com,  will guide you in determining the size of your implant and having realistic expectations. To help you visualize your new breast size, you may look at before and after photos or try on a bra with the implants. It’s important to realize that your final result will be influenced by two main factors:

•   The size and profile of the implant you choose
•   The amount of existing breast tissue you have prior to enlargement.

Your Surgery
Your breast augmentation will be performed as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually lasts one to two hours. Your surgeon will make an incision and form a pocket to hold the implant. When it’s in its proper position, the incision will be closed with stitches and possibly taped. To achieve the best results and to make your recovery as quick as possible, we will discuss with you specific surgical techniques that are best suited for your needs.

Your Recovery
Every woman’s recovery is different. In general, you will probably feel a little sore and tired for several days following your surgery. The first 24 to 72 hours after your procedure is when you will experience the most discomfort. However, your breasts may remain swollen and tender for a month or longer. You should avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks, but it is likely that you may be allowed to resume light activities after about one week and return to work within a few days. Part of your recovery also involves wearing a postoperative bra or compression garment. These items are designed to provide you with extra support and positioning while you heal.

Breast Lift
A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes, including loss of skin elasticity, can result from pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging and gravity. Heredity may also be a factor, and a woman in her teens may experience loose, sagging breast tissue.

If you desire to restore the firmness and shape of your breasts, then a breast life may be right for you. Gallaher Plastic Surgery, http:www.gallaherplasticsurgery.com can perform a breast lift which raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple) has become enlarged over time, and breast life will reduce this as well. A breast lift rejuvenates the female figure with a breast profile that is more youthful, uplifted and firm.

Technically called a mastopexy, a breast lift is a surgery to uplift and improve the shape of a female breast that:

•   Sags or is pendulous but is proportionate with the body frame
•   Has lost firmness and skin elasticity
•   Has a flatter, elongated shape
•   When unsupported the nipple falls below the breast crease
•   Has a nipple and areola that point downward
•   Has stretched skin and an enlarged areola

While a breast lift does not generally affect breast function, women who are planning future pregnancies should disclose this information. The changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides.

Likewise, plans for significant weight loss should also be discussed. The appropriate technique for your breast lift will be determined based on:

•   Breast size and shape
•   The size and position of the areola
•   The degree of breast sagging
•   Skin quality and skin elasticity, as well as the amount of extra skin

Breast Reduction
Women with large breasts experience more than dissatisfaction with body image – they may experience physical pain and discomfort. Overly large breasts and the weight of excess breast tissue can cause pain and physical conditions that impair a woman’s ability to lead an active life. The emotional discomfort and self-consciousness often associated with having large breasts is as important an issue to many women as the physical discomfort and pain.

Who is a Breast Reduction Candidate?

•   If you want to eliminate the following conditions, breast reduction may be right for you:
•   Back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of excess breast tissue
•   Shoulder indentation from bra straps
•   Restricted physical activity
•   Skin irritation beneath the breast crease
•   Sagging, stretched skin and a low breast profile where, when unsupported, the nipple rests below the breast crease
•   An enlarged areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) caused by stretched skin

What is a Breast Reduction?
Gallaher Plastic Surgery, http://www.gallaherplasticsurgery.com  removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with a woman’s body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts. In general, breast reduction surgery will not only correct the functional symptoms associated with large breasts, but will also result in better proportioned breasts. Breast reduction can be performed unilaterally (on one breast) or bilaterally (on both breasts). It is generally considered a reconstructive procedure and may be covered by health insurance when it is performed to relieve medical symptoms. Pre-certification is often required for reimbursement or coverage.

Who is a Breast Reduction Candidate?
Breast reduction can be performed at any age; however it is best performed when the breasts are fully developed. Because significant amounts of breast tissue are removed, breast reduction surgery may impair the ability to breastfeed. Changes in the breasts during pregnancy can alter the outcomes of a previous surgery, as can significant weight fluctuation.

Breast Implant Revision
Given that breast implants have been placed since the 1960s, it is sometimes necessary to revise, replace or remove breast implants. The surgical procedure itself will depend on the nature of the original surgery and the type of implant used as well as the objectives for modification or rejuvenation of the breast. A consultation with Dr. Gallaher can direct and guide your options.
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The surgeons at Gallaher Plastic Surgery offer the best procedures for the entire body, producing an outcome you'll love. In the above links you will find the answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding procedures as well as financing options and help with making arrangements and preparations for your procedure. Should you not find the answer to a question or concern, please feel free to contact our office and someone from our staff will be happy to assist you.