September 30th, 2010
Silicone implants came back on the market for breast augmentation 3 to 4 years ago, yet there remains some fear and confusion about their safety. Silicone implants were restricted in the mid-90′s so that they could only be used in breast cancer patients or women who had both a breast lift AND a breast augmentation. The only women who could not get silicone implants were those who wanted only a breast augmentation. While this made no sense to anyone, that was the FDA ruling.
After many years of additional trials and studies, silicone implants were proven to be safe, with absolutely no evidence that they caused any systemic disease like lupus, arthritis, or scleroderma. Nonetheless, these beliefs still linger.
Why are silicone implants better than saline for breast augmentation? Mostly because they are softer and feel more natural. Saline implants tend to be firm, and in women with small, thin breasts, implant wrinkles can be seen through the skin. It is, after all, a bag of water.
Having said that, both types of implants can create beautiful breast augmentations. I place all the implants, saline or silicone, under the muscle to minimize the “fake” or “done” look.
The FDA estimates that implants last about 10 years, but this was a compromise number, since individual lifestyles have more to do with how long they last. I have seen women that have intact, normal implants 20 or 25 years after augmentation, and others who have needed replacement in 5 or 6 years. Implants usually fail because of trauma, such as a car or skiing accident, or other activities like kick-boxing or surfing. If a saline implant fails, your body will absorb the water and the breast will go flat–easy to diagnose. If a silicone implant fails, it may be harder to tell, but most women report some trauma to their breast followed by the breast “feeling different”, usually softer. My advice is to see me if you experience any trauma to the breast so that we can check the implant.
So, silicone implant or saline implant? You have to feel comfortable with your choice, so talk to girlfriends who have implants or come in for a complimentary consultation to look at the implants and get more information.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home | No Comments »
August 17th, 2010
San Diego Breast Augmentation
Silicone implants came back on the market about 3 years ago for use in breast augmentation, and since then, the procedure is more popular than ever. Silicone implants feel and look more natural than saline implants, and extensive international research has demonstrated their safety.
Even with the difficult economic times, breast augmentation in San Diego and nationally becomes more popular every year. Women want to enhance their appearance, and with more flexible financing opportunities, the procedure is available to almost everyone. More and more of my patients want a natural look rather than the “boob job” look. Choosing the right size is a joint effort between you and me. I have my patients look at pictures of other patients and photos from magazines so that we agree on the size and proportion that you want. I use those pictures in the operating room to help select the proper implant to get the result you want.
Many patients wonder how I can tell what the breasts look like if they are laying flat on the operating table. In fact, we sit you up while you’re asleep, with your shoulders, chest, and tummy exposed, so that we can see exactly how the breasts look on your body, and then compare them to the photos.
The incisions I use are either around the lower part of the areola or under the breast. I always place the implants under the muscle which gives a more natural appearance. The surgery takes about an hour and everyone goes home afterward. Most of my patients go back to work in one week and resume exercise in 3 to 4 weeks.
Visit our website for before and after pictures, or call us for a free consultation.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Home | No Comments »
July 26th, 2010
San Diego Cosmetic Surgery
It always strikes me as odd when a patient comes to see us who has been wanting a procedure for several years but asks, “aren’t I too old to have this done?” By all means, the answer is no. If you are still healthy and active there is no reason to put off having a cosmetic procedure. While of course there are a good number of patients who choose to have surgery in their 20’s or 30’s, there are also many who seek to look and feel better well into their 70’s.
Take for instance “Jane” (name withheld). Jane is 61 years old and had a full tummy tuck 2 weeks ago. She is vibrant, healthy, and lives an active lifestyle travelling with her husband. At her post-op visit last week, when we walked in to see her, she said “I just can’t believe this is me!”
Dr. Pollack has performed surgery on patients of all ages. So if you have been contemplating making a change for a while, and your outer self doesn’t match your inner self, then you should consider coming in for a consultation. We just might surprise you with a new outlook on life!
Kate
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Facial Rejuvenation, Fillers, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
June 9th, 2010
Mommy Makeover Procedure in San Diego
It’s summertime and bikini time in San Diego again! After having one, two, or even three babies, many women don’t even want to think about wearing a swimsuit, but there’s a solution: the Mommy Makeover.
Pregnancy can take it’s toll on a woman’s body, stretching out once firm muscles and tight skin, leaving a baby bulge and loose skin. Also, the breasts can be deflated, losing their pre-pregnancy perkiness, and can also end up droopy.
I have performed many Mommy Makeover procedures in San Diego on women from 25 to 50 years old. A “tummy tuck,” or abdominoplasty, re-tightens the abdominal muscles and removes the excess skin and fat, leaving a flat and toned tummy. At the same time, the breasts can be rejuvenated with a breast augmentation to add more volume and, if necessary, a breast lift to tighten the breast skin and elevate the nipple.
The Mommy Makeover procedure can also include other procedures, such as liposuction. It is designed specifically for each patient’s needs. It can be done as an outpatient procedure, and most patients can go back to work in about 10 days.
Get your body back this summer with a San Diego Mommy Makeover.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
