April 2019

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?

There are several criteria that patients should meet in order for a plastic surgeon to classify you as a good candidate for breast augmentation.

 

  1. In general, you should be in good physical health. This means no active infections, untreated cancer or serious illnesses. If you have medical issues, it’s important to discuss them with your surgeon so that he or she can help you decide whether or not breast implant surgery is suitable for you.
  2. If your breasts are sagging, flattened, elongated, asymmetrical or lacking adequate cleavage or volume, there is a good chance that you’re an excellent candidate for this surgery.
  3. Most surgeons prefer that you do not smoke or consume significant amounts of alcohol.
  4. Because this surgery can permanently alter your appearance, it’s important for you to be in a healthy frame of mind when you decide on this surgery.
  5. While this is a surgery that will change how you look, it’s important to remember that it cannot fix body image issues or give you a wildly different appearance. You should maintain realistic expectations and listen to your surgeon’s honest assessment of your goals.
  6. The best candidate for breast augmentation understands the risks as well as the rewards. The surgery is generally considered safe, and implants are FDA-approved, but with any surgery, there are some risks.
  7. You understand that breast enhancement should be done strictly for yourself and because you believe it will increase your own happiness or confidence. You should never get cosmetic work done because someone else wants you to. You should have the ability to properly rest and recover post-surgery.
  8. You will not be able to perform certain tasks or do any heavy lifting, so it’s important for you to have help in place.
  9. For saline implants, the FDA requires you to be at least 18 years old. If you want silicone implants, the minimum age is 22.

WHO IS NOT A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Generally speaking, anyone who is in reasonably good mental and physical health can be candidates for breast implants.

However, you are likely not a good candidate for this surgery if:

  • You’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • You have breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram.
  • You’re ill or battling an infection.
  • You have unrealistic expectations for post-surgery results.

Though most women can qualify for breast implants, it’s vitally important that you are open and honest with your surgeon during your consultation. Even if breast implants are not right for you, he or she may be able to recommend an alternative course of action to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

IS BREAST AUGMENTATION RIGHT FOR YOU?

Ultimately, the criteria above are just general guidelines to help you get an idea of whether or not breast augmentation can be right for you. Because every person is unique, the final decision on pursuing a breast augmentation is between you and your doctor. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon will allow you to get an honest medical opinion about your situation.

Breast augmentation is a highly personal choice that can help you to become a happier, sexier and more confident version of yourself, so don’t hesitate to speak with a qualified plastic surgeon to find out if it’s right for you and you’re right for it.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

RHINOPLASTY (NOSE SURGERY)

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty/preparation

How should I prepare for rhinoplasty?

In preparing for rhinoplasty surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Get a lab test
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed.

Rhinoplasty may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, a licensed ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

What are the steps of a rhinoplasty procedure?

Rhinoplasty surgery includes the following steps:

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

Rhinoplasty is performed either using a closed procedure, where incisions are hidden inside the nose, or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.

Through these incisions, the skin that covers the nasal bones and cartilages is gently raised, allowing access to reshape the structure of the nose.

Open rhinoplasty incision across the columella

Rhinoplasty before and after

Step 3 – Reshaping the nose structure

An overly large nose may be reduced by removing bone or cartilage. Sometimes surgery of the nose may require the addition of cartilage grafts.

Most commonly, cartilage from the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is used for this purpose. Occasionally cartilage from the ear or rarely a section of rib cartilage can be used.

Step 4 – Correcting a deviated septum

If the septum is deviated, it can be straightened and the projections inside the nose reduced to improve breathing.

Step 5 – Closing the incision

Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue is redraped and incisions are closed.

Additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to alter their size.

Step 6 – See the results

For a few days, splints and gauze packing may support the nose as it begins to heal. Get more information about rhinoplasty results.

Rhinoplasty before and after

What should I expect during my rhinoplasty recovery?

During your rhinoplasty recovery, a splint and/or packing may be placed inside your nose and a splint or bandages placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing.

While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome.

Swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year following your rhinoplasty surgery.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • How to care for the surgical site
  • Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
  • Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
  • When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your rhinoplasty surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

  • Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
  • What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
  • Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
  • When will they be removed?
  • Are stitches removed? When?
  • When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
  • When do I return for follow-up care?

What results should I expect after rhinoplasty?

The results of rhinoplasty surgery will be long-lasting. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome.

Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos

As your body ages, it is natural to have some gradual changes to your face including your nose. But most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.

A healthy lifestyle and life-long sun protection will help extend the results of your new appearance.

What words should I know about rhinoplasty?

Cartilage

Connective tissue that forms the structure of the nose.

Columella

The narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.

Deviated septum

Cartilage that separates the nostrils is misaligned which may cause partial nasal airway obstruction.

General anesthesia

Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.

Intravenous sedation

Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.

Local anesthesia

A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.

Rhinoplasty

Surgery to reshape the nose.

 

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