Blog Archive – 2015

Breast Implants or Breast Lift Surgery: Which is the Best Option for Me?

breast aug or lift ALBreast lift surgery and breast augmentation are two very popular, yet very different, procedures. They can both be excellent options to renew the appearance of the breasts with results that look natural and beautiful. One of the more common questions we receive here at the practice of Dr. David L. Durst is: “Should I have breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, or a combination of the two in order to meet my needs?” Ultimately, the answer to that question depends on what you are trying to achieve overall.

Breast augmentation is designed to add volume and fullness to the breasts with the placement of saline or silicone breast implants. This procedure can be advantageous for women who are simply not satisfied with the shape and size of their breasts, as well as those who have lost breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding. Breast enlargement is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures and has helped women all over the world enhance their appearance with beautiful results.

Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) can also rejuvenate the breasts, but it is primarily to address sagginess and excess skin that may be giving the breasts a “drooping” appearance. Medically referred to as “breast ptosis,” the development of inelastic skin in the breasts is very common and is typically due to weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and/or the natural effects of aging and gravity. A breast lift can eliminate the excess skin and tighten the remaining skin, lifting the breasts and the nipples higher on the chest for a more youthful, “perky” look.

While many women can achieve their goals with either a breast augmentation or a breast lift, some individuals may be affected by a loss of breast volume as well as sagging, excess skin. In these cases, it may be beneficial to perform a breast lift with implants procedure to address all of those concerns. Once you meet with Dr. Durst for your initial consultation, he will evaluate your needs and answer your questions. Dr. Durst will explain all aspects of the procedures you are considering and determine whether breast augmentation, breast lift, or a combination of the two procedures are the best options to achieve your goals and create results that meet your expectations.

Contact Dr. Durst
For more information on our breast surgery procedures, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact Dr. Durst today.

How Old is Too Old for Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation middle ageBreast augmentation has been one of the most popular surgical cosmetic enhancement procedures for many years. In fact, in its annual statistical report, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery consistently ranks breast enlargement with implants in the top five most frequently performed treatments. It is not uncommon for women in their 40s and 50s to undergo breast augmentation with beautiful results. While there is technically no age limit for this procedure, there are some things to consider in terms of your age and how it may relate to successful outcomes and certain risk factors.

The minimum age requirement for breast enlargement procedures is 22 years-old for silicone implants and 18 years-old for saline implants. There is not a set limit for patients beyond this age range, but age does play a part in candidacy requirements for some patients. The natural aging process brings with it the potential for developing certain types of health conditions, so it is very important to have annual medical check-ups and to talk with your primary care provider about whether you are at an increased risk for surgery. Patients who do not have health conditions that heighten the risk of potential surgical complications and those who have realistic expectations for results are often good candidates for breast augmentation, as long as they are older than the minimum age requirement.

Many older patients considering breast enlargement want to restore volume that has been lost due to breastfeeding, while others simply want to enhance their appearance by adding fullness and renewed contours to their breasts. Breast ptosis (sagginess and loose skin) is often a factor for women in their 40s and 50s who are seeking breast enlargement; however, a breast lift is usually the best option to address this particular concern. For patients who would like to both add volume to the breasts and give them a firmer, more youthful appearance, a combination breast lift with implants may be ideal.

Ultimately, one of the most important things you can do is to talk with your doctor and consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon about your goals. Dr. David Durst is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is extensively trained and experienced with a range of breast surgery procedures. He will answer all of your questions, perform a thorough evaluation, and review your medical records to determine whether breast augmentation can be performed safely and successfully.

Contact Dr. Durst
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Durst, please contact us today.

Breast Implants: How do I Choose the Right Size and Shape?

How to choose breast implant sizeBreast augmentation has surged in popularity as a cosmetic enhancement procedure over the years, and women now have more choices than ever when it comes to breast implants that can provide them with beautiful, natural-looking results. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when considering breast enlargement involves the size, shape, and type of the implants themselves. While you may feel a little overwhelmed at the number of options to choose from, Dr. David Durst will answer all of your questions and help you narrow down the choices that can best meet your goals. Remember, breast augmentation procedures at our practice are custom-designed for your specific needs. Dr. Durst places a heavy emphasis on creating results that meet your expectations while looking as natural as possible.

Read more about things you should know before undergoing breast augmentation.

Breast Implant Types
There are two major types of breast implants available at our practice: silicone and saline. Silicone implants are composed of a silicone outer shell that encases a silicone gel solution. Saline breast implants are also made of a silicone shell; however, they are filled with a saline (saltwater) solution rather than silicone. Each type of implant holds distinct advantages depending on your unique physiology and the goals you have in mind. Dr. Durst will help you decide which is best for your needs.

Breast Implant Sizes and Shapes
When it comes to size and shape of the implants, you will have a plethora of options. As far as size is concerned, the best choice is often the one that takes both volume and overall proportion into account. Breast augmentation should enhance your entire silhouette, which makes the rate of projection, the effect on your profile, and the amount of breast volume that will be added all important factors to consider. Dr. Durst will present your options to you during the consultation and even give you the opportunity to “try on” various breast implants to determine the best size.

The shape of the implant will also be an important part of the decision-making process. “Round” breast implants are often beneficial for patients who would like a more prominent projection for the breasts. These implants can also be good options for adding volume to the upper breast regions. Plus, if the implants move inside the breast tissue, round breast implants tend to hold their shape, which often makes any movement virtually unnoticeable.

“Teardrop”-shaped breast implants are another popular option. These implants are designed with a downward slope. They can be very effective for women of a certain body type. Very thin individuals who are considering a significant enhancement of breast volume may benefit from teardrop-shaped implants, as well as patients who desire the most natural shape.

The best way to determine the ideal type, shape, and size of breast implants for your needs is to talk with our board-certified plastic surgeon and have a detailed look at all of the choices available to you. Together, you and Dr. Durst will decide upon the option that can provide you with results that look natural and beautiful while enhancing your profile in the best way possible!

Please contact our practice with any questions you may have, or to schedule a breast augmentation consultation.

Things You Should Know before You Undergo Breast Augmentation

breast augmentation According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the most popular surgical cosmetic enhancement procedure last year. As the field of breast surgery continues to advance, more and more women are becoming aware of the many benefits this procedure can bring and the natural-looking results that can be achieved. However, it is always important to have a thorough understanding of what can be expected from any type of breast surgery, and to be as prepared as possible before treatment. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. David Durst, offers the following list of things you should know if you are considering breast augmentation:

Choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
A plastic surgeon who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery has to undergo a rigorous testing process and must have extensive training. The surgeon you choose should be highly experienced with breast enhancement procedures and should thoroughly explain all aspects of the procedure. You should never be afraid to ask questions and all of your concerns should be addressed before you decide to have treatment.

Breast Augmentation Results
Remember that the best results from breast augmentation take into account both size and proportion to the rest of your body. Outcomes that compliment your silhouette and enhance your overall body proportions typically offer the most beautiful and natural-looking results. Dr. Durst will talk with you about your options during your initial consultation and go over the choices that can best meet your needs and goals.

Breast Implant Size, Shape, and Type
There are a variety of breast implant sizes and shapes; however, there are only two types: silicone and saline. Both types of breast implants have distinct advantages, and Dr. Durst will explain their attributes so that you can make an informed decision. In terms of size and shape, the right choice will depend on your ultimate goals. It’s important to note that “bigger” isn’t always “better.” Once you have been evaluated and Dr. Durst has answered your questions, he will be able to determine the size and shape that can meet your goals with the most natural-looking results.

Breast Implants and Breastfeeding
In a select number of cases, breast implants may affect the ability to breastfeed in the future. There are a number of techniques that can reduce this risk; however, please be sure to talk with your plastic surgeon if you would like to retain the ability to breastfeed.

Breast Augmentation Recovery
There is a recovery period that will be necessary after breast augmentation surgery, so please be sure to plan accordingly. The exact length of recovery will vary depending on each patient’s needs; however, most patients require about one week off from work to rest. Swelling and some post-operative soreness can be expected following the procedure. Any discomfort you feel can be alleviated with medication. The final results of breast augmentation are typically noticeable after about four weeks.

Dr. Durst is extensively trained and experienced with breast augmentation procedures and all treatments are customized to each patient’s needs and goals. He will thoroughly explain the procedure to you during your initial consultation and show you examples of various breast implants to give you an idea of the potential results. If you have questions about what to expect from breast augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, please contact us today!