Blog Archive – 2017

Should You Have Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast revision is typically performed for one of two reasons: a ruptured implant or a desire to alter breast augmentation results. In the rare case of a rupture, the replacement or removal of the implant is necessary to restore a symmetrical appearance. However, there are a wide number of other factors that can influence a woman to seek out breast revision surgery. A desire to change the look or feel of the implants is one of the most common.

The patient’s decision to have revisional breast surgery would need to be made on an individual basis. There are multiple variabilities that should be considered to determine whether a patient may need or want breast revision surgery. These factors can include, but are not limited to:

  • Age
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Number of previous surgeries
  • Bra size
  • Implant size and type
  • Amount of natural breast tissue
  • Existence of any pseudo-ptosis
  • Presence of capsular contracture
  • Fold position

During the consultation process, Dr. Durst will perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and discuss your cosmetic concerns. He will help you make an informed decision about breast revision, enabling you to decide if relocating the implants is the best way to achieve your goals. For more information about breast revision surgery, please contact our office today.

How Long Should Breast Implants Last?

Though breast augmentation remains one of our most popular plastic surgery procedures, Dr. David L. Durst educates all prospective candidates about the role of breast revision surgery. Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime, and Dr. Durst teaches his patients how to monitor for ruptures and be vigilant about replacing their implants if needed. Most patients will enjoy excellent results for at least 10 years, and many patients have breast implants that look beautiful after 20 years. There is no specific time limit for any type of implant. However, in the rare event that an implant becomes damaged, promptly addressing this change is essential.

For patients who choose saline implants, a rupture to an implant should be immediately obvious as the implant will deflate or ripple. Patients who choose silicone implants may have a more difficult time noticing a rupture since the gel contained within the implant is more form-stable, so changes to size and shape may be slight. Dr. Durst recommends that patients with silicone implants schedule ultrasonic or MRI screenings to check the stability of their implants from time to time. Regardless of implant type, if an implant rupture is detected, breast revision surgery can be used to remove or exchange the damaged implant and restore the shape of the breasts. In addition, many breast implants have a lifetime warranty on the implant itself, in the event that a rupture does occur. Surgical costs will depend on the warranty and other factors, and are the patient’s responsibility.

For more information about breast revision surgery, please contact our office today.

Reasons to Upgrade Your Breast Implants

Although breast revision surgery can be used to replace a ruptured or damaged implant, this procedure is most commonly used for patients who wish to exchange their breast implants for a different size or type. During the consultation process, Dr. David L. Durst spends a lot of time discussing each patient’s individual cosmetic goals and expectations, allowing them to make an informed decision about their implants. However, some women may decide to make adjustments to their results after some time has passed, often due to a change in preference.

Common reasons women choose to undergo breast revision surgery include a desire to increase the size of the implants, decrease the size of the implants, or exchange saline implants for silicone implants (or vice versa). These implant “upgrades” can help patients feel more confident and happy with their results. Other patients desire to remove their breast implants entirely and return to their natural size.

Breast revision surgery may also be performed if patients notice asymmetry, rippling, or capsular contracture after their initial implant surgery. Many of our patients seek out Dr. Durst and his breast revision expertise when they are unsatisfied with the results of a prior breast augmentation from another plastic surgeon. Dr. Durst works with each patient to design a customized surgical plan that can address their unique needs.

To learn more about breast revision surgery, please contact our office today.

Can I Breastfeed After Breast Reduction Surgery?

The ways in which breast reduction surgery can affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed are unique to each patient. During breast reduction, the recontouring of the breast tissue, repositioning of the nipples, and placement of incisions are generally more likely to affect the milk ducts when compared to breast augmentation surgery. However, many individuals who were able to breastfeed before the procedure may still retain this ability post-operatively, depending on how the procedure is performed. To increase the likelihood of preserving breastfeeding function, it is essential to make your plastic surgeon aware of any plans for breastfeeding prior to the procedure.

Depending on a patient’s goals for the surgery, breast reduction typically reshapes and/or repositions the nipple areola-complexes. The technique utilized during this process can damage a woman’s milk ducts and affect nursing after the procedure. If the nipple is completely removed and repositioned using the “free-nipple” technique, breastfeeding is not possible. This approach typically severs the blood supply to the nipple-areola complexes and incurs some degree of nerve damage, making complications in regard to breastfeeding more likely. On the other hand, using the pedicle technique to reposition the nipples can allow the blood supply, nerves, and milk ducts to remain intact and strengthen the possibility of successful breastfeeding. These factors, among others, should be accounted for before surgery in order to deliver the most optimal outcome.

Ultimately, to allow the highest chance of breastfeeding after surgery, it is always vital to research the credentials of your board-certified plastic surgeon and communicate any future plans for breastfeeding with them. This can allow your surgeon to employ the techniques that may retain breastfeeding function and ensure you are receiving expert levels of care. While breastfeeding after breast reduction is not impossible, it is generally recommended to wait until after nursing is complete to undergo the surgery. From a cosmetic standpoint, breastfeeding after the procedure has been known to cause additional skin laxity and a loss of breast volume, potentially making the breasts more pendulous than aesthetically desired.   

For more information about breast reduction, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.

How Much Does a Breast Reduction Cost?

Breast reduction surgery can be an excellent option for women seeking to reduce and reshape their breasts for a more proportionate aesthetic outcome. The cost of non insurance breast reduction surgery by Dr. Durst usually costs between $7000 – $8000, and is done at the The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Huntsville on an outpatient basis. The exact figure depends on a variety of factors and is unique to each patient. Additional expenses may include the pathology fee, and the cost of any pre- or post-operative medications that are not covered by insurance.

In some cases, breast reduction can be considered a reconstructive surgery as opposed to a cosmetic enhancement, and therefore be eligible for either partial or full coverage by insurance. However, this varies by insurance provider and, while some may accept the procedure as a medical necessity, others may exclude breast reduction from coverage. For this reason, those considering surgery should always review their health care policy and requirements for coverage in the event that breast reduction is eligible.

In any case, the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Huntsville offers an array of flexible financing options for individuals paying out-of-pocket, including CareCredit® and Prosper Healthcare Lending for qualified applicants. These reputable health care financing companies have a variety of low-interest payment plans that can be customized to fit your budget. If you are interested in breast reduction, our practice encourages you to schedule a consultation, during which David L. Durst, MD can perform a physical examination and come up with a more personalized estimate of the expected procedural costs.

To learn more about insurance information and our accepted forms of payment, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice today.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery?

While the decision to undergo a breast reduction is personal for every patient, a large number of individuals considering the procedure seek to alleviate the physical burdens caused by large, heavy breasts. Women with overly large breasts are often forced to contend with debilitating back and neck pain, trouble breathing, posture issues, and skin irritation, among other difficult symptoms. As a result, many prospective surgical candidates desire a substantial decrease in breast size, with some even wishing to size down to an “A” cup. The question of how much breast reduction is possible frequently arises.

This surgery can achieve varying degrees of reduction, depending on a patient’s unique body proportions and cosmetic goals. Breast reduction is designed to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and/or skin. The remaining breast tissue can then be reshaped for a rejuvenated appearance to go along with the smaller breast size. Ideally, the outcome should remain proportional to your build while still diminishing the physical hardships caused by large breasts. While a drastic reduction can be accomplished, an excessive reduction that is disproportionate to the width of your chest and torso can result in breasts that appear too small, flat, or wide on your chest wall. Additionally, the safety concerns of removing too much breast tissue at one time should be accounted for.

When determining the optimal amount of reduction for you, it is essential to communicate your sizing goals and physical symptoms to our board-certified plastic surgeon. Because cup sizes can have different meanings for different people, bringing a photo of your desired cosmetic result is often very helpful. Ultimately, each reduction is personalized to meet your unique goals and our surgeon can help you ascertain the smallest size that can alleviate the discomfort of large breasts and safely give you your ideal aesthetic result.

If you would like to learn more about the considerations for breast reduction surgery, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. David L. Durst, please contact our office today.

What To Expect After Facelift Surgery

A surgical facelift is designed to improve deep wrinkles and excess, drooping skin on the face and neck. Typically, after this procedure, patients will experience some swelling or bruising, which should diminish throughout the recovery period. Some discomfort is also common the first few days following the treatment. Usually, Dr. David Durst will prescribe  an oral medication to help alleviate any pain, and rest will be essential for a healthy and safe recovery.

Having a friend or family member to help around the home would be very beneficial to the patient following the surgery. Clean laundry, pre-made meals, and a bedroom with comfort items and water nearby could make a big difference, as rest and relaxation will be necessary. Our team recommends keeping the head elevated to encourage blood flow. In about ten days the patient should be able to continue a normal routine; however, strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided for a few weeks.

Facelift results should become more pronounced as any swelling and bruising subsides. The outcomes from facelift surgery are usually long-lasting, and can also be touched up later with non-surgical methods like dermal fillers or injectables.

Every patient is unique, as are the ultimate facelift results and recovery experiences. For a personal consultation, we encourage you to reach out to our office with any questions you may have.

What Age is Best for a Facelift?

Unfortunately, there is no straight answer to this commonly asked question. Everyone experiences the natural aging process, but factors such as lifestyle, heredity and environment can also play a large role in the appearance and health of the skin.

Facelift procedures tend to be one of our most popular treatments for patients seeking significant facial rejuvenation results for moderate to severe signs of aging. Typically, patients are between 40-60 years of age when they request this kind of treatment. Many are hoping to reverse the characteristics of aging, such as the amount and depth of wrinkles and sagging skin in the face or jowls. During the consultation, Dr. Durst will examine the face and recommend a method for the desired aesthetic results. This could be a surgical facelift, designed to improve deep wrinkles and excess or drooping skin on the face and neck, or a non-surgical treatment that utilizes cosmetic injectables or laser skin resurfacing.

For patients interested in preventative measures for the face that can maximize the skin’s health and appearance, our ZO® Skin Health professional-grade products can be helpful. This option can aid in keeping age defining changes at bay, such as those caused by sun damage, environmental hazards, smoking, and poor nutrition.

As there are numerous options to improve the skin’s appearance, it is best to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Durst can evaluate your needs and offer professional advice. Please contact our office with any questions regarding our products and treatments.

Surgical vs Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

Beginning to notice the signs of aging? Thankfully, there are options to help remedy indications of wrinkles, excess skin, and loss of youthfulness. Both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures can enhance features around the face and neck, and each offers unique advantages. Depending on the aesthetic goals you and our plastic surgeon discuss during the consultation, an appropriate procedure will be chosen.  

A surgical facelift is designed to improve signs of deep wrinkles and excess or drooping skin on the face and neck. This popular procedure typically offers long-term results when severe signs of aging are noticeable. As this method is surgical, there will be a longer recovery period, requiring some downtime to heal safely and effectively.

A liquid facelift, sometimes referred to as a “lunchtime lift,” can be done in less time than its surgical alternative. This treatment typically utilizes cosmetic injectables and advanced dermal fillers, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, and/or Restylane®. These options can help reduce signs of aging around areas of the face such as the forehead, cheeks, lips, and near the eyes. Your preferences and goals will be discussed with Dr. Durst before the treatment begins. Ultimately, this minimally invasive procedure is designed to diminish wrinkles, highlight contours on the face, and restore volume to the lips and cheeks. It will not eliminate excess skin or create results that will last as long as a surgical facelift; however, a liquid facelift can be very beneficial for patients who may not need a full facelift to achieve the desired results. The procedure can also be repeated to extend the effects. The liquid facelift might be a good option for individuals seeking procedures that do not require extensive recovery time.
Ultimately, it is best to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss these cosmetic treatments. To book an appointment with Dr. Durst, please contact our Huntsville office.