Breast Implant Size Best Determined By Patient

Selecting the "right size" breast implant is a very personal decision when considering breast augmentation, and is one that many women agonize over. No one wants to feel that they've chosen a size that is too small or too big. So what is the best way to decide?

One thing we hear a lot is, "My friend looks great and she got 425cc implants. That's the size I want." Others, after reading materials on-line are influenced by what is perceived as the right size by others. Some have no idea where to start.

We find it helpful to let our patients explore a range of sizes by trying on "sizers", which are breast shaped firm silicone. Wearing an elastic bra that keeps the sizers in place, you are able to get a good idea of what different size implants would look like on your own body. You're free to view yourself from the front, as well as the side, and even put on a shirt to see if it creates the look you desire.


It takes approximately 350cc in order to increase your cup size two sizes. But, to keep things in perspective, remember that 50 cc is the equivalent of only 3.38 tablespoons, so agonizing whether to get 350cc vs. 370cc implants is a very small difference.
Our skilled staff are here to help you make decisions you'll feel happy about. Dr. Robert Young has been performing breast augmentations in San Antonio for over 25 years and uses both saline and silicone gel implants, and the skilled nurses on our staff have helped thousands of women in selecting implant sizes that they are happy with following surgery. We hope you'll see Dr. Young in a complimentary consultation visit to discuss your choices.

Patient's Touching Surgical Story

It's rare when someone reveals themselves openly and honestly. Even more so when it's done publicly. Yet, this is exactly what one of Dr. Young's patients decided to do when she shared her story on an Internet site designed to give helpful information to those interested in breast implants.

"Anonymous" has been making news with her detailed account of why she decided to get breast implants at 49 years of age, and what her experiences were in selecting a surgeon, having the surgery, and her recovery experience. 

We're asked all the time, "What should I expect?", and it's a great question. Women wanting breast augmentation, whether they're 25 or 55 need answers that will help them make an informed decision that they will be happy with. It's something we strive to deliver to patients when they come to see Dr. Young for a consultation visit. Decisions go beyond selecting the right size, what recovery is like or when you can return to work, and some, in fact, wrestle with whether the procedure is "okay" to have at all.

I think "Anonymous" explains it well, and can serve as a good resource to anyone considering a breast augmentation or other cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. "Anonymous" gave an incredibly candid and frank account of her very personal and moving story of her decision to pursue Breast Augmentation following a battle with lymphoma. Her message is inspiring, and we thank her for sharing her heart-felt story with others.

Read the entire story of Dr. Young's patient at ImplantInfo.com.

ABOUT DR. YOUNG:
Dr. Robert N. Young is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon whose specialty is Breast Augmentation surgery. Dr. Young has been performing breast surgeries for over 30 years, and was a pioneer in utilizing minimally invasive techniques for his breast implant patients. He offers saline implants, adjustable implants, and silicone gel implants, in a variety of shapes and sizes designed to give options for women of all ages, body types, and personal preferences. Dr. Young performs surgeries in his own AAAASF certified outpatient surgery center located in San Antonio, Texas. He can be reached at his practice, Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, which he founded in 1990.

Scarless Breast Augmentation

Dr. Robert Young continues to lead the way in performing breast augmentation with no scars on the breast. He can perform the surgery using a small incision in the armpit. Dr. Young can insert your choice of saline, adjustable saline, or silicone implants through this small armpit incision, leaving your breasts beautifully free of any scars.

If you select saline implants, they can be inserted empty then filled to your desired size. The silicone implants already come full so if you select this type of implant, Dr. Young uses the new Keller Funnel to squeeze the implants into the pocket that he creates. After the armpit scar heals, it looks like a natural fold.

The best thing is that your breasts look natural and there are no scars on your breast.

Make an appointment with Dr. Young to learn more about the scarless breast augment. There is No Fee for your consultation with Dr. Young to find out what breast augmentation options are best for you.

Are Adjustable Breast Implants A Good Option?

We receive a substantial number of calls about "adjustable breast implants".  Dr. Robert N. Young does do the adjustable breast implants and has always had them, but they may not be the best choice for everyone.  Many people think that this is a new type of implant that is somehow superior to traditional saline or silicone breast implants, but let's look at what they are, as well as the pros and cons of selecting them.

Adjustable breast implants originated in the mid 1980's by Becker, in conjunction with the breast implant manufacturer Mentor.  They were developed as a tissue expander used in breast reconstruction surgeries following mastectomy.  By the late 1980's, surgeons began using the Becker tissue expander in breast augmentation. It was thought of as a solution to achieve the ideal size. While the Becker expanders are still available, many no longer find it suitable due to cost and FDA restrictions.  A new implant called the Spectrum implant, also available by Mentor, is a permanent saline expander that uses the same Becker fill system.

According to Mentor, their "innovative line of SPECTRUM® Breast Implants makes the decision-making process easier because the size can be adjusted after surgery."  These implants allow the surgeon to adjust the size of your implant for up to six months after your procedure.

The ability to go back and change the size to be larger or smaller at a later time is seen as a plus for some. After inserting the implants, the surgeon leaves the filling tube between the stitches of the closed incision and within 3-6 months following the initial surgery (after the swelling has subsided), the surgeon is able to go back and change the size of the implants by taking saline out or putting more in. After the 6 months, the port is removed by the surgeon, and you can no longer change the size of the implants.

The actual Breast Augmentation surgery with adjustable implants is the same as when you use standard saline or silicone implants. The adjustable implants are more expensive, and with Dr. Young you must still undergo general anesthesia, so it can be a more expensive option. You are also limited in the amount of saline that you are able to put in or take out depending on the size of the implant that was chosen from the beginning. This is true whether you use the adjustable implants or standard saline breast implants. In using standard saline implants, we still have the option of adjusting the size up or down during the surgery, and adjustments can be made any time in the future through the fill port with standard implants. Unlike standard implants, with the "adjustable" implants, once the special filling tube is removed, you can never use it again to remove or add saline.

Be careful of media hype about adjustable implants, TUBA breast augmentation (transumbilical), and other promotions that are not always the best solution. Even though adjustable breast implants may be suitable for one woman, it is not the best answer for all. Read more about Breast Augmentation surgery.

Best Breast Augmentation Prices of the Year!

We wish you, your family, and friends the very best for the holidays, and extend our thanks for your support and continued interest in our Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Medical Day Spa services.  In appreciation, we're closing 2011 with great prices on Breast Augmentation!

Breast Augmentation, usually $4700 for saline implants, $3950 now thru 12-30-11
Silicone implants usually $6000 are just $4950 thru 12-30-11

We've also got great specials on other surgery procedures performed by Dr. Robert N. Young, such as Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Face Lift, Rhinoplasty and others.  Contact us at 210-496-BODY  to schedule a consultation with Dr. Young to see if you are a good candidate for these surgical procedures.  Special pricing is available only while openings are available.  Be sure to mention you read about Dr. Young's holiday specials so we can check availability.

Use Breast Implants From Reputable Manufacturers

Another story which appeared in the news today about breast implants sounds shocking on the surface. Claims are that large implants rupture at a much higher rate. The article also references "Jordan Syndrome", where women who get implants continually want to go bigger and bigger, often leading to the use of much oversized and potentially dangerous or disfiguring breast implants.  See article:  http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/12/02/bursting-breast-implants-trebles-in-four-years_n_1125828.html?ref=uk-lifestyle

While this condition may exist, and rupture and other problems can be more prevalent in larger implants, in the United States, the leading manufacturers of saline and silicone breast implants provide implants in sizes that have proven to be safe. These are strictly regulated.  In addition, Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who specialize in Breast Augmentations receive training in the appropriate use and sizing of breast implants.

The very large sizes mentioned in the article (G-Cup, FF-Cup etc) are no longer used in this country.  We also have very strict manufacturing standards which must be met in making breast implants, and there have been many advances over the years to ensure safety. In our experience, most women select implants from 350cc up to 800cc, which can increase your breast size from one to a few bra cup sizes.  Most women don't want to look abnormal, clownish or "over-the-top".  Keeping in proportion to the rest of your body will almost always give the most pleasing result.

We recommend that if you are considering breast implants, go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is trained and experienced in Breast Augmentation, and who uses quality saline or silicone gel implants.  He or she will be able to advise you on the risks associated with the type and size implant you desire, and will have your health, safety and goals in mind when helping with this important decision.

Keller Funnel Makes Breast Implant Insertion Easier and Less Painful

by Robert N. Young, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Having just returned from the cosmetic meeting in Miami, it was exciting to have a first-hand introduction of a new device that makes breast augmentation easier.

The Keller Funnel is a cone shaped device which aides in the placement of silicone breast implants, allowing for smaller incisions and less rubbing as the implant is being inserted. The funnel minimizes trauma to breast tissue, and puts less stress on the implant itself. Because the cone is lined with a special lubricant coating that when moistened makes the funnel extremely slippery, silicone implants (which are pre-filled at the desired size) can easily be inserted without the surgeon ever having to touch the implant. 

What is exciting is that in addition to the standard nipple incision long used for silicone implants, it now allows silicone implants to more easily be inserted through the armpit, which is exciting news for patients who are concerned about scarring on their breasts.  Many of my patients have avoided silicone implants because they did not want incision scars that would be visible on their breasts.  Patients who want no breast scarring often choose the transaxillary incision, which is made in the armpit and leaves a tiny scar that is virtually impossible to see once healed. The transaxillary procedure can be preformed with or without the help of an endoscope (a tube with a small surgical camera on the end). Up to now, saline implants were the primary choice for the armpit incision, because of the distance from the incision to the breast pocket. With the Keller Funnel, silicone implants can more easily be inserted through the armpit.

Even more exciting is that with use of the Keller Funnel, silicone breast implants can be placed  either below the muscle or subfascially.  The subfascial insertion allows for faster recovery times and much less pain, which is the primary post-op complaint.  I am able to achieve outstanding results with an armpit incision using the Keller Funnel and placing the implants below the fascia.  My patients now have even more reason to consider the choice of silicone breast implants with the introduction of this great new invention.

For more information about the Keller Funnel, visit the following links:
1) theplasticsurgerychannel.com
2) http://www.kellerfunnel.com/

I'm happy to discuss how this new procedure can benefit your Breast Augmentation surgery with me.  If you would like to contact me, please visit my website dr-youngforever.com  or  e-mail Dr. Young.

What's New in Breast Implants!

by Robert N. Young, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

It's been over a year since their re-launch and it appears that the new silicone implants are taking off. The softness, safety and durability of the cohesive gel is attracting a lot of patients to select silicone despite their increased cost. For a little more money than the standard cohesive gel implant, there is also a silicone implant with a saline center (the Becker implant) that can be adjusted after the surgery via a valve under the armpit. When the patient is happy with one size, the valve is then removed.

Many people still feel more comfortable with the saline implants which have been the standard for the past 15 years. At Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery Center, I offer all options in terms of implant type, size and shape, as well as placement of the incision. We have our own fully accredited in-office surgery center to perform the surgery. Our patients find that this provides them with the privacy and convenience they desire, while also affording the best in patient care and safety.

With the advances made in quality and selection of Breast Implants, now truly is the best time for Breast Augmentation. The new style implants can create beautiful, natural looking breasts which will enhance your figure and bring a new sense of self-confidence and beauty to you. I'd be happy to see you in a consultation appointment to see if Breast Augmentation is right for you. Contact me by calling my office at 210-496-BODY (2639) or e-mail nubody@dr-youngforever.com.