If you were to poll ten plastic surgeons, you would get ten different answers. Each plastic surgeon has their own philosophy. My best advice is to make your decision after talking to your plastic surgeon decide. This is a big decision and you must consider not only the positives, but also the negatives.
The only advantage to the transaxillary incision is that you don’t have a scar on the breast. There are, however, many negative to this approach: (1) a scar in the axilla can be seen when raising the arms, (2) if the scar becomes hypertrophic it may interfere with shaving, (3) the implants have a tendency to ride high because of the dissection during implant placement, (4) it is hard to place large silicone implants through this approach, (5) surgery time (and hence, your cost) tends to be longer, and (6) subsequent surgeries tend to require a second incision. In other words, when it’s time to have your implants replaced, it is unlikely that your plastic surgeon with use this approach again – especially if you needs a breast lift or capsulectomy. The result is that now may end up with two incisions.
The periareolar incision is a good approach, especially if you need a small lift at the same time. When it heals well it looks great. But there are a few things to consider. This approach puts the incision right on the breast. Therefore, if the incision doesn’t heal well (scar hyperthrophy, widening, darkening) you will see this every time you looks in the mirror. There is also an increased risk of infection. Nevertheless, if you have dark, moderately sized areolas, this could be a good approach.
Usually, I recommend the inframammary (under the breast) approach because it is quick, straightforward and the scar is well hidden when looking at the breast straight on. It is also easy to perform a revision through this approach. When I combine this approach with a dual plane breast augmentation (for ladies with some sagging after children) this gives a very nice predictable result.
Hope this helps
Dr Jimerson
Thank you for bringing up this question. This is such a hot topic right now. Hydrogel injection for tissue augmentation is not illegal. Plastic surgeons frequently inject hydrogels in the face and lips to correct thin lips and signs of facial aging. Some of the most popular hyrogels in this country are Juvederm© and Restylane©. There are longer lasting fillers like Radiesse© and collagen. They come in 1 cc syringes and generally cost well over $500 per syringe. Depending on the hydrogel used, the results can last up to a year.
Using a hydrogel for buttock augmentation is impractical at best. Hydrogels are NOT approved by the FDA for this purpose. When I perform the Brazilian micro-fat transfer for buttock augmentation here in Atlanta, I generally will inject 1600 to 2000 cc of fat. Even if I were to inject this amount of hydrogel, it would cost upwards of $1,000,000 for the product alone and the results would only last up to 1 year. Because fat is found naturally in the body, it is the perfect substance to use to bulk up the buttocks and create a natural contour. Hydrogels are bulky and it takes experience and expertise to create a smooth contour – even when used in the small amounts injected into the face.
From looking on the internet and the news, I am aware that there is a black market at play. Non-licensed people are injecting a “hydrogel” into people’s buttocks for $2000-$3000. This is a crime. Non-licensed personnel are not allowed to perform medical procedures. Next, you have to ask yourself “how are they able to do it for such a low price?” I would be seriously concerned about the impurities and possible contamination of this hydrogel.
If you are set on having hydrogel injections, you need to ask the practitioner several questions: (1) Are you currently licensed to practice medicine (MD or DO) in the United States? (2) Are you a board certified plastic surgeon? (3) Is this hydrogel currently approved by the FDA for buttock augmentation? (4) How long does this product last? (5) What happens if I have a complication? (6) At which local hospital do you have admitting privileges?
Also, ask yourself the following questions: (1) Does the person performing the procedure appear to be legitimate? (Are they a part of the community? Are they easily accessible? Do they have a website and published phone number? What medical school and residency program did they graduate from?) (2) Do I feel safe? (Is the procedure performed in a medical office under sterile conditions? If something were to go wrong, do they have life saving equipment in their office?)
Remember, you only have one body so choose wisely. Please view the following link for more insight.
Bad Butt Injections: Risky Rump Procedure Exposed
Hope this helps,
Dr. Jimerson
Many patients are confused about whether they need a tummy tuck or liposuction. It is easy to think about it like this. Liposuction is a volume reduction operation, while a tummy tuck is a skin and abdominal wall tightening operation. If you have good skin quality and muscle tone, but just have a small area of stubborn fat that is resistance to diet and exercise, then you are probably a candidate for liposuction. However, If you have poor skin quality (stretch marks) and a weak abdominal wall (from pregnancy) then you are most likely a candidate for a tummy tuck. Depending on your particular case, your plastic surgeon may suggest a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck to achieve the desired result.
Before your consultation, look at yourself in the mirror. Decide what bothers you the most. Determine if you just want to rejuvenate your abdomen, or if you also want to improve you love handles and upper back roll. If you let your plastic surgeon know your priorities up front, he/she will be in a better position to design a solution that meets your goals and your budget. Hope this Helps. Thanks
In general, I tell my patient that they can do light exercise (treadmill, etc) 4 weeks after a tummy tuck. I prefer that my patient wait 6-8 weeks before doing any strenuous exercise.
There is a high likelihood that pregnancy will alter your results. It should not interfere with healing, but because your procedure was so recent, it may make my scars wider and more visible and may make your breasts larger. BUT all of these things can be fixed. FOR NOW, have fun being a mommy. Congratulations.
Dr. Jimerson
