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Breast Questions and Answers Archive 2008WARNING: The views contained in the Q&A section are those of the readers of this site and those of the authors. The authors of this site are NOT plastic surgeons. The authors and this website accept NO RESPONSIBILITY for any usage of the information on this site or in any email. The authors do not intend to use this Q&A section to diagnose or treat any medical condition or give any medical advice. Any medical condition should be referred to a qualified medical professional. Thanks for understanding... Please send us your questions via the
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form provided. We will do our best to answer your breast related questions. This is YOUR breast questions and answers forum. Please enjoy it and use it to satisfy all your inquiries about breast health and enhancement. Q: Hi there. I just happened to stumble across your site tonight and I completely appreciate all the helpful information. I had breast augmentation in Aug 2007 by a double board certified doctor in Colorado. I did a TON of research and asked a lot of questions before going through with it. Everything looked great until about the 4 month post-op. I started noticing the "bottoming-out" effect. It's not terrible and if I don't lift up my arms, it looks fine with a little mis-shape from the side view. The more I look at them, the more it bugs me. Now that summer is here, I am swimming more and I am noticing that the my boobs drop out a bit from my swim suit top. Anyway, my question is, do doctors usually have a guarantee to repair anything that may have gone wrong? I have seen the doctor since I noticed this, and he said that it's not a big deal and they still look great. I am kind of thinking he was trying to convince me. Am I going to have to pay for more surgery fees to correct this, or will my doctor repair this problem on his own dollar? Any information would you could give me would be extremely appreciated. Thanks so much. Amy A: Hi Amy, This is a touchy situation. Some surgeons might stand up and offer the repair for free, but the chances are not good...You might be lucky to get a break from the usual fee, but most doctors make a considerable amount of money from surgical revisions. Of course, there is always the possibility of trying to force a free revision by litigation, but this is messy and can sometimes wind up costing more in legal fees than it saves, not to mention the bad taste in everyone's mouths... Did you happen to have inframammary incisions during your operation? Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Reply: Hello Eve,Wow, thanks for getting back to me so soon. And thankyou for your helpful information. So, It looks like ifI want this repaired, maybe I should find anotherdoctor to repair it? I am actually living now in adifferent state than where I had the surgery done. Anddo you know the range of cost this surgery would befor something like this to be repaired? I am not goingto be paying for another augmentation am I? As for you question about whether I had inframammaryincisions...are you talking about where they wentthrough to put my implants in? If so, they went inunder my breast on the crease. It was also put inunder the muscle. If that is not what you mean, couldyou further explain your question? Thanks again! I appreciate all your help!! Amy A: Hi Amy, The cost of the procedure will vary greatly, but will not be cheap. It will not be as much as your original augmentation, since you already have the implants. You answered my question. Inframammary procedures like the one you had often cause the bottoming out problem you are experiencing. This is exactly why I do not recommend that particular procedure. Best of luck, Eve Q: Hi, I had saline breast implants 4 years ago and today I woke up to find my right breast had deflated. My question is do you recommend having both redone or just the deflated one? Can you give me any information from others that have just had one replaced. How was the recovery? Did they notice any difference between the new and old breast after they healed. Any info is appreciated. Thanks, Kathleen A: Hi Kathleen, Yes, this is a common question. Given that 4 years have passed, I would recommend getting both replaced at the same time. Hopefully, you have coverage on your implant warranty to save you some of the cost. You might have to have your surgeon make an "official" recommendation in order to claim this benefit, if applicable. It is not always necessary to replace both, but the older the implants are, the more advised it becomes. It is obviously a good idea if you take the opportunity to revise placement or size as well. Let us know what you decide and how it works out for you. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: I am scheduled for a breast lift and augmentation. I'd like to bring in pictures of what I want but it is difficult for me to figure out what bare breasts look like in a blouse. I need to know what I'm looking at. Any recommendations to where I should go to get such pictures for my Doc. appointment? C A: Hi C, Are you asking where to find pictures of bare breasts? If so, you might consider perusing websites of the many plastic surgeons on the internet. There are millions of pictures of pre and post surgical results on there. these materials are copywritten, but no one will mind if you print some just to take to your doctor. That is not using them for your own gain...Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Hello, I am 28 and have very poor self esteem due to my small and very floppy breasts. They used to be nice, but I had 2 kids and now they are tiny, deflated and hollow looking. I am so sad. Big and saggy is one thing, but mine are small and saggy. How is this possible. It is cruel. I have no confidence left and I work in the very body conscious fashion industry. Please, I need help. What can I do to fix myself? Breast lift? Implants? Psychotherapy? Help! K.A. A: Hi K.A., I understand your pain completely. Enduring such anatomical transformation is difficult. As far as your best solution, it really depends on you. Psychotherapy might be right and so might surgery. It really depends on your point of view. You must choose between the idea of loving ourself as is and accepting your body or changing your body to better represent the internal vision of yourself. Neither is more right or more wrong. They are just different approaches which work for different types of people. I recommend exploring both options without committing to either. Get the facts and "try them on". This will give you a better feel for which is right for you. As far as surgery, I think some breast implants and an integrated lift should be fine. Being that your breasts are small, the lift will not have to be too drastic, which will minimize scarring. Take a deep breath, K.A., you will be fine. Take your time to think it through and let us know what you decide. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG
Q: Dear Eve, Firstly thanks for a great and informative site.I've been considering a breast reduction operation for the past 18 years!! I'm now 36, I don't have any children and as a Black British woman I have concerns with Keloid scarring.I consider myself to be a good candidate for breast reduction, however, before I make that step forward I have a couple of questions I hope you can assist me with. 1)I'm a UK 32GG bra-cup size and would like to go down to a UK 32E or F Is it true that breast reduction candidates usually get reduced by two cups and no more than this? 2)Which is the better technique to reduce scarring? Keyhole or vertical line technique 3) Is the internal bra technique suitable for black skin? 4) I have noticed that some surgeons state that using the vertical technique reduces loss of sensation in nipples is this true? Naturally surgery is different for each individual and each person will have different effects in response to their surgery but I would really appreciate some advice. I hope you can assistBest wishes, Jennifer A: Hi Jennifer, I will do my best to answer your excellent questions. Ok, here we go... 1. I am not familiar with the UK sizing, but it is certainly possible and even common to be reduced more than 2 sizes. Many women are considerably downsized... 2. I like the vertical procedure and recommend it when it is indicated by size and ptosis issues. Only the largest and most ptotic really require an anchor pattern. 3. Internal bra technique is fine for black skin. 4. I do not think vertical is a big reduction in risk compared to anchor for loss of nipple sensation. It is preferable to maintain the integrity of the inframammary crease and therefore the support and structure of the breast. It is also less invasive and less scarring. Surgeon skill and experience is a better determining factor for keeping full sensitivity. I wish you the best of luck if you do decide to undergo the procedure. Remember to discuss scarring with your surgeon in detail and make sure every preventative measure can be taken to avoid noticeable scars. Also, go over scar reduction options, if you do experience more marking than planned. Let me know how it all works out for you. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Hello. I have a question i am hoping you can help me with. I am planning to have breast surgery later on this year. I have naturally quite big breasts (34DD) which have sagged due to childbirth and breastfeeding, leaving loose skin. I have seen 2 different surgeons who have both confirmed i would be a good candidate for an uplift, although it is possible to have implants to restore fullness and shape. I am reluctant to have an uplift due to the scarring involved. I am unsure as to wether i would be best to have implants placed above or beneath the muscle? One surgeon has advised above, and the other underneath. Do you have any advice? Many Thanks. Rebecca A: Hi Rebecca, Choosing submuscular or subglandular is really a personal decision. There are advantages and disadvantages of each, as I am sure you have already read about on our site. Usually, most women seem to get better long term results from full submuscular or subpectoral, since the muscle helps support the implant and maintain a high placement and more youthful profile. Some of the best I have seen have been subpectoral. Remember, sizing is also a crucial factor... Making sure the chosen size and profile fit your body well will also have a tremendous influence on how your implants will look. I hope this info helps. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Hi...I am a canadian 55 yrs old female living in KitchenerOntario. Fifteen yrs ago I had a silicone breast implant thru the aerole surgery and lost sensitivity on my nipples but other than that and a larger size than i would have wanted enlargement I have been very happy with no other side effects. However I have noticed during the past two yrs that the shape of my profile on the left side more noticeable has changed into a not full round line when i lift my arms... I have been ageing rapidly and felt many changes due to hormone imbalance as well. My question is if i should replace these out of concern or if it is normal and they had a cycle and shoul be replaced for aesthetical reasons only. I wish to have a smaller size and my nipple is about 1 cm under the desired mark since i did it...I will like them lifted up to look perky. I read about fatty tissue from your stomach to build your breast with no implants as an alternative surgery. Is there a surgeon in my area that can do this new approach if i have to replace it? and would you have an idea of the cost? I am under ODSP as of the month of May, will this operation be covered or by OHIP if it is a health issue by now? Thanks! Maggy A: Hi Maggy, Let me try to address all your questions as best as possible. First, any changes in your implants should always be reported to your doctor and you should definitely go for a check up to see how that one implant is holding up. The doctor might want to run some diagnostic imaging studies to see what is going on in there. I think that is a good idea... As far as a breast lift, that might be a good idea to explore as well, if you would like to raise the position of your nipples. There are a variety of approaches to augmentation using natural fatty tissue, none of which are ideal. Injection method is minimally invasive, but typically does not produce a significant change in size and does have many inherent risks including tissue absorption, fatty calcification and cyst formation. Surgical fat removal and repositioning is very similar to the process used in breast reconstruction and is also risky. So far, none of these techniques have gained wide spread approval among doctors and offer far less predictable results compared to prosthetic implants. As far as who might be able to perform these procedures in Canada, you would have an easier time finding out compared to us. We are based in New York and Thailand and are not overly familiar with the surgeons in your area. Unfortunately, the same goes for your insurance coverage. A few calls will give you the answers you require to the coverage questions. I hope this info helps you and I send you my best, Eve BPS.ORG Q: I live in South Florida and am looking for a cosmetic surgeon that can purchase and implant 900-1000 cc cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants. I presently have Mentor 475 cc Saline's.Any help and advice as well as approximate cost to be expected would be extremely helpful. Thank you! Sincerely, Linda A: Hi Linda, We do not have a surgeon referral service at this time and it is difficult to estimate the cost of this type of implant, since every doctor prices differently. I recommend you call a few local surgeons as a start and get some preliminary info from them. They should be able to accommodate you or at least direct you to someone who can. Those are some truly huge implants you are interested in and they are available from several manufacturers. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Hi, I am really confused about my options in breast implants. I spoke to a surgeon and he seemed to just expect me to accept whatever he said and ask no questions. He wasn’t to do a periareolar augmentation using textured saline implants, but I am not sure. I tried to ask him about why he recommended this as opposed to my preferences, but he said he did not have time to address such an involved issue. Should I go with his advice or take my time to think about other options? I am partial to smooth saline implants place through the belly button. Please help, Martina A: Hi Martina, It is not a matter of which implants type or placement you choose, so much a matter of finding a surgeon who respects you and your decision making process. If this doctor does not want to answer your questions and help you to find the best procedure to meet your needs, then it is obvious that you should look elsewhere. There are a lot of fish in the cosmetic surgery sea…This guy should be left in the dust…Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Can you help me find a plastic surgeon that will donate his skill to repair my double bubble? I saved to get the breast enlargement, but do not have any money to have this problem repaired.I guess you could say I trusted I would not have any problems.Help please, Cathi A: Hi Cathi, We do not run a referral service at this time since the site is so new. This is a feature we hope to add in the future. We hope you can find someone willing to help. We will post your question and maybe someone will contact us and be willing to assist you. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Hi, I am very interested in studying the clinical trial results for the Trilucent Breast Implants. Do you know where I can obtain this information. This is for research only and not for commercial use. Thank you. Kind regards, Katherine A: Hi Katherine, These implants were developed by Dr. Leroy Young at Washington University in St. Louis. Only 50 women received them in the US during clinical trials, which were run by their distributor Lipomatrix. Approximately 5000 European women received them as part of the much larger clinical trials in Europe. These studies were overseen by the British Medical Device Agency. You might consider trying to track down Doctor Young, although 16 years have past since is involvement. Lipomatrix was based in Neuchatel, Switzerland. McGhan Medical assumed administration of the US and Canadian trials and they might be helpful. I would probably think the MDA in the UK would be of most help since they have all the information on the full scale trial and also made the recommendation to cease trilucent usage. I hope this helps, Eve, BPS.ORG Comment: Hi, Just wanted to say thanks for this site! I was going back and forth about undergoing a breast lift, but found your writing to be an inspiration. I had my procedure in March and so far, I love the results. You guys are great! Deedee A: Hi Deedee, Thanks for writing to us. We really appreciate your kind words and we are happy your lift is working out well for you. Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing when you are fully healed. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Hi Eve, I am planning a breast augmentation using 400cc round silicone implants placed under the muscle. The thing I am not sure about is whether to go with smooth shells or textured. What are your thoughts? Sam A: Hi Sam, Smooth are the industry standard and textured are usually used for anatomically shaped implants. Being that you are going with silicone and submuscular placement, you are already reducing the incidence of capsular contracture. While the texture might reduce that risk further, some women, especially those with less natural tissue, like the feel of the smooth better. Either is fine and I am sure your doctor will have some good advice also. Let us know how the procedure goes for you. Eve, BPS.ORG Q: How much more money is a breast lift going to add to the price of an enlargement surgery? Marianne A: Hi Marianne, Prices are always very subjective, depending on the geographic location of surgery and the surgeon used. The type of breast lift will also influence the cost quite a bit. For example, a crescent lift can be added to a periareolar augmentation for a minimal fee, while a vertical mastopexy added to the same augmentation would cost considerably more. I recommend you consult with a qualified surgeon to find out the best breast lift to suit your preferences and then ask the cost of having both procedures at the same time. One thing is for sure; having the lift and enlargement done together will definitely be less than having the 2 procedures separately. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Hi Eve, I heard from my surgeon that inframammary placement is best for cohesive silicone implants. But, I also read, (including on your site) that inframammary placement can cause problems with degeneration of the breast fold. What do I believe? Thanks, Dru A: Hi Dru, I am not a big fan of inframammary placement, since the weight of the implants can cause more noticeable scars in some women and the inframammary fold can suffer some long term effects. I have seen many excellent results from this technique, but have also seen some bad ones. I generally say that if you can avoid it, then do it. If not, make sure your doctor has PROOF that they are the best one to perform the most complication free inframammary augmentation available. Lots of pics and testimonials are good places to start... Remember, the larger you go, the more weight is suddenly placed on the new scars. Although compression bras will help, it is still a risk to take. Hope this helps you, Eve BPS.ORG COMMENT: Hi, I never considered how much time I spent worrying about my body until I read your book. Now it all makes sense to me. I always felt uncomfortable about myself and never really realized the full degree of emotional pain it caused me. I do not have any problems with my body; I just never really liked the way it looked. I had discussed these feelings previously, but most people did not seem to understand. When I found this site and read the articles, I felt as if you really got me and knew what I was thinking all along. Well, I still have not decided if I am going to change anything about my body or not, but it is just a huge relief knowing that someone dies understand and care. Thank you, Jenny A: Hi Jenny, Your letter explains the attitude of many women who have suffered many years with unresolved body image issues. We felt that many aspects of plastic surgery and bodily improvement have already been covered ad nauseum, but the psychological and emotional implications have been ignored for far too long. Happy we could help and best of luck with any changes you decide t make. Eve, BPS.ORG Q: How can I be sure that breasts implants will look good on me? I am so unsure…Help! Paula A: Hi Paula, Your situation is a common concern and that is why we always recommend learning as much as possible about any plastic surgery procedure before you make up your mind. There are many details to cover, including risks, benefits and long term lifestyle implications. Take your time and do lots of research. This is the best way to be 100% of any decision. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG COMMENT: I do not have any questions. I just wanted to say thanks for providing a great site. I found it to be very helpful and unique in the way it approaches the subject of breast enhancement. It was especially nice to get some good info without feeling like I was getting a sales pitch the entire time! Tuvarra A: Hi Tuvarra, Thanks for the nice words. We always appreciate them. We are happy we could help you. Many years working in this industry have taught me what women are really looking for and it was my goal to provide that in our articles. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Good day! hello! I want to increase my breast but i don't want to take surgery . I just want to know the products for breast enlargement? Thanks you! Katie A: Hi Katie, There are many non-surgical enhancement options detailed here: COMMENT: Hi Ms Anderson, When I first found your site, I did not really think too much about the psychological parts of plastic surgery. I just wanted better boobs. Lol… BUT, after reading lots of your pages, I can honestly say that I must have some pretty serious emotional issues with my body and I did not even know it. You helped explain these concepts to me and I think it will make a big difference in the way I live my life in the future. I can appreciate how the mind works, but now I really see the effects it can have on the body and the health of any person. This is so cool! You are great and I have sent many of my friends to your site as well. Keep up the good work! Shelly A: Hi Shelly, Thank you so much for the kind letter. As you know, it is our focus to highlight the mind/body interactions which are so closely related to problematic emotional issues. If we can help people feel better about themselves or at least understand why they feel badly, then all the work is totally worthwhile. Thanks again, Eve, BPS.ORG COMMENT: Hi, As a former breast implant recipient, I wanted to write to say that I have been anti-augmentation for many years. I had implant issues and suffered due to complications which left me with badly damaged breasts. Originally, when I found your site, I was looking for some scar reduction options and found your articles to be quite good. Unfortunately, I was also disgusted that there was yet another site trying to make more women get fake breasts. I almost wrote to you to tell you this, but now I am glad I waited. I read some of your other pages and really appreciate the objective advice you give. You cover the potentially bad parts of surgery very thoroughly, as well as the good, and at least justify the need for procedures with some good emotional connections. I found this much more acceptable than the many sites that simply tell girls to get implants to look “hot”. I really like the fact that you even talk about the negative emotional problems that many women suffer after an operation. I never saw this anywhere else before. I am still not a fan of plastic surgery, but I also recognize that my experience is not typical of most and that my beliefs should not be pushed off on the entire world. Anyway, for what you are doing, I think you are being honest and objective as that is all I can ask. Karen A: Hi Karen, Thank you for sending us your thoughts. We really appreciate your kind words, especially since they come from a critic. We are sorry that you had a bad experience and we hope that providing clear and understandable articles will help to prevent this occurrence in other women. I think you know by now that we are focused on the emotional realm, so that is the most important part of the surgical process for us to cover. We also hope you found some information which might help you to correct some of your own bodily issues, especially in our non-surgical scar reduction section. If there is anything else we can do to help, feel free to ask. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: I am looking for a prosthetic bra for my mother her left breast has been removed. kindly guide where i can buy this. Ghazala A: Hi Ghazala, These can be purchased online or from most orthotic suppliers. If you want to purchase one over the internet, a Google search will bring up many suppliers. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: Hello, I need some advice about whether I should get high profile implants or normal. I am small and I like the way the high profiles looked. My doctor recommended these to me based on my size and measurements. My boyfriend was not sure if they would stick out too much and was pushing for me to get moderate profiles. What should I do? Tamara A: Hi Tamara, Based on what you are telling us, it seems like high profiles are probably best, especially since you have a small frame. Being that your doctor has also advised you of this, it might be best to choose these as this best prosthesis for you. It is possible that your boyfriend is having some insecurity issues with the fact that you are now going to have larger more noticeable breasts. It is best to discuss this with him and try to reassure him that the high profiles are best for you. Remember you have to do what is best for you. I am sure he will understand this if you take the time to talk openly with him. Moderate profiles might actually cause some problematic concerns such as wrinkling if you have already set your size goals and have particularly small circumference breasts. We wish you the best and let us know what you decide. Eve, BPS.ORG Q: I want string breast implants. I know they are illegal in the USA. Please tell me who does these implants anywhere in the world. Surely, you must know. Thank u. DeLys A: Hi DeLys, Sorry, we do not keep records of who offers these implants. They are illegal almost everywhere and most doctors deal in them on a somewhat underground basis. A few women have found a doctor by contacting one of the famous adult entertainers featured in Wikipedia, who still adore their string implants...They are not hard to find. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: I had a breast augmentation exactly 3 weeks ago. I had silicone implants placed under the muscle with the incision placed in the fold. I have no problems with pain in the muscle areas any more, however, the nerves in my breasts are in serious, burning pain. My nipples seem to be numb, yet they are painful, too. Is this normal? My nurse told me it may take 6-8 weeks for the pain to subside, and that it usually occurs in gals who are tiny, like me. Is there anything I can do for the pain? Will it go away? Thanks, Leigh A: Hi Leigh, It is true that some women experience more post-operative pain than others. Severe pain after 3 weeks is not very common, but might occur, especially if the size increase is substantial and your frame is small and taut. As far as pain management and exact prognosis, it is best to discuss these issues directly with your doctor since they have a complete view of your situation. We hope that your symptoms alleviate soon and that your surgical experience will be worth all the pain. Please let us know how you make out after a few more weeks. Your input will be helpful in advising other patients. Best, Eve, BPS.Org
Q: I am 5 weeks after the breast lift(anchor) surgery. I found slight blood marks from horizontal incision this morning.It is normal in this post operative stage? Dagmar A: Hi Dagmar, At 5 weeks, spot bleeding should not be occurring. If the incisions look ok to you, just be careful and keep your eyes open. If there is any sign of complication, seek professional help immediately. Also, f the condition occurs again, seek medical guidance to make sure everything is alright. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG Q: I am interested in non-surgical breast uplift procedures. My breasts only have a moderate droop and a few stretch marks and I wanted to improve them and make them a bit firmer. Can you recommend the best procedure to opt for. The Titan laser lift sounded interesting. Can you recommend places in London that would perform the procedure or can you recommend any good electrical procedures. I saw some info on a procedure by beautytek. Is it any good? Have you heard much about it?Kind regards, Stephanie A: Hi Stephanie, Laser lifts, as most non-surgical enhancement solutions, provide conservative results for most patients. If this is what you expect, then this treatment might be perfect for you. As far as locations in London, we do not have a directory of care providers yet, but it is something we are working on. The site is not even 3 months old yet, so there is much to do... Let us know what you decide and how your results come out. We are publishing our "share a story" section this week! Thanks for your interest in the site. Best, Eve, BPS.ORG
Breast Questions and Answers Archive 2008 to Breast Implants Home
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