May 20th, 2012
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to enlarge your breasts, you have a choice between saline and silicone gel breast implants. The major difference between the two implants is what is inside them and how it feels. We recommend taking your time to understand the similarities and differences between the two so you can make an informed decision. Below we have created an outline for your comparison. Keep in mind, Las Vegas board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Alexander, only uses implants that have been FDA approved.
| Question |
Saline |
Silicone |
| Who is a candidate? |
Any woman 18 years of age and older looking to increase breast size. |
Women need to be 22 years old or older to select silicone implants |
| What is the cost difference? |
Saline is a more cost effective implant compared to silicone. |
Silicone implants cost more than saline implants |
| Is there a difference in weight? |
1000cc’s is about 2.2 lbs. |
About the same. Weight differences are not significant. |
| Are there size option differences? |
Saline can be adjustable at the time of surgery. This is beneficial in women who have slight volume differences between breasts. |
Silicone implants are pre-filled and are not adjustable. |
| What are my incision options? |
Under the crease or below the nipple are preferred incision choices. The armpit incision has increased risks and the belly button approach is not recommended by the implant manufacturers. |
Under the crease or below the nipple are preferred incision choices. The armpit incision is even more risky using a silicone implant. The belly button approach is physically impossible. |
| How do I know if there is a rupture? |
If there is a rupture, the sterile saline fluid will be absorbed by your body and your implant may decrease in size. |
Since the gel silicone is cohesive, it is hard to tell when there is a rupture. View specific guidelines below. |
| What are the follow up recommendations? |
Other than following up with your Doctor as requested, no additional testing is needed. |
To rule out a silent rupture, the FDA recommends an MRI study 3 years after the initial surgery and then every other year. |
Posted in Breast Augmentation | No Comments »
May 11th, 2012
Las Vegas Board Certified Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Alexander specializes in breast augmentation, lift, reduction, body contouring, and facial procedures. Breast implants are one of his most popular procedures. However, in 2011 there was a different surgical procedure that made the number one spot. Check out below for the trends and truths of the 2011 ASAPS stats.
- Men and Women in the United States spent almost $10 billion on surgical and non surgical procedures combined. Of that total roughly 63% was on surgical procedures, 17% on injectables, 16% on skin rejuvenation, and 4% on other treatment options.
- With approximately 8.4 million cosmetic procedures, 91% of those procedures were on women
- Men had almost 800,000 cosmetic procedures, 9% total
- There has been over 197% increase in the total number of cosmetic procedures since 1997 when the ASAPS first started to record statistics.
- The top five cosmetic surgical procedures in 2011 were: liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty, and breast lift
- The top five surgical procedures for women in 2011 were: breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, breast lift, and eyelid surgery.
- The top five surgical procedures for men were: liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, gynecomastia (male breast reduction), and facelift.
- 69% of breast augmentation patients used silicone implants and 31% used saline implants
- People age 35-50 had the most procedures at approximately 43% of the total. Followed by men and women age 51-64 had 28%, age range 19-34 had 20% of procedures, age 65+ had 8 %; and age 18 and younger had 1.4%.
- Location where cosmetic surgeries were performed: office facility- 60%; free-standing surgical center- 22%; and hospital- 18%.
These are statistics reported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Figures may not add exactly to totals and percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding. Statistics with other sources may vary slightly.
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May 4th, 2012
The results are in! Each year the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery record and report statistics on cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Dr. Alexander likes to remain current on surgical technique, education and even the latest trends. Bigger may not necessarily be better, but the statistics of 2011 indicate that there are more women undergoing breast augmentation than breast reduction.
Women undergo breast implant surgery to add fullness and volume to their breasts. Dr. Alexander makes specific recommendations such as implant texture, profile, placement and incision based on your individual anatomy. He leaves the patient to decide whether they would prefer saline or silicone implants. In 2011 approximately 69% of patients chose silicone implants and 31% opt for saline.
Although a large cup size may be desired by others, heavy pendulous breast often cause discomfort. Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of naturally large breasts. This procedure will also tighten the skin and tissue left remaining in the breasts, resulting in a more youthful and attractive shape. Last year approximately 112,964 women had a breast reduction which was an 18.2% decrease of the reductions performed in the previous year.
Interested in adding or subtracting breast volume? Contact Dr. Alexander & Co. at 702-242-6776 to schedule your Las Vegas consultation or visit our website at www.lasvegasbreast.com for more information.
These are statistics reported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Figures may not add exactly to totals and percentages may not equal 100% due to rounding. Statistics with other sources may vary slightly.
Posted in Breast Surgery | No Comments »
April 27th, 2012
Dr. Alexander has consistently been recognized by the Las Vegas community as a leader and “Top Doctor” in plastic surgery. Dr. Alexander specializes in breast surgery, body contouring and facial enhancement. He is known world wide for his surgical technique of natural and attractive results. Due to Dr. Alexander’s outstanding reputation and compassionate bed side manner, a significant number of Dr. Alexander’s patients travel from out of state and international locations.
Benefits for out of town patients include privacy and seclusion from their normal repertoire, an incomparable luxurious experience, and world-class shopping and dining located near our facility. So how about a vacation with your surgery?
We understand that Las Vegas has many things to see and do. While taking the time to vacation and have surgery sounds great in theory, keep in mind you will be very limited immediately after surgery. Dr. Alexander can review specific details with you prior to surgery. You will have restrictions after surgery so plan coming early so you can enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer.
While traveling for surgery may sound inconvenient, it is a small trade-off for finding the right surgeon who will deliver the best results. With this in mind, Dr. Alexander has done everything possible to make the trip to his Las Vegas office a pleasant and stress-free experience. Contact our office to coordinate your travels and your cosmetic surgery.
Click here for a list of hotel recommendations.
Click here for directions from your location to your destination, Dr. Alexander & Co.
Posted in Breast Surgery | No Comments »
April 21st, 2012
When breast implants are placed under the chest muscle, tissue forms around the implant to protect it from the rest of the body. This is a natural response and is seen whenever a foreign object is placed in the body. In some cases the scar tissue can tightly develop around the implant to cause a condition known as capsular contracture. There are a few degrees of capsular contracture that can develop. Some degrees resulting in just firm immobile breasts and others with visible deformities and discomfort. Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Alexander takes preventative measures with the technique he uses at the time of surgery. There are some breast implant massage techniques that a patient can perform after surgery to maintain the space created during surgery.
Dr. Alexander typically introduces breast implant massages to his patients a few weeks post augmentation surgery. In general, the breast implant massage, or compression exercises, help maximize the space around the implant to allow for more mobility and decrease your risk of developing capsular contracture. This preventative measure also allows the breast to become softer and fall into place for a more natural appearance.The type of technique Dr. Alexander will recommend is based on your specific anatomy post surgery. It is important not start breast implant massage until after you have been instructed by Dr. Alexander or your plastic surgeon as you can stir up premature bleeding and increase your chance of post-surgical complications.
Click here to view breast augmentation before and after photos by Dr. Alexander.
Posted in Breast Surgery Recovery | No Comments »
April 13th, 2012
There are many pre-operative tests that are performed prior to a patient having plastic surgery. The element that plastic and cosmetic surgery is purely elective and not a necessity makes surgical planning and preparation important. To be considered a surgical candidate in Dr. Alexander’s Las Vegas practice you need to have stable health and a healthy heart. There is a popular trend with the use of improving heart health by taking Omega-3 Fish Oil supplements, but do they really work?
Research indicates that the omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil may have benefits on maintaining a healthy heart. The American Heart Association and several other respected medical groups also agree that certain kinds of omega-3 supplements may also help promote healthy blood vessels, improve overall brain, joint and skin health, and support blood flow and circulation.
If you are looking to benefit from all the possibilities above, you have to be selective about which omega-3 supplement you buy. Some are sourced from sea life that are not considered fish or do not have the necessary dosage of omega-3 to be effective. Other plant-sourced omega-3 supplements contain only ALA (the least beneficial of the three fatty acids). Some brands do not disclose the source of their fish oil and may contain high levels of mercury.
With so many supplements on the market how do you know if you are buying the right one? Ask yourself the following questions and speak with your primary care provider before starting any new supplement.
● Type of fish being used — is it naturally high in DHA and EPA omega 3?
● Is it properly purified — or is it dangerous?
● Is the fish caught locally to where the product is produced, ensuring freshness?
● Does the product tell you exactly what is in it?
● How many servings does it contain per bottle?
If you are considering elective breast augmentation, lift or reduction surgery, consult with your surgeon about which supplements to discontinue prior to surgery.
Posted in Breast Surgery | No Comments »
April 6th, 2012
After having breast augmentation surgery, there are some follow up guidelines to keep your breasts in tip-top shape. It is usually recommended at some point to have mammograms and MRI studies. Some women ask if they can just have one test rather than both, however, since they both identify two separate issues, they are both essential for the best breast health.
Mammograms are currently the best breast cancer screening test that can be performed today. It can detect breast cancer as small as a grain of salt. Although breast implants do not cause or prevent cancer, many find the thought of compressing their precious (and expensive) implants between two plates an uncomfortable and risky move. Other women simply do not think it is physically possible to obtain a mammogram and fail to follow up with their breast health. The recommended screening guidelines for women who have had breast augmentation with breast implants solely for cosmetic reasons are the same as those for women who do not have breast implants. Patients with implants will need to advise the mammographer of their surgery so they may obtain additional views around the implants.
It is currently recommended by the FDA that patients with silicone implants undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams beginning three years post-surgery and every other year after that. A patient who experiences a rupture in the new cohesive silicone implants may not be able to detect a rupture or tear in the implant bag. The MRI studies are suggested to rule out a “silent rupture” in a silicone implant. Although the material has been tested and does not cause disease or harm, it is still recommended to exchange the implants if there is an identified rupture. If a patient with saline implants experiences a deflation, the changes are apparent and noticeable. An MRI study is not required for a patient with saline implants to rule out a deflation.
If you are a patient of Dr. Alexander and have any questions or concerns, contact our Las Vegas office to schedule a follow up appointment for recommendations.
Posted in Breast Augmentation | No Comments »
March 30th, 2012
Last week we covered a story of a woman who was saved from a potential life threatening stab wound by her breast implant. Implants have also saved a few women after being victims of bullet injuries in crossfire and attempted murder. Implants have acted as “air bags” in blunt impact of car collisions, and even saved a woman from being killed by a blue marlin while deep sea fishing.
CASE 2
Denise, an experienced fisher, suffered a penetrating chest wound by a blue marlin’s bill while sport fishing with a friend. After her friend had hooked the marlin, it came out of the water and stabbed her in the arm, through her silicone breast implant and into her chest. Doctors say that the silicone implant may have absorbed the force of the impact potentially saving her life. If Denise did not have the silicone breast implants doctors speculate the bill would have punctured her lung. She survived the incident, but had to have her implant removed and replaced because it had been forced through her ribcage into her chest.
The process of removing and replacing saline or silicone implants can be done for a variety of reasons. Some women undergo breast implant exchange surgery for solely cosmetic reasons such as size, shape, or type (saline vs silicone). Others may seek breast implant exchange for non-cosmetic reasons. It is recommended by the manufacturer to have your implants removed and/or replaced if you experience a deflation or rupture of an implant.
Regardless of reason, if you are interested in breast implant exchange surgery contact Las Vegas, Dr. Alexander & Co. for detailed information.
Posted in Breast Augmentation | No Comments »
March 23rd, 2012
Plastic surgery is not your spur of the moment type of decision. Specifically for breast implants, there are pros & cons to assess about the different types, styles, placement and incision options. To expand beyond the everyday research you may read about implants, we thought it would be fun to share the few reported stories about women who have been saved in life threatening situations by breast implants.
CASE 1 – Stabbing Victim’s Life Saved by Breast Implant
A Florida woman’s decision to get breast implants turned out to be a timely one. The 41-year-old woman says the $6,000 she spent on the surgery was, “the best investment I’ve ever made.” Her breast implant saved her life after it absorbed a blow when she was stabbed with a pocket knife in the chest by her ex-fiance’s new girlfriend.
The victim said she realized the knife had punctured the implant and she was soaked with saline. Doctors said the stab victim’s breast implant had just enough saline in it to stop the knife from piercing through her chest and the implant prevented a deadly blow.
“When you stab it, it gives a little. She would have had a collapsed lung or (the knife would have) hit her heart,” Dr. Filiberto said. Filiberto said that in his 30 years of cosmetic surgery, this is a first, and it gives him a whole new outlook. “If this saves lives, there’s nothing wrong with passing a law that everyone should have breast prosthesis,” Filiberto joked.
The above story is rare and should not be a deciding factor to pursue breast augmentation. Consult with board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Alexander, for more precise recommendations.
Stay tuned for next week’s case.. Woman saved by implant while deep sea fishing 
Posted in Breast Augmentation | No Comments »
March 16th, 2012
Q: Can a breast lift and breast augmentation be done with the same incision?
A: There are many types of breast lift options depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. If you have large amounts of saggy skin and nipples are displaced you may be a candidate for a full mastopexy. If you like the size of your breasts and just need them to be repositioned, you may not need to add an implant. Adding an implant at the time of a full mastopexy can be accomplished in a patient that would like a lift and an increase in volume. Full mastopexy incisions typically involve incisions made in the natural crease of the breast, around the areola and a vertical line that connect the nipple and crease incision. A breast implant can be placed at the time of a lift with no additional incisions other than the ones being made for the full lift already. If a patient seeks a subtle nipple lift they may be a candidate for a concentric mastopexy. A concentric mastopexy is not able to remove as much skin because the incisions are made only around the areola.
If a patient desires an augmentation or a breast implant exchange in conjunction with a concentric mastopexy it can be addressed with the same incision. There are even more limited and rare breast lift techniques that may not allow for an implant to be placed using the same incision, but most often it can be accomplished. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for recommendations based on your individual anatomy.
Click here to view Dr. Alexander’s breast lift before and after photo gallery!
Posted in Breast Lift | No Comments »
