FASHION & BEAUTY :: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2007
Making Breast Augmentation a Comfortable Procedure
Those patients who have had breast augmentation performed at our practice in the last few years can attest to the fact that their level of post operative discomfort was far less than patients they knew who had the procedure done in prior years. This dramatic improvement in recovery results from the implementation of a new surgical technique specifically designed to reduce post operative pain. This technique, which has been described in various plastic surgical journals, involves utilizing meticulous electrocautery dissection to create the space for the implant. This technique minimizes the amount of bleeding into the space and dramatically reduces the amount of discomfort after surgery. This technique now makes breast augmentation virtually painless for most patients. In addition to the actual surgical technique, our surgical nursing staff is specially trained to assist during surgery in a way that is especially gentle to the tissues. After surgery, sterile paper tapes and a small clear dressing are placed over the incisions, but there are no bandages. Patients go home wearing a regular bra. Prior to discharge, patients are instructed to perform simple exercises which include raising their arms over their head. Once home, a 2 hour nap is in order, then upon waking, patients should eat a few crackers, take Motrin and get a shower. Instructions actually include going out for dinner the night of surgery. Patients are allowed to drive the day after surgery, but most patients prefer to wait an extra day or so before driving. The surgical technique and post operative care for breast augmentation make recovery after this procedure very pleasant and allows patients to have their procedure and get back to work and normal activities with just a weekend to relax and recover.
Types of implants available
In November of 2006, the FDA announced the long awaited approval of Memory Gel cohesive gel implants. As a principal investigator since 2001 for the Mentor adjunct study for Silicone Gel-Filled Mammary Pros-thesis, I am very experienced with both saline and gel implants. While saline implants have been very successful, there are some aspects of silicone Memory-Gel implants which may make them more beneficial for some patients. Patients who may benefit from gel implants are women who are very thin and have very little breast tissue. For these patients who have very little of their own tissue to cover the implants, gel implants may provide a softer, more natural feel. For patients with more of their own breast and subcutaneous tissue, saline implants may still be an excellent choice. The approval of gel implants now makes it possible for women who are at least 22 years of age to have gel implants for primary breast augmentation. The recently approved gel implants have actually been in use in Europe for almost 20 years. Over one million women across the world have these implants. Whether you’re considering saline or gel implants, it’s reassuring to know that both styles of implants come with a free limited warranty and lifetime product replacement policy, providing assurance that the manufacturer stands behind their product for years to come. When considering gel or saline implants, it is important to choose a surgeon experienced in breast augmentation.
Questions to ask when choosing a surgeon
- How many breast augmentation procedures does he perform per year?
- For how many years has he performed breast augmentation procedures?
- Has he obtained training certification from Mentor to use its silicone gel-filled breast implants?
- Is he board certified in Plastic Surgery?
- What is the most common complication he encounters with breast augmentation?
- Is he on staff in a hospital as well as in his own certified surgical suite?
Testimonial:
“Dr. deLeeuw, Thank you soooo much. I am very happy with the outcome of my surgery. Just wanted to tell you your staff was wonderful. They made my fear go away and gave me advice that really made me excited, rather than scared! I honestly have never been treated so good by nurses before! So thanks again to all of you!” ~ A.B., Camden County, NJ
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Delaware, PA is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilmington, DE. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact them at 800.444.6936. www.facesandfigures.com
Dr. deLeeuw is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, has more than twenty years of experience and exclusively performs cosmetic procedures in our fully accredited, on site surgical facility. Dr. deLeeuw is also on staff at both St. Francis and Christiana Care hospitals.
Dr. deLeeuw has retained active membership in the following medical associations: American Medical Association, Delaware Academy of Medicine, Medical Society of Delaware, New Castle County Medical Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Lipoplasty Society of North America, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
