Breast Augmentation

Breast Implant Augmentation

Breast Augmentation Cost

Types of Surgical Procedures

           - Areola (Nipple)

           - Transaxillary (Underarm)

           - Inframammary Fold (Crease)

           - Trans-Umbilical (Belly Button)

           - Submuscular (under the muscle)

           - Subglandular (over the muscle)

Candidates For Breast Implant Surgery

Types of Breast Implants

           - Saline-Filled

           - High Profile / Standard

           - Expandable

           - Smooth / Textured

           - Round / Tear-Drop

Choosing The Right Implant Size

Breast Augmentation Consultations

           - Preparing For Your Consultation

           - What To Expect

Risks of Surgery

Before Your Surgery

During The Procedure

After Breast Augmentation Surgery

           - Massage and Compression

           - Mammograms and Self-Exams

Finding The Right Cosmetic Surgeon

Before Breast Augmentation Surgery

Removing Breast Implants

Breast Implant Glossary of Terms

Breast Implant Complications

           - Re-Operations

           - Removal  

           - Rupture / Deflation

           - Capsular Contracture

           - Breast Pain

           - Breast Sensation Changes

Highland Plastic Surgery Centers is a division of Highland Medical Centers

OTHER RESOURCES:

Highland Pain Institute

Highland Bariatric Institute

Highland Sleep Institute

Highland GERD Institute

Mammograms and Self-Examinations

You should, by all means, have at least one mammogram before breast augmentation if you are 35 or over, have breast cancer in your family history or quite frankly want to feel better about your chances.

If you are not getting breast implants you usually don't have to get a mammogram until age 40 unless breast cancer runs in the family. It isn't the horrific experience it may have been in the 1950's, mammography has come a long way, but let's be honest here, it hasn't traveled far enough. The plates are still colder than we'd like, the act of compression is no picnic and quite frankly typical mammogram technicians aren't that sympathetic.

Why get a mammogram?
Because it could save your life! Seriously. According to the American Cancer Society, despite advanced technology and increased awareness, breast cancer remains the #2 cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Regular mammograms not only put your mind at ease but alert you of possible tumors, cysts and calcifications that will more than likely be biopsied to determine their state. If the are benign then great! If they are not, you need to do something about it or it can get worse and overcome you. Mammograms can detect lesions even way before you or your doctor can feel a lump.

How often should I get a mammogram?
You should get a mammogram about once a year after the age of 40 until thereafter. You don't have to like it, but you really should do it. This is your life and when caught in the beginning stages, anything has a higher chance of recovery when nipped in the bud, so to speak.

How does a mammogram work?
A mammogram is a special type of X-ray. It is considered a low dose X-ray system that was designed to specifically screen breasts for cysts, cancerous and non-cancerous lesions and lumps. It's like being able to look inside your body without opening you up, so to speak. Breast X-rays have been around since the 1920's but were not the advanced level they are today. As a matter of fact mammography as it is today has only existed since 1970. Way after breast implants.

Will I get cancer from a mammogram?
The modern mammography system uses very low doses of radiation to make high-resolution (really detailed) images of your breast tissues and anything in it - be it good or bad. Radiation is measured in rads. To give you an idea of just how low mammography is the views (individual x-ray shots) are around 0.1 - 0.2 rads. In patients with cancer undergoing radiation treatment (therapy) they often times receive anywhere from 1000 to 7000 or more, depending, rads in a normal course of therapy.

Unfortunately, if you have breast implants you will need several different views per breast instead of the average 2 views per breast. This translates into increased rads for us as compared to an unaugmented patient. But lucky for us the government actually regulates this and passed a law that makes it so that the lowest rad dosage is used when a woman undergoes mammography. Be sure that your chosen clinic is accredited by the American College of radiology (ACR) to assure the highest quality of mammography equipment and technicians. Your chances of getting the least possible rad exposure is increased when the clinic is accredited.

Does having a mammogram hurt?
It is reported by the majority of women as feeling awkward, uncomfortable and that they feel a little violated afterwards but you should experience no real pain. but, if you should have sharp pains or intolerable discomfort, please tell the technician right away so that a more comfortable position can be achieved or more importantly, this could alert the technician to an underlying cause.

The biggest fear of patients about mammograms is the compression factor. This has to be done though to get a proper view of the breast, immobilize it to reduce any blurring that may happen during the view. Some women report the cessation of caffeine intake helps decrease discomfort significantly.
 

How long does having a mammogram last?
Your actual views should last no more than a few seconds although your breasts will be compressed and then the technician has to step out of the room, like when you get dental X-rays. The technician can't stay in the room with you as the little button IS outside because if a technician were exposed to this amount of rads day in and day out, all day - that would be pretty dangerous! If you have breast implants already it may take longer with more views and more gymnastics to get your implant out of the way and your breast tissue squished properly between the plate. No more than a half an hour for the entire appointment, for sure. but if you are really having trouble then it may take longer. An un-augmented patient takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the undressing, positioning and views.

 

How to Perform a Self Breast Examination (with or without implants)
The best time to perform a breast self exam (in women who are still menstruating) is about three (3) days after the last day of your (menstrual) period. The breasts normally swell and can develop typical lumpiness when ovulating (approx. 14 days after your period ends) and pre-menstrual especially. This way if you wait until at the 3 day mark the breasts are not as likely to be swollen or tender during this time. If you at an age where you don't menstruate any longer, you should pick a time that is most convenient to you and stick with it - examining your breast the same day each month to compare variances.

Stand in front of a mirror and look for anything out of the ordinary (i.e. dark spots, peculiar obvious bulges, lumps or dents. Raise each arm separately and check for any changes from at rest at your side to raised position. Note any odd sensations as well and write them down if need be.

Now, raise one arm over your head and start with the pads of your fingertips in a clockwise position. Start at the outer most 12 o' clock part and make little clockwise turns with your finger tips. Then move to the 1 o' clock position and do a little clockwise motion with your fingertips for that area, and on and on until you reach 12 o' clock again. Then move in more towards the nipple and do an even smaller clock, and on and on (depending upon the size of your breasts). Almost like a clock (or two) within a clock. Feel in and around your armpit as well for swollen lymph glands or possible cysts, tumors or otherwise. Take notice of any tender or painful spots during the exam. Repeat with the opposite breast. It may take a few minutes at first but you will become faster as you get accustomed to it.