Posted on February 23, 2010 in Breast, Breast Reduction
Breast reduction surgery is one of the top five reconstructive procedures in the U.S. according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It can have a dramatic effect on the lives of women who are embarrassed by the large size of their breasts as well as those who have physical discomfort because of them.
Like many plastic surgery options, the specific technique selected for breast reduction will depend on individual factors, but the most common method involves making incisions, and removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin through them. While it is impossible to perform a breast reduction safely without any residual scarring, at our office we are careful to help minimize scarring by making the smallest incisions possible and removing the majority of excess breast fat through liposuction.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if:
- Your breasts are too large in proportion to your body frame
- You have back, neck or should pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- One breast is larger than the other
- You are embarrassed by the size of your breasts, and the attention they get
- Your breast size restricts your ability to perform certain physical tasks and/or exercise
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, the first step is a detailed consultation. At our office, we will ask about your desired breast size as well as anything else about your breasts that you would like to be improved. We evaluate by taking measurements as well as photographs. The size and shape of our breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas are carefully evaluated before we determine the exact surgical procedure that will be used.
Breast reduction can be performed at any age but I usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast feeding can also have significant effects on the size and shape of breasts, so that is also something I routinely discuss with patients who may want to undergo the procedure before having children. If someone also plans on losing a significant amount of weight, I may recommend putting off breast reduction surgery until that weight goal is achieved since breasts sometimes become smaller with weight loss.
Posted on February 11, 2010 in Breast, Breast Implants
Breast Implants – Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are thinking about getting saline breast implants or silicone breast implants, it is important that you are well informed about what to expect with breast augmentation surgery. Below are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about breast implants.
What is a saline breast implant?
A saline implant is filled with sterile salt water at the time of surgery and the fullness can be adjusted. A saline implant leak will cause the implant to collapse. The leaked saline is absorbed by the body and discharged. Saline implants are approved for women over the age of 18 years.
What is a silicone implant?
A silicone implant is filled with a moveable gel that mimics the movement and feel of breast tissue. If a silicone implant leaks, the leakage may be contained within the shell or escape into the body. Silicone implants do not necessarily collapse when they leak. MRI examinations every two years are recommended to detect leaks or ruptures. Women over the age of 22 years are approved for silicone implants.
Which is better: saline or silicone implants?
In the end, the decision is entirely up to you. There are pros and cons to both types of implants. Some women feel saline implants make their breasts feel too hard, however, improved surgical techniques seem to have mainly overcome this drawback. While silicone implants feel more natural, it might not be possible to know if they leak and entail regular MRI examinations to assess their condition.
How safe are implants?
Both saline and silicone implants are considered safe, even if they leak. If they rupture, you will require further breast augmentation surgery to remove the old implants and insert new ones. Leaking implants may eventually cause pain, but they are not proven to increase the risk of breast cancer or connective tissue disease.
Can I still breastfeed with implants and is it safe?
The majority of women can still breastfeed after breast implants. However, if the implants are inserted through an incision beneath the nipple or on top of breast muscle, there is a possibility breastfeeding may be more difficult or impossible. Studies have proved that silicone cannot be passed to infants through breast milk.
Posted on July 31, 2009 in Breast, Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlargement of the male breast and is a common problem. During puberty it is normal for boys to have some breast development. This is usually limited and resolves within 10 to 18 months. A variety of things such as medications, hormonal imbalances and genetics can influence the continued growth of breast tissue. However, in the majority of cases there is no apparent cause for this growth.
Like in the female breast, the male breast contains a variable combination of glandular and fatty tissue. The distribution and quantity of this tissue will determine the type treatment necessary. A detailed evaluation is first performed to exclude the above mentioned causes and if a patient is near puberty several months of observation may be requested to see if the growth resolves. In those patients that require treatment, the options will include ultrasonic liposuction, surgical removal of the gland and or excess skin, or a combination of these procedures.
In those patients whose skin quality is good and have predominantly fatty or diffusely glandular breasts, ultrasonic liposuction can be curative. When there is a focally dense area of breast tissue behind the areola, direct surgical excision with a small incision in the lower half of the areola is the treatment of choice. If there is also a significant amount of skin then skin removal to shape and tighten the breast is required. The goal of treatment is to remove a sufficient amount of breast tissue to minimize pain and recurrence but yet allow for a normal postoperative breast appearance.
For more information on the treatment of Gynecomastia in New Jersey or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, please contact us at The Robert Zubowski, MD Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus New Jersey at 201.261.7550
Posted on July 9, 2009 in Breast, Breast Implants
Over the past several weeks I have received numerous comments on my appearance on The Real Housewives of New Jersey and continue to be amazed at the number of people who have seen the episode. I am frequently asked what it was like to do the show and be with the housewives. I can honestly tell you that they were all very gracious and actually quite knowledgeable regarding breast augmentation. The consultation wasn’t nearly as hectic as it seemed and surgery went off without a hitch. Theresa was lovely and was one of our best patients. She went on to have a fabulous result and is immensely happy with her new breasts.
For more information on Breast Augmentation in New Jersey or Breast Implants in New Jersey please contact us at The Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at 201.261.7550
Posted on June 20, 2009 in Breast, Breast Implants
New Jersey breast augmentation patients can now choose between saline or silicone implants. After careful consideration of your personal desires and of course a discussion with your surgeon, your decision will be easier than you think. Today, when given a choice, 9 out of 10 women worldwide, outside of the U.S. choose silicone gel filler.
(align photo right of 2nd paragraph)
It is important to know that both saline and silicone filled implants have an outer shell or cover made of silicone. Various types of silicone have been used for years in many other medical devices such as pacemakers, heart valves and artificial joints. Because silicone is used in so many life-saving medical devices, it has been extensively studied for decades.
Two key differences between saline filled and silicone filled implants are the material that fills the implant and the technique used to implant them during surgery.
Saline implants are filled with salt water which is naturally occurring in the human body. During surgery, the empty implant shell is placed in a carefully designed pocket under the breast area and then filled with saline solution to achieve the desired result. On the other hand, silicone filled implants are pre-filled before being placed and therefore their volume cannot be adjusted during surgery. Surgical adjustments are made by changing the size of the silicone implant.
Today there are more options than ever before for Breast Augmentation in New Jersey. Ultimately, it is up to each women, along with her surgeon, to decide what implant option will provide the most natural look and outcome desired. The key is to strive for natural looking enhancement.
For more information of breast augmentation in New Jersey, please feel free to contact Dr. Robert Zubowski of Paramus New Jersey at the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. You may also visit Natrelle (breast implants) for more detailed information on both saline and silicone implants.
Posted on June 8, 2009 in Breast, Breast Implants
New Jersey breast augmentation for teens have accounted for an increasingly larger percentage of patients undergoing breast surgery in recent years. At the Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery many teenagers seeking breast augmentation do so to correct breast asymmetry – a condition where one breast is larger than the other. Using adjustable implants, Dr. Zubowski can equalize the breast size and shape to improve appearance and minimize physical awkwardness.
Surgical reduction of very large breasts can eliminate back pain often associated with excessively large breasts and can help teens overcome both physical and psychological burdens associated with excessive breast size.
In order to achieve the best results with either of these procedures, Dr. Zubowski recommends that teens delay surgery until breast growth is complete. In this way, the long term results will be more stable with less possible need for revision.
For more informtion on New Jersey Breast Augmenation and New Jersey Breast Reduction you may contact The Robert Zubowski M.D. Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey.
Posted on May 6, 2009 in Breast, Breast Implants
Developed by Allergan, Natrelle is a collection that gives you the choice of either silicone gel-filled or saline-filled implants. According to the manufacturers, Natrelle offers the broadest range of safe and high-quality options for breast implantation. Schedule a consult now to discuss Natrelle with Dr. Zubowski!
Posted on July 17, 2008 in Breast, Breast Implants
If you are considering a breast augmentation you’re not alone. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 254,140 women opted for breast augmentations in 2003. Since many continue to say they don’t like the shape and/or size of their breasts, those numbers may increase in the future. “While most breast augmentation patients want to be larger, all of them want natural looking breasts,” says Robert Zubowski, MD, medical director of The Robert Zubowski M.D. Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Paramus. Dr. Zubowski specializes in breast surgeries, facial rejuvenation surgery, and body contouring.
Having breasts that are in proportion to his patients’ body is an overriding concern, especially for the mature, usually more conservative woman, he says. “If she’s an A cup and wants to be a D, it’s my obligation to let her know that such a significant change in size may not be realistic.”
While Dr. Zubowski uses computer imaging, he believes an even better way to make a visual impression on the patient is through studying “before” and “after” photos of similar pre-surgery size breast patients who have undergone breast augmentations. “Seeing the comparative change often helps patients to make a proper size decision,” he says.
Other surgery decisions to be discussed with your surgeon include where the incision should be made. Dr. Zubowski’s surgical approach is to make an incision either in the fold of the breast, the areola, or in the under arm area. “My patients equally request that the incision be made in the areola or in the breast fold,” he says. “These sites give the most direct access and precise route to place the implant.” The areola is probably the best choice for patients who may also require a mastopexy or breast lift.
Women seeking a primary augmentation must have a saline implant but that may change within the next few years to include silicone material as well. As to shape, Dr. Zubowski most always uses an implant that is smooth and round as opposed to tear-shaped and textured. “The smooth, round implant doesn’t adhere to the skin and sits in its pocket, providing a more natural look,” he explains.
As part of the surgery Dr. Zubowski uses an implant sizer, a tool he’s been relying upon for years to help insure higher patient satisfaction. This disposable implant allows the surgeon to get a good idea of what the breast will look like once the permanent implant is placed. “It allows us to compare our results with the “after” picture that the patient approved. If it compares favorably, we can then proceed. If not, we’ll try another sizer.” The ultimate implant size, however, is based on the amount of breast tissue the patient has, her skin condition, and width of her pre-surgery breasts.
For more information on breast augmentation, other cosmetic rejuvenation procedures, or to schedule a consultation, please contact Ann Carbone, the center’s practice manager, at 201-261-7550.
