Category Archives: Breast Augmentation

Get The Most out of Your Breast Augmentation

Wednesday, 15 June 2022 03:57

henley.tabal

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Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. In fact, it is the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States.

When you choose to have breast augmentation surgery, it is important to make sure you are getting the results you desire. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of your breast augmentation:

Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Robert Kimmel is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. Our practice serves Hazleton, Pottsville, and the nearby areas of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Robert Kimmel is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. Our practice serves Hazleton, Pottsville, and the nearby areas of Pennsylvania. Research different types of implants before your surgery date to make sure you understand what each type can offer and how they feel.

What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that enhances the size, shape, and appearance of a woman’s breasts. The breast implants used in breast augmentation can be made of either saline or silicone gel.

In some cases, a woman may need to have her implants removed due to infection or other complications. When this happens, Dr. Kimmel can remove your old implant and replace it with a new one.

What types of breast augmentation procedures are available?

The most common type of breast augmentation procedure is called “subglandular” breast augmentation because it involves placing the implant under the muscle tissue in your chest. This procedure allows Dr. Kimmel to create a more natural-looking result by placing the implant beneath the pectoral muscle and filling out the space between them with fat from another area of your body.

Where breast augmentation is concerned, there are plenty of options available to both surgeons and patients when it comes to sizing and shape.

Dr. Robert Kimmel is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. Our practice serves Hazleton, Pottsville, and the nearby areas of Pennsylvania. If you would like to find out more about breast augmentation, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with an experienced Hazleton PA plastic surgeon, please contact us today at Pottsville 570-622-2900, Hazleton 570-455-4252.

Breast Enhancement: Is a Lift Enough?

Wednesday, 15 September 2021 06:23

Kim

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We have seen time and time again how a single procedure can have a transformative effect on one’s appearance. This is one of the most exciting aspects of what we do! When it comes to breast enhancement, just one little change can make a big impact on body proportions. The question that some patients have is which change they should make. Breasts that have begun to look deflated, droopy, and generally sad can cause a lot of concern on the part of the person who owns them. Because breast augmentation surgery is so well-known, it is natural to assume that this procedure could do wonders to address these concerns. It might. But there is also the option of a breast lift. Here, we discuss details that may help you begin to understand which procedure, or combination thereof, may be ideal for your desired outcome. 

Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation: Are they Really That Different?

As we mentioned, breast augmentation is one of the most well-known of all plastic surgery procedures performed today. This makes it more accessible to more people, but also allows room for some misconceptions to occur. Patients who are interested in enhancing the appearance of their breasts need to discern the minute differences between augmentation and mastopexy (breast lift) in order to achieve the results that are perfect for their bodies. 

Breast lift surgery is the procedure that is performed to restore a more youthful breast position. In bringing the breast mound back to a higher position on the chest wall, breast lift surgery can result in a perkier shape. The crease beneath the breast is less obvious, and the nipples project forward. Also, it is possible that the size of the breasts may look slightly smaller due to the removal of bulky tissue that once filled out a bra. In some cases, bra size may decrease up to one cup size. Patients can better understand their risk of this result after consulting with a plastic surgeon. 

Breast augmentation is performed to increase the volume of the breasts. This enhancement can improve overall breast shape, correct asymmetry, and improve body proportions. Breast implants fill out the breasts but do not always fill out loose and sagging tissue that covers the breast mound. This is why breast lift surgery may be a better choice in some cases. Inserting breast implants can increase both the size and weight of the breasts and could, therefore, worsen sagging that is not properly addressed. 

Is a breast lift ideal for you? Could breast augmentation be your best procedure? Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office to begin your journey of discovery!

Are Breast Implants Safe?

Thursday, 15 October 2020 08:15

Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center

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Breast augmentation has been a leading plastic surgery procedure for many years. Still, some questions need to be answered. One that continually comes up during consultation visits, and one that is often typed into Google search, is “are breast implants safe?” We’ll discuss that here, so that you may make the most informed decision about whether or not breast augmentation is right for you.

The Link Between Breast Implants and Cancer: Is it Real?

Researchers have spent years conducting thorough research on breast implants. One area of interest is whether or not breast implants can cause cancer in the ductal or lobular breast tissue. Case studies have provided concrete evidence to refute this. Breast implants do not cause breast cancer. However, women with breast implants can get cancer just like women without them can. If you choose to get breast implants, it is necessary to continue having normal mammograms or ultrasounds as recommended by your primary care physician.

Breast implants do not cause cancer. However, can they make it more difficult to spot breast cancer? There are differing opinions about this. Some say that, because breast tissue is spread out over implants, it is easier to feel small nodules. Some say that, if a nodule were to develop behind the implant or at its edge, it would be more difficult to feel. What is most important to this topic is survival rate, and that’s where we see definitive good news. Studies have shown that breast cancer survival rates are comparable across the board.

What about BIA-ALCL?

Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It affects T-cells that are part of the body’s immune system. The risk of developing this disease is very low. It is estimated that BIA-ALCL occurs in 33 out of 1 million patients. This complication also seems to coincide with a seroma formation. A seroma is an accumulation of fluid around the breast implant. It is more commonly associated with textured breast implants. The majority of breast augmentations performed involve smooth implants that are much less likely to lead to fluid buildup.

Breast augmentation can be a beneficial procedure that helps you feel like your best self. To learn more, schedule a consultation in our Hazleton or Pottsville office.

Breast Augmentation: The Matter of Size

Saturday, 30 May 2020 09:36

Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center

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Hundreds of thousands of breast augmentation procedures are performed each year. This trend has remained consistent for well over a decade. Throughout those years, though, we’ve seen varying trends that have affected women’s choices in the size of breast implants they find appealing. For several years, the trend involved larger implants; larger to the extent of looking like breast implants rather than naturally-large breasts. From that end of the spectrum, we swung to the other side, where we say many women choosing to enlarge breasts by one cup size. As trends go, they are now changing again. This time, though women are choosing larger implants once again, few are going overboard. Many, in fact, ask how to avoid choosing breast implants that are too large for them. We discuss that here.

Why are Women Choosing Larger Breast Implants Today?

There are several factors that contribute to women’s choices in breast implants. Some may surprise you.

• Input from other women. Who better to talk to about breast augmentation than someone who has gone through it? Women who have had friends who have had breast implant surgery often hear that it is smart to go larger than they may initially want to. The reason for this advice is that, over time, a woman gets used to her breast implants and her new shape and feels that she could go bigger. We see this even with women who have enlarged to a full C or D cup.
• Breast augmentation in itself is a form of self-empowerment for many women. When it comes to confidently choosing breast implant size, women are empowered even more so. Where size selection once involved a conversation between the doctor and the patient, women today get to try on several different sizers while planning their surgery. Some even get a sneak peek of their new breasts via computer animation.
• Societal input. We are continually influenced by what we see around us. Seeing larger-breasted celebrities and models has an effect on a woman’s subconscious idea of what is normal in her culture.

Making the Right Choice for You

There is nothing wrong with considering outside input when planning breast augmentation surgery. However, a woman’s choice is ultimately her choice and hers alone. Using sizers and a lot of self-reflection, a woman can feel very confident choosing the breast size that is right for her.

Consider body shape, the width of the chest and shoulders, the level of lifestyle activity as you decide what will look and feel best for you. Then, schedule your consultation in our Pottsville or Hazleton office to discuss what you would like to achieve with breast augmentation.

What You Need to Know about the Recent Breast Implant Recall

Sunday, 15 September 2019 05:35

Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center

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A recall of any kind can feel somewhat disturbing. The FDA’s recent position on a certain type of textured breast implant may be a relatively small recall. It has, however, created quite a stir. If you have breast implants, this recall may have you questioning your future decisions. We understand why; the event hits a little too close to home for many women. Here, we want to discuss what is known about the recent FDA recall on BioCell textured breast implants and what your next steps might be.

But First

The details of the recall can be outlined momentarily. First, we answer the question on many women’s minds. This recall does not mean that your breast implants need to be removed. This recall doesn’t even mean that all women with recalled breast implants should have them removed. Here’s why. 

Included in the FDA’s request for recall are Allergan’s Natrelle textured breast implants. Both saline and silicone devices are involved, as are the line’s highly-cohesive anatomically shaped silicone implants. Additionally, tissue expanders (Natrelle 133) with and without suture tabs are a part of the recall group. This selection of implants is used much less frequently than smooth breast implants. According to the FDA, instances of the complication that led to the recall are limited to about 10% of patients.

What is that complication? A higher risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). The FDA has analyzed data since 2011, when the first instances of BIA-ALCL were noted. The recall occurred as a result of clear numbers showing that 481 out of 573 cases of this rare lymphoma affected women with Natrelle textured breast implants.

What is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, called BIA-ALCL, is a type of lymphoma that originates in the capsule that forms around textured breast implants. It is not uncommon for fluid to accumulate in the breast capsule. In cases of BIA-ALCL, the problem is that some of the lymphocytes in this fluid mutate into cancerous cells.

When contained around the breast implant, surgery to remove implants from both breasts, and also to remove the capsular tissue, is highly successful in eradicating the disease. When cancerous cells migrate to nearby lymph nodes, treatment may need to expand to include chemotherapy. The FDA has stated that 93% of treated cases have been very successful, with patients maintaining a cancer-free state for three years or more.

What Next?

It is recommended for women with breast implants to undergo routine mammograms and, for silicone implants, MRI screening every two years. Additionally, a full exam should be scheduled if symptoms such as swelling, pain, or changes in size or shape occur.

If you have questions about your breast implants, get the answers you need from a qualified professional. Contact our Pottsville or Hazleton office for assistance.

Breast Surgery is Tailored to Your Needs

Friday, 30 August 2019 04:01

Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center

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If we were to look at the classic figure of the Barbie doll, we would fall for the notion that all female bodies look the same. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way from the days in which women tried to achieve a specific look. Today, breast enhancement looks much different than it once did. Women are free to express their unique concerns and desires for their body. One of the trends we have seen intensify is a lean toward a completely natural appearance. There are two ways to achieve outstanding results, but each technique needs to be explored for its unique benefits.

What Breast Augmentation Has to Offer

Breast enhancement is a term that is often interchanged with breast augmentation. In fact, one doesn’t mean the other. Breast augmentation is a surgical technique intended solely for the addition of volume in the breasts. The procedure inserts silicone or saline breast implants beneath the breast or muscle tissue to fill out the area. Optimal results from breast augmentation are achieved when the skin and connective tissue that overlies the breasts are firm and elastic.

When a Breast Lift May be Necessary

Breast lift surgery is recommended when the skin and connective tissue over the breasts have loosened. Tissue laxity in the breast area may occur as a result of aging or breastfeeding or even from breast size and weight. Inserting implants beneath tissue that has lost elasticity and firmness may enlarge the breasts but will not do much to improve the overall appearance of the body. In fact, a woman may feel more self-conscious about her breasts if they are larger but less perky.  

The Common Choice

Realizing that breast implants may place more weight on the chest muscles and skin, many women choose to fully enhance their breasts with a combination breast lift and augmentation. Together, these procedures fill out deflated breast tissue and ensure that the settled breasts sit nicely on the chest wall. Aside from the maximized outcome, a combination of breast lift and augmentation also streamlines recovery into one process.

Learn more about how breast enhancement may look for you. Schedule a consultation in our Hazleton or Pottsville office.

A Look at the Lifespan of Silicone Breast Implants

Tuesday, 15 August 2017 06:59

Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center

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Women have been interested in breast augmentation for many years. The more that the procedure has been refined, the greater interest we have seen. Today, breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide. Although this surgery is common, or perhaps because it is so common, there is a bit of misinformation to be found. It’s an important bit of misinformation though, because it may be standing in your way of getting the shape you would like.

If you have done any amount of internet research on silicone breast implants or talked with friends about your consideration of this procedure for yourself, you may have come across a statement that breast implants have to be replaced every 10 years. Yikes! If you are in your twenties, that is a lot of upkeep to manage over your lifetime!

So, do breast implants have to be replaced every 10 years?

As much as this sounds like a yes or no question, it’s not. The answer is, some women may need some breast implant revision after 10 years, and some will not. The idea that silicone implants, across the board, in every patient, need to be replaced routinely, is a gross exaggeration of outdated statistics. Let’s look at where this idea came from.

In 2011, a report was released from an FDA study of silicone breast implants. Of the women in the study, 1 out of 5 did need to have her silicone implants replaced after around 10 years, due to scarring, rupture, or another issue. 1 in 5 accounted for only 20% of patients in the study. That means 80% of women with silicone implants had no issues and no need for revision surgery. That is just one point.

Another point that should be mentioned is that we must take a look at the date on that study to fully discern its validity. A lot has changed in the world of breast augmentation since 2011. No form-stable implants such as “gummy bear” implants were included in that study because they didn’t exist at the time. Now they do, and they are becoming the new norm in breast augmentation surgery.

Get the straight facts about breast implants from an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Kimmel provides outstanding care to patients from Pottsville, Hazleton, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule your consultation.

Post-Augmentation Exercise: Do This, not That!

Friday, 30 December 2016 01:56

Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center

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Breast augmentation surgery is sought by a diverse group of women. Though the reasons for wanting to reshape and resize breasts differs from one person to another, one trait seems to be shared by a large majority of patients: the desire for fitness. Women of all ages are more physically active today than ever, choosing to stay fit with yoga, running, surfing, strength training, and many other choice activities. Physical exercise is a great way to stay healthy and fit. It is also something that will need to be considered carefully after breast augmentation surgery.

For a smooth recovery, we suggest that our patients:
?Commit to following instructions. Here is an interesting thing about recovery from breast augmentation: you may feel able to do more than you really should. Patients often say “I feel so good! Can’t I go to the gym just for a little workout?” No. That is, until you are cleared to do so. Your surgeon knows the details of your protocol and procedure. Exercise may be cleared a little at a time, and you need to trust the process of recovery.
?After your doctor, it is your body that knows best. When you do resume your physical workouts, pay close attention to your stamina, flexibility, and strength. There is nothing to gain by pushing yourself too hard as you acclimate to your new body. Remember, your implants are still settling, and tissues beneath the surface need months to fully heal. Taking it slow may mean a better recovery.
?A good sports bra can be the best thing you invest in after breast augmentation, so get a few. You may find that it is your favorite type of bra to wear in the gym and out of it. The support you get from a quality bra aids in healing.
Keystone Surgery Center serves the areas of Pottsville, Hazleton, Pittsburgh and more. Contact us to discuss your aesthetic goals.