Is plastic surgery expensive?
Although some procedures are relatively expensive, most of the common cosmetic procedures are actually reasonably priced. In addition, today most plastic surgeons accept credit cards and many offer long term financing options through one of a number of larger lending institutions which specialize in financing plastic surgical procedures. In this way patients can afford a surgery and make small payments over a number of months to years depending on the particular plan. There are even a number of 'no interest' payment plans available.
What are the differences between silicone and saline breast implants?
Silicone implants have a more natural feel than saline and this benefit becomes more apparent the less breast tissue a woman has to cover a breast implant. The silicone implant also resists visible 'rippling' of the shell of the implant and is less likely to be felt by the patient when touching her breast.
Saline implants have a slightly firmer feel but this is negligible in patients with a large A cup or larger brassiere size. Saline implants can be fitted through smaller incisions and incisions remote from the breast such as the umbilical incision. They can also be filled to varying volumes at the time of surgery, therefore allowing the surgeon to more easily correct minor volume asymmetries of the breasts. Saline implants are considerably less expensive than silicone as well. Finally, monitoring implant deflation is quite easy with saline since the saline will be readily absorbed by the body and the volume loss will be appreciated quite quickly. Silicone implants must be viewed with MRI to determine a suspected deflation or leak.
Both implants have advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately when the patient understands these she can usually make a decision that is right for her.
Is it dangerous or difficult to perform a breast augmentation through the 'belly button'?
Absolutely not. The transumbilical breast augmentation approach has been described and performed since the early 1990s. The technique has matured over the years and now is a wonderful way to augment the breast for many if not most patients.
The first requirement is the umbilicus has to be large enough since the incision is hidden just inside it. With that requirement met there is really little else that would be a contraindication to the procedure. Dr. Harell has attended a 'hands on' training course taught by the originator of the technique and has subsequently performed hundreds of the transumbilical breast augmentations. The benefits include:
- Only one incision rather than two, and this incision is hidden in an inconspicuous location off of the breast.
- Since fluid can drain out of the tunnels through the belly button the first night after surgery there is no buildup of blood and therefore patients usually experience less pain and swelling.
- Since there is no cutting through the breast tissue there is less likely to be any direct damage to the breast ducts and glands.
- Less contact with the breast tissue means less chance of contamination with the bacteria usually found in the breast ducts and this may lead to less infection and even less hardening of the implants after surgery.
- Less chance of nerve injury and decreased nipple sensation since there is no 'cutting' of the breast. I like the transumbilical approach for women seeking to have an inconspicuous scar and less pain. Nonetheless, it is always the woman's final choice as to where any incision will be.
Dr. Harrell can provide answers to your plastic surgery questions and how certain procedures might apply to your specific body type during a free consultation. Call (954) 526-0066 or complete our online form. The Weston Center for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery welcomes patients throughout the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas, including the communities of Plantation, Davie, Weston, and more.