Click this link to listen to the interview!
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Showing posts with label breast augmentation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breast augmentation. Show all posts
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Power Women Magazine's Blogtalk Radio - Dr. Karen Horton as featured guest!
I was recently interviewed by Power Women Magazine for a full live hour, discussing the latest in Plastic Surgery for women, both cosmetic and reconstructive.
Click this link to listen to the interview!
Click this link to listen to the interview!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
How is bra cup size determined???
With all the press lately on Heidi Montag's current new breasts ('DDD', or 'F'), and her apparent desired increase ("an 'H', for Heidi!" - her words), it was brought to my attention that most people don't know how bra cup size for a woman's breasts is determined!
Many women (and men) don't quite understand the difference between the number (34, 36, 38, etc.) and the letter cup size ('A', 'B', 'C', 'D', etc.)! Eight in ten women also do not wear the correct bra size.
The following will explain how how bra and cup size is calculated:
Measuring Bra Size
1. Bra Size (the NUMBER, or the "band" size)
Measure around your body under your breasts at the level of the breast fold, in inches (in the U.S.). Other countries use centimeters (cm) - see the charts below.
2. Cup Size (The LETTER, or the "bust" size)
Measure around the fullest part of your breasts, also in inches.
This is the tricky part, and the reason why you may fit several different bra cup sizes, depending on the amount of lift that the bra provides. Many women develop droop to their breasts, and may be a 'B' without any push-up, a 'C' with a little underwire, or even a 'D' with some major lift by a bra. See below and try on different styles and types of bras to understand this better!
Bra Size Charts
Based on the difference in inches between your band and your bust circumference, you can calculate your bra cup size in letters:
Keep in mind that as like dress sizes and designer clothes, many stores may fit women's breasts differently. For instance, based on my patients' comments alone, Victoria's Secret often fits women as a 'C', whereas Nordstrom bras often fit the same women as a 'D'!
Custom bras or specialty stores can cost a bundle! However, investing in a good bra can sometimes help to avoid Plastic Surgery, if a simple "lift" in clothes is what you are looking for!
However, if you desire the effect of a push-up bra or additional padding, a breast augmentation may be an option for you. Be sure to visit a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in breast evaluation and breast surgery to learn more!
Many women (and men) don't quite understand the difference between the number (34, 36, 38, etc.) and the letter cup size ('A', 'B', 'C', 'D', etc.)! Eight in ten women also do not wear the correct bra size.
The following will explain how how bra and cup size is calculated:
Measuring Bra Size
1. Bra Size (the NUMBER, or the "band" size)
Measure around your body under your breasts at the level of the breast fold, in inches (in the U.S.). Other countries use centimeters (cm) - see the charts below.
2. Cup Size (The LETTER, or the "bust" size)
Measure around the fullest part of your breasts, also in inches.
This is the tricky part, and the reason why you may fit several different bra cup sizes, depending on the amount of lift that the bra provides. Many women develop droop to their breasts, and may be a 'B' without any push-up, a 'C' with a little underwire, or even a 'D' with some major lift by a bra. See below and try on different styles and types of bras to understand this better!
Bra Size Charts
Based on the difference in inches between your band and your bust circumference, you can calculate your bra cup size in letters:
Keep in mind that as like dress sizes and designer clothes, many stores may fit women's breasts differently. For instance, based on my patients' comments alone, Victoria's Secret often fits women as a 'C', whereas Nordstrom bras often fit the same women as a 'D'!Custom bras or specialty stores can cost a bundle! However, investing in a good bra can sometimes help to avoid Plastic Surgery, if a simple "lift" in clothes is what you are looking for!
However, if you desire the effect of a push-up bra or additional padding, a breast augmentation may be an option for you. Be sure to visit a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in breast evaluation and breast surgery to learn more!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Jakarta Post Article - The Brave New World of Plastic Surgery
I was recently interviewed by San Francisco freelance writer, May-lee Chai, for an article in the Jakarta Post, Indonesia.
Click on the images for a full-size version of this article on Plastic Surgery.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Research pays off when choosing a breast implant surgeon
When you are considering breast augmentation, be sure to research both the procedure and your surgeon extensively.
Learn as much as you can about the procedure using online sources (visit reputable websites such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the ASAPS website) that do not feature only one surgeon, and that provide data on national statistics and safety issues.
Visit a surgeon who is experienced with breast augmentation, and is Board-Certified by either the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (these are the only two Boards recognized by the American Societies for Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).
Write your questions down for your surgeon, and ask to see before-and-after photographs of typical (not just the best) patient results. Ask to speak to patients who have had the procedure before.
Do your homework! Ensure you have found a good fit with the surgeon in terms of personality, office environment, and aesthetic goals for the procedure.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Why Postoperative Breast Implant Massage is Important!
QUESTION:
about massage for breast implant
October 27, 2009 9:46 AM | Breast Augmentation
I am 5 weeks postop and I had a lift with silcone gel implants and was told I did not need to massage them . Is there a reason I was told this?
ANSWER:
Doctor/Professional Answers (1)  drkarenhorton Plastic surgeon San Francisco, CA United States | Why Postoperative Breast Implant Massage is Important! October 27, 2009 10:16 AM |
Implants can be placed under the pectoralis major muscle ("submuscular" or "subpectoral"), or on top of the muscle and under the breast tissue alone ("subglandular").
Sometimes, surgeons feel that having the implant under the muscle will do some of the massaging motion just by normal muscle movement and that massage of the implants by hand is not necessary.
In Plastic Surgery, there are few absolutely right or wrong answers. What I teach my patients is that implant massage helps to create a "pocket" that is larger than the implant itself. This will facilitate the implant to move around naturally inside its pocket and have a natural shape and motion, like a normal breast.
Implant massage also functions to some extent as a breast self-exam. Two studies of women with breast implants found that in those women who developed a breast lump, it was found earlier if they regularly massaged and felt their implants - which could be life-saving!
I recommend women massage their implants for a few minutes each day, for the rest of their life! After the scar tissue has completely healed and softened (by one year), massage could simply consist of lying on your tummy or rolling with your breasts against an exercise ball.
The purpose is to ensure the implants move around within their space and that the scar tissue does not contract around the implant ("capsular contacture").
There are videos on implant massage on my website you could refer to for reference: CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO.
Ask your Plastic Surgeon what their normal postoperative routine is and to demonstrate what you should be doing.
Karen M. Horton, MD, MSc, FRCSC
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Wait to have breast augmentation surgery until your health is stable
http://www.realself.com/question/Breast-augmentation-safety-thyroid-ablation
Breast implants safe after thyroid ablation?
I'm 31 years old and a mother of 3 children. After the birth of my last child, I got Graves Disease. I tried for remission on an anti-thyroid drug, but I did not obtain it.
I'm scheduled to have my thyroid ablation on Nov. 6th. I'm also scheduled for breast augmentation on Nov. 23rd. I'm very excited about both procedures. Is it safe for me to have surgery after the ablation? And, I will be using the IV sedation with the augmentation which is only about 45mins. Will my hormones react to anesthesia?
Enough3 in North Myrtle Beach
A: Wait to have breast augmentation surgery until your health is stable
Congratulations on your decision to have breast augmentation! As long as it is done for the right reasons, in an appropriate candidate, and by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, and at the appropriate time, breast augmentation is a wonderful procedure with fabulous results!
However, when you are actively treating any complex medical condition such as Graves Disease (overactive thyroid), you should postpone elective surgery until your medical situation has stabilized.
Radioactive ablation of the thyroid can have a short-term surge of thyroid hormone release, followed by a longer period of hypothyroidism (low thyroid) when your natural thyroid hormone decreases.
I speak from personal experience: it can take up to a year or longer for the full effect of the thyroid ablation to be complete. During this time, you will need to take increasing doses of thyroid replacement until your own thyroid has completely stopped working or its production of hormone is stable. Your mood, energy level, metabolism and other body systems can undergo major swings.
The thyroid gland controls your metabolism and nearly all your organ systems. I would strongly advise against having a surgical procedure while you are being treated for this condition.
Ask your Endocrinologist about how long you should wait before undergoing elective surgery.
Best of luck to you, and take care of your health first!
Karen M. Horton, M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.S.C.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Breast Augmentation - Am I a Good Candidate?
WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Breast augmentation is the insertion of implants to increase the size of the breasts, or to replace breast volume lost with childbearing, breastfeeding or significant weight loss.
Most women desiring implants find that their breasts are proportionally smaller than the rest of their bodies.
Breast augmentation can help restore a woman’s sense of proportion and in many women can improve self-esteem and confidence.
Both saline and silicone breast implants are used for women undergoing breast augmentation for the first time.
To read more about the science and safety of all implants, visit the BreastImplantAnswers.com website.
Breast augmentation is the insertion of implants to increase the size of the breasts, or to replace breast volume lost with childbearing, breastfeeding or significant weight loss.
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BEFORE AUGMENTATION | AFTER AUGMENTATION |
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Most women desiring implants find that their breasts are proportionally smaller than the rest of their bodies.
Breast augmentation can help restore a woman’s sense of proportion and in many women can improve self-esteem and confidence.
Both saline and silicone breast implants are used for women undergoing breast augmentation for the first time.
To read more about the science and safety of all implants, visit the BreastImplantAnswers.com website.
Breast augmentation is the second most common cosmetic operation in the U.S., second only to liposuction. Patient satisfaction tends to be very high. One study showed an overall satisfaction rate of 97%.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Any healthy woman who feels that her self-esteem or body image would be improved with larger breasts is a potential candidate for breast augmentation.
The most common types of patients who undergo breast augmentation are women who have lost breast volume after childbearing, and women who have always had small breasts in relation to the rest of their body.
Before any cosmetic surgery, you should be in good health, at a stable weight, with a regular exercise program and good nutrition without any major dietary restrictions.
You should also have the support (emotional and physical) support of your family or friends during your recovery so that you will have assistance with activities of daily living, and tasks requiring heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks after surgery.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Visit our website, Women's Plastic Surgery for details!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Breast Implants and Mammograms - Breast Cancer Detection is Safe!
- Question:
-
I'm a 40-year-old woman considering modest-sized breast implants. Will they interfere with the ability to detect breast cancer?
- Answer:
-
- Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FRCSC
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- California Pacific Medical Center
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Breast augmentation using implants will not interfere with breast cancer detection. Implants of all shapes and sizes have a shell made from silicone, which is an inert solid and is used in many implantable devices. The fill can be either saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel. Sizes range from 125 cc to 800 cc, and implants may be smooth-walled or textured, round or shaped.
Breast implants are placed either behind the breast tissue (subglandular position) or behind the breast tissue and the pectoralis major muscle (submuscular position). There are proponents for each technique, based on opinion and surgical training. Regardless of the placement of the implant, the fill material and the size, having breast implants does not interfere with breast self-examination, physician breast exams, mammograms, ultrasound, MRI or any other cancer detection techniques.
When having a mammogram, women should inform the mammography technician that they have breast implants in place. A “displacement” technique will be done to help push the breast tissue off the implant and to allow the X-ray beams to shoot through the breast to accurately visualize the tissue. Occasionally, additional views are taken when an implant is in place.
Mammograms are generally not recommended until age 40, as before this age breasts are quite dense and visualization is not reliable. A 40-year-old woman should have a mammogram as a baseline exam before considering any surgery of the breasts, including augmentation, reduction or a breast lift.
Two studies in the literature actually showed that women with breast implants had earlier detection of breast cancer than those without implants, perhaps because the implant served as a surface against which a lump was palpated (felt) during breast self-examination.
Having breast augmentation is a personal choice and should be researched in detail before you commit to any surgery. Make sure you consult with a Plastic Surgeon who is Board-Certified and experienced in the procedure you are seeking.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Mommy Makeover Plastic Surgery
The following are slide excerpts from a recent presentation given to a Mothers' Club in Northern California:
Monday, May 18, 2009
Safety is key when planning multiple cosmetic procedures
Planning cosmetic procedures on many parts of the body at the same time is often done:
- To reduce the number of anesthetics given for each procedure
- To lower the overall cost for O.R. time and Anesthesia fees
- To have a single recovery period and less overall down-time
However, SAFETY is key in planning ALL combined cosmetic procedures!
Some procedures are complimentary - i.e. breasts and body (tummy), breasts and liposuction on on front of the body, face and neck together, tummy and thigh contouring.
I advise my patients to choose two major body parts to address at one time and to limit it to that at any one time.
Time under anesthesia is another consideration. There is no 'magic number', but the longer the procedure, the greater the overall risk.
Also, selecting procedures on one side of the body only (all on the front or all on the backside) is another simple way to limit the amount of work done at any one time.
Lengthy procedures on more than two body areas at one time increases the time under anesthesia, increases the risk complications (blood clots in the legs or lungs), fluid overload or dehydration, postoperative pain and immobility, and many others.
Lastly, consider the recovery! Ouch!
It is advisable to have some body areas functional and pain-free so that you can get around and peform your activities of daily living safely.
Monday, April 27, 2009
80% of Breast Augmentations are C-Cups
80-percent of breast augmentations are c-cups
Real Beauty News on Apr 27, 2009
Women want c-cup breasts, as suggested by a new survey of plastic surgeons who routinely conduct breast surgery. The majority (80%) of breast implants used in cosmetic surgery are 300 to 400cc in size, or, a small to full c-cup bra.
Breast implants: many more options than just breast size
While the size of the breast implant is of critical importance to a woman opting for breast implant surgery, there are a number of other decisions prior to surgery, such as the breast implant type or the placement of the breast implant.
Plastic surgeons responding to the survey, and reported in the March/April issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal, reveal a number of breast implant surgery preferences by patients and doctors.
Click on the link above for the full article.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Breast Augmentation
What is a “boob job”?
Breast augmentation involves placing an implant behind the breast tissue to add volume to small breasts, or to replace volume lost from pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Implants come in variety of sizes/shapes, textures, profiles – the possibilities are endless!
Types of breast implants:
ALL breast implants are composed of a silicone shell.
The implant fill material is either:
- Saline (sterile salt water)
- Silicone gel (SAFE!)
There has been a lot of misinformation and negative hype attributed to silicone over the past two decades. For more information, see an upcoming blog entry on the safety of silicone and visit breastimplantanswers.com.
Where is the implant placed relative to the breast?
A breast implant may be placed in the subglandular or submuscular position. See
the blog entry about subglandular versus submuscular placement for additional details.
What incisions are used?
Incisions for breast augmentation may be in the breast fold (inframammary), around the areola (peri-areolar), through the areola and around the nipple (trans-areolar), in the armpit (transaxillary), or rarely through the umbilicus (TUBA).
See the blog about breast implant placement for details about each method, advantages and disadvantages and outcomes.
What to expect after augmentation surgery:
- Temporary swelling of the breasts
- Mild pain (more with submuscular implants)
- Drainage tubes (no showering while these are in place)
- Avoid lifting more than 5 pounds for 2-3 weeks
Risks and potential complications of breast augmentation:
- Infection
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Capsular Contracture
- Asymmetry
- Deflation / Rupture
- Temporary change in sensation
- May need future surgery to change implants if problems arise
Things to remember about breast augmentation:
- Gravity and aging will eventually alter virtually EVERY breast
- Some women choose to undergo a breast lift later in life to restore a more youthful contour
- Implants do not affect mammograms or breast cancer risk
Be sure to visit a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for a consultation or to learn more about breast augmentation.
Visit the Women’s Plastic Surgery website for even more information.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Before and After Photos - Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation - Preop and 6 Months PostopSilicone implants placed subglandularly, inframammary fold incision
Breast Augmentation - Preop and 1 Year PostopSilicone implants placed subglandularly, inframammary fold incision
Replacement of volume lost after breast feeding two sets of twins!
Breast Augmentation - Preop and 6 Months PostopSilicone implants placed subglandularly, inframammary fold incision
Breast Augmentation - Preop and 3 Months PostopSilicone implants placed subglandularly, inframammary fold incision
Breast Augmentation - Preop and 5 Months Postop"Mommy Makeover" - Volume replaced after completion of breastfeeding
Breast Augmentation - Preop and 1 Year PostopSilicone implants placed subglandularly, trans-areolar incision
Breast Augmentation - Preop and 3 Months PostopSilicone implants placed subglandularly, inframammary fold incision
Breast Augmentation - Preop and 6 Months Postop
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