Breast Augmentation Toronto

Keller Funnel for Breast Implants

July 1st, 2010 . No Comments »

The Keller Funnel is a device that assists in the placement of silicone filled implants during breast augmentation. Invented by the American plastic surgeon Dr Kevin Keller last year, the device helps surgeons to easily and safely “propel” a breast implant into the body without having to actually touch the implant. As a result, there is less chance of contamination since the surgeon doesn’t have to handle the implant as much and the incision length can be shorter since it’s only the mouth of the Keller Funnel that needs to be inserted into the body (while incision lengths vary depending on the technical skill of the surgeon using the device, the length may be as short as what’s required for a saline implant shell that isn’t filled until after insertion) . Using the device may also reduce the length of surgery and labour involved.

So What Exactly Is It?
The Keller Funnel is a nylon cone with a hydrophilic coating on the inside. When placed in a sterile solution, this coating allows the device to become highly lubricated, which makes the implant easier to propel into the body through an incision made in the armpit, partially around the areola or in the mammary fold. It can be used for all sizes, shapes and textures of pre-filled implants.

Posted in breast augmentation surgery

Breast Implants and Galactorrhea

June 25th, 2010 . No Comments »

Galactorrhea is a very rare complication that follows breast augmentation. To date very few women have experienced galactorrhea as a side effect of surgery, however the risk of it occurring should still be expressed to individuals interested in undergoing breast augmentation.

Galactorrhea refers to the production of breast milk, beginning rather spontaneously following surgery. Women who have had children and produced breast milk are more likely to be at risk. Two common ways to treat galactorrhea are medication and to undergo another surgery to remove the breast implants (which means that you may not be compatible with breast augmentation or will have to wait to see if aging or other factors allows you to undergo surgery again at a later time). Usually, however, the condition corrects itself over time.

Posted in After Breast Augmentation

Complications Related to Ruptured Breast Implants

June 21st, 2010 . No Comments »

Today’s breast implants are designed to be as durable and long lasting as possible. Compared to those of yesteryear, they are generally deemed safer. However, manufacturers of breast implants state that these devices do not last a lifetime. They will most likely need to be replaced at least once in a woman’s life, whether due to personal preference or a complication.

One common reason why breast implants need to be replaced is because they’ve ruptured. Ruptured saline filled implants do not usually pose a serious health risk and may be replaced without problem. The same is true for silicone filled implants if the rupture is detected early and addressed by surgically removing it However, if a ruptured silicone implant remains undetected, the long it remains undetected, the higher the risk of complications arising. These complications include the following:

the formation of lumps in the area of the implant or chest
the formation of inflamed and painful scar tissue, altering the contour of the breast
a burning sensation, that can be accompanied by swelling and numbness

For this reason, it is up to women with silicone breast implants to schedule routine examinations that check not only for cancer, but also for ruptures.

Posted in breast implants

Breast Implants For Reconstructive Surgery

June 17th, 2010 . No Comments »

Breast implants for reconstruction surgery are similar to those used for cosmetic surgery, however the process may be different.

Most women who undergo reconstructive breast surgery do so to remove and reconstruct breasts that have been affected by cancer. A masectomy is performed to remove the affected tissue, then the surgeon may decide to do the following:

One-Stage Immediate Breast Reconstruction
After the mastectomy is performed, a breast implant is immediately inserted into the chest. For this reason, it is called “one-stage” (everything is done at one time).

Two-Stage/Delayed Breast Reconstruction
After affected breast tissue is removed, a tissue expander is inserted. A tissue expander is a shell constructed from silicone and placed under the tissue. It is filled with a sterile saline solution over a few months to allow skin and muscle to gradually stretch. Designed for women with little natural tissue, it allows the area to adapt to an implant. Once it is safe to do so, the tissue expander is removed (or remains in place if it designed to serve as an implant as well) and replaced with a breast implant.

Two-Stage Breast Reconstruction may also be performed if the woman is still undergoing therapy for cancer.

Posted in breast implants

Macrolane Registry

June 14th, 2010 . No Comments »

Q-Med is currently developing a registry in the UK to monitor their product Macrolane, a hyaluronic acid filler product that was approved in the country last year as a form of nonsurgical breast augmentation. Even though Macrolane has already been approved by the government, the registry is being set up as a commitment to the safety and welfare of patients and consumers. The results of treatments and trends will be included to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product.

Q-Med is also conducting further research to not only improve technique, but also to examine how it holds up to other methods of breast augmentation. For example, a study currently underway compares the results achieved through fat transfer and Macrolane in patients undergoing breast reconstruction.

Macrolane was approved in the UK and the EU in 2008. It has not been approved by Health Canada or the FDA for breast augmentation and has received somewhat mixed reviews in the media. An estimated 3,000 procedures across Europe have been performed up to this date, only by physicians certified by Q-Med.

The Swedish biotechonlogy company Q-Med first gained fame for creating NASHA (stabilised non-animal hyaluronic acid), a vital component of such popular fillers as Juvederm and Restylane. Their innovative product, Macrolane, can also be used for other body contouring procedures, such as augmentation of the buttocks and calves.

Posted in Alternative Methods

New Technology May Help Fight Capsular Contracture

June 11th, 2010 . No Comments »

A new product may help prevent the formation of capsular contracture, a risk of breast augmentation that affects thousands of women across North America every year. The product, AIGISRx, helps by reducing inflammation and infection, thereby preventing the complication from happening.

One primary cause of capsular contracture is believed to be related to harmful bacteria forming biofilms inside the breast pocket, where the breast implant is located. Clinical trials conducted on animals showed that wrapping a breast implant with AIGISRx, a biodegradable antibiotic-impregnated sleeve, prior to placing it inside the body effectively treated all bacteria commonly linked with breast implant surgery – even more so than standard irrigation procedures. The product remains effective for about a month following surgery and it biodegrades safely within 3 months.

The breast implant may be placed completely inside the AIGISRx sleeve or placed on top if the implant is textured. The sleeve is a tyrosine-based polymer that has tetracycline- and rifamycin-derivative antibiotics.

Dr. William P. Adams Jr., a professor of plastic surgery at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, leads the research and is currently seeking approval for AIGISRx from the FDA.

“We hope to make big progress with breast implant capsular contracture. This new technology will provide patients and surgeons with far better bacteria and biofilm coverage, and all one needs to do is simply place the product in the pocket and it is taken care of.”

Posted in After Breast Augmentation, breast implants

5 Tips to Help you Get Better Breast Skin

June 8th, 2010 . No Comments »

Beautiful breasts aren’t just about size and shape – they’re also about a smooth, clear complexion. A beautiful complexion can also help maintain the perkiness of your chest, since part of what’s holding the ladies up isn’t only ligaments. It’s also taut skin that’s rich in collagen.

The skin on your breasts, like the rest of your body, reflects your lifestyle, diet and habits. For example, if you don’t eat well, then most likely your skin won’t be as clear and glowing as someone who does. What can help you get and maintain a glowing complexion?

1. Consume more foods and beverages with antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are responsible for weakening and damaging molecules that can lead to wrinkles, blotchiness and other unsightly aesthetic problems. Green tea, dark chocolate (in moderation) and wild blueberries top the list, but there are so many other types of foods and drinks rich in antioxidants that your diet won’t be limited.

2. Relax. Stress is a primary factor in causing a number of skin problems. Acne, for example, has been found by researchers to be more severe in periods of stress due to heightened levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). Cortisol has been blamed for decreasing the skin’s ability to protect against the bacteria that causes acne and can also increase oil production.

3. Slather on the sunblock. One of the worst factors that contributes to an unhealthy complexion is prolonged sun exposure. UV rays are extremely damaging to the skin, causing hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and acne. Need proof? Just look at areas of your body that aren’t usually covered up, like the tops of your hands, your decollete and nose. You’ll notice that there’s a huge difference in skin quality when compared to other less exposed areas.

4. Sleep enough, uninterrupted in a dark and quiet room. Your body repairs itself at night, when you’re sleeping. That’s why a good night’s rest every night is vital in achieving a beautiful complexion. Experts say that the average should be about 8 hours, but it really depends on each person.

5. Get more anti inflammatory. Hyperpigmentation and redness is a form of inflammation that results when the skin is irritated or infected. Exercise and a multitude of fruits, vegetables, nuts and herbs can all help. You can also drink green tea.

Posted in Breasts

Breast Augmentation to Get Boobs like Katie Price?

June 5th, 2010 . No Comments »

We so knew that would happen…

A 32 year old British mother of two, Hollie Henderson, spent over $130,000CAD on cosmetic surgery to transform her into a Katie Price look-a-like, including two boob jobs that took her from a 32B to 32FF, 2 liposuctions and a tummy tuck. She’s also had a number of Botox injections, lip augmentations and tanned on a regular basis to maintain her appearance – all to copy exactly how Katie Price looked like at any given time. The transformation took 7 years, during which the public perceived her favourably.

Unfortunately, Henderson is now trying to undo everything that’s been done by spending thousands more on getting her original features back. Why? Because Katie Price is no longer as popular as she once was following her highly publicized divorce from heart throb Peter Andre. Apparently, the public perceives Katie Price very unfavourably, and looking like the glamour model and reality TV star (now married to Alex Reid) has made Henderson’s life a “nightmare”.

Oh Hollie, why oh why did you do that to yourself? Sure, surgeons recommend that you bring a picture of someone so that they can better understand the result you’d like to achieve through cosmetic surgery. However, don’t you think Henderson may have gone overboard?

Posted in Celebrity Cosmetic Surgery

Fixing Double Bubble

June 2nd, 2010 . No Comments »

You’ve just had a boob job and after a couple days, you notice something strange. Really strange…

It looks like you have four breasts!

Also known as double bubble or bottoming out, this undesirable contour is definitely a problem that has to be corrected. Double bubble can happen for a variety of reasons:

A breast implant placed submuscularly may be set firmly in place, however the patient’s own natural breast tissue may sag below it, creating a bottoming out effect. This can gradually correct itself, however it usually takes (precious) time.

An inframammary fold (the crease where the breast meets the rest of the body) that does not modify itself to accommodate the breast implant. The original inframammary fold will then remain while a new one forms for the breast implant. To correct this problem, surgery may be necessary.

Breast implants that are placed poorly.

Double bubble can happen to one or both of the breasts. If you don’t like how your post-breast augmentation breasts look, contact your surgeon asap!

Posted in After Breast Augmentation

Awake Breast Aug

May 28th, 2010 . No Comments »

Breast augmentation is commonly performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is sleeping for the duration of the actual surgery. However, there is another technique that allows patients the ability to remain awake during surgery.

Instead of general anesthetic, a sedative and anesthetic fluid is administered instead. The anesthetic fluid is injected into the breast area to numb it.

Proponents of Awake Breast Aug say that the benefits are the following:
The patient can see what’s going on, and change their mind about size, choosing to go smaller or larger.
The risks related to general anesthesia are eliminated.
The tumescent anesthetic fluid facilitates dissection, allowing breast tissue to be more gently separated.
The anesthetic numbs the breasts for up 8 hours following surgery.

On the other hand, there are concerns regarding this technique:
Some physicians believe that despite using local rather than general anesthetic, it is still not “safer”. Such risks as bleeding and bruising may be more probable and more difficult to control during surgery, according to clinical reports.
Patients may find it unnerving or downright disturbing to remain awake.
Awake Breast Aug is not recommended for incisions placed in the belly button (transumbilical).
Making decisions during surgery is frowned upon, since the patient’s thought processes may be compromised. All decisions regarding size and placement should be made prior to surgery, when the patient is totally conscious and is able to reason.

Awake Breast Aug is an alternative to common breast augmentation, but still remains not as popular. Could it be too gruesome? What do you think?