Breast Implants ABC

According to the various bodies of plastic surgeons around the world, breast augmentation, or enhancements is consistently the number one cosmetic procedure (followed closely by eyelid surgery). The breast enhancement procedure is performed to increase the breast size and fullness of women with small breasts or whose breasts may have decreased in size after giving birth.

When people think of breast enhancements, they tend to think of Pamela Anderson sized breasts. In reality the average woman usually wants to increase one or two cup sizes. A breast implant is basically a soft, silicone envelope with various fillers. It is surgically implanted under the tissues of your chest to simulate natural breast tissue. The sac may then be filled with a silicone gel-like substance or saline (salt water).

The implants themselves may be round or teardrop shaped with a textured or smooth coating. The newest breast implants on the market are made of a cohesive silicone gel, which is thicker and firmer than previous versions. They offer a much better shape and projection. They are safer too, as they virtually eliminate the risks of rupture and last much longer.

There are a wide variety of implant designs, shapes, sizes and textures. You should discuss with your surgeon the advantages and disadvantages of each of these choices. He will be more than happy to discuss all of your options for breast implants so that you can make a more informed decision about which option is best for you. When you see your surgeon, detailed measurements will be taken to determine the precise design and dimensions of implants to help you to achieve the look you want and suit your body better.

What is involved When you have breast implants?

A breast enhancement procedure is performed in a hospital under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision, lifting the breast tissue, creating a pocket in the chest/breast area. He will then place an envelope containing a soft, implant material underneath. The incision is usually made in the crease below the breast or around the areola, sometimes under the armpit or through the belly button.

The implants can be placed either under the chest muscle or directly under the breast tissue. This all depends on your breast anatomy, breast-feeding tissues, lifestyle or indeed your personal preference. You will already have discussed this with your surgeon. One of the key determining factors is whether or not you want to keep your implants a secret as a visible scar on the breast is a certain giveaway that your breast have been enlarged.

Risks And Recovery Times Of Having A Nose Job

As common as nose jobs are, like all operations, there is still an element of risk involved. This article will help you to be able to make an informed decision about whether to decide to go ahead with having your nose reshaped or not.

The Risks
Nosebleeds are very common after Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping procedure). Although unlikely, it is possible to get an infection but a good surgeon and hospital will help to prevent this from happening. Every nose is different and there is no such thing as an absolutely perfect nose. You should expect some irregularities with the cartilage and bone. They are quite normal and are present in all noses.

Don’t be surprised if you have to have a second operation. Corrective surgery might be needed if the nose settles into its new shape incorrectly. If this is the case you will need to wait at least six or twelve months as the tissues will need time to heal properly and for the swelling to have completely disappeared.

The surgeon might also recommend Dermal fillers to be used after the surgery to fill out any subtle defects in the nose.

Recovery Time After The Operation
The surgeon will usually apply a splint to the nose for up to a week after the operation while the bones are setting. The nose may be packed very lightly with medicated gauze but this will removed by the second day.

You may experience nosebleeds and the surgeon will show you how to change the gauze bandages as they get soiled by the blood. It is important to keep the splints and dressings completely dry.

Your internal stitches will slowly dissolve themselves, so you don’t have to be concerned with getting them removed. If you have stitches on the external part of your nose, these will be removed by the end of your first week, most likely at the same time that your splint is removed.

It is very likely that you will experience some swelling, pressure and stuffiness for several weeks after the operation but in most cases you will be able to resume normal activities after only a few days.

You will be advised to keep your head elevated above the level of your heart for the first few days. This is important, as it will reduce the swelling.

If your nasal bones have been fractured, you may bruising around the eyelid area and have bloodshot eyes. Apart from looking as if you have just done 12 rounds with Mike Tyson, this is nothing to worry about. The bruising will usually peak after 72 hours and then will subside within 2 weeks.

You must avoid any contact sports or activity that may cause injury for four to six weeks. During this time the nose will be very tender and it will take at least three weeks before the nose is healed enough to allow full physical activity.

Even simple things like blowing your nose will be affected so try not to blow your nose too forcefully to avoid excessive bleeding. If you wear glasses, these may be taped to your forehead, as the bridge on your nose will not be properly set yet.

Overall, your nose will remain tender for up to twelve months, sometimes longer. It all depends on the thickness of your skin. The thicker your skin, the longer it will be before you eventually see the final shape.

Should You Get A Nose Job?

It is impossible to open up a celebrity magazine these days without seeing somebody who has recently had their nose reshaped to improve their looks. In fact some people change their noses as often as they change their hairstyle. But what are the real facts about nose jobs and if you are considering getting one yourself what should you consider before going ahead?

What Exactly Is A Nose Job?
Nose reshaping, or to give it’s proper title, Rhinoplasty, is a procedure that is used for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Doctors may advise having your nose reshaped if you have difficulty breathing through your nose because of an obstruction or if you have had an accident that affects the nose. However, most people choose to have a nose job because they dislike the shape of their nose.

Here is a list of the most common complaints people have about their noses and why they want to reshape it:
• Their nose might appear too wide when viewed face on
• They feel that their nose is too large for their face
• They feel that their profile is out of proportion because of a long nose
• Some people have a distinct bump on the nasal bridge
• They have a crooked nose and want it straightened
• They feel self-conscious because their nostrils are excessively flared
• The tip of their nose droops downwards or is too thick

Age also can affect the shape of the nose. As you get older the nasal support structures of the nose can relax and cause the shape and position of the nose to change its shape. For example it might appear more bulbous and longer with the tip of the nose eventually drooping.

As the procedures become more common and advanced, it allows the cosmetic surgeon a whole range of options to reshape nose rather than being restricted to simply just reducing the size or shortening the tip.

For example, some noses need to lengthened, augmented or narrowed to achieve the best aesthetic results. Nowadays it is possible to have a much more natural look then 10 or 20 years ago when it was really obvious that a person had had their nose reshaped.

What happens if you decide to have your nose reshaped?
Rhinoplasty is normally performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision inside the rim of the nostrils, and in some cases, on the rim of the nose, to reduce the width of the nostrils.

If you are having an open Rhinoplasty procedure, an incision is made at the base of the nose and the soft tissues are separated from the underlying structures. This is so that the cartilage and bone can be reshaped. If you are having your nose reduced in size, the surgeon may fracture the nasal bones and reset into a narrower position to give the appearance of a smaller nose.

On the other hand, if you are having your nose enlarged or built up in certain areas, grafts of cartilage from the nose, ear, rib and in some cases from your hip will be used. Your surgeon will explain what is involved in situations like this. The skin and soft tissues will then re-drape themselves over the reshaped nasal bones.

If you are experienced breathing problems prior to the operation, these will be corrected by reducing the obstructions and removing the airway. Depending on the technique used by the surgeon, a splint may be placed on the bridge of your nose to hold the tissue in place and to protect your nose.