Bradenton Doctors

Breast Explantation While Pregnant?

Can a breast explantation surgery be safely performed while pregnant? I have subglandular saline. I've heard its an easy procedure, and can even be done under "twilight" anesthesia.

While performing any surgery on a pregnant patient involves some risks because of the medications used during surgery you do have the option of having the implants deflated.  This procedure can be performed very safely even during pregnancy under local anesthesia.  It serves to reduce the size of the breasts which are naturally much larger during pregnancy and breast feeding.   

The deflated implant can then be removed and possibly replaced as needed a few months after pregnancy.

David L. Mobley, MD

Sarasota Plastic Surgeon

Full or Mini Tummy Tuck W/ Liposuction? (photo)

after the baby i was able to return to pre weight at 123. unfortunately, i was left with this pouch and some loose skin. i have been to a surgeon and was given the option of either the full or mini-tuck with liposuction of the upper abdomen and flanks. as baby is 16 months down time is a factor so I was leaning towards the mini. However after seeing some pics on here (hopefully my case is not as bad as what I saw) now I'm afraid that I may still have remaining loose skin. Your opinion?

You are an excellent candidate for a Mini-tummy tuck with liposuction of the abdomen because you have mild bulging and loose skin below the belly button and minimal changes above the belly button that can be improved with liposuction alone.

A mini-tummy tuck works best when the changes after pregnancy are just in the lower abdomen.  This is often the case after the first pregnancy and possibly the second pregnancy.

Mini-tummy tuck (with liposuction):

• Will correct loose skin below belly button
• Will correct the pouch or bulging below belly button
• Has a low, shorter scar the easily hides under a bikini
• Is about 2-3 inches longer than a C- section scar
• Does not correct loose skin or bulging of the area above the belly button
• Is an easier less painful and shorter recovery than a full tummy-tuck

Full Tummy Tuck (with liposuction of the hips):

• Corrects more severe changes of the upper and lower abdomen including loose skin, bulging of the abdominal wall above and below the belly button and stretch marks of the lower abdomen
• Gives an overall more dramatic improvement in the appearance of the abdomen
• Involves a longer and somewhat more painful recovery (this is less of a problem with automatic pain pumps which greatly decrease the pain after this surgery)
• Is best for patients with loose skin and bulging above an below the belly button

David L. Mobley, MD

Sarasota Plastic Surgeon

How Do I Choose Which Implant Size is Right for Me?

Hello, I'm 5'2 and weigh 118 pounds. I just had my consultation and my surgery is scheduled in two months. I'm currently a small B/A and would like to be C. My doctor recommended 350cc for a medium C. I don't know whether i should go medium C or full C. I want to look natural yet full without being too over the top. Should i go medium C or full C?

It is important that when choosing a breast implant size you as the patient take an active role in the decision.  The best size for each patient is different depending on your body size, shape, measurements and how much larger you desire to be.

Step 1 Consultation with the Plastic Surgeon

• Be as clear as possible about how large you would like to be.  Many women ask for a medium or full C-cup.  If you are not sure the plastic surgeon will help you decide
• Decide Saline or Silicone.  Saline implants are more palpable (you can feel them more on the sides) but less to worry about.  Silicone implants feel more like a real breast but involve more follow-up with the doctor and may need to be changed more frequently
• Make sure you go over any history of breast related problems such as biopsies, or any family history of breast cancer

Step 2  Examination By the Plastic Surgeon

• A complete breast exam is important to look for lumps in the breasts or axillary region (under arms)
• The surgeon should measure you to determine which implants will fit well.  The base width is very important because it gives the surgeon a range of sizes to work from
• Your height, shoulder width, chest shape and size and breast size before implants are also important.

Step 3  Try on Implants for Size

• Using a surgical bra I have patients try on several sets of implants based on the measurements and then have them put on a T-shirt to determine how they would look in clothing.  While it's not perfect it gives you a good idea of how big you will be
• Make sure to try on moderate and high profile implants

Step 4  Decide the Following 

• The final size choice for the implant.  Also decide whether you want to give your plastic surgeon some choice to go up or down slightly if he thinks you would get a better result.
• Decide Silicone or Saline Implants.  Remember both work well so the right answer is different for each patient
• Decide on you incision location.  Infra mammary and Periareolar are the most common.  Axillary and Trans umbilical are less common choices

Finally, make sure you are having your breast augmentation by a board certified plastic surgeon who trained in plastic surgery and certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Because of declining insurance reimbursements many non-plastic surgeons including Oral surgeons, ENT surgeons, and General Surgeons are calling themselves cosmetic surgeons and performing breast augmentation.  Protect yourself and do your homework.  Google the American Board Of Medical Specialties web site and obtain any doctors true board certification.

The final choice of size such as medium C-cup or full  C-cup should be yours and yours alone.  Keep in mind that women often wish they had gone slightly larger once they completely heal.  If it comes down to two sizes and you can't decide, it's probably a good idea to choose the slightly larger implant size.

David L. Mobley, MD

Sarasota Plastic Surgeon