Q: Why might some doctors not want to do a Transaxillary Breast Augmentation?
Hello,
The most common method for placing breast implants is known as "inframammary", or when a scar is placed under the breast along the fold. This leaves a visible scar underneath the breasts. Another method for breast augmentation is transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation. This is when an incision is made inside the armpit and the implant is placed through there.
The transaxillary method requires a lot of skill and expertise from a surgeon. It requires learning a new technique that maybe a surgeon has not taken the time to learn yet. It also requires special equipment to perform the procedure endoscopically, or using a camera, that maybe the surgeon does not have. The transaxillary approach is a wonderful option for patients who do not want to live with a scar on their breasts. However, it is important you choose a surgeon who has experience performing this surgery.
Some surgeons might worry that the bacteria from under the arm might contaminate the breast implant. In order to avoid this, we have our patients get Botox under the arm at least 2 weeks before surgery in order to stop sweating and therefore bacterial growth. We also use a device known as a Keller funnel, which allows the surgeon to place the implant without having to touch it, and allows the implant to enter the breast pocket without touching any skin of the patient.
At my practice we perform transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentations very frequently and I find my patients are very happy with the end results. The end results do not look any different from the inframammary approach besides the lack of scarring.
Q: How painful is Breast Augmentation?
Hello,
A common complaint about pain from my patients following breast augmentation is muscle soreness in the chest, as if they did a lot of push ups. This occurs when the breast implant is placed under the muscle, because the muscle is injured during surgery and will feel sore afterwards. What often helps minimize this pain is to avoid any pectoral muscle-building workouts for 6 weeks before surgery. That way the muscles are not tight and the patient might experience less soreness following surgery.
Any pain following the procedure is often well controlled by Tylenol, but a stronger pain medication is often prescribed if needed. We do not recommend taking advil, mostrin, or any NSAIDs 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery to minimize any risk of bleeding.
Q: Is liposuction the only way to permanently remove fat cells?
Hello,
I would recommend one of two options for fat removal: coolsculpting and liposuction.
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical treatment that uses cold temperatures to kill fat cells in a certain area. It is recommended for people who do not wish to have a surgical procedure. We recommend multiple treatments to an area you wish to reduce, and most people see about a 20% reduction of fat in that area.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat cells. It provides more guaranteed results than CoolSculpting.
Both of these treatments remove fat cells permanently. Once removed they do not grow back. However, it is important to remember these treatments are for body contouring, not weight loss. When you gain weight in the future following these procedures, you will see a greater enlargement of different areas of the body that maybe did not bother you as much as before.
I encourage you to take a look at my gallery for before and after photos of CoolSculpting and liposuction to the thighs. And always talk to a plastic surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Q: Will I gain weight after liposuction?
Hello,
It is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but a body contouring procedure. While you are removing fat cells from your body, the ultimate goal of liposuction is to improve stubborn areas of fat that bulge out, not to lose significant amount of weight.
Where you gain weight depends on your natural fatty proportions. Some people naturally have more fat cells in their abdomen, which is where they will see the most enlargement if they gain weight. Other people have more fat cells in their breasts, and will see their breasts increase in size when they gain weight. Everyone is different!
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the area being treated. Once fat cells are removed, they do not grow back. Therefore, any change you see in the area treated by liposuction should be permanent. However, one must realize that liposuction changes their fatty proportions and will change the way they gain weight. For example: if a patient previously gained weight in their abdomen and then had liposuction of the abdomen, when the patient gains weight in the future they will see a more dramatic enlargement of a different area. Maybe the breasts or the arms.
Therefore, liposuction does not prevent you from gaining weight. It prevents enlargement of a certain problem area. Any future weight gained might affect other areas.
Q: Fat removal in stubborn area. What can I do to get rid of it? (Photo)
Hello!
The area that you are referring to is known as the "upper bra fat". It is the bulge under your shoulder and near your armpit that you see when you are wearing tight clothing.
The upper bra fat is often treated with liposuction. Liposuction is a procedure where stubborn fat areas are surgically removed, improving body contour. If you prefer a non-surgical procedure, you could also try CoolSculpting. This is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that uses cold temperatures to kill fat cells and permanently remove them from the body. Although liposuction provides more guaranteed results than CoolSculpting, it might be a good first option for someone who is hesitant for a surgical procedure.
To find out which option is right for you, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon to see if you are a good candidate! Our office is located in New York City and performs multiple liposuction and CoolSculpting procedures each week.
