Breast Augmentation and Liposuction Blog - Dr. Bottger

Mammograms and self breast exams are central to maintaining good breast health—both before and after any type of breast enhancement surgery. Following the age of 40, a screening mammogram is strongly recommended every one to two years, taking personal risk factors into account.

Make Sure to Get Routine Mammograms

Patients should be aware that depending on how breast implants are placed, they can to some extent decrease the effectiveness of mammogram procedures. This makes mammograms even more important, however, as research strongly indicates that mammograms effectively screen for breast cancer—even when women have had their breasts augmented. Tell the nurse, technician, or doctor performing the mammogram about your implants before the screening.

Take Time to Locate an Experienced Facility

Once you have obtained your implants, it is important that you take the time to identify a breast screening facility where large numbers of mammograms are performed each year. The population of women screened should include a substantial group of women who have had their breasts augmented. Radiologists at the facility should have experience interpreting mammogram results on women who have implants, as this is a somewhat more complex process. If you have had silicone implants placed, an imaging exam (MRI) should be performed three years after implant placement and every two years after that to look for any possible ruptured areas on the implants.

If you live in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and are considering a breast enhancement procedure, please contact Dr. Bottger’s office at 610.520.1929 today to schedule an appointment.

Choosing the right implant size and implant cup size is a critical decision to avoid additional corrective surgeries down the road. Dr. Bottger works hard to assist his patients in selecting the right implant initially because more surgeries mean additional unnecessary risks. The vast majority of patients are delighted with the outcome of their breast augmentation surgery; however, if women do elect to have a second surgery, the reason typically centers around breast implant size.

Dr. Bottger carefully discusses what breast size is actually sustainable for each patient’s unique frame and skeletal structure. Skin tone is also involved in the determination. Some patients may not have enough flexibility to their skin to manage the larger implants.

You can help make a decision on breast implant size by taking stock of daily activities that may be affected by your enlarged breasts. You can also help by collecting pictures of women who have a similar build to you, but with breasts that think are attractive. You should consider trying on clothes that you like with a bra stuffed with different volumes of dry rice. ¾ cup of rice is about 185 cubic centimeters (cc, the unit used to measure the size of breast implants), approximately the amount the American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates will take most women up one bra cup size.

Only a careful examination by Dr. Bottger can make certain that a patient’s frame and skin type is appropriate to your desired breast implant type. Visualization methods are good to help you get your mind clear on what you are looking for, but don't get your heart set on anything before talking to a board-certified plastic surgeon.

If you live in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and would like to properly prepare for implant placement with a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon, please contact Dr. Bottger’s office at 610.520.1929 today to schedule an appointment.

Reconstructing a woman’s breast or breasts following a mastectomy is quite common these days. Many women feel the procedure helps them feel more whole again after the trauma of cancer. Two methods are typically used to restore the breast: implant reconstructions and restorations using the patient’s own tissues.

Implant Type Restorations

Dr. Bottger creates a breast mound by using an implant. Saline or silicone implants are placed under the skin and pectoral muscle to build a new breast.

Restorations with the Woman's Own Tissue

Using tissue from the abdomen, back, buttock or upper thigh, Dr. Bottger creates a new breast in this manner. Abdominal tissue is the most common source, and the procedure is called the T.R.A.M. flap.

Breast reconstruction techniques differ in how complex the procedures are, length of procedure and time until full recovery. Each patient should review these issues with Dr. Bottger so that the most appropriate method can be chosen. Most women find the breast reconstruction procedure very satisfying and a contributing factor to their healing and well being following breast cancer.

If you live in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and would like to learn more about how you could benefit from breast reconstruction surgery, please contact Dr. Bottger’s office at 610.520.1929 today to schedule an appointment.

Over time, gravity can take its toll even on the most pert figure, bringing about considerable drooping and sagging. Pregnancy, diminished skin elasticity and weight loss can all add to this effect.

Today’s breast lift procedures can do wonders toward restoring your original appearance—or towards improving your current look. One key advantage of a breast lift procedure is that you can couple it with building up your breasts through breast augmentation or reducing their size through breast reduction. This way you can achieve exactly the look you want.

The breast lift, or mastopexy procedure, requires Dr. Bottger to place the nipple and breast tissue on a higher level at the breast fold level, considered the ideal positioning for breast appearance. Dr. Bottger then contours the skin beneath the nipple to create a new breast shape. Breast implants can be employed at the same time for enlarging the breasts; this will be the patient’s personal decision and will also be based on the amount of breast tissue that is present to work with.

If you live in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area and would like to learn more about what a breast lift procedure might offer you, please contact Dr. Bottger’s office at 610.520.1929 today to schedule an appointment.