Breast Augmentation and Liposuction Blog - Dr. Bottger

"What's New" in Plastic Surgery - Seattle Meeting

2010-01-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

A number of newer trends emerged at the recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons meeting in Seattle.

In regard to facial rejuvenation more emphasis is being placed on volume and restoration in the form of fat grafting. By using very small cannula's, fat removed by liposuction, typically from the abdomen, is injected into the face. Such volume restoration to the upper and lower eyelids may circumvent the need for more aggressive class blepharoplasty procedures which actually remove fat and may produce a more gaunt or skeletalized appearance. Grafting of the cheek regions may also be added to various face lifting techniques to recreate the volume associated with a youthful face.

A number of panels and discussions focused on newer techniques for fat removal. Smart and slim liposuction utilizes a laser attached cannula's which vaporize fat cells. The resultant liquefied fat is subsequently removed by standard aspiration.

Bodylite is a new device which utilizes radio waves to break up and destroy or "melt" fat cells. This device has not yet been approved by the FDA for use in the United States.

Supposed advantages of these newer techniques include reduced bruising and swelling and potentially increased skin tightening. Thus far, however, no definitive evidence was shown showing that the newer liposuction methods produce any better results than can be obtained with standard tumescent technique.

Water jet liposuction is another new technique that utilizes a high pressure spray of a saline solution to dislodge and remove fat cells. Supposed advantages are requirements for less tumescent infiltration potentially making the endpoint of the procedure easier to determine, as well as potentially less bruising. As with the other new devices no evidence has been presented showing superior results than standard tumescent technique.

New Innovation for Breast Augmentation Surgery

2010-01-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

A new innovation has recently been introduced for the placement of silicone gel implants in breast augmentation. The device is remarkably simple, resembling the funnels used by pastry chefs to decorate cakes. The breast implant is placed into the funnel, the funnel tip is inserted into the incision, and the implant is virtually "squeezed" into the dissected pocket, almost like a liquid. The device provides a number of advantages. The first is less trauma to the breast implant. Normally placement of a gel implant requires a fair amount of aggressive manipulation, which has the potential of damaging or weakening the implant shell. This trauma could theoretically lead to a greater chance for ultimate implant rupture.

Also, the Keller funnel allows placement of the implant without the device touching the skin or operative field. This is significant in that contamination of the implant shell with bacteria is felt to be a major cause of capsular contracture, leading to firm or hard beasts. The final advantage of the device is the ability to utilize smaller incisions and therefore, have shorter final scars. This, also, allows for more incisional placement options.

I have found this device to be of great value in my silicone gel breast augmentation patients.

Size Matters – Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size

2010-01-11T09:05:00.001-08:00

According to one study, 34% of women who chose breast implant reoperation sought a larger implant. Clearly, the expense, exposure to surgery and recovery time involved make choosing the right breast implant size the first time an important matter.

Dr. Bottger's expertise in helping each woman achieve her preferred look covers choosing the size, shape and placement of the implants. While the trend is toward smaller, more proportional implants, he will determine the best technique to obtain whatever contour you prefer, the first time.

Before having breast implant surgery, it's best to be at an optimal weight. Losing weight after breast implant surgery can affect the tautness and shape of your breasts. It's best to lose excess weight first.

If you are considering any other body enhancements such as a tummy tuck, or future pregnancies and breastfeeding, it's very important to discuss this with Dr. Bottger. Breastfeeding is an especially important consideration. Although most women have no problems breastfeeding after having breast implants, you will want to know how your implants might affect your breastfeeding plans.

Please contact cosmetic surgeon, David Bottger, M.D. at one of his Pennsylvania plastic surgery offices in Philadelphia, Newtown Square, Bryn Mawr, or West Chester when you are ready for your breast implant size consultation.

Share Your Experiences

2010-01-07T09:11:00.001-08:00

Online customer reviews are a popular resource for people looking for a cosmetic surgeon. Some websites are solely dedicated to online opinions, while others have specific areas where you can post your opinion.

We highly value your opinions! Below are a list of websites that make it easy for you to share honest feedback about your experience with Dr. David A. Bottger. Please take a minute to share your opinion and post a review of your experience with our office at these review sites:

Google - Google uses a rating system that allows you to assign up to five stars for excellent service and write a quick review to share your experience. Visit our profile and share your opinion.
Citysearch - Visit our office profile, click on the "Write a Review" link in the upper right corner of the profile, rank our office and share a short review.
Yelp - Yelp.com also uses the five star rating system and review area. Go directly to our profile to rate our office and share your opinion.

We hope you had a positive experience with Dr. David A. Bottger. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

What is the Best Age for Breast Augmentation?

2009-07-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

For breast augmentation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves saline-filled breast implants for women age 18 and older and silicone-filled implants for women age 22 and older. These are age recommendations, not legal restrictions, and teens under age 18 are actually able to get breast augmentation as long as they have parental consent.

There are many reasons why it may be inappropriate for teens to undergo breast augmentation surgery:

Women's breasts can continue to develop into the 20s, so the breasts they have at age 16 may look completely different at 23.
Teenagers may not be mature enough to fully understand the potential risks and complications that can arise as a result of breast implants.
On average, breast implants have a lifespan of 10 years, so getting implants at a young age can possibly require many additional surgeries over the patient's lifetime.
Breast implants can impede milk production after pregnancy, so women who plan to become pregnant in the future may have difficulties breastfeeding.
Body image is a hot topic with teenage girls, and some may feel that breast implants will help to make them more popular. This is not a healthy reason to get implants.

According to a February 2009 article, "the Italian Health Ministry is considering banning teenagers from undergoing breast augmentation surgery, citing the health risks" or medical complications that can occur when a woman is not fully mature. For now, there are no age bans in the United States.

The debate over what age is the appropriate age for breast augmentation will continue as long as there is no definitive legal restriction. If you are considering breast implants for your teenager and would like to discuss the decision with Dr. David Bottger, please contact us today for a free breast implant age analysis consultation. We serve patients in Delaware and in and around the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.

Proper Placement of Breast Implants on the Chest

2009-07-18T11:04:00.000-07:00

There is no definitive right or wrong answer when it comes to breast implant placement on the chest. Depending on the patient’s physical characteristics, activity level and the type of implant being used, the patient and surgeon should work together to determine the best placement of the implants to achieve the desired results.

Implant Placement Options

There are several choices when it comes to implant placement:

Subglandular plane, located under the breast tissue
Submuscular plane, located under the pectoralis muscle or chest wall
Dual plane, located under both the breast tissue and pectoralis muscle

Subglandular Plane

This location allows for a very natural appearance and movement, and cleavage can be easily created. However, capsular contracture is often more common in this location and mammography results can be difficult to accurately interpret.

Submuscular Plane

This is the preferred location for saline implants because it is less likely to:

Show rippling
Interfere with mammograms
Cause capsular contracture

Dual Plane

Dual plane placement creates very aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking breasts that have a natural slope to the top of the breasts.

What works well for one patient may not be the right answer for another. Breast implant placement is a very personal decision that should be discussed in depth with your cosmetic surgeon.

If you would like a free breast implant consultation with a reputable cosmetic surgeon to discuss these and other breast implant options, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Bottger today.

How to Know When You Need to Remove or Replace Implants

2009-07-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Most women who have breast augmentation surgery from a reputable, experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Bottger are very happy with the results. However, even the most satisfied patients may require implant removal or replacement at some point during the lifetime of the implants, which is on average 10 years.

There are certain circumstances in which implant removal or replacement is essential:

Implant rupture: Saline implant ruptures are usually very obvious, as the solution will be easily and safely absorbed into the body causing the implant to deflate. Silicone ruptures are not always as evident, which is why occasional testing is recommended to ensure that the foreign substance is not entering the body.
Capsular contracture: This complication can occur when the tissue lining that forms around the implant begins to shrink and subsequently squeezes the implant. The implant can become hard and painful for the patient as well as visibly distorted.
Implant rippling: Often occurring in women who have thin, soft breast tissue, implant folds, creases and wrinkles can sometimes be visually apparent. These distortions can be very distressing for the patient.

Other problems that can warrant removal or replacement include:

Asymmetry
Infection
Bleeding
Poor wound healing
Breast sagging or drooping

Some women simply wish to return to their “normal” size and request that their implants be removed.

If you are unhappy with your breast implants and are considering removal or replacement, please contact Pennsylvania cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Bottger today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and the options available.

Double Bubble Breast Surgery

2009-07-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

In breast augmentation surgery, one of the decisions that the patient and surgeon must make together is where to place the breast implants on the chest:

Under the breast tissue, called the subglandular plane
Under the pectoralis muscle, called the submuscular plane
Under both the breast tissue and pectoralis muscle, called the dual plane

Each of these locations has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Likewise, some locations are better than others depending on the type of implant being inserted.

A phenomenon called “double bubble” is one breast implant complication that can arise when implants are placed under the pectoralis muscle or on the submuscular plane. If the patient’s breasts begin to sag or droop after the implant is placed, the implant will typically stay in place as the breast tissue drops below. The patient may then be left with what may appear like two breast creases or two breasts.

The double bubble can also occur:

After a patient has experienced breast sagging after pregnancy and/or breastfeeding
As a result of capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant begins to constrict, creating painful or hardened breasts
If the patient has tubular-shaped breasts
If the patient has a constricted breast crease

Depending on the severity, a double bubble can be corrected by a breast lift, implant removal or replacement.

If you would like to learn more about the potential risks and complications of breast implant surgery, please contact our office today to arrange a breast augmentation consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Bottger.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation

2009-06-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Breast lifts and breast augmentation are two separate cosmetic surgery options to help women enhance, enlarge or contour their breasts. Sometimes these procedures are used in conjunction to achieve the desired results and sometimes only one procedure is necessary.

Breast Lift

A breast lift can help reverse the effects of aging, pregnancy or weight loss. Over time and after such major life experiences, the skin of the breasts can lose elasticity and succumb to gravity leaving breasts that sag or droop. Also called mastopexy, a breast lift involves the removal of excess skin and the repositioning of the nipple to reshape the breasts. The breasts will be perkier, firmer and look more youthful; however, they will not be larger in size.

There are two different types of incision methods that can be used for the breast lift procedure, depending on the severity:

Donut, which results in an areola scar only
Vertical, which results in a scar that circles the areola and extends vertically to the fold of the breast

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammaplasty, is used to enlarge and reshape a woman’s breasts. Typically, this procedure alone will not correct sagging breasts, although there are always exceptions.

Women who choose breast augmentation have many important choices to make, including:

Saline or silicone implants
Size and shape of the implants
Incision location
Placement of the implants on the chest

If you would like to enhance or enlarge your breasts and would like to know which procedure might be right for you, please contact Philadelphia breast surgeon Dr. Bottger today for a free consultation.

Realistic Expectations for Plastic Surgery

2009-06-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

Plastic surgery can help both men and women change physical attributes about themselves that they find undesirable. Before embarking on any type of cosmetic surgery, the patient should discuss his or her final outcome expectations with the surgeon so everyone has a realistic understanding about the surgery possibilities and limitations.

Women considering breast augmentation surgery should have open and honest discussions with the surgeon regarding:

Size, shape and texture: There are different types of implants available, and each will look and feel differently.
Scarring: Depending on the incision location, the incision scars may or may not be visible.
Recovery time: Patients should wait 3 weeks to resume strenuous activity, and the breasts may not be fully healed and shaped until several months after surgery.
Replacement: Implants do not last a lifetime, and the average lifespan is 10 years. It is possible that the implants may need to be replaced due to deflation or other complications.
Sagging: A breast lift may be necessary to correct sagging breasts. Typically breast implants alone will not fix this problem.

Breast augmentation is an invasive surgery that carries potential risks and complications. Patients should be fully aware of these risks before making the important decision to undergo surgery.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery and would like to meet with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Bottger to discuss your expectations, please visit our “contact us” page for a free breast implant expectations consultation. We serve patients in and around Philadelphia, PA and all of Delaware.

Importance of Honesty with Your Plastic Surgeon

2009-06-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

It is for a patient’s own safety that plastic surgeons ask a variety of screening questions and/or do medical testing prior to performing surgeries. By understanding each patient inside and out, the surgeon has a better chance of reducing any risks or complications that can occur.

Surgeons should inquire about:

Medical history: Plastic surgeons should be fully informed about patient’s medical history in order to determine which type of surgery, if any, is appropriate and safe for the patient.
Psychological disorders: Mental illnesses, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, can give people warped self-images, making them poor candidates for plastic surgery. These individuals may believe that the surgeries will make them happier, when in actuality the surgeries may have the reverse effect.
Substance abuse: Individuals with substance abuse problems may suffer from depression and undergo plastic surgery for the wrong reasons. The healing time for these patients can also be greatly lengthened, adding to the patient’s depression and despair.
Medications: The surgeon should know about all medications the patient is taking prior to, during and after surgery. Even herbal medications and vitamins have been known to cause complications and delay or prevent proper healing.

The more honest you are with your surgeon, the better chance you have for a successful surgery and desired outcome.

If you would like to discuss plastic surgery options and live in the Philadelphia or Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania area, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Bottger today for a plastic surgery consultation.

Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size

2009-06-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

Some women may be surprised to learn that silicone and saline breast implants are not created with bra cup sizes in mind. Because there is no absolute industry standard among bra manufacturers on cup sizes, it would be virtually impossible for implant manufacturers to create a D-size implant, for example, that perfectly fit every D-size bra on the market.

Breast implants are classified by the volume of saline solution or silicone gel that is injected into the implant shell. Breast implants range in size, depending on how large the woman would like her breasts to look. Typically, implants range in size from 250cc (cubic centimeters) to 1200cc with 350cc being one of the most popular implant sizes.

Each woman’s own unique body type will determine how much saline or silicone will be necessary to create the desired breast size. A 350cc implant on one woman may have a completely different effect on a different woman. However, as a rule of thumb, each 150cc-175cc of implant may increase a woman’s bra size one cup.

Pennsylvania and Delaware-area cosmetic surgeon, Dr. David Bottger, is experienced in helping women determine the right breast implant size for their body shape, breast shape, lifestyle and final expectations. If you would like to learn more about the different methods used to select the right implant size, please contact our office for a free breast implant sizing consultation.

Benefits of Plastic Surgery in the Spring

2009-04-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

Springtime is a time of renewal as people begin to shed their heavy winter clothing and start to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. Just as the trees and flowers embark on their blooming and growth patterns, so do many people elect to have cosmetic surgery procedures during the spring months.

Why is spring cosmetic surgery so popular?

We all know that once spring has sprung, summer is close behind. Summer is equated with lighter, smaller clothing options, revealing bathing suits and outdoor gatherings with family and friends. By undergoing plastic surgery in the spring, patients will be prepared to look and feel their absolute best during the summer months.

What types of springtime surgeries are popular?

Virtually any type of plastic surgery can help people gain or regain self-confidence and feel more comfortable in their bodies. Dr. Bottger routinely provides a variety of cosmetic surgery procedures to patients in the spring including:

Liposuction
Tummy tucks
Breast augmentation/lifts
Male and female breast reduction
Thigh or arm lifts
BOTOX® or facial fillers
Laser skin resurfacing
Facelifts or other facial procedures

If you are interested in reshaping or enhancing any part of your face or body, please contact Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bottger for a plastic surgery consultation.

Breast Augmentation and Mammograms

2009-04-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

Any time you schedule a mammogram appointment, one of the first questions the office should ask is whether or not you have breast implants. This is an important question because breast implants can affect both the mammogram results as well as how the mammogram is performed.

Problems surrounding mammograms on implants

Tumors can be hidden from view by implants
Cancerous changes may go undetected
There is a slight risk of implant rupture
The images may be difficult to interpret

All women should get yearly mammograms after age 40. However, if you are considering breast augmentation and you are under age 40, it may be beneficial to have an early baseline mammogram to ensure that the pre-operative breasts are healthy. These baseline pre-implant results can be compared with future mammogram results on the breasts with implants. This may help radiologists detect any inconsistencies or tumors that would have otherwise been missed.

With our without implants, mammograms are one of the best ways to identify early stages of breast cancer and help increase a woman’s chance of survival.

To learn more about breast implants and mammograms, please contact Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bottger for a free breast augmentation consultation.

Find Your Perfect Size

2009-04-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

Women considering breast augmentation have many different decisions to make prior to surgery. Detailed consultations with an experienced cosmetic surgeon like Philadelphia, Pennsylvania cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bottger will help patients determine:

• Which type of implant to use: silicone or saline
• Where to place the implant: under the breast tissue or under the chest wall/pectoralis muscle
• Where the incision will be placed
• What size of implant to choose

Because each woman is unique and has different expectations for the final result following breast augmentation, finding the perfect breast implant size is not an exact science. However, Dr. Bottger utilizes a variety of methods to help guide each patient toward making the right decision.

Methods

• Before and after photos: Dr. Bottger has performed breast augmentation on hundreds of patients with different body types. Viewing photos of similar bodies can help new patients get an idea of how the surgery will enhance their own bodies.
• Measuring breast dimensions: These measurements will show what size(s) of implants will be most aesthetically pleasing on the new patient’s body frame.
• Implant sizers: Different sized implants placed in bras are worn by the patient to simulate how the new breasts will look in regular clothing.

In short, there is no “perfect” breast implant size. If you are considering changing your appearance through breast augmentation, please contact our office today for a breast enlargement consultation.

Difference between Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons

2009-04-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

Most people use the terms “plastic surgery” and “cosmetic surgery” interchangeably. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that “the word ‘plastic’ in ‘plastic surgery’ does not mean ‘artificial,’ but is derived from the ancient Greek word ‘plasticos,’ which means to mold or give form.”

The umbrella term “plastic surgery” encompasses both cosmetic surgery as well as reconstructive surgery. These terms can be defined as:

• Cosmetic surgery: elective procedures that a person chooses to alter his or her outward appearance. Examples include breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, injectable fillers, etc.
• Reconstructive surgery: necessary surgical procedures to help improve or restore normal functions or create a normal outward appearance for a person. Examples of reconstructive scenarios include cleft-lip, hand or other deformities; growths; lacerations; etc.

Unfortunately, virtually any doctor can hang a plastic surgeon sign on his door and perform these intricate surgeries, even though he or she has not undergone the proper training and received the appropriate certifications.

Before undergoing any type of plastic surgery procedure, do your research. Make sure that the surgeon you choose is:

• Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• A member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• A member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bottger is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has helped hundreds of patients achieve the face and body they desire. If you would like to learn more about the different cosmetic surgery options available, please contact our office for an initial cosmetic surgery consultation.

Liposuction

2009-03-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

Deposits of stubborn, excess fat can make an otherwise confident person feel insecure about his or her appearance. When diet and exercise programs fail to help a person achieve the desired body contours, liposuction is a viable alternative.

Liposuction involves making small incisions in the body to insert a small tube (cannula) and suction out excess fat. There are a variety of different liposuction methods available, including methods which utilize ultrasound waves or power-driven cannulas to help break up the fat prior to its removal. Dr. Bottger generally utilizes the standard suction method combined with a tumescent technique to constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding to produce excellent results.

It is important to note that liposuction does not tighten loose skin and it does not improve cellulite.

Is liposuction only for the stomach area?

No. Liposuction can be performed on many different areas of the body, including the:

• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Hips
• Waist
• Knees
• Back
• Arms
• Neck
• Calves
• Ankles

If you have been considering liposuction and would like to know if you are a good candidate for this surgery, please contact Philadelphia, Pennsylvania cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bottger to arrange a free liposuction consultation.

Tummy Tuck

2009-03-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Most men and women desire a flat, toned tummy. Unfortunately, this physical trait can be hard to come by, especially for women who have experienced the effects that pregnancy can leave on their midsections. If you have been struggling with sculpting your abdomen, despite healthy eating habits and regular exercise, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure might be the answer.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini-abdominoplasty is performed only on the lower abdomen, below the navel. Even though it is sometimes called a “scar-less” tummy tuck, it is still necessary to make a small incision to remove excess skin and fat deposits. There is generally no need for belly button repositioning with this procedure. Candidates for this procedure are those who have a slight abdominal pooch.

Full Tummy Tuck

The more common full abdominoplasty procedure helps to remove excess fat and skin throughout the entire abdominal wall. The abdominal muscles are also tightened as a result, creating a firmer, more desirable profile. Liposuction is often combined with abdominoplasty to ultimately create the desired body shape.

When performed by a skilled, knowledgeable surgeon like Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bottger, tummy tucks are a safe, effective way to enhance your body. To arrange a tummy tuck consultation, please contact our office today.

Gummy Bear Implants

2009-03-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Cohesive gel breast implants, commonly referred to as gummy bear implants, are a type of silicone gel implant for breast augmentation that is firmer and thicker than regular silicone. As its nickname implies, gummy bear implants are soft, firm, pliable and strong. (However, they are not bear-shaped or multicolored.)

Advantages

Gummy bear implants have some advantages over regular silicone and saline implants, including:

• Cohesive gel is more stable and durable.
• If the implant is ruptured or cut, the gel will not ooze but will stay in place and the implant will retain its shape.
• The consistency is more like breast tissue than saline implants.
• Capsular contracture (scar tissue compression that can lead to tight, hard breasts) is less likely to occur in non-ruptured implants.

Disadvantages

Although the disadvantages are few, patients should be aware that:

• A larger surgical incision is required for implant placement.
• The implant cannot be inserted through the belly button as in transumbilical breast augmentation.
• The initial cost is higher than with regular silicon or saline implants.

If you would like to learn more about gummy bear implants, please contact Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bottger to arrange a consultation and learn which type of implant is right for you.

Breast Augmentation Facts

2009-03-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, can enhance and enlarge the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. This surgical procedure has become very popular for a variety of women who:

• Want to reconstruct their breasts following a disease or accident
• Wish to balance the size or shape of their breasts in relation to their body size
• Simply want larger breasts

Breast Surgery Facts

Before undergoing breast augmentation, it is important to be aware of and fully understand all of the facts about breast enlargement surgery.

• Types of augmentation: saline or silicone gel
• Type of surgical procedure: invasive outpatient surgery which requires small incisions
• Anesthesia type: general
• Implant location: implants can be placed either above or below the pectoralis muscle
• Average cost: $3,000-$10,000
• Average procedure length: 1-2 hours
• Average recovery time: 1-2 weeks
• Possible risks: implant rupture; capsular contracture resulting in hard, tight breasts; infection; rippling; sensation loss
• Augmentation lifespan: most breast implants will last, on average, for 10 years; however, this varies greatly from woman to woman

If you are considering breast augmentation and would like to learn all of the facts, please contact Philadelphia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bottger to schedule your initial breast enlargement consultation.

Maintaining Breast Health Before and After Surgery

2009-02-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

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 & Implant Cup Size

2009-02-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

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.

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

2009-02-09T08:50:00.000-08:00

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.

A Breast Lift Can Restore a Youthful Look

2009-02-02T08:46:00.000-08:00

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.

Help for Inverted Nipples

2009-01-26T14:40:00.000-08:00

Around ten to twenty percent of women have some degree of what are known as inverted nipples. Health risks are not a concern to those impacted, but for new mothers wishing to nurse, the condition can obviously be troublesome, and some women do not like the appearance of their inverted nipples.

Inverted nipples are connected to breast tissue beneath them by connective tissue bands. A loosening or breakage of these connections can again cause the nipple to protrude.

For women with mildly inverted nipples, sometimes called "shy nipples," many nonsurgical options exist. Solutions may involve bringing the nipple out with ice or other stimulating procedures. Pregnant women who are preparing their breasts for breast feeding can use an implement called a breast shell that is placed inside the bra; breast shells are plastic discs that have a hole in the middle where the nipple is allowed to protrude. A dome covers the disc to let air circulate underneath, coaxing the nipple to pull outward.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Bottger also assists women with this condition if other methods fail. Surgical intervention can definitely improve the appearance of the nipples, but may not improve a woman's chance of breastfeeding.

If you live in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, Dr. Bottger can help you decide the best procedure to treat your inverted nipples. Please contact Dr. Bottger’s office at 610.520.1929 today to schedule an appointment.