| - |
Breast augmentation revision surgery
How to minimize its need?
When a
woman chooses to go under the knife, it is a big
decision for her and family members. At that time, the
thought of a revision surgery does not occur to most, but
the reality is that one in four of these women will have a
second
breast augmentation operation within five years,
according to the FDA. While some re-operations are
necessitated by complications such as
capsular
contracture and rupture, many other revisions are
performed simply because the patient isn’t satisfied with
her cosmetic results.
Dr.
Robert Schwartz, Dallas’ best-known
plastic surgeon, has achieved a revision rate far
below the national average by following a
three-step process to accomplish his patients’ specific
goals. Schwartz cautions that while he cannot prevent
re-operations, his process is designed to minimize the
chances of performing additional surgeries. |
|
|
|
Step One -- Detailed Measurement
During the
initial visit, a comprehensive series of measurements is
taken of the patient’s
breasts and
chest
area. These measurements define the types and
sizes of implants that best match a patient’s
physique.
Implants that might produce less-than-optimal results
are eliminated from consideration. |
|
|
Step Two -- Real Women, Not
Models Schwartz
asks patients to review dozens of before-and-after
pictures to
 select
the ones that most closely match the results they
are seeking. The pictures are of actual
breast augmentation patients -- not
magazine models, as are often used in such
consultations. By discussing the
photos and the patient’s desires at length,
Schwartz gains a precise understanding of the
woman’s objectives and can choose the
best implants to achieve them. According
to Dr. Schwartz, “Patients often describe the
results they want in terms of
cup size. But
cup sizes are not precise measurements; rarely
do the patient and surgeon have an identical image
of what a C or D cup is. By reviewing the pictures
together, the patient and I go to the operating
room with a shared vision for the surgery.” |
|
Step Three -- A Final Test
In the
operating room, Schwartz utilizes test implants to confirm
the best size and shape to match the patient’s frame and
achieve her
aesthetic objectives. Only then is the test implant
replaced with an identical permanent implant. “Using this
process, we leave the
operating room confident that we have chosen the best
possible implant for the patient’s goals and body type,”
Schwartz said.
|
|
|
