During such procedures, some patients may benefit from a breast lift, when down sizing or after weight changes.  Over time, skin loses its elasticity, which requires excess skin to be removed and/or tightened.  The amount and degree are determined by the patient’s desired breast size and the amount of elasticity remaining in your skin.

Site location, above or below the muscle, as well as the type of implant (saline or silicone) will also determine the appropriate procedure and your final result.  In some circumstances, patients may not need a lift and instead may benefit from a site change.

• Implant type – saline vs. silicone
• The physician
• The geographic area
• The type of anesthesia

The approximate cost at Indiana Plastic Surgery ranges from $5200 (package price for saline implants, includes my fee, facility, anesthesia, cost of implants and postop visits) to $6200 (package price for silicone implants).

This price may vary depending on whether a patient is having a revision or replacement, as well as the possible need for a breast lift with an augmentation.
Beware of prices that seem to good to pass up and be sure to verify your plastic surgeon’s credentials, making sure he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Also, check on the facility where your surgery is being performed to make sure it is accredited by the state in which your physician practices.

When the FDA reintroduced silicone breast implants for use in cosmetic breast surgery, the restriction put in place was patients had to be at least 22 years of age.  The only exception was for patients with severe rippling from a previous breast augmentation or patients requiring them for reconstructive reasons such as Polands Syndrome or other congenital breast deformities.

Use of silicone implants for any other purposes than stated above are considered off label uses.  This means the implant manufacturer will not be liable for any problems that may occur.

We told this patient that the proposal to sign a waiver to get silicone implants under the age of 22 seemed unusual and even suspicious.  An ethical, board certified plastic surgeon probably would not make such an offer.

After several months (sometimes sooner), almost all patients adjust to their implants and begin to accept them as a part of themselves. With time, breast implants will look more natural and become a part of you.

We tell our patients that “time is on their side.” While it is rare, patients that feel uncomfortable about their implants several months after the procedure can have them removed or changed.

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The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery produced this educational video, and is devoted entirely to advancing the field of cosmetic plastic surgery through education and research.

The figures indicate that 355,671 breast augmentation surgeries were performed last year, compared to 341,144 liposuction procedures.

In a press release, ASPS President Alan Gold, MD comments that “for the first time in the twelve years these statistics have been collected, liposuction is a runner up in popularity to breast augmentation.”

Dr. Gold theorizes that “changes in fashion, i.e. décolletage baring styles, might be a factor behind this change.”

Of the 10.2 million cosmetic procedures undergone in America in 2008, 92 percent were had by women.

Last year’s top 5 surgical procedures are as follows:

1. Breast Augmentation
2. Liposuction
3. Eyelid Surgery
4. Rhinoplasty
5. Abdominoplasty

Last year’s top five non-surgical procedures include:

1. Botox
2. Laser Hair Removal
3. Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers (Juvederm, Restylane)
4. Chemical Peel
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing