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Your First Choice,
Choosing to have Breast Augmentation |
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Breast Augmentation is technically known as
augmentation mammoplasty. This surgical procedure is performed using breast
implants to enhance the size and shape of your profile. Women choose Breast
Augmentation for many varied and personal reasons. The most common reasons for
Breast Augmentation include: |
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Enhancing breast size when women feel that their breasts are too small or
not in proportion with their overall body contour |
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Achieving a more proportionate breast symmetry in size and contour |
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Restoring breast volume and firmness for women after weight loss,
pregnancy, or breastfeeding |
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Improving breast shapes for women that have sagging or have lost skin
elasticity (a reason that frequently involves breast lift surgery, too) |
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“I had no idea how good I could look and feel following my breast implant surgery.”
Jamie Strahl, Age 44
Teacher, San Antonio, Texas |
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Of course, every woman's reasons are entirely personal.
And once you know that Breast Augmentation is right for you, a consultation with
a plastic surgeon will help you choose the right breast implant to accomplish
your goal of an ideal profile. |
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Pre Surgery: A-Cup. Post Surgery: A full
C-Cup with 325 cc Silicone Gel-filled implants. |
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Many women take an extensive look at
before and after pictures to see what benefit they can realize from Breast
Augmentation. In fact,
every plastic surgeon has before and after pictures of their work in their
portfolios and feature them on their website. We recommend
that you use the
Find a Surgeon directory of
Natrelle.com to select doctors in your area, visit their website, and review
their before and
after pictures. When you see a doctor's success that reflects your profile goal,
it is easy to contact them through the directory. |
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About Your Breast Augmentation Surgery |
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Surgery planning begins with an overall evaluation to
ensure you are healthy enough. The evaluation minimizes possible surgical risks.
A complete history of all health disorders, medications, and allergies will be
considered in pre-operative screening prior to surgery. Your surgeon may wish to
collaborate with your primary care provider for any additional information.
Blood testing and a baseline mammogram for women over the age of 35 or those
with a family history of breast cancer may be recommended prior to any breast
surgery. It is important to recognize that similar to other medical devices,
breast implants - saline or silicone - are not lifetime devices. It is possible
that at some point in your life they will need to be removed or replaced, and
you should talk to your surgeon about this prior to surgery.
Pre-Operative Preparation
Your plastic surgeon will discuss the procedure in detail with you during your
pre-operative consultation. This discussion should include an explanation of the
surgical procedure, risk and possible complications associated with the surgery,
and what to expect after surgery. Possible post-operative side effects, pain
management, and pain medications should also be discussed as part of your
preparation for surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure and
confirm that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential
complications associated with your surgery. Your surgeon may schedule surgery
several days or weeks from the time of your consultation to assure you have had
enough time to understand and accept all aspects of the consent form. If you
require further explanation, it is important to share your questions and
concerns with your surgeon, to ensure a truly "informed consent". |
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We also offer
the Natrelle®
Pre-Consultation Kit, so prior to your visit you have time to
consider the primary aspects of Breast Augmentation and in particular, become
comfortable with the size you may wish to set as your goal.
The breast aesthetic surgery consultation with your
surgeon should also include an evaluation of what would be the right breast
implant size, placement and incision site for you based on your personal goals
for surgery, and a thorough and realistic review of your expectations.
Guidelines for eating, drinking, smoking, medications, and
exercise before and after surgery will also be reviewed. Before the day of your
surgery, you should make arrangements for your aftercare and transportation
post-surgery. |
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“The surgery went absolutely
fine. There were no problems.
My surgeon really guided me along. My only regret is that
I waited nine years to do it.”
Nicole W., Age 38
Personal Trainer
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Incision Sites for Breast
Implant Placement
Your doctor plays a pivotal role in explaining
your options for surgery.
Breast tissue, body type and implant type and size will all be considered
before you and your doctor finalize a surgical plan. This is an overview
of
the most common incision choices your doctor can offer.
Inframammary Incision
An inframammary incision is placed in the fold
beneath your breast. This
location can accommodate every size and shape of implant, is often
concealed, and is known for fast recovery times. An inframammary incision
gives your surgeon the most precise access to where your breast implant will sit
after surgery.
Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision is performed on the
border of the dark skin around your nipple.
It is known to have fast recovery times, but does not accommodate every size
and shape of implant.
Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision is well concealed in the
armpit and more removed from the breast area, so it is less noticeable. Recovery
times are a bit longer and not all implant sizes and shapes can be accommodated. |
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The Two Choices
for Implant Placement
You can have your implants placed above the muscle
(subglandular) or below the muscle (subpectoral). Your doctor will decide
which placement location is best for you based on your goals, breast type and
other factors. The location choice will be part of your surgical plan. |
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Post-Operative Instructions
Instructions for recovery restrictions,
activities, and follow-up appointments will be reviewed at the time of your
pre-operative appointment and again when you are discharged from the facility
where your surgery is performed. You will have plenty of time to review this
information and to ask any questions.
Possible post-operative side effects, pain management, and
pain medications should be reviewed again when you are discharged, preferably in
the presence of the individual you have selected for your aftercare to ensure
you capture all instructions. If you experience excessive pain or symptoms other
than those that have been discussed prior to surgery do not hesitate to contact
your surgeon's office. Whether you are having breast reconstruction surgery or
Breast Augmentation, it is recommended that you take your husband, partner,
close friend, or caregiver with you to both your pre- and post-operative
appointments. This way, you'll have someone to support you and also another
resource for taking notes and helping you remember the surgeon's instructions.
What to Expect
Post-Operation
You should discuss your recovery plan with your surgeon prior to your Breast
Augmentation and plan for your recovery period accordingly. Your surgeon will
inform you of your follow-up medical needs. As with any surgical procedure, you
should arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home from the surgery
and also to stay with you for at least the first night. You should plan to take
at least a few days off from work to stay home and rest. It may be helpful to
prepare your home for your recovery in advance. In addition to any specific
instructions from your physician, you'll need the following: |
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Ice packs |
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Ointment or cream, as recommended by your physician |
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Loose, comfortable button-down shirts |
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Entertainment - Books, magazines or movies |
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You will be advised to avoid any heavy lifting for
about 4 weeks and to wait 6 to 8 weeks before resuming any exercise program. |
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Surgery planning, preparation, and
recovery can vary according to the specific procedure you choose. Breast
surgery, as with all
surgical procedures, carries some risks and uncertainties such as the effects of
anesthesia, infection and bleeding. Find information
about breast implants at
www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants.
Breast Care and
Health with Breast Implants
If you have saline or silicone gel-filled breast implants, continue your monthly
self-breast exams, annual clinical breast exams, and age-appropriate mammograms.
The mammogram procedure may be slightly different and the images more difficult
to interpret in women with breast implants. For this reason, mammograms
following Breast Augmentation are best done at a radiology center where the
technicians are experienced in special techniques for imaging of breast tissue
with breast implants. Additional angles may be required to allow for maximum
viewing of as much breast tissue as possible. When you schedule your mammography
appointments, inform the radiology center you have breast implants. When you
arrive for your mammogram, also inform the technologist that you have breast
implants.
In addition, a Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI) is
recommended for women with silicone gel-filled breast implants three years after
surgery and every two years thereafter. An MRI is a noninvasive, usually
painless imaging test that helps physicians diagnose medical conditions. It is
important to note that an MRI of the breast is not a replacement for mammography
or ultrasound imaging. It should be considered a supplemental tool for detecting
and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities. For more detailed
information about breast implants, please read the complete patient information
at
www.Natrelle.com/http://www.allergan.com/labeling/index.htm. |
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Considering Your Options |
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Volume Options:
The Natrelle® Collection features a full variety of widths and volumes. The size
and volume that's right for you is based on existing breast tissue, your body
type and frame. |
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Shell
Options: There are two shell options available, textured or smooth. Your
plastic surgeon can determine which option is best for you based on their
technique and the shape of the breast implant that best fits your personal
profile goal. |
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Filler Options:
Women in the United States currently have two distinct filler options approved
by the FDA. The FDA has approved both
saline and silicone gel-filled breast implants after determining that
each are safe and effective options for women undergoing breast aesthetic
surgery, breast reconstructive surgery or revision surgery. Ultimately, it is up
to you, along with your surgeon, to decide what breast implant option will
provide the look and outcome you desire from surgery. |
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Be sure to hold both a Natrelle® silicone
gel (left)
and saline implant (right) in your hands before
making your choice. There is a measurable
difference in the feel you achieve with each
of these choices! |
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Silicone Gel vs. Saline |
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| Silicone - Gel Breast Implants |
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• Natrelle® silicone gel-filled breast implants have experienced worldwide
acceptance for more than 25 years in over 60 countries.
• They were approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for use in the US in November 2006.
• A Gel-filled breast implants has an elastic silicone
rubber shell and is filled with cohesive silicone gel.
• The safety of Natrelle®
silicone gel-filled breast implants meet one of the most rigorous standards of
all medical devices. |
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| Saline Breast Implants |
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• Saline-filled breast
implants were approved by the FDA in May 2000.
• A Saline-filled breast implants has an elastic silicone
rubber shell and is filled with sterile saline (saltwater).
• During the breast implant stage of your reconstruction,
empty implants are placed in the newly formed pockets under your breast tissue
and then filled with saline fluid to the size you and your plastic surgeon
agreed upon. |
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A further look at the Safety of
Silicone Gel-Filled Implants
Like many other medical devices on the market
today, silicone gel-filled breast implants have evolved substantially over the
last two decades. Today's Natrelle®
silicone gel-filled breast implants have an advanced technology and enhanced
safety profile
thanks to several refinements in product design and manufacturing. The most
significant advancements available today include a
more cohesive silicone gel and a thicker, yet supple shell with an
additional barrier layer that is distinct from earlier breast
implant devices. |
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| Thanks to these key advancements in design Natrelle® silicone gel-filled breast implants feel more like natural breast tissue. |
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Low
long-term rupture rates: To assess the long-term safety of Natrelle® breast implants, Allergan conducted
extensive clinical studies both in the United States and in Europe. These
studies show that silicone gel-filled
implants have low long-term rupture rates. In fact, the results of the European
research found that after 11 years,
92 percent of implants were still intact. |
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Rigorous testing:
Today's breast implants in the Natrelle®
Collection undergo thorough testing and meet the very high
standards of Allergan quality. They are backed by an unsurpassed warranty that
reflects the Allergan commitment to quality.
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Ongoing research:
Through ongoing research Allergan is constantly assessing the impressive
long-term safety
record of our full line of elegant silicone gel-filled breast implants. |
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Natrelle®
silicone gel-filled breast implants are one of the most studied FDA approved
medical devices in existence. There have been hundreds of peer-reviewed studies
and published reports involving silicone gel-filled breast implants, including
robust epidemiological studies supporting their use. The Institute of Medicine
of the National Academies (IOM), concluded in its landmark report (IOM, 1999)
that "a review of the toxicology studies of silicones and other substances known
to be in breast implants does not provide a basis for
health concerns." More information about the safety of silicone gel-filled
implants can be found in the IOM report
at
www.iom.edu/CMS/3793/5638.aspx.
For safety data on implants go to
www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants and please read the complete patient
information at
www.natrelle.com/http://www.allergan.com/labeling/index.htm. |
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The Natrelle®
Collection for Your Perfect Profile
The Natrelle® Collection from Allergan, Inc. is
a complete collection of silicone gel-filled and saline-filled breast implants;
the two options available to woman in the USA approved by the FDA. They range in
volume, shape and texture, providing you and your surgeon an array of options to
achieve a result that is in line with your personal goals.
Every Natrelle®
breast implant is backed by the Allergan total commitment to quality and offers
a guarantee unsurpassed by any other breast implant you can choose. Visit
www.cppwarranty.com for complete details on our outstanding warranty. |
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Key Attributes of Natrelle® Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants |
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Low
long-term rupture rates: To assess the long-term safety of our breast
implants, Allergan conducted extensive
clinical studies both in the United States and in Europe. These studies show
that silicone gel-filled implants have low
long-term rupture rates. In fact, the results of the European research found
that after 11 years, 92 percent of implants
were still intact. |
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Rigorous testing:
Today's breast implants in the Natrelle®
Collection undergo thorough testing and meet the very
high standards of unsurpassed Allergan quality. |
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Ongoing research:
Through ongoing research Allergan is constantly assessing the impressive
long-term safety
record of our full line of elegant silicone gel-filled breast implants. |
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Natrelle®
silicone gel-filled breast implants are among the most studied FDA approved
medical devices in existence. There have been hundreds of peer-reviewed studies
and published reports involving silicone gel-filled breast implants, including
robust epidemiological studies supporting their use. The Institute of Medicine
of the National Academies (IOM), concluded in its landmark report (IOM, 1999)
that "a review of the toxicology studies of silicones and other substances known
to be in breast implants does not provide a basis for health concerns." More
information about the safety of silicone gel-filled implants can be found in the
IOM report at
www.iom.edu/CMS/3793/5638.aspx.
Find information about breast implants at
www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants. |
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Questions to Ask Your
Plastic Surgeon about Breast Augmentation |
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Are you board-certified and, if so, by which board? |
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Do you limit your practice to plastic or aesthetic
surgery? |
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How long have you been in practice? |
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Do you specialize in breast aesthetic surgery and/or
breast reconstructive surgery? |
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May I see your "before and after" photos? |
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Can I talk to previous breast implant patients to learn
about their experiences? |
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How many breast implant surgeries do you perform a year? |
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Where are your hospital privileges? |
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What is the overall cost of my Breast Augmentation? |
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Have you completed a certification training program like
the ALLERGAN ACADEMY™ specific to
products such as silicone gel-filled breast implants? |
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Where will my surgery be performed, in a hospital,
outpatient surgery center, or in the operating
room in your practice? |
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What type of anesthesia will be used? |
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How long will my recovery take? |
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What aftercare will be required? |
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