Melissa’s Blog: Silicone or Saline Dilemma
April 15th, 2009
A somewhat controversial choice came up for me soon after I decided to schedule my augmentation surgery. I need to decide on whether to have saline or silicone implants put in. I have always envisioned myself going with silicone implants because from what others told me, “they felt most natural.” And then I began to think. “Most natural to whom or should I say, for whom?”
By all means, and lets be honest here, I most certainly want my husband to feel pleasure when he holds my boobs. In fact, I would love to have my breasts feel exactly as they are now, just slightly bigger. But I would also like to feel at ease with what I am putting inside my body. This choice was definitely a decision that I sat on for awhile.
One day it was, “Yes I’m going with silicone” and the next day it was, “No, I’m going with saline.” I consulted again with Dr. Bashioum on what he thinks I should do. After giving me information on both options, he made it clear to me that first and foremost, it is ultimately MY decision. I had heard the facts, so now I needed to decide for myself.
On the one hand, I was solely thinking of my husband. I want him to feel nothing different. And if that’s the case, silicone is the best choice. But on the other hand, I’m the one wearing these and I want to be safe. By choosing saline, if something happens to one of my implants, my body will simply absorb the saline solution. Peace of mind is certainly something I advocate. I have three beautiful young children, that I am constantly worrying about. At the end of the day; what is going to help me sleep better at night? I am going with saline, because it is the best choice for me.
Choosing Your Surgeon
April 13th, 2009
Melissa, like all patients, must be comfortable with their physician. Melissa has apparently found this comfort level with me and she has made a connection based on trust. This is only the first step in this process to select a surgeon.
Like evaluating any sculptor it is important to see a broad range of the artist’s work. Consider reviewing cosmetic surgery before and after photos to see particular results. Most plastic surgeons keep these photos on hand for patients to review. They are a useful tool in evaluating results and serve as an important indicator for a surgeon’s personal aesthetic style. It is fair to say that there is, to some degree, variation in both of these attributes among surgeons. Just like walking into a hair salon, depending on who cuts your hair, ultimately determines the style and precision of your haircut.
This week, we completed surgery on two patients who were scheduled for surgery at other offices before they visited with me. They had arranged consultations and scheduled surgery at the other office without telling their friends. After scheduling surgery, they were excited to share the news with their friends. In both instances their friends insisted they come to my office for another consultation. The rest is history. So even though you may have already chosen a surgeon, try to discuss this decision with friends and family. You might be surprised. They may have information that could prove helpful in evaluating your choice. They themselves may have had surgery without your knowledge and their insights might be valuable.
Another fact to consider is experience of the surgeon. It is amazing how surgical design and technique change throughout one’s career. There are increases in efficiency and improvements in consistency of results as a surgeon gains experience.
Finally, patients considering cosmetic surgery might be wise to discuss recommendations with their Internist or OB-GYN, because they have the opportunity to see results from many surgeons. They examine women all day every day and most likely know which surgeons give the most consistent results.
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