Choosing Breast Implant Size
June 3rd, 2010
Breast enlargement or augmentation mammaplasty allows women to surgically increase their breast size.
“What implant size will be used?” This is a very personal choice, within the physical limitations of the patient’s own figure and stature. Some patients only want a modest increase in size. Many women choose breast restoration following a change in fullness that has diminished after nursing.
A wide range of implant “sizers” are provided during an office consultation. The sizers are used to approximate the patient’s range of choice for their new breast size. Breast implants are measured in milliliters or cubic centimeters and range from 100 ml to over 900ml (one measuring cup equals 238ml or one tablespoon equals 15ml) in approximately 25ml increments. The visual experience of seeing themselves in a mirror with the sizing implants positioned beneath their bra and/or clothing helps a patient to choose the appropriate implant. Patients often bring a spouse of friend to help them decide. Many return several times before finally deciding on size. Readers might remember that Melissa blogged that she wore her sizers for a few days before deciding. That being said, some patients express slight regret about not choosing a larger size implant following recovery. Several patients have decided later to increase their implant size and opt for a second surgery. In my experience, only a few patients choose to decrease the size of implants. At any rate, it is a matter of personal choice.
Not surprisingly, many women report that they experience an increase in their self-esteem and satisfaction of body image following breast augmentation surgery.
Reader Question~ Insurance
June 2nd, 2010
From Katie:
Dr. Bashioum,
I am interested in upper eyelid surgery because I am noticing more hanging of the skin on my upper eyes. When I spoke with my family physician about it, he has recommended that I have it done by an ophthalmic surgeon, as I may be eligible for insurance coverage. I am sensitive to having facial surgery by anyone other than a plastic surgeon. Will you accept insurance for this procedure?
The demand for cosmetic surgery in my office has allowed me to opt out of third party reimbursement. In other words, patients directly pay for any of the cosmetic surgery done in my office. I do not believe that cosmetic eyelid surgery or any elective cosmetic surgery should be covered by insurance. There remains considerable disagreement as to whether these cosmetic procedures should be submitted for insurance reimbursement.
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