A Mother’s Perspective on Cosmetic Surgery for Teens
August 13th, 2009
Mikaela first expressed an interest in having breast augmentation during her junior year in high school. It was always a struggle to find swimming suits and dresses for events such as Prom, because she never quite filled out the bust line very well. She would spend hours trying things on to find something that she felt looked okay. I realize that some of this was just her age, but most of her concerns were legitimate.
At her request, I actually asked Dr Bashioum about breast augmentation for her. He recommended that she wait until she was 18 years of age and perhaps even until after the completion of high school. Needless to say, Mikaela was disappointed. I was relieved that it would give her time to really consider whether or not this was something that she wanted to pursue. We discussed the surgery at great length and the fact that this is a decision that will affect her future in many ways. There are distinct advantages to being a nurse and it proved to be very helpful having the firsthand knowledge of many kinds of surgery. I knew that implants do not last forever and her implants will, at some point in the future, have to be replaced. Would she be financially and emotionally mature enough to handle that?
Check back to read about our consultation with Dr. Bashioum.
Surgery Notes: Unmatched Pair
July 20th, 2009
Women frequently ask about differences in their breast size. This question always comes up when they are considering some type of breast surgery. Differences are normal. Small differences or asymmetry are a part of normal human beauty. I suggest accepting small differences.
Surgery might be considered when the differences are great in both the eye of the patient and the surgeon. Both the surgeon and the patient must agree that the difference is significant. Once this is agreed, surgery may be considered.
Two different procedures may be considered when a patients breasts are two different sizes. The larger breast can be made smaller or the smaller breast can be made larger. Rarely, one breast is made smaller while the other is made larger. As always, these are personal decisions which depend on your preferences for final sizing. As Gina has mentioned in her blog posting last week, she has decided to make her one breast smaller to match the smaller breast size.
Trying on breast implants in a bra helps patients determine the volume representing their asymmetry, but also what should be done. As ever increasing implant sizes are inserted into the side of the smaller breast, a point will be reached where both breasts look the same size. In Gina’s case, she felt she was symmetric in size when she put a 150 ml implant in the bra on her smaller side. This discovery will serve as a guide during surgery. The surgical plan will be removing 150 ml from her larger breast.
Breast tissue removal is the only way to reduce breast size. Generally this is combined with breast lift surgery. In Gina’s case, she does not want the scars that come with a breast lift surgery. She is comfortable with a possible difference in nipple position, if her breasts are made made more symmetrical in size. I will remove the necessary breast volume through a small incision, much like that used for breast enlargement. I anticipate a nice change for Gina when the surgery is completed.
Another possible option is liposuction. Liposuction can be successful when there is relatively more fat than breast tissue and this technique worked for a few years for Gina, until her fibrocystic condition worsened. It is interesting to note that many men with gynecomastia present with fat and slight breast tissue, when liposuction alone is usually successful in reducing their breast size.
Gina will continue to post her patient diary and video clips of her surgery will be added this week, so please check back.
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