Category: Blog

Naturally, patients have a ton of questions when it comes to getting a breast augmentation or mammoplasty. This includes questions about how breast implant size and shape can impact the procedure.

Since a “boob job” is literally placing an implant or fat transfer inside the breast to increase the size, one of the most common questions we get from patients is about the actual size, shape, and material of breast implants. Understanding what exactly your surgeon will place inside your body can help settle any concerns about safety and health during and after a procedure.

Plastic surgeons may have a preferred type of implant, but the patient’s needs and the situation will be the most important factor when determining what type of implant to use.

Size, shape, and material composition varies greatly between manufacturers, models, and unique patient needs. As a result, the types of implants we discuss here is not all-inclusive, but it touches on the implants that the plastic surgery community most widely recognizes.

Different Breast Implant Materials:

Saline breast implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater. What’s important to know about the saline implant is that if the shell of the implant leaks, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.

Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel.

Structured saline breast implants

Very similar to the basic saline breast implant, structured breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater. They also contain an inner structure which delivers a more natural feel to the breasts.

Silicone breast implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. Patients with silicone breast implants often elect to visit the doctor regularly to ensure the implant is in place and functioning properly

Gummy bear breast implants

Form-stable implants are often called gummy bear breast implants because they maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken.

The consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. As a result, these implants are also firmer than traditional implants.

Shaped gummy bear breast implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. This creates a more tailored look for the patient.

Different Breast Implant Shapes: 

Round breast implants

Round breast implant are as they sound, round. They are the same shape all over and provide a consistent, even if the implant moved or rotates. Round breast implants have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller than form-stable implants. Higher profile options can achieve even more projection.

Smooth breast implants

Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling. They can move with the breast implant pocket, which may give more natural movement.

Textured breast implants

Textured breast implants develop scar tissue to stick to the tissue, making them less likely to move around inside of the breast and become repositioned.

Texturing offers some advantage in diminishing the risk of a tight scar capsule.

Technology and innovation are causing new products to enter the market all the time. So be sure to talk to a plastic surgeon to get an understanding of all your options. The most natural breast implant shape for you will depend on your current breast shape and size as well as your desired appearance after plastic surgery.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Plastic Surgeons

We Can Discuss Breast Implant Options

Call our office at (520) 297-3300 to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our board-certified surgeons. You can also email us at cday@hessandsandeen.com or stop by our offices at in the La Cholla Corporate Park in Tucson, Arizona.

An expert member of our team would love to discuss your unique goals and circumstances and help you explore what breast implant option may be best for you.

What is a “Tummy Tuck?”

An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a plastic surgery that tightens or firms up loose the skin around your abdomen. The goal is to remove loose skin on and around the torso. The procedure is usually cosmetic in nature.

Patients often consider cosmetic surgery after significant weight loss. This is because such weight loss can result in excess skin even after fat deposits are no longer present. An abdominoplasty can also correct excess skin due to certain genetic conditions. Tummy tucks also are a critical component of a “mommy makeover” procedure. This is a combination of different plastic surgeries to help women restore the appearance of their body after pregnancy. Often, tummy tucks are a confidence builder for women looking to achieve a specific body contour or shape around their waist.

What a “Tummy Tuck” is Not

Abdominoplasty procedures are often mistaken for other cosmetic procedures, such as liposuctions.  It is possible to get both procedures at once. However, liposuctions and tummy tucks are very different procedures. This is true both in how your surgeon will perform and them and in the results they typically achieve. First, unlike tummy tucks, liposuctions aren’t necessarily focused on the abdomen. Liposuctions are performed on the buttocks, thighs, and other regions of the body carrying unwanted fat. This can include the stomach but does not always.

Additionally, while a tummy tuck may remove some unwanted fat, that is not its primary purpose.  Abdominoplasty surgery mainly focused on removing excess skin and tightening muscles. On the other hand, liposuctions are designed almost exclusively to remove fat from the body.

Besides the difference between an abdominoplasty and liposuction, it is also important to understand that tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss. These surgeries have less to do with fat and weight and more to do with the body contour and overall appearance of the torso. In fact, it may be best to hold off on a tummy tuck if you think you may undergo significant weight loss in the future. Weight loss can result in excess skin and, as a result, you may require a second tummy tuck if you lose more weight after the first procedure.

Understanding Tummy Tucks

Now that you have a basic overview of what tummy tucks are and are not, let’s dive into some of the questions we often get from our patients about tummy tuck benefits, recovery time, and what to expect from the surgery.

BENEFITS

Tummy tucks are about far more than giving the stomach firmer look. An abdominoplasty can boost your self-confidence by removing or smoothing excessive skin. This can rectify any unwanted effects from weight loss, pregnancy, or hereditary conditions. This type of plastic surgery can give you the body contour you’ve always wanted. We make an incision below the beltline whenever possible to minimize visible scarring.

Although a tummy tuck is generally a cosmetic procedure, there are many documented benefits beyond improved appearance. In fact, the surgeries have been linked to alleviating back pain and urinary incontinence after childbirth. Each patient is unique. As a result, it is important to discuss with your plastic surgeons what benefits you hope to receive from a tummy tuck. This ensures that you are able to set realistic expectations.

RECOVERY

Any type of surgery will require rest and recovery before you can return to your daily life. A tummy tuck is no different. As a result, it is important that you consider recovery time before deciding to undergo this or any type of plastic surgery.

Most abdominoplasties are outpatient procedures. As a result, you can expect to go home a few hours after the operation. Since the location of the surgery (the abdomen) is more sensitive, you should expect a slightly longer recovery time than for other, similarly invasive surgeries. Patients can expect to wait 2-4 weeks before returning to work (contingent on the demands of the job) and 6-8 weeks before being completely recovered.

That said, the exact details of the procedures and recovery is unique to every patent. Our surgeons, Dr. Hess and Dr. Sandeen, will walk you through the recovery process and monitor your progress through numerous follow-up appoints.

Work schedule, family, and personal lives are factors that should be considered when thinking about the best time for your procedure. For us in Tucson, late Fall to early Winter is a great time to schedule a tummy tuck procedure. This allows enough recovery time to be prepared for the bathing suit weather that will allow you to show off your new curves in the summer.

EXPECTATIONS

Depending on where you get plastic surgery, there are going to be variations in the care and specific procedures. When you choose Hess and Sandeen for your tummy tuck, you can expect complete care and support throughout the decision process. This begins with your consultation and continues through surgery and recovery. We’ll walk you through the process, monitor your recovery, and remain available for any questions you may have.

It’s also important to know there are a few different types of tummy tucks. When you meet with our board-certified surgeons, we will explain these options to you. This allows you to get a complete understanding of what to expect in terms of benefits, recovery, and risk as it relates to the specific type of abdominoplasty you will be getting.

Is a “tummy tuck” right for me?

Choosing to get cosmetic surgery of any type is an intimate and personal decision. Plastic surgery isn’t for everybody. It is our aim to make you feel as comfortable as possible and provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Our clients have seen amazing, life-changing results. Our world-class patient care and support have helped us become one of the highest-rated plastic surgeons in Tucson.

Find out if you’re a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure by scheduling a free consultation today!

Call our office at (520) 297-3300 to get scheduled to speak with one of our board-certified surgeons. You can also email us at cday@hessandsandeen.com or stop by our offices at in the La Cholla Corporate Park in Tucson, Arizona. An expert member of our team would love to discuss your unique goals and circumstances and help you explore what option may be best for you.

Eyelid surgery, also known as a blepharoplasty, has become one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in America. It is a procedure that removes excess skin on and around the eyelids. This gives the eyes a smoother more youthful look. In most cases, a board-certified plastic surgeon will complete the procedure.

As we age, so does our skin. This means our eyelids become thinner and lose elasticity. A lack of elasticity, combined with gravity, results in excess skin collecting on the upper and lower eyelids. The excess skin causes wrinkles and bulging leaving a person looking older and appearing tired. In some cases, this skin can even impair vision.

In Tucson, the year-round sun and heat put Southern Arizonans at even greater risk for seeing the effects of aging even sooner. Even if you take the proper precautions to protect yourself from the sun, the stress the sun puts on your skin will begin to take its toll. The eyelids are no exception.

Fortunately, there is a simple procedure for patients. Eyelid surgery can reverse the signs of aging around the eyes and reduce or eliminate wrinkles. The process can deliver an immediate and lasting impact.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

The area around the eyes is one of the places where aging is first noticed and most apparent. As a result, eyelid surgery delivers some of the quickest and most striking results of all the cosmetic procedures available. Eyelid surgery is very minimally invasive, which makes recovery time very quick when compared to other cosmetic surgeries.

When patients elect to have eyelid surgery, it energizes them with an appearance that looks rested and youthful. The rejuvenation that comes from improving the look around the eyes is an exciting change. Many patients leave feeling more attractive and confident.

Benefits Beyond Improved Looks

Eyelid surgery goes beyond just the cosmetic benefits. Droopy eyelids or eyelids with excess skin can create significant vision impairments. When a person experiences issues with their vision, it can spurn a chain reaction of physiological issues. These include headaches, neck strain, strained eyes, and reduced peripheral vision.

Additionally, there is a condition known as eyelid ptosis. Like the effects of excess skin on the eyelid, ptosis causes the eyelid to droop over the eye. As a result, there is a  negative impact on your vision. The condition can also cause an undesired cosmetic look. Ptosis causes weakened muscles around the eye causing the eyelid to hang over the eye, and it can affect people of all ages. A blepharoplasty surgery may be the best option, but in the case of ptosis, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist to ensure there aren’t any underlying causes or conditions also affecting the eye.

Procedure & Recovery Expectations

Eyelid surgery is very limited in terms of its invasiveness. It is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete depending on the scope and complexity of the surgery. In most cases, your surgeon will use a local anesthetic along with an oral sedative to assist you in relaxing during the operation. Some instances, the surgery may require anesthesia. Your surgeon will work closely with you to discuss all options prior to surgery.

After the surgery, you will spend some time in the recovery room to ensure there are no complications and be home the same day. It is normal to experience swelling and soreness for the first 10-14 days after the procedure. The first two weeks following the operation, we recommend that you rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity. Full recovery is expected within approximately 2-4 weeks.

Am I a candidate for eyelid surgery?

Cosmetic surgery of any type is an intimate and personal decision and isn’t for everybody. It is our aim to make you feel as comfortable as possible and provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Our clients have seen amazing, life-changing, results and our world-class patient care and support have helped us become one of the highest-rated plastic surgeons in Tucson.

Find out if you’re a candidate for eyelid surgery procedure by scheduling a free consultation today!

Consultation for Eyelid Surgery

Call our office at (520) 297-3300 to get scheduled to speak with one of our board certified surgeons. You can also email us at cday@hessandsandeen.com or stop by our offices at in the La Cholla Corporate Park in Tucson, Arizona.

An expert member of our team would love to discuss your unique goals and circumstances and help you explore whether blepharoplasty is best for you.

Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures around the world for years. Last year, it was the top surgical procedure in the United States. Many women report feeling happier and more confident following breast enhancement procedures. A majority of patients are extremely satisfied with the results of their surgery.

Before surgery, however, you should learn what to expect post-surgery and how long it will take to fully recover. This can help you better prepare for what can be a life-transforming experience.

One of the most common questions that women have about breast augmentation is how the surgery could affect the size, shape, or position of their nipples. You may be hoping to address a cosmetic concern related to your nipples as a part of the breast enhancement procedure. It’s also possible that you are hoping for as little change as possible to your nipples after breast augmentation.

Whether you are hoping for major changes or none at all, these four facts about nipples and breast augmentation surgery can help give you a better idea of what to expect:

Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift

Adding a breast lift can change the shape of your areolae

The areolae are at the center of each breast around your nipples and are of a darker pigment than the surrounding tissue.  For some women, large or asymmetrical areolae are a cosmetic concern that they’d like to resolve as part of their breast enhancement procedure.

Breast augmentation alone does not typically affect areola or nipple appearance. However, adding a breast lift to your procedure is a great option if you do wish to can the size and/or shape of your areolae. Women who wish to breastfeed may wish to wait until they’ve completed their families to schedule this specific procedure.

Inverted Nipples

Breast augmentation can fix inverted nipples

Inverted or retracted nipples are often genetic and present from birth. However, you may also have inverted nipples due to trauma or injury. One of our board-certified plastic surgeons can correct inverted nipples during your breast augmentation procedure.

Usually, this is done by making a small, simple incision through which your plastic surgeon can turn your nipple outward for an improved appearance. If you are not interested in increasing the size of your breasts, we can also fix inverted nipples by performing this procedure alone.

Let your plastic surgeon know if your goal is to be able to breastfeed after surgery so that he or she can take this into account when planning your procedure.

Breastfeeding After Breast Augmentation

Most women can still breastfeed after getting implants

If being able to breastfeed after getting implants is important to you, make sure you bring this up during your consultation with your plastic surgeon. Typically, the peri-areolar incision is avoided when this is the case in order to minimize the chances of interfering with nipple and duct function. As a result, your plastic surgeon will most likely recommend inframammary incision placement if you do wish to be able to breastfeed after the procedure. This incision is less likely to impact breastfeeding.

Changes in Nipple Position Over Time

Nipple position will soften as your implants settle

Don’t be alarmed if your nipples seem to be sitting a little too high on your chest wall directly after your breast augmentation, as this effect is normal. It can take some time for your breast implants to “drop and fluff,” or soften into a lower, natural-looking position. Before implants drop into a more natural position, you may notice a temporary change in nipple location and appearance. However, you should not worry. This is temporary and as the implants settle, the position of your nipples and areolae will also begin to look more natural.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Every woman’s body is unique. This means that there is no exact timeline for recovery from breast augmentation. However, most plastic surgeons estimate that full recovery will take an average of six weeks. However, many women will feel completely fine a week after their surgery.

Dr. Hess and Dr. Sandeen will assess your overall health and give you a more definitive timeline prior to the procedure. This will be based on your own personal health and the surgical procedure we perform.

At Hess & Sandeen plastic surgery, we want you to be an informed patient and get the best care possible. Please let us know if you have any further questions or if you would like to schedule a consultation where we can go over your specific case.

Contact us today at 520-297-3300 to learn more about breast augmentation how it can benefit you.