Breast implants have a silicone rubber shell that is filled with either saline (sterile salt water added during surgery) or silicone gel before they are placed in the patient. Each implant type is equally safe, and some patients may choose one over the other for various reasons. If you're having trouble settling on either silicone or saline for your breast augmentation procedure, Bershof Plastic Surgery can help.
Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants
Both saline and silicone implants have their own aesthetically distinguishable characteristics. When inserted, each implant type provides a unique feel and look.
Silicone implants are quite flexible and help your breasts seem more natural. On the other hand, saline implants give the appearance of firmness and fullness. The saline solution is also safe for the body to absorb in the event of a rupture.
Whether you choose to get silicone or saline, it's important to know that solutions are always available should you ever change your mind.
During a treatment known as revision breast augmentation, some patients opt to replace their silicone implants with saline implants, while others go in the other direction and replace their saline implants with silicone implants. Additionally, there are also some patients who come in to have their breast implants increased or reduced in size.
About Bershof Plastic Surgery
Dr. John F. Bershof, M.D., F.A.C.S. of Bershof Plastic Surgery, is a Denver 5280 Top Doctor in both general plastic surgery and facial plastic surgery. He is especially well-known for his work on rhinoplasty, facelifts, and other cosmetic procedures involving the face and body.
Dr. Bershof's attitude is to treat each patient as an individual, listen carefully to their concerns, work with them to set realistic objectives, perform meticulous surgery, and provide comprehensive follow-up treatment. When it comes to a personal choice like breast augmentation in Denver, CO, he and his team will be there for you every step of the way.
Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation in Denver, CO
To find out whether you would benefit more from saline or silicone implants, a consultation with Dr. Bershof at Bershof Plastic Surgery for breast augmentation in Denver, CO, can help. To schedule your appointment, contact (303) 399-7662 today.
A Few Reasons to Have Breast Augmentation
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Breast augmentation is a leading plastic surgery procedure. It is done to increase the size of the breasts and is most well-known for that outcome. However, viewing breast augmentation merely as enlargement could be a mistake. There are several additional improvements that can stem from that primary one. Here, we'll discuss some of the other reasons patients consider having breast augmentation.
Symmetry
Because the average person never sees a woman with severe asymmetry between her breasts, it is easy to overlook this as a very real concern. To have one breast significantly smaller than the other means having difficulty fitting properly into bras and bathing suits. It means having to observe this vast difference every time you look in the mirror, which can be immensely frustrating and demoralizing. To correct issues with asymmetry, a skilled plastic surgeon typically selects two different-sized breast implants. The use of differing sizes brings balance to the breasts in a way that appears very natural. It is important to understand that all women's breasts are asymmetrical to some degree. Having breast augmentation can improve this characteristic but typically does not perfect it.
Proportions
If you're feeling dissatisfied with the shape and overall appearance of your breasts, chances are there is a lack of proportion between the chest area and the hips and shoulders. Beauty is all about proportions, so the objective in most breast surgeries is to create this. The surgeon observes the width of the hips and shoulders and makes size recommendations based on those measurements. An additional factor that may need to be considered when discussing breast implant size is the patient's lifestyle. Sometimes, when a woman is very active, her breast size decreases as a result of very low body fat and higher muscle mass. In these situations, we look not only at sizing as it relates to body frame but also as it relates to lifestyle habits. Customized breast augmentation can create feminine curves without compromising comfort during workouts.
Natural Curves
It's easy to look at breast augmentation as a way to get natural-looking breast curves. However, a benefit of this procedure and the proportion that it builds is that the midsection may look more slender and sculpted as a result. A natural illusion, this creation of wider to narrower shape plays into the most beautiful proportions the body can have. For more dramatic shaping, some patients combine their breast augmentation with abdominal liposuction or a tummy tuck.
Lifting Effects
We cannot say that breast augmentation literally lifts the breasts. If your breast tissue has loosened to the point of sagging, you may benefit from a breast lift. This can replace breast augmentation or be performed in combination with it. For subtler sagging, the insertion of breast implants may make the chest area look firmer, shapelier, and perkier.
Confidence
All of the physical improvements achieved with breast augmentation culminate in significant emotional rewards. We love seeing the joy and confidence on patients' faces when they observe their new shape for the first time. This increase in confidence tends to become the new norm for many patients because, for the first time, they truly feel at home in their own skin.
Find Out More
At Bershof Plastic Surgery in Denver, patients can expect to learn all they need to know about breast augmentation during a personal consultation. To schedule your visit, contact us at 303.399.7662.
Does Breast Augmentation Hurt?
Monday, February 14, 2022
As much as you might want to improve the proportions of your breasts in relation to your body, you may also worry about the pain associated with surgery. Many patients who visit our Denver office to consult about breast augmentation ask this honest and relevant question. Does breast augmentation hurt? We believe this deserves more thoughtfulness and time to answer well. When you understand more about the discomfort that you might experience after breast augmentation, we anticipate that you may feel a greater sense of peace of mind as you make your surgical decision. And when you have peace of mind that your comfort is our priority, you can spend more of your time feeling excited about your journey!
Breast Augmentation: What Should I Expect?
It is difficult to give a single-word answer to the question about breast augmentation pain. It would be more accurate to say "yes and no." Here's why. When you have breast augmentation, you will be under general anesthesia. The way that general anesthesia works is by inhibiting pain reception. The brain cannot register pain for the duration of the procedure. That said, as you would expect, the procedure does involve aspects that would be painful. Incisions are made in the skin. The connective tissue, fatty tissue, and muscle are either cut or moved to create access to the pocket into which breast implants are placed. Finally, when the breast implants are situated, they are causing all of the surrounding tissue to stretch to accommodate them. But, because you are under general anesthesia, you won't feel this.
What About Post-Operative Pain?
When patients wake up from general anesthesia after breast augmentation, the sensation they tend to describe the most is heaviness. This is representative of the tightness that is occurring around the breast implants and the compression being applied by the surgical bra. The surgical area may also feel sore and tender as healing progresses. However, it is manageable. Initially, prescription painkillers help reduce post-surgical discomfort. This is complemented by the body's natural painkilling effects of endorphins. These chemicals are produced in the pituitary gland, which is stimulated by, guess what, pain. So, to some degree, the mild to moderate discomfort that occurs after surgery is beneficial to the overall healing process.
The good news about post-operative pain is this. It is minimal. It is beneficial to healing, and it is manageable. After about a week, most patients are off of their prescription painkillers and managing comfort with over-the-counter medication. To learn more about breast augmentation surgery, contact our Denver office at 303.399.7662 and schedule a consultation.
How to be Fully Prepared for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Breast augmentation is an exciting prospect. It allows you to look like you’ve always thought you should. There are many benefits to having breast augmentation surgery, which we can see from the fact that his procedure has led the plastic surgery pack for many years. When researching breast augmentation, it’s easy to focus on a few details, like choosing a fully qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon and stocking up on entertainment for the short recovery after surgery. These are important and do require attention. However, there are other tips to be fully prepared for breast augmentation. We’re going to tell you what they are.
Preparing for Breast Implants
When you’ve wanted breast implants for some time, you may think you know exactly what you want and exactly what your life will look like after your procedure. You might come very close but we would hate for you to make common mistakes. When you decide to have breast augmentation, you may have a specific idea in your head about cup size. You may have pictures of women’s bodies that you admire. These are good ways to prepare. However, keep in mind that your body may not look as good with that imagined cup size as you think. What looks good on another woman’s body looks good because of her overall proportions, not just her breasts. When you consult with a plastic surgeon, have an idea in mind, and also have an open mind. Our objective with patients is to achieve breast enhancement that looks natural.
Preparing for Recovery
If you’ve been researching breast augmentation, you may know that you need to take about a week off work. This is the minimum. If your job has high physical demands, you may need to take a full two-week vacation to ensure you can return to work without adverse complications. In addition to taking time off work, you also need to step back from your domestic duties. Someone else will do the cooking, the dog-walking, the laundry, and pretty much everything else that may normally fall onto your plate. Even caring for children. This can be more challenging than some people expect, which is why we point it out. Think of it like this: after breast augmentation, you finally get that Me Time you’ve been wanting for so long!
We are proud to serve the Denver area with friendly, professional service. For more information about breast augmentation, call 303.399.9609 and schedule a consultation.
How to Sleep After Breast Surgery
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Having any surgical procedure will tax the body of physical resources. This is why after any kind of surgery, even a less invasive procedure like breast augmentation or a mommy makeover, patients typically find that they need a little extra rest than they usually do. The problem is that surgery itself can create a challenge for getting that rest. Here, we officer a roadmap that leads back to normal sleeping habits.
Sleep Reclining
One of the most common side effects to occur after surgery is swelling. There is also a risk of excessive fluid accumulation in the surgical area. This is true of most procedures, not just plastic surgery. To prevent this after a procedure on the upper body, patients are advised to sleep reclining. If you have a recliner, this may be easy. If you don’t you can prepare for a comfortable recovery by purchasing a few extra pillows to place under your back. In addition to helping prevent fluid accumulation and reduce swelling more quickly, a reclined position is much easier to move out of when you want to stand up.
Prepare to Sleep on Your Back
Once you no longer have to sleep reclining, you can transition to a more normal sleeping position but perhaps not entirely. If you’re accustomed to sleeping on your stomach, the instruction to sleep on your back may sound challenging. Having slept in a reclining position for a few days, this may be easier than you imagine, though. To help you remain on your back throughout the night, wedge the edge of a pillow under each arm.
Take the Support You’re Given
After breast surgery or a mommy makeover, a support garment is applied. Patients may wear this for a few weeks. During the first several days, the garment may be worn nearly all the time, removed only for showering. When you sleep, your support garment will prevent tugging on your incisions and will keep the breasts in place as you make slight movements.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Knowing that sleep is of the utmost importance after surgery, you want to set yourself up for success. One way to do this is to move around during the day as approved by your surgeon. Patients can typically take short walks as long as they are comfortable. The physical activity is minimal at first but usually sufficient to promote good sleep. Patients should also avoid things that inhibit quality rest, including caffeine, sugar, and late-night screen time.
Are you ready for a change? Contact our Denver office at 303.399.7662 to schedule your breast enhancement or mommy makeover consultation.
The Breast Implant Recall Needs to be Discussed
Sunday, September 15, 2019
A recall on breast implants is a big deal. Even if you do not have the type of implants that the FDA has asked to be taken off the market, you may be wondering how this recall might affect you. We can understand why this event may cause lingering concern for millions of women. For this reason alone, it is a topic that needs to be discussed with as much clarity as possible. We’ll do that here in hopes that specific details may set your mind at ease.
Why Were Breast Implants Recalled?
In 2011, a handful of cases of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) were identified. In response to these cases, the FDA began an investigation into additional cases. A registry was established to accept new reports of this rare cancer, allowing researchers to track the number of cases and their details. Recently, statistics demonstrated that, of 573 cases of BIA-ALCL worldwide, 481 of them involved the same family of breast implants. The increased risk of disease related to these implants led to the prompt recall of specific types.
Which Breast Implants Have been Recalled?
Only textured breast implants and tissue expanders have been recalled.
All devices are in the Natrelle line by Allergan.
The BioCell breast implants in the Natrelle line include saline, silicone, and highly-cohesive anatomically shaped silicone textured breast implants.
Natrelle tissue expanders type 133 with and without suture tabs are also included.
What is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?
This medical term has become more familiar in recent years as the risk of disease has been analyzed. BIA-ALCL, as a type of lymphoma, affects the immune system. Cancerous cells first develop in fluid that may accumulate around a breast implant. Over time, these cells can migrate to lymph nodes, where they pose a more serious risk.
BIA-ALCL is not without symptoms. Women are encouraged to schedule an exam with a plastic surgeon if they experience:
Breast pain
Swelling in one breast
Itching
A mass in the breast
Changes in the shape or firmness of a breast
Symptomatic breast implants do not mean that BIA-ALCL has developed. It means that something may be going on in the tissue around the breast. To diagnose this cancer, a doctor may first order imaging that can observe the presence of fluid around the breast implant. Then, a sample of this fluid can be obtained to test for cancer cells.
It is important to note that BIA-ALCL can be easily treated when symptoms are checked early. In more than 90% of cases, the removal of both breast implants and their surrounding capsular tissue has achieved complete eradication of the disease.
The fact that certain textured breast implants have been recalled does not mean that your breast implants need to be removed. It means only that the specifically named implants pose a higher risk for complication. Unless a complication occurs, there is no reason to undergo an unnecessary surgery.
Do you have questions about breast implants? We’re here for you. Contact our Denver office at 303.399.7662 to schedule a visit.
Will Breast Augmentation Make Me Look Unnatural?
Monday, July 15, 2019
Breast augmentation surgery has been popular for several years. The procedure can help women gain fullness that they never had. It can correct issues like dramatic asymmetry or deflation. Breast augmentation can also give a woman the kind of satisfaction and body confidence she’s always wanted. As you may have noticed, it is also possible that enlarging the breasts could make a woman appear completely unnatural.
Many of our patients ask us if breast augmentation may make them look unlike themselves. A change is wanted, but not one that is so severe that the breasts look and feel like they don’t belong in relation to the rest of the body. It is understandable to have this concern and also to ask about it so Dr. Berschof can discuss the ways in which a natural appearance can be retained. The process is actually pretty simple.
First Things First
Usually, the first question that a woman asks before breast augmentation is what size implant she should get. Sometimes, the question is what type of implant. Regardless, these are not the first questions to ask. To obtain the best results from breast augmentation, the most valuable question to ask is how a larger sized breast will fit into a particular lifestyle. For example, a runner or swimmer may feel out-of-sorts if she were to make a drastic change in breast size.
In addition to getting to know our patients’ preferences and lifestyle, we also know that breast augmentation needs to consider the condition of the skin and how much breast tissue exists before surgery. These small details can make a big difference in outcome.
Now for the Implants
The choice between saline and silicone implants is just the beginning of the breast augmentation journey. Both types have advantages that are worth considering. Saline implants are made better now than they ever were, which has decreased the potential for unnatural look and feel. Silicone implants are also more integral these days, with a decreased risk of leaking fluid into surrounding tissue. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant can be discussed at length during the consultation visit.
For the most natural-looking results from breast augmentation, implant size and profile are considered in unison. This is because each relates to the final appearance of the breasts. Implant profile is the characteristic that determines forward projection. Some implants have a wider base, which gives them less projection. A narrow base creates a high profile and greater projection from the chest wall. It may be possible that a higher-profile implant could have a generally smaller size but still achieve the desired fullness.
Breast augmentation should result in the natural result you desire. To explore your options, schedule a visit to our Denver office at 303.399.7662.
Will a Breast Lift Last?
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
For years, studies have suggested that breast procedures have a lot to offer. Women interested in a procedure like a breast lift tend to know this on some level and yet questions about things like recovery and results still arise. We understand why. Plastic surgery necessitates an investment of time and money. Who doesn't want to know that they can expect a substantial reward for their input? So, is breast lift surgery worth it? Yes, even though the effects of aging will affect breast shape at some point in the future.
The Reason for Sagging Breasts
It often seems as though we naturally point a finger at pregnancy and breastfeeding as primary causes for changes to the breasts. There is some validity to this but there are other factors that can lead to breast sag. Aging is one of them. Body chemistry is another, and then there is the matter of muscle tone. Seeing just these few factors, we can identify ways to support long-term shapeliness after breast lift treatment.
Aging and body chemistry go together like peas in a pod. We say that aging is a primary factor in the skin losing elasticity and firmness. However, the direct reason that this happens is that the older body doesn't produce collagen like it did when it was younger. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its firmness and resiliency. Firmness and resiliency inhibit thinning and sagging, which means that collagen is an important factor in breast shape. Aging cannot be stopped, we all know that, but we can offset some of the effects of aging by supporting body chemistry. when it comes to collagen production, the magic ingredient is vitamin C. This vitamin can be taken orally every day and can also be applied to the skin for extended benefits.
Muscle tone is not something many women are interested in having on their chest. However, there is value in maintaining a slight degree of tightness in the pectoral muscles that lie beneath breast tissue. We're not suggesting that these muscles be built-up but that they are toned with basic exercises like planks or push-ups. When toned, the pectoral muscles support the height of the breasts on the chest wall.
Schedule a consultation at Berschof Plastic Surgery to learn more about the benefits of breast lift surgery.
Boob Greed is a Real Thing. Here’s How to Avoid It!
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Undergoing breast augmentation surgery can be a life-changing experience for any woman. Through practical experience, many plastic surgeons come across a phenomenon that could aptly be referred to as “boob greed.” Here’s how boob greed often develops.
A patient takes her time speaking with her qualified plastic surgeon and chooses the breast implant type that she believes will suit her. Breast implant surgery is performed, and the outcome of surgery is what the surgeon and patient had expected. Within a matter of weeks or even days, the patient then begins to second-guess her choice of implant size and shape. This second-guessing, for some patients, becomes an obsession. A woman may find herself right back where she was before breast augmentation, in a situation where she notices other women’s breasts and perceives her own as somehow inadequate. Ultimately, boob greed develops and the patient suffers in a continued state of dissatisfaction that neglects to see the beauty of her own surgical outcome.
One might smirk at the idea of boob greed as a real problem. For a woman who is consumed by the daily onslaught of images of other women’s large, full breasts, boob greed can be so overwhelming that it leads to secondary surgery to enlarge the breasts even more. Our priority is to help each one of our patients feel good about her own body, not to measure up to some ideal of what beautiful breasts look like. We take our time, and we suggest that patients do, too.
How to Make Breast Augmentation Work for You
Look at your lifestyle. A big part of satisfaction with breast implants is how the breasts fit into your daily life. Your breasts should fit well with your activity level, type of activities you engage in, your personal and professional image, and more. Taking a good, honest look at your lifestyle can help you make a wise decision about breast augmentation.
Dig deep into your personal preferences. It’s easy to settle for something that isn’t completely you. One way a woman may do this is by believing that she needs to get the most “bang for the buck.” If you prefer smaller breasts that don’t necessarily need the support of a bra, stick with that preference. Don’t believe that you must choose larger implants to get the most of your investment into surgery. Likewise, if your body frame and personal preferences support larger breast size, don’t settle for less, thinking that your profession or social circle may not approve of your physical change.
Ask for opinions, but don’t view them as gold. The only opinion about your breast augmentation that really matters is yours. Putting too much stock in other people’s ideas of what will or will not look good on you is a surefire way to end up feeling dissatisfied with the final outcome of your procedure.
Narrow your choices. If you’re varying between a wide range of breast sizes that appeal to you, remember to consider your own body and how you want to look. Narrow your choices down to two potential sizes that are close to one another. If you’re concerned about being smaller than you’d really like, choose the larger of the two.
It is our business to help women choose breast implants that suit their personality, personal image, lifestyle, and preferences. Schedule an in-person consultation in our Denver office at 303-399-7662.
Breast Implant Shapes: Which is Right for You?
Friday, June 15, 2018
The question “which is right for me?” is one of the most frequently asked when discussing just about any cosmetic procedure. Facelift: is the full-lift or the mini-lift right? What type of tummy tuck should I get? When consulting with patients about breast implants, the options get even more in-depth. Which size should I get? Are saline or silicone implants better? What about shape? We didn’t use to have all of these options. Now that we do, we simply have to navigate through them.
Particulars of Teardrop Implants
The teardrop or anatomical breast implant has been designed to replicate the natural curve of the breast. This is a newer implant in which volume is focused at a lower point on the implant rather than symmetrically all around. Because this implant is already shaped, it is made of cohesive silicone that will support this same contouring once the implant is in the breast pocket. When you think of a teardrop breast implant, think “gummy bear,” because this is what a form-stable implant is most likely to feel like.
Details of Round Implants
Most breast augmentation procedures use round breast implants. These structures can be filled with saline or silicone. Whichever fluid is selected, the overall result will be an implant that looks like a small, soft, round pillow. In addition to options for general size, round breast implants may also be personalized in their profile, which will impact how much the breasts project forward after surgery.
Advantages and Differences
The differences between teardrop and round breast implants may make each appropriate for particular situations. For example, anatomical breast implants may be preferred for breast reconstruction procedures. For many augmentation surgeries, though, patients and surgeons agree that round breast implants offer substantial benefits, such as smaller incisions and no risk of rotation.
Learn Which Breast Implant is Right for You
Breast augmentation has been a preferred procedure for several years, transitioning through trends as beautifully as one would expect. Learn more about this procedure and the types of implants that are available today. Call our Denver office at 303-399-7662.
Breast implants have a silicone rubber shell that is filled with either saline (sterile salt water added during surgery) or silicone gel before they are placed in the patient. Each implant type is equally safe, and some patients may choose one over the other for various reasons. If you're having trouble settling on either silicone or saline for your breast augmentation procedure, Bershof Plastic Surgery can help.
