What is Breast Implant Capsular Contracture?

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What is Breast Implant Capsular Contracture?

The body’s normal response to breast implants is to form a scar around the implant, on the inside of your body. This contiguous scar around your implant is called the “capsule”. This “scar capsule” is a actually good thing, because it supports the implant in the upright position.

In the vast majority of cases this necessary and beneficial scarring on the inside of the body takes place without complication. You do not see or feel this scar “capsule” – but it serves to hold your implants in place over time.

However, in very rare instances a complication called “capsular contracture” can occur that affects the capsule. Although there is no guaranteed way to completely eliminate the possibility of capsular contracture, there are many steps that can be taken before during and after breast implant surgery to greatly reduce your risk.

What Is Breast Implant Capsular Contracture?

Statistics vary, but most estimates put the risk of capsular contracture at only around 3 to 5%. Capsular contracture occurs when chronic inflammation (usually due to bacteria) causes  collagen fibers buildup and tighten in the scar capsule. Abnormal cell formation called myofibroblasts can occur, which can produce collagen and contract like a muscle cell.

As this buildup continues, the breast implant is squashed into a smaller space, making it more compact and firm – and sometimes affecting the breast shape as well. Capsular contracture can be mild, causing only minimal change in appearance and firmness. In more severe cases it can cause the breast to become hard, misshapen or migrate out of place.

Reducing the Risk of Breast Implant Capsular Contracture

Fortunately there are many things that you and your surgeon can do to reduce the risk of capsular contraction. Dr. Ali is a highly skilled, experienced and careful board certified plastic surgeon who takes every step possible to reduce or eliminate risk factors for capsular contracture.

Listed below are some of things you can do to help reduce this risk.

  1. Proper Breast Implant Size Reduces Capsular Contracture Risk

Recent studies have shown that too large of breast implants that overstretch the soft tissue envelope put women at higher risk of capsular contracture.

  1. Breast Implant Texture Can Reduce Capsular Contracture Risk

Breast implants with texturized shells typically have a decreased incidence of capsular contracture compared to implants with smooth shells, when placed over the pectoralis muscle. In FDA approval studies anatomically shaped ‘gummy bear’ implants both, rippled the least and had the lowest risk of capsular contracture.

  1. Breast Implant Incision Choice Can Reduce Capsular Contracture Risk

Incision placement is crucial to minimizing capsular contracture risk. In most cases, the incision with the lowest risk of capsular contracture is the inframammary incision (in the crease below the breast). Experienced surgeon Dr. Ali will take this factor into consideration – along with all other relevant factors – when determining the best incision type for you breast implants.

  1. Pocket Placement, Creation & Preparation Can Reduce Capsular Contracture Risk

Capsular contracture is more common when breast implants are placed in the subpectoral position – above the pectoralis muscle.  This is likely because there is a reduction in bacterial exposure when implants are placed in the subpectoral position.

Precise and meticulous surgery performed by a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali can also reduce capsular Contracture risk. A procedure called “electro-cautery”, makes a bloodless pocket for the implant that leaves minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. This healthier and dryer pocket, is less likely to allow bacteria to grow, further reducing the inflammation that can lead to capsular contracture.

After a the breast implant pocket has been created, but before insertion, a formula of three antibiotics in saline mixed with Betadine, should also be applied to further lower rates of infection that can result in capsular contracture.

  1. Post-Surgical Antibiotics Can Reduce Capsular Contracture Risk

After breast implant surgery, and even after the patient has healed, a woman can still be at risk of bacterial contamination of their implants – that can lead to Capsular Contracture risk.  Infections – even of a tooth, nail, or scrape – should be promptly treated with antibiotics. Also, anytime an elective surgery procedure is planned – including include dental procedures, Pap smears, and colonoscopies, etc.  – a one-time dose of antibiotics should be given beforehand.

Best Breast Implant Procedures

Because capsular contracture is a result of chronic inflammation, most often from bacterial infection, there are a number of things you and your board certified surgeon can do to minimize the risk. Doctor Ali is has performed successful breast implants on thousands of women across Oakland County.

He will help you choose the implant size and type, incision placement, and implant placement that will give you the most beautiful results while also minimizing any potential risks.

Birmingham 7 Rochester Hills’ Area Top Breast Implant Surgeon

Dr. Ali is a board certified Birmingham / Rochester Hills area plastic surgeon who has performed breast implants on thousands of women in Birmingham, Troy, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield, and across Oakland County. He utilizes the latest techniques and best, state-of-the-art breast implant technologies and procedures – to ensure that your results are as safe as they are beautiful. 

Dr. Ali will be happy to offer you a consultation to answer all of your questions, and help you choose the best breast implant size, shape, material and position for your body type and appearance goals.

Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.

How to Choose the Right Breast Implants

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Oakland County Breast Implant Surgeon:
How to Choose the Right Breast Implants

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Choosing the right breast implant for your body and your lifestyle is a very personal decision. Dr. Ali has helped thousands of women make the choice, and achieve the look and feel they desire. He will take the time to consult with you and discuss your body type, your frame, your lifestyle and your end-goal – so you achieve results you will love.

In this article we discuss some factors you will need to consider when choosing your implants, so that you achieve the results you have always dreamed of.

Choosing the right type of breast implant:

There are two types of breast implants: silicon filled and saline filled. They each have different characteristics and advantages. Silicone breast implants are generally considered to feel more like “natural” breast tissue, especially in someone who is slender or very small-breasted. However, saline implants may have some advantages with regard to cost and a smaller incision size.

Additionally, breast implants can be “smooth” making them softer. Or they can be slightly textured, which makes them firmer and less likely to move around within the breast pocket.

You can Click Here to read more about the different “types” of breast implants. However, discussing this with Dr.  Ali will provide you with the best information as it applies to your unique situation.

Choosing the right size breast implant:

In life, bigger is sometimes better – but that is not always true when it comes to selecting natural and comfortable breast implants.

Your individual taste, your body frame, your weight, and the “look” you’re going for all play into choosing the “right” size breast implant.

Bra cups are sized A, B, C, etc. – but breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters, or cc’s. Cubic centimeters indicate the “volume” or “capacity” of a breast implant. One cubic centimeter equals a milliliter of liquid.

Both saline and silicone breast implants range in size from 120cc to 850cc. When comparing sizes, a difference in volume of 60cc’s is about two ounces. So a 460cc implant holds about 2 more ounces of saline or silicone than a 400cc implant.

Dr. Ali is Oakland County’s top breast augmentation surgeon. He will take exact measurements of your chest and breasts to recommend the proper proportions for your frame. He will also evaluate whether you have enough tissue to cover the size of the breast implants you want.

Projection and profiles in choosing breast implants:

Keep in mind that larger breasts don’t necessarily mean more cleavage. The natural space between your breasts affects cleavage, as well as the size of the breast. In other words, the wider the space between your breasts, the less of an impact implants will have on your cleavage.

In addition to selecting the size of implant, Dr. Ali will discuss the projection or profile of the implant – which is how far it protrudes from your chest. Profile types may be high, moderate or low, and should be matched to the width of a woman’s chest for the best “fit” for her frame.

High profile implants have more volume in a narrower width, which is often best for women with a narrow ribcage. A lower profile may be better for a more broadly built woman. Dr. Ali will discuss this with you to help you achieve the best aesthetic result.

Other people’s opinions, and the right size breast implant

The final decision in selecting a breast implant size should always be YOUR decision, made in conjunction with your surgeon’s recommendations regarding what will “work” and be healthy for you.

But sometimes the opinions of others whom you love and trust can be helpful. A sister or best friend can help you determine what looks natural for your size on your frame. And if you have a partner, their opinion may be important to you. In many cases we find that a woman my think her partner wants her to go “really big” – when in fact some open communication reveals that the partner is happier with a more natural look.

 

Top Oakland County Breast Implant Surgeon

Top surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast implant surgery for thousands of satisfied patients across Oakland County. If you are considering breast implant surgery, he will be happy to offer you a consultation to help you decide the right size, shape and type of implant for you.

Feel beautiful inside and out, with breast implant surgery. And remember, financing options are also available.

CLICK HERE to schedule a consultation to see if breast implant surgery is right for you.

Breast Lift Michigan

Give Your Breasts a Lift This Spring

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – Spring is the season for rebirth, renewal, and rejuvenation. As flowers bloom and trees regain the leaves lost in winter, so too can you add a bit of revitalization to your figure.

We all fall victim to gravity over time. Whether from pregnancy, genetics, or other causes, the effects on breast tissue can be less than desirable. You might notice gravity causing inevitable sagging and loss of definition.

However, one of the most popular procedures in breast surgery is none other than the breast lift. Whether done as a procedure in its own right or as part of a mommy makeover, a breast lift can help give you the body you’ve been longing for. If you want to have a perkier, firmer bust, this might just be the right option for you!

What Does a Breast Lift Entail?

This procedure, undergone by an ever-increasing number of women, involves a few steps:

  • Incisions: Depending on the degree to which breast tissue will be lifted, incisions can be made around the areola or nipple, under the breast fold, vertically from the nipple to the fold, or any combination of these methods.
  • Excision of tissue: Again, as each woman is different, so too is the amount of tissue removed. Whatever the case, excess skin tissue will be taken away, allowing the breasts to regain their firmness. If necessary, your surgeon may also remove some breast tissue to increase perkiness.
  • Nipple modification: To create an aesthetic appearance, nipples and areola may be resized, repositioned, or both. This allows the entire breast’s appearance to be entirely enhanced.
  • Sutures: Sutures, placed underneath the skin, help the body adapt to and support the newly shaped breast tissue.
  • Implants: For optimal results, implants are sometimes necessary in addition to the breast lift. This allows for the supple fullness that keep the breasts looking young, firm, and healthy.

Tips for Your Breast Lift

  • Research your doctor. A good plastic surgeon will have before and after photos of work he or she has done and will be happy to share the prior results.
  • Research the procedure. Being an educated patient and knowing exactly what you do –and don’t—want can help you explain the precise outcome you want to your doctor.
  • Expect some downtime. Depending on the degree of droopiness and amount of breast tissue added and/or augmented, recovery can take a few weeks or longer.
  • Be as healthy as possible before the surgery. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and be sure to get as much sleep as you can. If you’re a smoker, stop smoking a few weeks before the surgery. This last tip can help you improve your recovery rate and also prevent infection post-surgery.
  • Wait until you’re done having children first. For the best breast lift results, it’s advised that you only have the procedure done after having all of your children. This will prevent additional drooping in the future.
  • Anticipate some scarring. Generally, the more dramatic the breast lift, the larger the scars will be. While these will diminish in appearance over time, talk to your doctor to see if she or he can prescribe you any creams (such as those containing steroids) to reduce inflammation from the procedure.
  • Get ready for some compliments! As a breast lift can greatly enhance your figure, you may notice people trying not to offend you by (delicately) complimenting on your surgery. Hopefully, with your newfound confidence, you’ll be able to take all these compliments with a broad smile on your face!

If you’re deciding what breast enhancement procedures are right for you, schedule a consultation with award-winning Detroit area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

To find out more about how to get rid of stretch marks, or to get your own detailed surgical consultation, contact Dr. Ali’s office today!

© 2017 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Plastic surgery doctor draw line patient breast

How To Choose the Right Breast Implants for You

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – Once you decide to undergo a breast augmentation, there are many other questions to consider. What size breast implant is right for you? Should you choose silicone or saline implants? Should the incision be under the arm, underneath the breast or at the bottom of the areola?

Luckily, Dr. Ali, a plastic surgeon in MI, can walk you through everything you need to know to ensure you have the most beautiful and natural looking result.

“Many people assume that when having their breasts done, bigger is better,” says Dr. Ali. “But that isn’t always the case. Most women don’t just want bigger breasts, they want breasts that look in proportion to the rest of their figure and that look and feel natural. And that’s where the experience of the plastic surgeon comes in.”

Your plastic surgeon should be able to walk you through everything you need to know to make the best decision for you. The first decision many women have to make is whether to choose saline or silicone filled implants. Both have advantages, and disadvantages, that will depend on the look you desire.

Silicone implants are made of a durable, elastic silicone shell and filled with a medical grade silicone gel. The consistency is close to that of a natural breast, and these can come in a variety of sizes, shapes and surface textures.

Silicone implants tend to be ideal on women who are very thin, or those who have little to no fat to hide the implant. Silicone implants are softer and often ripple less.

Silicone implants have been safely used for more than 50 years. From 1992-2006, the FDA restricted the use of silicone implants to only mastectomy patients. However, no reliable studies found any cause for concern with the use of silicone, and the FDA lifted their restrictions in 2006. Extensive clinical studies are continually done to ensure the safety of these implants.

Saline implants are also made from a durable, elastic silicone shell, but the shell is filled with a highly sterile saline solution. During a saline breast implant procedure, the implant is placed under the breast pocket while it is still empty, and then filled to the pre-determined size. That means the patient requires a smaller incision to insert the implant in the chest.

Saline implants are adjustable, meaning your surgeon can adjust their volume during surgery to ensure ideal size and symmetry. Each implant has a recommended fill level as determined by the manufacturer. This is to limit the rippling and wrinkling that can occur from an under-filled implant, and the firmness that would occur from an over-filled implant. Saline implants are more prone to rippling because the saline can shift depending on the position of the women.

One disadvantage of saline implants is that they can rupture or deflate. The solution is harmless if it should leak into the body, however, leaks are not common.

When determining the size of the implant, the patient will discuss their goals with the plastic surgeon. There are several factors that go into a surgeon’s recommendation for implant size.

  1. Current body shape and size
  2. Natural breast shape and size
  3. If the patient desires a natural or fake look
  4. If the breasts currently sag or droop
  5. The amount and health of natural breast tissue that exists
  6. Physical activity and lifestyle of the patient.

You’ll then discuss with the surgeon the profile you’d like to achieve following surgery. Do you want a lower profile implant that, while producing a fuller breast, lays flatter to the body? Or would you prefer a higher profile implant that will create a more prominent looking breast?

Many women go back and forth on what size implant they desire. In fact, this is often the most difficult question the patient faces. Your surgeon will allow you plenty of time to make the right decision for you. This will include trying on sizers so you can see firsthand how the different sized implants look on your body.

Determining where the implant should be placed, either under the subcutaneous breast itself or under the chest muscle, will be informed by your desired look and the current anatomy of your breast to determine which placement will be most successful.

Placement under the muscle offers a more natural look, less visible rippling and allows your natural breast tissue to be more easily read in a mammogram.

Placing above the muscle offers a less painful and quicker recovery time, and a more rounded looking result. However, it increases the chances for capsular contraction, makes the implant more visible and easier to feel, and increases the risk of visible rippling.

The placement of your incision will largely depend on the type and size of implant you’ve chosen, as well as the skill of your surgeon. While an incision will be visible, a skilled surgeon will place the incision in an inconspicuous location and ensure it is barely visible.

Undergoing a breast augmentation is a personal decision, and should be informed by the expertise of a well-trained plastic surgeon. Together, patient and doctor can ensure the most beautiful outcome.

© 2016 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

What Breast Implant Size is The Right Size for Me?

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In my practice this is one of the most commonly asked questions by women seeking breast enhancement. Choosing the right implant size will result in a longer lasting, esthetically pleasing result and a happy patient. In my opinion any size could be the right size as long as certain rules and guidelines are followed.

The successful outcome is based on a number of factors. The most important being the chest width. Implants are available in different sizes and shapes. For any given chest size, patients have three options to choose from. For women requiring larger cup size, high profile implants are suitable. For moderate enlargement, medium profile implants are available, whereas low profile implants are well suited for subtle breast enhancement. So the final selection depends upon the patient’s desire, existing breast volume and the skin condition.

Some of the other important factors include height and weight of the patient. In general, women who are taller and heavier can tolerate larger volume breast implants. Another important factor is the hip width. Slightly wider implants are desirable in women with wider hips to achieve a balanced result. Make sure you discuss all these factors with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.