Ask Dr. Man - Breast Augmentation

Does breast enlargement reduce the risk of suicide?

A study published in the scientific form in the aesthetic surgery by Dr. Thomas Joiner, Jr., PhD, a professor of psychology in the Florida state university suggest that suicide rates in breast augmentation patients is lower than the expected rate when these patients’ demographic and other pre-surgery characteristics are taken into account.
Even though the literature in the past suggested otherwise, a relatively new survey showed otherwise. The mechanism for this protective effect is embedded in the increased satisfaction with their body image. (Aesthetic Surg J 2003;23:370-37)

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.

Interested in looking younger but worried about surgery? Be sure to visit

http://drman-skinrejuvenationpeel.com to learn more about non-surgical procedures.

Ask Dr. Man – Saline vs. Silicone

Dear Dr. Man, What's the different between silicone and saline implants? Do plastic surgeons even use silicone anymore? I'm considering getting implants and I'm not sure how to choose. Signed, "Thinking about implants" in Boca Raton

Dear "Thinking," Before the FDA banned the use of silicone implants in the United States about 13 years ago, over 90% of surgeons preferred silicone over saline. The reason is because silicone implants feel and look more natural, can be more predictable, and are considered safe. However, after cases of some silicone implants rupturing, the FDA put a ban on use of silicone implants. Even today, surgeons are limited to using silicone implants on secondary breast procedures only. It is my belief, however, that at some point in the near future, patients will have a choice of silicone or saline.

Silicone implants have been reported by patients to feel softer and more natural than saline. They also have the ability to naturally adjust as you move. This does not mean, however, that they are the right choice for every woman. Saline implants can feel more firm than natural breast tissue. They have been known to ripple, and this can be felt if the breast tissue covering the implant is insufficient. However, adjustable saline implants can be useful in some women, whose breasts are very asymmetrical, or in women who have had massive weight loss and whose skin has stretched a great deal. Adjustable saline implants also allow the surgeon to fill the implant after surgery, in attempt to achieve the desirable size and fullness the patient is looking for.

If you are a woman looking to switch your implants from saline to silicone, I suggest discussing it in length with your surgeon. Some surgeons may recommend that you keep your saline implants if you are happy with their appearance and they have presented no complications.

The type of implant that is best for you depends upon what you want and what your breast tissue will allow you to have. You and your surgeon should weigh the benefits and tradeoffs of both saline and silicone. If you are thinking about breast implants, I encourage you to discuss all of your options with your surgeon during your pre-operative consultation.

Studies have shown both saline and silicone implants to be safe and effective. An experienced surgeon will help you choose what is best for you. Next week, we'll review some guidelines that can help you choose a plastic surgeon.

Next topic: How to find a good plastic surgeon.

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life's work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.

Ask Dr. Man - Breast Implants FAQ

Dear Readers,

Some of the questions I get asked most frequently by patients are related to breast implant size. Today, I’d like to address a few of the more popular questions.

How do I know which implant size is right for me?
The answer to this question depends on two factors:
- The size of the breast in proportion to the size of your body
- The characteristics of your breast tissue.

The ideal breast size should balance with your height and weight measurements. The size also largely depends upon how much natural breast tissue you have. A woman with more breast tissue will need her implants filled with fewer cc’s in order to get the size she desires.

Many women believe that an augmented breast will not sag, which is just not true. The tendency of the breast to sag is related to the loss of skin elasticity and how thin the tissue is surrounding the breast. If you choose an implant that is too large, it can cause the tissue to stretch and, thus, cause more sagging to occur.

What if my surgeon and I do not agree on the size of the implant?
If you are asking for an implant size that your surgeon feels may be too large for you and, thus, create an undesirable surgical result, I recommend that you go back to the drawing board. There is a delicate balance between what you want and what you finally end up with. If you want a very large implant, you must realize that, over time, your skin may not be able to support such a size. The weight of the implant can stretch and thin the skin, which can lead to visible ripples around the edges of the breast, a larger sagging breast, and possibly the need for additional surgery. I often ask my patients, “Do you really want to take that chance?”

My friend’s implants look perfect. Can I have the same size as her?
First and foremost, as I tell all of my patients, no implant will produce the same result in two different women. Just because your friend has implants filled with 300cc’s, this does not mean it will produce the same results for you. Skin characteristics and quality are different in each person.

Be sure to choose a surgeon who spends time with you and discusses the characteristics of your breast tissue and options that are realistic for you.

Next topic: Breast implants: the silicone versus saline debate.

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.