Dr Priti Shukla, board certified plastic surgeon , trained in India and USA, offers liposuction, breat augmenation, facelift, nosejob and a variety of other cosmetic /plastic surgery procedures at affordable cost. Complete nonsurgical skincare , botox, fillers and chemical peels make it a one stop makeover destination. Vist http://www.drpritishukla.com for details
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Cosmetic Surgery Hyderabad Blog
1. Cosmetic Surgery Hyderabad
Plastic Surgery News By Dr Priti Shukla Cosmetic Surgeon
How to Choose Your Cosmetic Surgeon
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 29, 2010
Cosmetic surgery is increasingly becoming popular. A lot of people gather
information a from various sources like magazines, internet and sometimes from
others who have had the similar surgery done. But often they are ignorant about
the surgeon, and who exactly will be the best to perform the surgery. This is the
critical factor in the success of surgery.
The tag of “Cosmetic surgeon” is what people look for generally. Cosmetic
surgery is not a well defined term and a lot of doctors (and sometimes quacks)
from various specialties use this tag to enhance their practice. Their training and
capabilities may be vastly different and it is important to realize that all cosmetic
surgeons are not same. It is advisable that you specifically find out the
qualification your surgeon has . Cosmetic surgeons come from many
backgrounds:
• Cosmetic plastic surgeon (MBBS, MS, MCh Plastic surgery): After 51/2 years of
MBBS one takes 3 years degree of MS (master of surgery) during which the
surgeon learns to do all kinds of major surgeries like liver, intestines, thyroid etc.
Also they learn to handle major trauma and critical patients. Then 2-3 years MCh
plastic surgery training makes them plastic surgeons, making it 11-12 years of
training. Plastic surgery is a broad specialization and one learns to treat burns,
facial injuries, hand surgeries and reimplantation, microvascular surgery and also
cosmetic surgery. Depending on their interest and aptitude plastic surgeon at
times choose to focus on a certain aspect of plastic surgery and call themselves
cosmetic surgeons, hand surgeons or microvascular surgeons. There is no
formal degree/course like cosmetic surgery. Most plastic surgeons acquire the
skills of cosmetic surgery by informal training in western countries by working
with a plastic surgeon who is doing a lot of cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is
a rapidly evolving subject commonly continuing medical education in form of
conferences and workshop is required. Cosmetic plastic surgeons perform the
widest variety of cosmetic surgery to any part of the body.
• Cosmetic dermatologist (MBBS, MD): Dermatologists do MBBS followed by 3
years skin specialization. Most dermatologists do biopsy of skin, removal of
moles and warts etc. They also use lasers for hair removal and other indications.
2. • ENT surgeons/ Eye surgeons: They do MBBS and 3 years MS in ENT or
Ophthalmology. ENT surgeons can perform nose and ear surgeries and
ophthalmologists can perform eyelid surgeries.
• Cosmetic dentistry: They are BDS (dental surgeons) with usually some further
MDS specialization in dentistry. They deal with surgeries to beautify teeth, jaws
and sometimes lips.
Apart from this sometimes one finds MBBS or MS (general surgeons) practicing
cosmetic surgery. Some people confuse cosmetic surgeon with cosmetologist.
Cosmetologists are not medical doctors- they are like beauticians.
When performing any job qualification acts as quality control. Basic surgical
training ensures one’s capacity of handling major surgeries, blood loss and
emergency situations. Plastic surgery training emphasizes on gentle and artistic
surgery with a lot of imagination and creativity in minimizing the scars.
Experience further adds to the skills. Always make sure that the surgeon has the
adequate qualifications, training and experience in performing the surgery you
are seeking.
Posted in Plastic Surgery Liposuctiom | Tagged: best cosmetic surgeon, moles
warts removal, plastic surgery | Leave a Comment »
How to Minimize Scarring After Cosmetic Surgery
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 27, 2010
People believe cosmetic plastic surgery to be totally scar free. Cuts are made
during all surgeries including cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery cuts are
originally sutured very finely and after healing they look like a fine line which
fades gradually over a period of one year or more. Extra care is taken during
surgery by using fine instruments, suture materials and special techniques to
make the finest scar possible. But just having a cosmetic surgery done does not
guarantee good fine scar. There are many other factors that can make difference
in the final result, like individual skin type and care after the surgery. Whatever
may be the skin type good care after surgery always improves the results. Care
is essential with Indian skin which is not very favorable from scar point of view
and also tends to have excess pigmentation. General tips are: • Timely stitch
removal: If removed too late marks can form. • Sun protection: Regular usage of
sunscreen cream of SPF 20 or more every 3 hourly when outdoors is essential
during first 6 months • Massage with certain creams: Massage is more important
3. than cream itself. Gently massaging the scar twice daily for 5 minutes with a
simple cream like Nivea for 3-6 months on a fresh scar can work wonders. At
times some other creams like silicone may be prescribed if the scar is not
favorable. • Pressure: Wherever it is possible to apply, pressure helps. Like
wearing a headband for a forehead scar and elastic band on arm or leg scar.
Elastic compression garments can be specially made to fit any body part for this
purpose. Proper pressure band/garment should be worn more than 12 hours a
day for 3-6 months. • Taping: Paper tape application on the fresh scar helps in
early maturation and fading. Regular monthly followup of scar especially during
first 6 months after surgery is important. Early detection of problem and timely
action prevents bad scar. Signs of problem are: • Elevated, red and itchy scar: It
requires immediate attention. Injections of steroids into the scar, silicon sheet or
gel and pressure may be needed to suppress this kind of scar. • Hyperpigmented
(dark) scar: This type of scar responds to special creams and sun protection.
First 6 months after surgery is the golden period during which scar is fresh and
can be improved by timely action. Once scar is old repeat surgery to improve the
scar will be needed. Good care and regular follow up visits during this period can
help you get the best and the finest possible scar.
Posted in Plastic Surgery Liposuctiom | Tagged: scars after surgery, scars
removal, tips for scar free | Leave a Comment »
Stunning Figure- Secret of “ Yummy Mommies”
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 26, 2010
Motherhood is a beautiful experience. Unfortunately it brings with it permanent
changes in body, which some women are able to hide effectively in clothes and
some others are not. The fear of childbirth at younger age and living lifelong with
sagging body makes some women postpone the childbirth and avoid
breastfeeding while some others sigh at the sight of shapely women like Malaika,
Madhuri and Hemamalini who look gorgeous even after having babies.
In past women bore children at younger age and were working hard performing
their household work and raising children. They did not put on excessive weight
during pregnancy and lost it quite soon after childbirth. Whatever loose skin on
tummy remained or if their breasts sagged they accepted it as a part of life and
tried their best to hide the flaws in suitable clothes. Scenario has changed with
time in more than one ways:
4. Women are gaining more weight during pregnancy: This is due to better
availability of food, excessive indulgence by family and overall sedentary lifestyle.
Some women develop problems like hypertension during pregnancy which
makes them still heavier. In a high risk pregnancy often women are prescribed
rest which again contributes to their weight gain.
Women are not working as hard at home as in past: Due to the availability of
household help and maids who look after kids.
Women are going back to the deskjob sooner after childbirth: This is inevitable
due to their demanding professional lives and financial considerations.
Women do not breastfeed for long: Breastfeeding is not only good for child but
also helps mother lose a lot of weight. Breastfeeding for upto an year or more is
a thing of past. Due to their work or social lives women prefer to wean the child
completely in a couple of months. Generally they tend to mix breastfeed with
bottle feed which in turn leads to faster drying up of milk. Even though they are
feeding the baby infrequently they tend to take rich food during breastfeeding. All
this contributes to weight gain.
Women do not get time to exercise after childbirth: They are usually
overwhelmed with the child and work. By the time they are pregnant with the
second child they are still overweight and the cycle continues.
Society, jobs and women themselves today are more demanding. The need to be
fit and look young is on everyone’s mind. The factors responsible are:
Exposure to media: One sees middle aged “yummy mommies” coming back so
shape and flaunting their flat abs even before the baby is out of the cradle. So an
average woman is perceived as careless and uninterested if she continues to be
fat after having children. Very often husbands are not happy with fat wife.
Jobs are demanding: Not just air hostesses and actresses, women in variety of
jobs like hospitality, fashion designing, marketing and sales need to look trim
always. Even other professions like software engineers need to look fit to be
perceived as efficient and competitive. Doctors need it too to be able to set an
example for their patients.
Desire to wear fashionable clothes: Like jeans and T- shirts which do nor hide the
flaws too well.
Lifestyle sports like swimming: Require slim figure to be able to get into
swimsuits.
So what is the secret of getting back enviable shape after childbirth? Are some
women plain lucky to have good figure even after having kids.? No, their shapely
5. body is a result of their motivation, balanced diet and exercise and often plastic
surgery. Diet and exercise helps them shed fat and tone up their muscles. Most
times diet and exercise alone are not sufficient. What women want is:
Flat stomach: Loose tummy is not due to fat alone but due to stretched muscles
and skin which loses its elasticity and does not go back completely. This part
though well hidden in sarees, tends to show up in other clothes. Tightening the
muscles and removing the excess skin with a scar that is well hidden in panties is
the secret of flat abs.
Firm breasts: Breasts tend to enlarge during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This
stretches the elastic ligaments in the breast and also stretches the shin. The
result is sagging, soft breasts with nipple pointing downwards. Unless special
support bras are worn the breasts look saggy even in clothes. Breast lift surgery
with a cleverly Hidden scar on the undersurface of the breast enables women to
wear all kinds of clothes with ease even without a bra.
Trim figure: Often the fat deposits on certain places like hips and thighs refuse to
go even after healthy weight is achieved. These resistant bulges can be easily
and permanently removed with liposuction through small holes.
If healthy lifestyle in form of balanced diet and regular light exercise like walking
and yoga can be fitted into the schedule one can expect stunning figure and long
lasting results with plastic surgery.
Posted in Plastic Surgery Liposuctiom | Tagged: breast enlarge, breastfeed,
scars removal | Leave a Comment »
Maintaining Lipo Results
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 25, 2010
6. So, you are happy to be in good shape after liposuction !You have got a new
wardrobe and you are ready to flaunt your figure. But do you sometimes wonder
if its going to last? Is fat going to come back?
Its common to hear things like – so and so eats a lot but does not put on weight,
whereas I am forever on diet but do not lose weight. Whenever I have studied the
lifestyle of slim people who do not diet, I found that they eat mostly at home and
do not have taste for high calorie food like sweets, fried stuff , hotel food. They
also tend to eat smaller quantities at a time. These people also tend to be active,
even though they may not be actually setting aside time for exercise.
On the other hand overweight people, even though conscious about their weight
and food intake, tend to overeat in terms of calories. They may diet for half a day
but will take something extra high in calories towards evening . Or they will eat
outside and the calorie count jumps. Overall they tend to consume more calories
and fat/ sugar rich food. Since these habits are usually formed early in life these
people have no idea how little the body actually needs. Its like how a rich man
who spends Rs.5000/- for a dinner with family can not imagine how working class
people can survive the whole month on that money and still be healthy. The
whole mindset needs modification, and a good starting point is to actually begin
counting the calories and stay within limits.
One hour of vigorous – say on treadmill or brisk walking is bare minimum need
for people who hold desk jobs and for housewives who use servants. This is
enough to maintain weight if your calorie count is right. Exercise alone without
diet control will not help.
Its time to revise the basics and use the common sense. If you were within
healthy weight range before liposuction and had the liposuction done just to
improve your shape by removing some odd bulges- you don’t need to do
anything special. Your food intake and energy expenditure was balanced to
begin with. So just continue as usual and enjoy your good figure.
If you were 4-5 kgs overweight ,but maintaining at the same level 1 year prior to
liposuction, you are likely to maintain the results if you continue with same diet
and activity.
If you were say, 10 kilos overweight before liposuction, and your weight was not
stable before surgery. Also you find it hard to count calories and you are too busy
to exercise- then common sense dictates that you are at risk of putting on the
weight again, unless you change your lifestyle. If you opted for liposuction
because you did not have enough time to lose weight on your own, say before
your engagement then at least change your lifestyle after liposuction.
So all of you who are worried about putting on weight after liposuction, here are
some practical tips:
7. • Buy a book containing calorie count of common foods and count your calories
everyday- till its imprinted on your mind.
• At least half the quantity of food you consume should be fresh/boiled
vegetables and fruit. You can substitute one whole meal with these if you like.
• Buy low fat cookbook or gift that book to your mother/wife.
• Pack home cooked food.
• Limit eating outside to once a week.
• Find time for exercise. Join a gym if you have the starting trouble then you can
do it on your own once the habit has set in.
Remember, developing obesity is a result of longstanding lifestyle defects. By
making exercise and healthy eating an essential part of your daily living you can
not only maintain but also improve on the results you got from liposuction.
Posted in Plastic Surgery Liposuctiom | Tagged: after liposuction, before
liposuction, weight lose | Leave a Comment »
Cosmetic Surgery for Fitness Freaks
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 24, 2010
“Cosmetic surgery for fitness freaks” does that sound incongruous? The fact is a
lot of plastic surgery patients are regular gym goers.
• Gym enthusiasts have high expectations from their bodies- they often want
chiseled bodies which seems elusive at times even with the toughest workout.
• Some fat deposits are genetically resistant to diet and exercise: Like fat on
lower abdomen, love handles, outer thigh bulges or hips. Even after idea
weight and muscle toning is achieved these bulges stay on.
8. • People who have shed a lot of weight with exercising are left with loose hanging
skin that bothers them. Due to accumulation of sweat underneath these folds
tend to become irritated and infected.
• Chest bulges in men (gynaecomastia) stand out in gym wear against their flat
abs.
• Some people who avoided gym earlier become motivated to maintain and
improve the results of their body contouring by plastic surgery. Plastic surgeons
advise people to maintain healthy lifestyle.
• Breast size and shape can not be modified significantly by exercising and
disproportionately smaller or larger breasts distract from the rest of the body.
• Some people lose facial fat before the other parts of body and end up looking
old and haggard.
And how does plastic surgery improve these nearly perfect bodies? Gym goers
are plastic surgeons delight because they provide good base to work on. Some
of the most spectacular results of plastic surgery are seen in fitness enthusiasts.
Similarly some of the perfect figures seen in gym and on screen have taken
plastic surgeon’s help. Plastic surgery comes handy in:
• Liposuction can help remove localized bulges from anywhere in body to
balance the figure.
• High definition liposculpturing and body etching can outline and define sixpack
abdomen.
• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), thigh lift, buttock lift arm lift and lower body lift
procedures can handle problem of hanging skin.
• Gynaecomastia surgery is often the only way to flatten male chest and show the
pectorals.
• Some bodybuilders who are unable to develop their pectoral muscles take help
of Pectoral silicone implants to mimic bulging pectorals. Similarly calf implants
can be used for enhancing underdeveloped calves.
• Breasts can be balanced by breast reduction, breast augmentation and breast
lift surgeries.
• Sunken cheeks can be filled up with fat from ones own body or face can be
lifted.
9. Healthy diet, exercising and plastic surgery work in tandem to achieve the perfect
bodies. They are complimentary and not mutually exclusive.
Posted in Plastic Surgery Liposuctiom | Tagged: cosmetic surgery facts, healthy
diet, liposuction | Leave a Comment »
Why are My Breasts Sagging
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 23, 2010
It’s disheartening to see once perfect breasts lose shape. Unfortunately sagging
is an inevitable process related to gravity and aging.
Young natural breasts are conical with nipples pointing towards front or slightly
sideways. The part above the nipples has a gentle sloping profile from collarbone
to the nipple. Lower breast is full and rounded. There is a natural cleavage.
Nipple is above the breast crease. Outer part of breast is rounded. The breasts
do not go beyond the imaginary line dropped from the anterior axillary fold which
is the front part of armpit.
Not all young women have perfect breasts though. Frequently Obesity and
weight fluctuations are the reason behind early breast sagging. Sometimes
breasts can grow very large and sag in otherwise slim young women, due to
hormonal hypersensitivity of breasts. In another condition called snoopy breast
deformity, breasts are small and sagging with large areola and nipple.
Gravity and aging is the main cause of breast sagging. Due to the law of gravity
breasts with size D and above start sagging quite early, even though they look
good in the supportive bra.
Skin envelope of the breast is attached to the underlying Pectoralis muscle with
supportive cooper’s ligaments. They are the delicate pillars. In between are
breast glands, ducts and fat. Breasts sag whenever there is relative skin excess
associated with loss of breast substance and laxity of ligament pillars. This is
observed in women who have lost a lot of weight. Obesity has become a major
culprit of breast sagging. Fatty breasts are softer due to relative excess of soft fat
over firm glandular breast. Yo-yo diet and major weight fluctuations also lead to
breast sagging.
Pregnancy is another important cause of sagging breasts. During pregnancy the
breast glands enlarge to prepare themselves for breastfeeding. Breasts are
further stimulated to grow by breastfeeding. After stopping breastfeeding these
glands shrink leading to sagging breasts. Sagging occurs even when the woman
10. has not breastfed. Women who gained a lot of excess fat during pregnancy and
lose the weight later experience more sagging.
In india, a lot of young unmarried women queue up at beauty shops for firming
and lifting up their breast, with so called breast lifting machines and massages.
Nothing works on breasts, neither machines nor massages or exercises. Wearing
good bra does not significantly prevent sagging. Sagging can either be accepted
as it is, or can be simply corrected by breast lift surgery.
Posted in Cosmetic Surgery Breast | Tagged: breast lift surgery, breast sagging,
breasts sag | Leave a Comment »
Preparing Yourself for Smooth Recovery After Breast Implant Surgery
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 22, 2010
Cosmetic surgery is a very private decision. Most cosmetic surgery patients do
not inform their office or friends about their surgery want to join work and social
activities at the earliest. Even people living with their parents or in joint families
do not want to involve others in their decision and therefore end up looking after
themselves. Following tips will help you plan a smooth recovery from surgery:
Those of you who live alone or in hostel, or do not want to involve too many
people in your care can prepare yourself for surgery in advance. Here are some
suggestions for you to have a problem free surgical experience during first
couple of weeks after plastic surgery. Support: If you are having day care breast
surgery, its mandatory that you have some friend or family whom you have taken
into confidence stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. That person should
accompany to back to home from hospital and he/she should have Dr. Priti’s
number to reach in case of any need. In the absence of such a person it may be
required for you to stay in hospital for longer time (2-3 days). If you live in a joint
family you may not wish for others to know but it is strongly recommended to
have your husband’s support. If he has any apprehensions about your decision
he can meet Dr. Priti. She would be happy to clarify his doubts. This surgery is
11. not an emergency surgery. You can take time to convince him. Bed: keep a lot of
pillows (3-4) for back support. you will find it difficult to get up from bed for first
few days. Also keep extra pillows to use as arm rest. Bathroom: Keep your
toiletries at lower level. Reaching up above the level of shoulders will be difficult
during first week. Keep your flush working. Keep a plastic chair and stool for easy
bathing/ sponge bathing. Shower is allowed after 4 days only. Kitchen: Keep
things within reach and keep your fridge stock full for a week. Have some help for
cooking food for a week, or eat light easy to cook food like – pasta, rice,
vegetables and fruits, juices. Avoid ordering food from outside. Avoid washing
utencils for a week- use paper plates instead. Wardrobe: It is strongly
recommended to wear front open loose clothing (shirts). Raising the arms up for
dressing will be difficult. Keep bigger size bras (3-4 nos) for after surgery. Bra
should have the appropriate cup size (C or D) and it should not be underwired.
Try marks and spencers. Back hooks are preferred. Hair: Wash your hair before
surgery. If you have long hair you may find it difficult to comb or wash it during
first week. Take someone’s help or visit a parlour for wash. Periods: It is not
uncommon to miss periods or have heavy periods following surgery. It settles
down by itself in a month or two. If not, consult your doctor. Climbing stairs: You
can do it slowly. Moving outside home: Get as much rest as possible in first few
days. If you need to go out to see doctor its preferable to travel in the backseat of
car, with pillows for back support. Autos are not advisable, due to excessive
jerks. Driving with seatbelt is possible after 2 weeks and 2 wheeler after 3-4
weeks. Looking after children: If you have little kids,you will need help. Avoid
taking them on your lap for 2 weeks. Lifting the baby up is not advisable for 3
weeks. You can dress them up, feed them and comb their hair after a couple of
days once you feel comfortable.
Posted in Cosmetic Surgery Breast | Tagged: after surgery, breast implants,
recovery tips | Leave a Comment »
Preventing Breast Cancer
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 20, 2010
Breast cancer is the commonest cancer of women in the world. It can happen to
anybody, young or old, married or single. One in 5 women is at the risk of
developing breast cancer in her lifetime in USA. In India the incidence is slightly
lower but it is increasing. A lot of research is being done to find the cause and
cure of breast cancer. Cause of breast cancer is still unknown. Certain cancer
genes have been identified that run in families or can occur newly by mutation in
women without any family gene. Tests are available to detect such a gene so
that extra precautions can be taken to detect cancer early in women with such
genes. Since the advances in plastic surgery have made it possible to create
12. attractive new breasts, women who are genetically at high risk can go for
removal of breasts and reconstruction. Prevention gives the best chance of cure.
You can beat the cancer by being cautious and detecting it early. Remember
cancer starts as a painless lump in the breast and you have the best chance of
detecting it yourself. By Breast self examination ( BSE). This is how you can do
It: • Stand in front of a mirror with top exposed. • Place hands on hips. • Look for
signs of dimpling, swelling, soreness, or redness in all parts of your breasts in the
mirror. • Repeat with arms raised above your head. • While still standing, palpate
your breasts with your fingers, feeling for lumps. Try to use a larger area of your
fingers rather than prodding. Feel both for the area just beneath the skin and for
the tissue deeper within. • Go over the entire breast while examining. One
method is to divide the breast into quadrants and palpate each quadrant
carefully. Also examine the “axillary tail” of each breast that extends toward the
armpit. • Repeat palpation while lying down. • Check the nipples and the area just
beneath them. Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge. Breasts
tend to feel different in different parts of menstrual cycle. Therefore BSE should
be done 7-10 days after the first day of periods, every month. Once you get the
feel of your breasts it will be easy for you to detect any change and you will be
able to differentiate normal breast feel from that of a lump. If you have detected a
lump or nodule do not panic, because 8 out of ten times these are harmless. You
should go to an expert surgeon for examination. She/he may advise further
testing if needed like mammography( breast X ray) and sonography of breast
-both of which are painless .Fine needle biopsy may also be needed to get the
diagnosis. If the lump is benign (harmless) it can be left alone or can be removed
through small incision. If it is malignant (cancer) and detected early (less than 2
cm size lump) then it is possible to have breast preserving surgery wherein only
the lump with surrounding rim of normal breast is removed leaving behind rest of
the breast and radiation to the breast. For bigger cancers treatment usually
involves total removal of breast and chemotherapy, with or without radiotherapy.
Plastic surgical breast reconstruction is commonly done after total removal of
breast. If the cancer is detected in early stage, very long survival 20 years or
more is known after complete treatment. After the age of 40 yearly
mammography can be done to detect any minute cancer. It is like an X ray and is
painless. Early detection not only allows for breast preservation but also
increases the chances of cure.
Posted in Cosmetic Surgery Breast | Tagged: breast cancer cure, breast
reconstruction surgery | Leave a Comment »
Making New Breasts with Plastic Surgery
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 19, 2010
13. Breas
t cancer is one of the most common cancer affecting women. Early detection of
cancer and intensive treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has
increased the survival rate and a lot of patients are living long life even after
breast cancer. That raises the question of quality of life of cancer survivors.
Breasts are an integral part of woman’s body and her self image. Without breasts
women feel incomplete and studies have demonstrated that they suffer from lack
of self confidence and depression. Relationships also may suffer. Lack of breast
is a constant reminder of the disease that they have left behind. Plastic surgery
reconstruction of new breasts after mastectomy can help women overcome the
sense of loss and give them a normal body.
When the cancer is detected very early by mammography or during routine
breast self examination, and its size is smaller than 2 cms and it has not spread
outside the breasts, total breast need not be removed. That is why early
detection is very important. Unfortunately many times cancer lump is larger or
has spread to lymph nodes by the time it is detected. In this scenario complete
removal of breast becomes mandatory. New breast can be made immediately at
the same time of mastectomy (breast removal) or can be made at any later date.
Immediate reconstruction is popular in western world, and it is also covered by
insurance there (but not in India) as breast reconstruction is considered an
integral part of breast cancer treatment in west. There is hardly any woman who
does not get her breasts reconstructed after breast cancer. At times in advanced
cases reconstruction is done as a delayed procedure, after completing chemo
and radiotherapy, to make sure that the cancer will not come back.
There are many ways a new breast can be made. The most popular procedure
worldwide is TRAM flap. In this procedure new breast is made by taking skin and
fatty tissue from the lower abdomen below the belly button. Areola and nipple is
made in second stage and a very natural looking and soft breast can be created.
Breast can also be made by taking skin and muscle from the back. This tissue is
called LD( latissimus dorsi) flap. Usually a breast implant is placed under the flap
to give it good size.
Breast can also be made by first stretching the skin on the flat chest with a
balloon like tissue expander and then placing an implant in the stretched skin
14. envelope after removal of tissue expander. This surgery requires two stages.
Breast implants are made of high quality silicone gel and they are available in
different sizes and shapes to match the normal breast.
Sometimes the normal breast is sagging or too big. In that case to achieve
perfect symmetry, normal breast also can be lifted or modified in size to match
the reconstructed breasts. The end result is usually pleasing and natural looking.
Breast reconstruction is a major surgical procedure. Ideally even before the
cancer surgery is undertaken a plastic surgeon should be consulted to plan
immediate reconstruction if possible. Close coordination between cancer surgeon
and reconstructive surgeon is a must. Reconstruction surgery takes 3-4 hours to
perform under general anaesthesia and 3-5 days of hospital stay is required.
Complete recovery may take more than a month’s time. Areola and nipple are
made usually under local anaesthesia in another stage after 3-6 months.
Chemotherapy if needed can be given after or before breast reconstruction. The
reconstructed breast does not interfere with follow up of cancer for recurrence.
Breast reconstruction is a popular procedure worldwide. In our country due to
lack of awareness it was not so common until recently. But now more and more
women are seeking this procedure to improve their quality of life for years to
come.
Posted in Cosmetic Surgery Breast | Tagged: breast surgery procedures, new
breast making, plastic surgery reconstruction | Leave a Comment »
Choosing the Right Size Breast Implant
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 18, 2010
You have the most important role to play in choosing the right implant size,
because its your body and no one knows more than you, what you want. Leaving
the decision entirely to your plastic surgeon is may lead to possible future
disappointment. So how do you know what implant size would look best on you?
Female breasts come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Breasts should be
generally in proportion with your body and equal to or slightly less than your hip
size. Personal preference, culture, trends, lifestyle, dressing style, hobbies and
profession are some other variables that will determine the size chosen by you.
Women usually have a good idea about how they want to look like but they are
not able to effectively convey it to plastic surgeon. They are commonly referring
15. to their bra size as 30, 33 inches etc without knowing their cup size which is more
important because only cup size changes after breast augmentation. So basically
there is communication gap leading to confusion.
Knowing your present breast size is the first step. You should know both your
band size and cup size. Roughly A cup is 236 cc, B cup 384cc, C cup 621cc and
D cup 798 cc. Average woman seeking breast augmentation is A or B cup and
wants to be enhanced to C or D . Breast implants are available from less than
100 cc to more than 1000 cc size. Most commonly used implants are 250-450 cc.
A 150-200 cc implant will enhance the breast by one cup size. This can be
further confirmed by trying sizer implants inside the bra that you would like to
wear after surgery.
You can show also the doctor some pictures of women (from magazine/net)
whose breasts you like. You can request the doctor for seeing pictures of
patients with implants of various sizes
Plastic surgeon will then assess your tissue elasticity and chest wall
measurements to determine whether the tissues will allow the size you have
chosen to be inserted. The placement of implant whether below or above the
muscle also will affect the choice of size. The pocket under the muscle being
tight usually does not allow very large implants. While inserting the implants
through areola, if areola is small then very large silicon implant can not be
inserted. Larger implant can be inserted through inframammary incision in the
breast crease.
Implants are available in round and teardrop shape, low, medium and high
profiles. Your surgeon can help you choose the best one for you based on your
tissue characteristics, measurements and breast shape.
Choosing the right implant is important. Studies have shown that most common
cause of second surgery after breast augmentation is woman seeking to change
her implant size. This can be avoided by choosing the right size carefully. Its
advised to try the sizer implants and check yourself in full length mirror from all
angles with and without clothes. Some women are apprehensive about looking
too big and therefore choose smaller implants. Not uncommonly, after surgery
they get used to the new breast size they find it small and want bigger implants.
Hardly any woman complains about being too big after surgery I therefore
suggest my patients to err on the side of bigger size. Choosing the right implant
carefully is the best way of avoiding disappointment and secondary surgery.
Posted in Cosmetic Surgery Breast | Tagged: breast implant size, breast
implants, breast size, right implant | Leave a Comment »
16. Breast Aging
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 17, 2010
Female breasts change throughout life. Desmond Morris in his book ” The Naked
Woman” describes 7 ages of female breast:
• Nipple breast of childhood.
• Breast bud of puberty.
• Pointed breast of adolescent.
• Firm breast of young adulthood.
• Full breast of motherhood.
• Sagging breast middle age.
• Pendulous breasts of old age.
Breasts are glands with important function of nourishing the newborn. Apart from
this they have a strong association with female gender identity and sexuality.
Anatomically the breasts are composed of milk glands, ducts that carry the milk
to the nipples, supporting fibrous tissue and fat. Throughout the lifecycle the
quantity and proportion of these individual elements keeps changing.
At birth the breasts are virtually nonexistent. At times both in male and female
newborns the breasts are swollen and even ooze milk when pressed. This is
because of circulating female hormones of mother in baby’s body. In a couple of
weeks the hormones disappear and breasts spontaneously flatten. In India
grandmothers try to squeeze the milk out everyday. This only makes the baby cry
and possibly damages the breast. This practice is best avoided.
Breast development is the first sign of puberty. Breast buds develop much before
the menstruation starts. Small breast bud is visible. Throughout the teenage
years breasts develop at a steady pace. This growth is affected by the general
health of the girl. Its not uncommon to see flat chest in undernourished girls and
excessively large breasts in obese girls. The difference is usually in fat content of
the breasts.
Breasts look their best in late teens- the so called photographic super breasts .At
the age of about 25 human breasts are at the peak of their growth. They are
hemispherical but not usually sagging. With pregnancy come the major changes
in the breasts. Breasts start enlarging in early pregnancy and sometimes become
tender. Ducts and glands are growing at this time under influence of female
hormones. By 6th month drops of milk are being produced. Once the baby
suckles, breasts grow further, especially the glands part, to produce milk. Milk
production is not related to the size of the breast . Women with very small
breasts can feed effectively and sometimes huge breasts do not produce any
milk. The reason is usually hormonal.
17. Once breastfeeding is stopped the hormones become inactive and the breast
glands and ducts shrivel. Fat and larger skin envelope remains as it is. At times
women loose the extra weight they gained during pregnancy and breast fat also
goes down. All this results is saggy breasts of adult life. Breasts are flatter on top
and heavy and round at bottom.
Nipples are low and point downwards. There may be stretch marks and areolas
are larger. Due to relative excess of fat in comparison with gland and fibrous
tissue breasts feel softer. Wearing an under wire support bra becomes necessary
to give shape to the breasts. With advancing age, in older life breasts become
more and more softer, empty and saggy in sixties and seventies.
All breasts do not age similarly. Aging is worst when woman has had major
fluctuations in weight and has nursed several babies. Some women lose the
breast volume completely after nursing whereas in others breasts stay larger. Bra
does not help much except it can make saggy breasts look good in clothes.
Plastic surgery of breasts can reverse the signs of aging and make the breasts
look their best at any age.
Posted in Cosmetic Surgery Breast | Tagged: breast buds, breast enlarging,
breast sagging, feeding, growth | Leave a Comment »
What is Your Bra Size
Posted by Dr Priti Shukla on March 17, 2010
According to a latest UK survey more than 70 percent of women wear incorrect
bra size. The result is improperly fitting bra which looks odd and provides
improper support. Many Indian women are not aware of the concept of cup size
and they commonly buy bra only by size in inches (32, 34). Most Indian
manufacturers offer only limited range of sizes. Commonly in the plastic
surgeon’s clinic woman with small breasts says that she wears 32 inches bra and
wants to be 36 inches after breast augmentation. Or a woman with larger breast
may be wearing a size 40 bra which she says does not fit her properly but she
wears it because of non availability of her size.
These numbers do not represent the correct bra size. Bra size is a combination
of Band size and Cup size. Leading bra manufacturers of the world make bras
with cup sizes like A, B, C, D, E, F, G. To determine your correct bra band size
you should measure your chest in inches with a soft measuring tape, first below
your breasts where the bra band usually lies (measurement 1). To this
measurement add 5 or 6 to get an even number and that is your band size. For
example if the measurement is 30 inches below breasts then your band size is
18. 30+6=36 inches and if the measurement is 31 inches its 31+5=36 inches. Next
you measure the breasts at the most prominent part (measurement 2), while
wearing a comfortable non padded bra. The difference between this second and
the first measurement (in inches) gives the cup size.
Difference between measurement 2 and 1 Cup Size
1 inches AA Since fit can vary somewhat with bra design material
and brand, it is advised to try the bra before
1 inch A
purchasing it.
2 inches B
3 inches C It is quite obvious to you now that doing a surgery on
breast, whether it is breast augmentation or
4 inches D
reduction surgery, will not change the band size.
5 inches E/DD Only the cup size changes. Only when you know
6 inches F/DDD your breast size, you can convey to your plastic
7 inches G/DDDD surgeon what you would like to be after breast
surgery. If you are seeking breast implant, you can
buy a new bra of your desired size and then try sizer implants in the doctor’s
clinic inside the bra to get an idea about how you will look after implants.
Tagged: breast augmentation, breast implants, breast lift | Leave a Comment »
What is The Ideal Breast Size
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
The parameters of beauty also differ from one culture to another and also change
with time and fashion. Ancient Indian sculptures and art depict women with full
hemispherical breasts. Such breasts are still in vogue in India especially with
women who prefer traditional saris or other ethnic dresses. The West, in contrast,
has seen a lot of change in fashion -as related to breast size. In last hundred
years fashion changed from full breasts to small flat look to artificially enhanced
look.
19. Breasts should be proportionate to woman’s body frame and build. The concept
of 36-24-36 inches, though quite exaggerated, basically refers to breast size
being equal to hips, with a significant narrower waist in between.
Breast size is commonly referred to in terms of cup size, B C and D cup sizes
being most common. The C cup is a moderate and pleasant size for a woman of
an average build. The B cup may look adequate on a petite athletic woman. A lot
of western models are a cup size B. D cup size breasts are full and look good on
women of larger a frame. A lot of Indian women seeking breast augmentation like
cup size D, especially married women who have had children. Younger,
unmarried women tend to prefer smaller breasts.
A Woman’s body build is important in determining the most suitable breast size
because if one’s arms or tummy is bulky then the breasts will have to be bigger
to give the right profile. In thinner women relatively smaller size breasts will give
the same look of fullness in the breasts.
Ideal breast size is also determined by one’s lifestyle. Active sporty women like
moderate sized breasts. Women who wear heavier clothing like sarees want
larger breasts. In contrast women who wear flimsy or western clothes may prefer
moderate size breasts. Women in the entertainment industry prefer larger breast
sizes.
A lot of women with breasts smaller or larger than average are perfectly satisfied
with their size. Some women, on the other hand, are uncomfortable or
embarrassed about their breast size. Sometimes their partners are dissatisfied.
In such circumstances plastic surgical augmentation or reduction of breast can
help women achieve a size they are more comfortable with or desire.