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Considering a breast augmentation? Learn what you need to know from Richmond, Virginia plastic surgeon Dr. Gordon Lewis. http://www.lewisplasticsurgery.com/<br>
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A Best Friend’s Guide Breast Augmentation to DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COMDR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA
Have you always considered increasing the size of your breasts, but you weren’t sure who to ask or what to do? That’s why we’re here. We’ve created this guide to inform you about everything you should know about breast augmentation. From: How To Choose a Plastic Surgeon, Breast Implant Sizes and Types, Breast Incision Placement, Risks, Recovery and more. We’re here to guide you through this life-changing journey. DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
Who are we? Dr. Gordon Lewis has been a plastic surgeon in Richmond, Virginia for almost 9 years. He is a native of Richmond and is happy to offer the highest quality care and most personalized service available to thousands of patients in the area and beyond. He obtained an undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia and medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He trained with a plastic surgery residency at the Medical College of Virginia, completed fellowship training at the Duke University Medical Center. He is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Richmond Academy of Medicine and the Medical Society of Virginia. I’m also an associate member of the American College of Surgeons and a candidate member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He and his team are truly passionate about their patients, about helping them to realize natural and beautiful results from cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Their goal is to offer the best possible care and to bring experience, talent, artistry and an unequaled attention to detail to every unique patient. DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
What is breast augmentation? • Breast augmentation surgery involves the placement of custom-fitted saline breast implants or pre-filled silicone implants. This procedure allows women of all ages to select the bust line they have always desired or restore the youthful contour of the breasts they once had. In addition to enhancing the size and shape of the breasts, this procedure improves firmness. Most of our patients undergo breast augmentation to: • Increase the size of naturally small breasts • Increase the projection of the breast by restoring breast volume • Correct asymmetry (uneven breasts) • Lift sagging breasts after pregnancy or weight gain or loss. • Breasts may require an additional procedure called mastopexy (breast lift surgery), which repositions the breasts to a higher position on the chest. DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
Selecting Your Plastic Surgeon • The best thing you can do for yourself and your breasts is selecting the right plastic surgeon for the procedure. Take your time to make an educated decision, and do not feel rushed or pressured to make a decision without being well-informed. Before a consultation, research the surgeon’s training and experience. Being knowledgeable will result in your comfort and confidence throughout the process and procedure. • What to research and verify about your surgeon: • Plastic surgery specialty • Plastic surgery board-certification • Years of experience and training • Hospital privileges • Surgical facility/office and accreditation by a national or state agency DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
Plastic Surgery Certification • There are several ways you can identify a qualified plastic surgeon. First, you can ask for referrals from friends or family members who’ve had breast augmentations. Second, you can try to find plastic surgeons in your area, and on their website, you can read testimonials from their past patients. • You can also contact either of the following highly respected professional organizations: • The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) • American College of Surgeons • The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
Questions for Your Plastic Surgeon • After researching your plastic surgeon, the following questions will clarify more specific issues you may be concerned about. You should assess your surgeon’s response as a representation of his or her bedside manner and determine how comfortable you feel with him or her. • What percentage of the doctor’s practice is cosmetic versus reconstructive plastic surgery? • How long has the doctor been performing the procedures you are considering? • Does the doctor have hospital privileges to perform the procedures you are considering? • Can you receive a copy of the doctor’s professional biography that summarizes his training, qualifications and credentials? • Does the office provide, at the consultation, an itemized “fee quotation sheet,” listing all proposed services and charges? • Who will administer the anesthetic- an anesthesiologist (physician specialist), or will it be a nurse, a nurse anesthetist, or the surgeon? • Is the surgery performed entirely by your surgeon? Or is a part-delegated surgeon-in-training or associate? • Will the operating surgeon and the staff perform all of the postoperative care? • Is the outpatient surgical facility located in a medical building or immediately adjacent to a major hospital? • Asking questions during your initial consultation will help you better get to know your plastic surgeon in order for you to feel at ease with him or her throughout the process. Your surgeon should listen well and answer your questions in a patient, respectful manner. DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
The Breast Augmentation Procedure • During a comprehensive one-on-one consultation at Lewis Plastic Surgery, you will learn about: • The difference between saline and silicone breast implants and actually touch both types of implant • Breast implant sizes and shapes • Breast implant placement: behind, in front of or partially behind the pectoral muscle • Incision types: under the breast, around the nipple or in the axilla (arm pit) • Surgical facility and anesthesia • Breast augmentation cost and financing options DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
Step 1: Anesthesia Most people have a general anesthetic for their surgery, but the surgery can be done with Iv sedation if there is a desire or reason to avoid a general anesthetic. Step 2: Incisions The decision where to place the incision is made at your preoperative visit and depends on your wishes and goals for the surgery. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these incision locations: *Image provided by ASPS • Periareolar(under the nipple) – direct and close access for accurate placement, nearly invisible scar, higher incidence of decreased sensation in the nipple, higher rate of capsular contracture • Inframammary (bottom of breast) – most direct access to chest wall for most predictable results, very faint scar, not visible in bikini tops, most sterile for lowest rate of capsular contracture • Transaxillary (crease of armpit) – least likely to be seen, higher probability of implant malposition, cannot accommodate silicone implants, higher rate of capsular contracture Breast Augmentation Surgery DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
Step 3: Placement of the Implant The vast majority of implants are placed underneath the pectoralis muscle (submuscular) while some are placed underneath the breast tissue (subglandular). Whether they are fully under the muscle or partially under the muscle (dual plane approach) depends on each patient’s personal anatomy. Breast Augmentation Surgery • SUBMUSCULAR • Appropriate for thin tissues • Less visible and palpable implants • Lower risk of capsular contracture • Less difficult mammograms • SUBGLANDULAR • Not recommended for thin tissues • More visible and palpable implants • Higher risk of capsular contracture • More difficult mammograms Step 4: Following the Procedure Once the incisions are closed with sutures, surgical garments are wrapped around the chest to protect the treatment area. Our breast augmentation patients initially recover in the recovery room, observed by our licensed nurses. After a short period when they are awake and comfortable, they will be able to go home to rest. DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
Breast Augmentation Recovery We suggest taking a week off of work, but some patients will return to work faster assuming that they do not have to perform any heavy lifting. Full recovery takes two to four weeks. Your first post-operative visit will be scheduled about two to four days after the procedure and you are then seen a few more times during the recovery period. In the first few days you may experience mild discomfort, bruising and swelling, all of which are considered normal and treated with prescription medicine. You should wear a special supportive garment for five to seven days after which you may resume wearing normal bras. Detailed instructions on how to care for the incisions, when to resume exercise and other pertinent facts are provided prior to surgery. Your relationship with us will not end after the surgery. We will see you frequently in the next weeks and months and will want to see you back one year after surgery as well. We will continue to advise you on activity, exercise, breast self-examination and the future need for mammography, as you require. DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
RecoveryTimeline • 1st Week • You are allowed to shower the day after surgery. • Light activity, including walking, is permitted and encouraged immediately following surgery. • You may be able to return to work 3-4 days after surgery, depending on the nature of your job. • You should not lift, pull or push anything that causes pain and limit strenuous activity for 2 weeks. • You will need to set up an appointment with your surgeon to check on your recovery process. • 2nd and 3rd Weeks • You should not lift more than 15 pounds or do any strenuous activities for 6 weeks. • Most swelling will resolve within 1 month. • Long-term • Return to your surgeon’s office for follow-ups at the recommended times and if you notice any abnormal changes in your breasts. • Contact your plastic surgeon with any questions or concerns. DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
PotentialRisks • During your initial consultation, we will discuss every possible outcome of your procedure including possible complications. Swelling and bruising may be present for up to two weeks. The final shape and feel of your breasts will not be seen for two to three months after the breast augmentation surgery. Although infrequent, breast implant surgery risks may include (but are not limited to); • Desire for a different size • Numbness of the breast • Swelling • Bleeding • Rupture and leakage • Poor aesthetic scar healing • Assymetry • Capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant) • Changes in nipple / breast sensation DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
Before &After Here are a few real images of Lewis Plastic Surgery’s past patients, so you can see the satisfactory results of breast augmentations done by Dr. Gordon Lewis. Before and after photographs serve as a helpful tool that enables you to visualize the end product of the procedure. If you are interested in viewing more and finding something similar to your desired breasts, please see our Breast Augmentation Photo Gallery. DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM
HelpfulResources • To help you begin this journey with personal research on surgery and recovery, please visit the websites listed below. These valuable resources will help you connect with the plastic surgery community, so you can find more information and ask more questions about breast augmentation. • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) • www.plasticsurgery.org • RealSelf • www.realself.com • American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery • www.surgery.org • Lewis Plastic Surgery Breast Implants 101 • Dr. Lewis’ Breast Augmentation Podcast • Breast Surgeries Infographic DR. GORDON LEWIS(804) 267-6009 | RICHMOND, VA WWW.LEWISPLASTICSURGERY.COM