Breast augmentation surgery is a common procedure that can enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of your breasts. It can also increase your breast’s volume by using either saline or silicone gel implants. The surgical process typically takes about one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. During surgery, an incision will be made around each nipple, followed by an incision beneath each areola (dark area around each nipple).
Next, a pocket is created in which the implant will be placed. Your surgeon will then insert either saline or silicone gel implants into the pockets and close them with stitches. After surgery, you may need to wear a compression garment for several weeks to help prevent swelling and support your breasts while they heal. You might also have some bruising and swelling that lasts for several days after surgery. If you are uncomfortable or experience any pain after surgery, talk to your doctor right away so they can provide additional treatment options as needed!
Read on to learn more. about Best Seattle Breast Augmentation Surgeons, Male Breast Reduction Without Scars and What are the Pros and Cons of Using Silicone Strips?
Best Seattle Breast Augmentation Surgeons
This story is featured in the May/June issue of Seattle magazine.
George G. Min. M.D.: facial rejuvenation, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, breast reconstruction and augmentation, liposuction; Newvue Plastic Surgery, 10047 Main St., Suite 103, Bellevue, 425-463-9883; EvergreenHealth Medical Center, Overlake Medical Center
Nicholas B. Vedder, M.D.: hand surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, reconstructive, microvascular surgery; Burn and Plastic Surgery Clinics at Harborview, 325 Ninth Ave., Seattle, 206-744-5735
Richard A. Hopper, M.D.: facial trauma/fractures, craniofacial surgery/reconstruction, cleft palate/lip, facial deformities/reconstruction; Seattle Children’s Hospital,OB.9.520 – Craniofacial, 4800 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle, 206-987-2759; Harborview Medical Center
Otway Louie, M.D.: head and neck reconstruction, reconstructive microvascular surgery, cancer reconstruction, breast cosmetic and reconstructive surgery; Center for Reconstructive Surgery at UW Medical Center – Montlake, 1959 N.E. Pacific St., Surgical Pavilion, Seattle, 206-598-1217; Harborview Medical Center
Daniel Lee Downey, M.D.: facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, facial rejuvenation, Botox; Proliance Surgical Specialists of Edmonds, 7315 212th St. S.W., Suite 201, Edmonds, 425-778-8116; UW Medical Center Northwest; Swedish Medical Center-Edmonds Campus
James D. Schlenker Jr., M.D.: abdominal wall reconstruction, reconstructive plastic surgery, hand surgery, microvascular surgery; Virginia Mason Seattle Medical Center, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 1100 Ninth Ave., Seattle, 206-223-6831
Top Doctors 2021
Male Breast Reduction Without Scars
Male Breast Reduction Surgery or Gynecomastia Surgery is the surgical procedure that helps reduce the size of a man’s chest volume. For those of you who don’t know what gynecomastia is; it refers to the condition of enlarged breasts. According to research, every third man under the age of 40, and every other man over the age of 50 struggles with enlarged breasts. This is a major aesthetic concern in men and can take a toll on their confidence levels. It can even affect men to a point that they shy away from certain physical and sexual activities.
What causes Gynecomastia?
- There are several factors that can cause Gynecomastia including;
- Hormonal changes
- Liver Disease
- Kidney concerns
- Genetics
- Certain medication
- Weight gain/obesity.
It is important to get a medical examination done to ensure that enlargement of breasts is caused by pseudo gynecomastia (a result of excess fat) or glandular gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can occur in one or both sides of the chest. Some of the most common symptoms include the increased diameter of breasts, trouble doing physical activity, tightness in the chest or increased nipple sensitivity.
What Is Scarless Breast Reduction for Men?
Most people who undergo gynecomastia surgery are concerned with post-surgical scars. Every cosmetic procedure comes with a certain amount of scars. It is important to share this concern with your surgeon and get a suitable surgical plan for yourself.
If you don’t have severe gynecomastia that is usually accompanied by excess skin, a liposuction technique could help rid you of your enlarged breasts. It is a minimally invasive option that does not cause visible scars. Not all patients can get effective results with this technique especially if they have excess skin. But those who can are very lucky and won’t have to worry about post-surgical scars. It is also considered a less traumatic way to get rid of excess fat in the chest area and comes with other benefits such as smoother, quick recovery and minimal incision care.
The safest techniques so far are vaser and safe ultrasonic lipo. They are proven to be way more efficient and also work well with skin reduction/tightening. The surgeon makes a small incision in the armpit area to get rid of excess fat and create a more muscular/flatter look to the chest. As the scar is well hidden in the armpit area, you won’t have to worry too much about it. In the case of a scarless gyno, the surgeon will use a single dissolvable suture to close the incision which results in an imperceptible scar.
This type of male breast reduction procedure generally takes an hour to complete and is performed under general anaesthesia. So, if you are someone who has been looking into the surgery this could be the answer.
Importance of Post-Operative Care for Scar Reduction
While recovering from male breast reduction, it is important to take care of your incisions properly to avoid infection and scar formation. If your recovery process is slow, your scars will be thick and pronounced. Therefore, it is important to follow the right post-operative instructions to prevent rope and rigid scars. Below are a few of the tips to help;
1. Do not Smoke
This one is a no brainer. Every cosmetic surgeon will ask you to quit smoking for a certain period before and after the surgery. This is due to the fact that can delay the healing process which results in thick scarring. So, you will have to quit smoking for at least six weeks after the surgery.
2. Adjust the Meds
Your surgeon will also ask you to stop taking certain medications and herbal supplements. Prior to the surgery, your surgeon will look into the medication you have been taking to eliminate the ones that can hinder the healing process.
3. Incision Care
Keeping your incisions clean and dry at all times is vital and helps immensely with wound healing. Try your best to care for your incisions as per the surgeon’s instructions.
4. Exercise with Caution
It is recommended to avoid exercising till you are fully healed because excessive sweating will not only put a strain on your body but can also irritate the incisions. Be sure to ease back into exercise once your surgeon gives the green light.
What are the Pros and Cons of Using Silicone Strips?
When it comes to silicone strips to reduce scarring there are some pros and cons.
Pros:
- Silicone Strips can help heal scars faster than gels. That’s because your scar tissue is continuously in contact with the silicone – Where gels are easily wiped away.
- It is a non-invasive and painless.
- It helps to minimise redness, pain, bumps or itching of scar tissue while your skin heals.
- Blends well with your skin so it is not overly obvious when that you’re using silicone strips (it can depend on clothing and wear the strips are located).
- Silicone Strips are available in different sizes.
Cons:
- Strips need to be worn 24 hours a day and can be visible.
- Silicone strips are costlier than gels.
- Allergic reactions and sensitivity to the product are possible.
Silicone Strips FAQs
What Scars do Silicone Strip Work Best On?
Silicone strips are most suitable for elevated scars. They may work best to prevent or treat hypertrophic and keloid scars.
- Hypertrophic scars are raised and remain within the boundaries of the injury or wounded area.
- Keloid scars go beyond the incision and into the surrounding skin area.
- Both types of scars may be itchy or painful. In severe cases, these scars can affect one’s mobility.
Can Silicone Strips be used on old scars?
Most definitely. Silicone works on both old and new scars.
When Should I Begin using Silicone Strips?
For newly healed wounds, be sure to wait until there is no further bleeding, oozing or crusting on the area you are treating. Ask your Surgeon for specifics as this is general information only, but for post-surgical scars, you might be able to begin using it 1 to 2 weeks after your sutures are removed – but don’t use it until and unless your Surgeon gives you clearance to do so.
Can I use Silicone Strips on any Part of My Body?
Yes, mostly. Silicone strips can be ideal for use on most body parts as long as the tissue has healed adequately.
How long should I use it?
- Treatment duration will vary from person to person
- Duration depends on the extent and severity of the scar and your skin’s healing and scar formation processes.
- Sometimes the recommended duration of silicone strips usage is 8 to 12 weeks for new scars or 3 to 6 months for existing scars. That’s a fairly long protocol to follow but if you do, you may be rewarded by less visible scars (that noted, for many people but not all, scars fade a lot naturally within 12 to 18/24 months after surgery).
- The results of these treatments may vary.
Is Silicone Strip Scar Treatment Safe?
Yes, it appears this is a safe treatment and the FDA even recommends silicone strips for the treatment and reduction of scars. There have been no reported side effects from using silicone strips because it is made of non-toxic, medical-grade silicone. Every person is different, however, and you could have an allergy to it (rare but possible).
How will I use Silicone Strips Properly?
Dr Briggs or his Nurse will help teach you how to use your silicone strips, although here are some helpful tips:
- Massage gently only around the scar.
- Do not shower with strips, remove them beforehand.
- Swap out weekly (each strip may last for approximately one week – so it is recommended to change it weekly on average).
- Report any changes in your skin sensation, itchiness, redness, irritation, and other abnormalities in your scar tissue to your Surgeon immediately for further medical evaluation.
Having healthy skin and a good immune system can help a lot when it comes to healing well from a scar.
You’ll need to do your part, but Dr Briggs or his Nurse and can help you learn how to best prepare your skin for surgery and other treatments; they can also help your skin recover from incisions. Be sure you attend any recommended Healite II appointments – it feels great and helps rejuvenate and heal your skin.
Stimulating the skin’s natural healing mechanisms in the weeks or months before as well as after your surgery can help reduce the appearance of your scars.
The Process of Wound Healing
Scar Healing Symptoms
As your skin heals from a surgical incision or other skin wound, scars form; and along the way of skin repair (scar formation) you may experience:
- itching
- tenderness
- warmth in the incision area (but let your Surgeon or Nurse know if the area becomes very warm or hot as this could signal an infection)
- discomfort or pain
- anxiety about the scar (especially if you’ve just had major surgery when your emotional reactions will be more sensitive than they might otherwise be)
- sleep disturbance
Your wound could be infected if you experience any of the following.
- Fever.
- Delay in your healing.
- Pus, redness, and pain getting worse.
- Tenderness, warmth, and swelling near your wound.
Topical Scar Treatments
If your incision is thin and if you are careful not to interfere with it or over-stretch it during your healing period, your scars will tend to heal well over approximately 12 to 24 months. They will often become barely noticeable, but a lot of their visibility after surgery depends upon:
(a) where you have the surgery incision (e.g. breast incisions are often hidden in the inframammary fold);
(b) your genetics including skin tone,
(c) your overall health
(d) whether or not you get a skin infection or other complication after surgery, and
(e) how well you follow your post-op instructions including, but not limited to having good nutrition, using the Rapid Recovery protocols, wearing the right garments as prescribed, avoiding strenuous activities as advised, caring for your bandages (and other sterilisation efforts and wound treatments), and your rest and recovery requirements.