Virginia Breast Augmentation Blog

Combining Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures

2011-07-22T17:03:00.000-04:00

One of the things most people don't understand about a face lift is that face lifts are not just one procedure, but many, and these procedures can be custom-designed to meet your cosmetic goals. They are designed specifically for your anatomy and your specific facial aging. A complete facial rejuvenation package will likely include several different facial plastic surgery procedures and a number of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures as well. Some procedures commonly combined to give natural-looking and long-lasting results include:

During your consultation, we will listen to your cosmetic goals and help you decide what procedures are best to help you achieve those goals.

To get recommendations for a custom-designed facial rejuvenation procedure, please call or email The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery today, serving patients in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Skin Care before and after Surgery

2011-07-20T17:02:00.000-04:00

If you want to maintain your youthful appearance for as long as possible, nothing is as important as skin care. Your skin is your appearance: beautiful skin is the most universal element of attractiveness and youth. Here are a few tips to help you put off a face lift as long as possible:

Give your skin the nutrients it needs. If you don't know what your skin needs, Visia digital complexion analysis can help.
Avoid the sun. Reduce your skin's sun exposure to prevent the years of cumulative damage that will degrade your skin quality and decrease its ability to support itself and other facial tissues.
Remove dead skin. When we are young, our skin sheds quickly, so that the skin on the surface is inherently younger, but this process slows as we age, leaving the older skin on the surface for longer. Chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing can help remove old dead skin to improve the luster and health of your skin.

Doing this will help your face look younger for longer. These are also good tips for completing the rejuvenating effect of your face lift and maintaining your results for longer.

If you live in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or Washington D.C. and want to learn more about how surgical and nonsurgical rejuvenation procedures work together to give you the best possible results, please schedule a consultation at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery today.

Breast Augmentation and Nipple Sensitivity

2011-07-14T17:00:00.000-04:00

Nipple sensitivity is important both for sexual activity and breastfeeding. Your breasts eject milk based on the amount of pressure applied by your baby’s mouth. Diminished sensitivity can result in insufficient milk supply to your child, making incision placement a necessary consideration for mothers who are thinking about breast augmentation.

Incision Placement and Nipple Sensitivity

Modern techniques in breast augmentation are intended to protect your milk ducts and the nerves in your breast. To help reduce risks, your breast augmentation incision can be placed in an area that will not affect nipple sensitivity. Periareolar incision, placed around the nipple, run the greatest risk for diminishing sensitivity, but provide our surgeons with greater control over implant placement. You should discuss your plans to become pregnant with one of our surgeons prior to selecting an incision option.

Our board-certified plastic-surgeons take every care necessary to ensure your nipple sensitivity is not impacted, but cannot guarantee against potential complications. For women who are concerned with decreased sensitivity, an Inframammary or trans-axillary incision may be a better option.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC and are interested in learning more about breast augmentation incision options, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

How Long Is Recovery from Breast Augmentation?

2011-07-12T16:59:00.000-04:00

Recovery from breast augmentation will rely on implant placement and your body’s natural ability to heal. You can speed recovery by carefully following all of your surgeon’s post-surgical instructions, and giving yourself sufficient time to rest.

Placement and Recovery

Subglandular implants require a less invasive surgery and tend to heal more rapidly. For implants placed above the chest muscle, mild to moderate discomfort can be expected for one to two weeks. Swelling, bruising, and numbness may also last for up to two weeks. Work can generally be resumed within one week but exercise, besides walking, should be limited for up to one month.

Submuscular implants require a more detailed surgery. Implants placed below the chest muscle may cause moderate discomfort for up to two weeks. Swelling, bruising, and numbness may last for up to two months. Work can generally be resumed within one to four weeks depending on your job requirements. You can begin easing back into exercise within days of your surgery, but strenuous and high-impact exercises may have to wait up to 4 weeks, and final results should be apparent within four months.

Our doctors are committed to your comfort. Pain medications can be prescribed to reduce discomfort and compression garments will be supplied to reduce swelling. Taking walks can also help reduce discomfort and speed the recovery process.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC and are interested in learning more about recovering from breast augmentation, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

Can Breast Implants Interfere with a Mammogram?

2011-06-27T12:20:00.000-04:00

Many women worry that having breast implants will interfere with detecting and treating cancer. The placement of your breast implant can have some effect on the type of screening required to detect cancer. Recent study results presented at the American Society of Breast Surgeons' 2011 meeting showed that women with breast implants experienced delays in the detection of breast anomalies. However, breast cancer survival rates were not affected.

It is also believed that because the study has a long time frame it does not reflect the impact of modern imaging technology, such as digital x-rays, on the ability of screeners to detect cancers.

Placement and Detection

When you go for your recommended mammograms, it's important to mention that you have breast implants so you can work with an experienced screener who knows how to look around the implant to better visualize cancers and pre-cancers.

Implants placed above the muscle in your chest can make cancer screening more difficult. Implants placed below your chest muscle are less likely to interfere with manual mammograms.

Breast augmentation is a proven safe way to restore symmetry and beauty to your body. We will be happy to address any safety concerns you have during your initial consultation.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC and are interested in learning more about mammograms and breast augmentation, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

What Is Capsular Contracture?

2011-06-24T12:17:00.000-04:00

Capsular contracture is a potential risk of breast augmentation. An abnormal response of the immune system to foreign materials in the body, capsular contracture occurs when the collagen-fiber capsule tightens and squeezes the breast implant. This can cause both pain and implant disfigurement and may result in having to have your implant removed and replaced.

How Common is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is one of the more common risks associated with breast implants, but its incidence has been decreasing as surgical techniques improve. Some studies indicate that the risk of capsular contracture is lowered with the use of saline breast implants instead of the old silicone gel breast implants, but it is not known how the capsular contracture rates of the new cohesive gel breast implants compare to the older style.

Treating Capsular Contracture

Some instances of capsular contracture are minor and do not require any treatment. Others may be treated with the use of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medications. If nonsurgical options do not work, your collagen-fiber capsule may need to be removed to allow new tissue to form around your implant. When this is the case, often times the implant is replaced and repositioned to reduce repeat contracture.

While uncommon, capsular contracture is still a potential complication and should be a consideration prior to undergoing breast augmentation.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC and are interested in learning more about breast augmentation, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

What to Expect after Breast Augmentation Surgery

2011-06-22T12:16:00.000-04:00

Immediately following your breast augmentation surgery you can expect to feel dizzy or nauseous. As the anesthesia wears off, you may continue to feel tired for the next 24 hours, but this is common with any surgical procedure.

Pain and discomfort may be present anywhere from one week to one month. Most women report feeling "back to normal" in about four weeks. Our doctors can help you manage discomfort with prescription analgesics. During this time, swelling and bruising are also common. This can be kept under control by wearing compression garments supplied by our office.

Scarring is inevitable with breast augmentation surgery. The incision option you choose will determine where the scar is located, and in most cases scars fade naturally over time. It may take up to four months for the results of your augmentation to be fully realized, but many women notice results in as little as one month.

Your recovery from breast augmentation will rely on your carefully following all of our advice after your surgery. We will continue to work with you even after your implants are placed to ensure your healing and recovery is going as smoothly as possible.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC and are interested in learning more about recovering from breast augmentation, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

Planning for Your Breast Augmentation Surgery

2011-06-20T12:12:00.000-04:00

Breast augmentation surgery will require some preparation on your part. During your initial consultation, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will discuss with you exactly what you can expect on the day of your surgery, but making sure everything you need is in place is important to ensure an easy procedure.

What to Plan

Prior to breast augmentation surgery, you will want to arrange for a ride to and from our surgical facility. You will be on medications that can interfere with driving, and will need a ride home. It is also important to have a place where you can rest and recover from your surgery. For the first few days you will need to limit physical activity, and having a friend or family member to help with basic household necessities is important during this time.

You should plan on taking up to one week off from work. Make sure you have planned accordingly with your employer and clients to allow yourself this important time to heal. If your job requires strenuous physical exertion, you may need to take up to four weeks off.

You will need to abstain from smoking, taking certain medications, and potentially modify your diet prior to your surgery. All of this will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery for more information about preparing for breast augmentation today.

Does Breast Implant Surgery Require Hospitalization?

2011-06-17T12:11:00.000-04:00

At the Austin-Weston Center Cosmetic Surgery Center, breast augmentation procedures are performed at our 11,000 square foot AAAHC accredited plastic surgery facility located just outside of Washington DC. Here, our board-certified plastic surgeons are attended by highly trained personnel including a certified nurse anesthetis to ensure your maximum comfort and safety.

While there are some potential risks and complications with breast augmentation, very few breast augmentation procedures require an overnight hospital stay. You will require some rest after your surgery, but most patients are able to go home within an hour of their surgery.

It is important to have your surgery performed in a state-of-the-art, accredited surgical facility to help guarantee against complications like infection and excessive bleeding. However, every body is different, and your body’s response to breast augmentation may require additional care after surgery. If this is the case, we will do everything possible to minimize further complications, and have you on your way as soon as possible.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC and are interested in learning more about our breast augmentation facility, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

Estimating Your Breast Implant Size at Home

2011-06-15T12:08:00.000-04:00

When you come to the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we will help you determine what size breast implant will work best for you. However, this basic visualization technique performed at home can help give us a starting place for discussion during your initial consultation.

Choose a filling of rice, couscous, oatmeal, lentils, or quinoa, depending on what you have on hand and what feels most comfortable. Water can also be used, but it can be messier. Based on the filling you choose, select a thin stocking or zip lock bag that the filling can be placed into. Breast implants are measured by volume, so you’ll be determining cc’s as opposed to bra size.

Starting smaller is usually more beneficial with this experiment. Start by placing 250cc, about a cup, in the baggie or stocking. Place it over your breast, underneath an unpadded bra. Looking in the mirror, determine if you would like to go bigger. Adding 125cc, or ½ cup at a time, gradually increase the size until you find something you like. Make a note of that. Remember, breast implant placement under the muscle can reduce the apparent size of your implant up to 15 percent. We'll take this into account when talking about the size of breast implant that is right for you.

We will take the size you found at home and carefully assess your entire frame to help you find an implant size that looks and feels natural on your body.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC and are interested in learning more about breast augmentation, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

The Perfect Combination: A Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck Makeover

2011-06-14T17:26:00.000-04:00

The combination of breast augmentation and tummy tuck (also known as a Mommy Makeover) has become increasingly popular, and with good reason. The two procedures complement each other, especially in women coping with the bodily changes that occur after having children.

Pregnancy alters your body shape, most notably your breasts and abdomen, and even women who follow a healthy diet and fitness regimen following childbirth find regaining their youthful forms an exercise in futility. Many women are left with fat deposits and stretch marks around the stomach, waist and thighs, as well as a loss of breast volume.

A Mommy Makeover rejuvenates your appearance with a breast augmentation, tummy tuck and, in some cases, liposuction in a single outpatient procedure.

A breast augmentation will help restore the volume, shape and curvature of your breasts, while a tummy tuck will remove excess skin and fat to flatten and firm your abdomen. For women wishing to remove additional unwanted body fat around the waist and thighs, liposuction can be added to the procedure.

Choosing a Mommy Makeover over separate breast augmentation and tummy tuck procedures offers several advantages including saving costs, limiting the impact of multiple surgeries on the body, and lessening the overall recovery time of successive procedures.

If you’re a mother who’s interested in revitalizing your appearance, please contact the experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons at the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, Virginia, for a Mommy Makeover consultation.

Implant Size and Cup Size

2011-06-13T12:05:00.000-04:00

Breast implants are measured by their volume in cubic centimeters (cc), and there's no really reliable way to translate this into how much your breast cup size will change after breast augmentation. When you come to the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we will talk to you more about creating an appealing, natural look that matches your frame, using cup size only as a short cut for communication.

Determining Implant Size

We’ve found that the best way to determine implant size is to have you try on different sized implants under a bra and see what you think looks best. We have over 100 different implants here at The Austin-Weston Center to help you do this. After you find the size you like, the surgeons will examine you and see if your choice makes “sense” for your body. This exam will pay particular attention to:

• Your existing cup size
• The proportions your hips, waist, and chest
• The size of your ribcage
• The size of your chest

Using these measurements, we can best choose an implant size that will give you the look you have been dreaming of.

The cup size you think you want may not be ideal to your frame. It is important to take your entire body into account when considering breast augmentation surgery. Our experienced surgeons have helped thousands of women achieve their desired look, and can help you find an implant size that produces proportional, stunningly beautiful results.

If you live in or around Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Reston, and Richmond, Virginia, Annapolis, Baltimore, Bethesda, and Columbia, Maryland, or Washington DC and are interested in learning more about breast augmentation, please contact the experienced cosmetic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.

Can the Cup When Choosing Breast Implant Size

2011-06-07T17:21:00.000-04:00

When it comes to choosing your breast implant size of your breast implants, dump the alphabet soup—the As, Bs, Cs (and ccs)—and focus instead on the components of breast implants that will add up to the look you desire.

As you already know, bra cup sizes are frustratingly imperfect measurements that vary by bra type and manufacturer. And while cubic centimeters—the volume amount used in breast implant sizing—are precise, they can also be misleading; 400 cc breast implants on a woman with a compact stature and thin breast tissue will not look the same as 400 cc breast implants on a full-figured woman with substantial breast tissue.

When using breast implant visualization options such as photos, case studies and breast implant samples, consider what you like and don’t like.

Do you want a visible outline? Do you prefer a natural contour or a rounded shape? Do you want a subtle increase in size or an obvious augmentation? Will your desired new size fit your lifestyle?

The experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons at the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery can answer your breast surgery questions and present you with a wide range of breast implant options so you can find the type, size, shape and profile that will leave you happy with your new appearance and limit your frustration to bra shopping.

To learn more about your breast augmentation options or to schedule a consultation, please contact the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, Virginia.

Breast Augmentation for Older Women

2010-06-02T12:06:00.000-04:00

Although nearly two-thirds of all breast augmentations are performed on women in their 20s and 30s, the procedure is good for women of all ages who are healthy candidates for surgery. In recent years, the number of older women seeking breast augmentation has been increasing. Social standards for women are changing, and women are allowed to be themselves and not just "wives," "mothers," or "grandmothers," the way they used to be. And for many women, breasts are an important part of their identity.

But breasts are also deeply affected by life and by age. Whether due to pregnancy, smoking, weight loss, or just gravity, many women's breasts do not look as good when they are 40 as they did when they were in their 20s or 30s. But if this is you, you don't have to accept it. Breast augmentation can give you more youthful-looking breasts and help you have the confidence to live your life boldly and fully, no matter your age.

If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, no matter your age, please schedule a consultation at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery today.

What Is the Best Age for Breast Augmentation?

2010-05-14T18:53:00.000-04:00

Breast augmentation is a good procedure for women of all ages. The FDA recommends that saline breast implants be used in women age 18 and older, and silicone breast implants be used in women age 22 and older, but otherwise the main question you have to answer is: what is the best age for my breast augmentation?

Many women think that their 20s are the best years for their breast augmentation. These are some of the years when women feel the most pressure to look their best, and breast augmentation can help them achieve a figure impossible without surgery.

Other women think that their 30s are the best years for their breast augmentation. After pregnancy, many women's breasts shrink, become not only smaller, but softer and droopier.

But breast augmentation is also a good procedure for women in their 40s and older. It is a good alternative to a breast lift for restoring a more youthful breast shape while maintaining or increasing your breast size.

For a more detailed discussion of age and breast augmentation, see our page What Is the Best Age for Breast Augmentation?, or you can schedule a personal consultation with the knowledgeable plastic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery, where we can talk about issues to consider with respect to your age. Please call or email us today.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

2010-05-13T18:51:00.000-04:00

You may have read that breast implants last X years or that after Y years you should have revision surgery, but you should take these numbers with a grain of salt. Asking how long breast implants last is like asking "How long will my car keep running?" Breast implants are designed to last for a lifetime, but it is impossible to know how long, exactly, they will last. Barring accidents and complications, breast implants can last indefinitely, although there is some evidence that the rate of ruptures can increase with time.

Like a car, you can keep your breast implants until there's a problem, or you can trade them in for newer implants if the old ones no longer fit your style. If one of your breast implants ruptures, it can lead to deflation (for saline breast implants) or an increased risk of infection (for silicone breast implants) so at that point replacement is necessary.

Many women, though, decide to replace breast implants before rupture occurs because their results are no longer as good as they were before. Even after surgery, your breasts are subject to gravity, and your skin can become stretched just as it can with natural breasts. Where women without implants may seek a breast lift, you may be able to restore your results with breast implant revision surgery. You may decide that your style is changed and you want to change your breast implants for larger or smaller ones, saline for silicone, or vice versa.

At The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we do not recommend surgery to remove or replace your implants unless there is a problem. If you want to learn more about getting breast implants, or whether we would recommend revision surgery for your previous breast augmentation, please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Selecting a Bra after Your Breast Augmentation Surgery

2010-05-12T18:42:00.000-04:00

Once you have recovered from your breast augmentation surgery, you may be delighted with how well your new breasts support themselves. You might be tempted to think that now you don't need a bra. Although breast implants do support themselves better than natural breast tissue, it is important that you continue wearing a well-fitting bra. Giving your breasts extra support will help keep them looking their best for years to come. See our page for detailed advice on Selecting a Bra after Your Breast Augmentation Surgery.

To make sure your breasts look their best in every situation, build up your essential bra wardrobe, including:

Everyday bra--fit for comfort, function and full support. Get three or more so you can rotate them. Be aware of their stretching elastic and replace regularly
Push up bra--less necessary now than before your surgery, but still called-for on days when you want a little extra extra.
Minimizer bra--most days you will be delighted with your new breasts, but some days and some outfits (especially button-up shirts that can pull and gap at the bustline) call for a little less, and that's when you will go to your minimizer.
Sports bra--exercise is hard on your breasts, and a well-fitting and supportive exercise bra is crucial to maintaining your results. Replace regularly as the elastic wears out and the bra provides less support.
Convertible bra--most of us don't need a full-time strapless bra, but a convertible bra can be your go-to bra on days when your outfit calls for a different strap configuration.

Once you've got the essentials down, consider adding some of these special-occasion bras that can complement any outfit or mood:

Demi cup bra--exposes more of the top of the breast, making it ideal for low-cut square or scoop neck outfits
Lacy--wearing a lacy bra under your outfit can help you feel more feminine and can be a great pick-me-up for days when you feel just a little "blah." Not to mention men love them.
Shelf bra--speaking of men, if you are looking for the ideal bra to "debut" the results of your breast augmentation to your husband or boyfriend, consider a shelf bra.
Backless bra--some formalwear calls for this style of low-backed bra

The delightful alternatives for bras after your breast augmentation are endlessly exciting. To learn more about how breast augmentation can change your look and your wardrobe options, please call or email the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery today.

Breast Health before and after Breast Surgery

2010-05-11T18:40:00.001-04:00

If you want to have the best-looking breasts possible, take care of your breasts' health. Healthy breasts are good-looking breasts. Here are some basic tips for maintaining your breasts' health:

Maintain a constant, healthy weight--yo-yo dieting is the worst thing you can do to your breasts. As you gain or lose weight, your breasts will grow and shrink, leading to breast sagging
Quit smoking--smoking is the number-one factor in breast sagging
Take care of your skin--your skin supports your breasts and is also of key importance in the attractiveness of your breasts
Wear an appropriate bra--don't leave your breasts hanging: give them some support to keep them looking youthful longer
Follow guidelines for breast cancer screening--whether you have breast implants or not, early screening for breast cancer is crucial to early detection and treatment

These recommendations apply both before and after breast surgery, including breast augmentation. Maintaining good breast health is one of the best ways to ensure the longevity of your great results. For more detailed information, see our page on breast health before and after breast surgery.

To learn more about how good health practices can increase the life of your breast surgery results, please call or email the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule a consultation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Inframammary Incision

2010-04-27T12:21:00.000-04:00

Of the three incision sites commonly used for breast augmentation, the inframammary (at the breast crease) is by far the most popular. It is so popular because it offers so many advantages:

A well-concealed site for most women
Easy visualization of breast tissue
Shorter procedure
Increased likelihood of good results
Reduction of risk of complications
Good for silicone breast implants

Although these advantages make the inframammary incision good for most women, it is not for everyone. Women who are beginning with a small amount of breast tissue may not have a good inframammary fold for concealing the incision, and may want to have their incision at the edge of the nipple (periareolar). Also, it may be possible to use the transaxillary (armpit) incision site for women who want a breast augmentation that will leave minimal scars.

The best incision site for your breast augmentation depends on a number of important, highly detailed factors and can only be established after a detailed consultation. To discuss your incision site or other options in breast augmentation surgery, please schedule a consultation at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

Breast Augmentation and Scarring

2009-12-22T12:43:00.001-05:00

Some women worry about the scarring after breast augmentation, but if you are one of them, knowing your choices may make you feel better. For most women, scars after breast augmentation are not only very minor, they are also well-hidden.

Most women experience very good healing after breast augmentation. There are many ways that we can work together to reduce the appearance of your scars, including:

Good pre- and post-operative care
Precise incisions
Quality closures

The experienced plastic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery know many techniques for minimizing the appearance of scars.

Some things we cannot control, though, are your age, the quality of your skin, and genetic factors. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, you may experience scarring that is not as minimal as you would like. If you have a personal or family history of excessive scarring, it is best to discuss that with us before your surgery so we can consider it in deciding on the best breast augmentation procedure for you.

It is important to take care in selecting your breast augmentation incision site, since this is where your scar will be. At The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we use three common incision sites:

Breast crease (inframmary incision)
Areola (periareolar)
Armpit (transaxillary)

During your consultation, we will talk about scarring and decide which incision placement is likely to be best for you.

The best way to learn about breast augmentation and scarring is to have a personal consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. If you live in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., please schedule a consultation at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery today.

Improving Breast Shape with Breast Implants

2009-12-02T12:42:00.000-05:00

Most women think first about breast implants as being mostly about breast enlargement, but breast implants can contribute to an overall enhancement of your breasts, including improving the shape of your breasts. Whether you have never been happy with the shape of your breasts or dislike the way they have changed with age, pregnancy or nursing, breast implants can help.

If you are happy with the shape of your breasts, that shape can largely be maintained. But if you want to improve the shape of your breasts, breast implants can improve:

Breast position
Breast fullness
Cleavage
Forward breast projection
Side breast projection

These types of improvement are commonly requested as part of a breast augmentation, and often several can be achieved together. The amount of improvement you can achieve depends on your personal anatomy and will be discussed during your consultation.

To learn more about how breast implants can improve your breast shape, we invite you to schedule a consultation with the experienced plastic surgeons at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery today.

Silicone Gel Breast Implants or Saline Breast Implants for Your Breast Augmentation?

2009-11-04T18:11:00.000-05:00

In making decisions about your breast augmentation procedure, one of the most important to consider is whether you should have silicone gel breast implants or saline breast implants. We have included extensive information on our website about both kinds of breast augmentation implants. We also have a quick Q&A page about silicone gel breast implants and saline breast implants. But if you're having trouble sorting out all the information, here is a primer on the two types.

Saline Breast Implants

Are filled with saline water
Are good for patients with uneven breasts
Are good for patients with more breast tissue
Can be easily inserted with a smaller incision
Are slightly less expensive
Have a slightly higher rupture rate

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Are filled with silicone gel
Look and feel more like natural breast tissue
Are good for patients with less breast tissue
Are good for patients who currently have wrinkling with the saline breast implants
Require a longer incision
Are slightly more expensive
Have a lower rupture rate

Of course, the best way to learn all you need to know about saline breast implants or silicone gel breast implants and which might be right for your breast augmentation is to schedule a consultation at The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery, helping patients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. We will answer all your questions and help you make the decision that is best for you. The Austin-Weston Center also serves Reston, Fairfax, Mclean and Great Falls.

Breast Surgery Promotion for Out-of-Town Patients

2009-10-26T10:18:00.001-04:00

The Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery has teamed up with the Ritz Carlton at Tysons Corner to offer out-of-town breast surgery patients a luxurious plastic surgery vacation package. This partnership enables you to get your breast augmentation performed by one of our board certified plastic surgeons and enjoy your recovery period in an environment ideally suited to rest and relaxation. Once you feel up to it, you can venture out for a few days and take in the sights of our nation's capital.

Your breast augmentation will be performed at our 11,000 square foot AAAHC accredited out-patient plastic surgery center. Our facility is conveniently located in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. and right near the Ritz Carlton where you will be staying. Our entire staff is committed to providing you with high levels of personal service to ensure that you receive safe, high quality care.

After surgery, you will begin your recovery in luxurious fashion at the Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner. The Ritz Carlton has all the amenities and comforts to ensure that your experience is first rate.

This special plastic surgery package includes:

Deluxe Club Level room accommodations – You will enjoy a beautiful hotel room on the Ritz Carlton's Club Level, which will provide you with a private, peaceful recovery space. Each room comes with a flat screen TV, iPod alarm clock, and Jack Pack electronic outlet.
The finest in personal service – At the Ritz Carlton, Tysons Corner, you will enjoy the benefits of staying at a hotel selected by Travel & Leisure Magazine and Zagat's Top U.S. Hotel Guides as one of the best hotels in the country. Throughout your stay, you will be pampered by the hotel staff as you receive the highest levels of personalized attention offered in the industry.
Personalized follow-up care – The day after your surgery, one of our highly trained nurses will make a house call to your hotel room to evaluate your progress and make sure your recovery is going as planned.
Luxury spa package – As part of your package, you will receive a voucher to the Ritz Carlton's luxurious Day Spa. With a three night stay, you receive a $200 Day Spa credit, a six night stay gives you a $400 credit, and a nine night stay gives you a $600 credit.

This package is valid through 12/31/09 and requires a minimum three night stay at the Ritz Carlton at a rate of $299 per night.

To learn more about our luxury breast surgery package for out-of-town guests, please contact our Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. plastic surgery office today to speak with one of our staff members.

Choosing Between Breast Augmentation and a Breast Lift

2009-10-14T10:16:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest questions we get from potential patients deals with the difference between breast augmentation and a breast lift. Many patients are not sure which one is right for them. Of course, there is no real "black and white" answer to this question. The right procedure for you will depend on the physical characteristics of your breasts and your aesthetic goals.

In general, breast augmentation is most ideally suited to patients who wish to increase the size of their breasts or fill empty space caused by loss of breast tissue due to pregnancy or weight loss. The procedure can also correct sagging caused by age or pregnancy.

Our Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. breast surgeons can insert breast implants to help you achieve fuller, firmer breasts with more volume than your current breasts have. They are also an effective method to correct breasts that are of unequal shape or size.

A breast lift is performed to raise sagging breasts and put them in their normal position. It is also commonly used with patients who need to correct nipple placement. If your nipples are too low and reside below the inframammary fold, a breast lift is an excellent option to remedy this situation.

There is a significant overlap in the functions that these two procedures can accomplish. Often, we have patients who elect to have a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation. This will enable you to achieve your desired breast size and shape while correcting issues caused by sagging.

To learn more about the differences between breast augmentation and breast lifts, please contact the experienced plastic surgeons at the Austin-Weston Center for Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule your initial consultation.

Natrelle® Pre-Consultation Kit

2009-07-22T11:31:00.001-04:00

Allergan, the makers of Natrelle® implants, has just come out with a product that will help you make a more informed decision about your breast augmentation procedure. They have just released the Natrelle Pre-Consultation Kit to provide potential breast augmentation patients with a better way to educate themselves about the entire process.

When you order the pre-consultation kit, you will receive:

4 trial implants of varying sizes
Profile bra for trying on implants
Educational DVD
Educational booklet
Rebates on several Allergan products, including Natrelle® implants, BOTOX®, Juvederm®, and Latisse®

The trial implants in the pre-consultation kit will help you determine which size implant works best with your body type and your desired aesthetic goals. They will also give you a better idea of how your implants will look once they are inserted into your breasts.

The trial implants are made out of saline solution and are meant for educational purposes only. The implant shells are not as strong as the shells in the Natrelle implants used by our Virginia breast surgeons.

When you purchase your pre-consultation kit, Allergan will also give you the following rebates:

$50 for Natrelle implants
$50 for BOTOX®
$50 for Juvederm
$20 for Latisse

These rebates are substantially more than the $39.99 you will pay for your pre-consultation kit. Even if you only choose to cash in your rebate for your Natrelle implants, you will be coming out ahead and receiving a substantial amount of information in the process.

We recommend that our patients purchase this kit in order to have as much information as possible before deciding to move forward with their breast augmentation. If you order it before scheduling your initial consultation, it will help you come into your first visit with our surgeons better prepared to ask them the important questions that you may have. However, if you prefer to wait until after your consultation, you will still find that the pre-consultation kit provides you with a great deal of information as you decide whether to move forward with your procedure.

The pre-consultation kit cannot be purchased at our office. You must order it directly from the Natrelle website.

To learn more about our breast augmentation services, please contact our Virginia plastic surgery office today to schedule an initial consultation. We serve patients in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

Welcome

2009-06-23T14:30:00.001-04:00

Welcome to our blog. Please come back soon to read more about our services.