Breast Augmentation and More - Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot, North Dakota
Here at the Aesthetic Center of Plastic Surgery, we offer various breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction, to women who want to improve their bust size - and their self-esteem as well. We welcome patients from all over North Dakota, including Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot.
Breast Augmentation
 Feeling good about the way you look can make a dramatic difference in all aspects of your life. For many women, having full, shapely breasts can provide a feeling of confidence and femininity. That is why we offer breast augmentation to patients in North Dakota, including Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot. Breast augmentation can enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts, improving appearance and self-confidence as well.
There are several reasons a woman may choose to undergo breast augmentation. Breast augmentation can enhance contour and breast size, balance a difference in size, or correct a reduction in volume after pregnancy.
During breast augmentation, an incision is made around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) or in the crease where the breast meets the chest. By placing the incisions in these areas, the resulting scar should be inconspicuous and barely noticeable. Next, the breast tissue and skin are lifted to create a pocket where the saline or silicone-filled implant will be carefully inserted. The implant can be placed under the pectoral muscles. There are advantages to placing the implants under the chest muscles, including a reduced risk of capsular contracture (a condition in which the scar around the implant tightens) and less interference with mammograms. Once the implant is in place, the incision is stitched closed. Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and takes about one to one and a half hours to complete. A gauze bandage may be placed over your breasts to aid with healing. After breast augmentation, you may experience breast sensitivity, swelling, and temporary decreased nipple sensation, but these side effects should subside as you heal (typically within three to six weeks).
As with any surgery, there are possible risks associated with breast augmentation. The most common complication is capsular contracture, which may require removal of the implant. Other risks include infection, implant rupture, and nipple sensitivity; however, these complications are extremely rare and most women are extremely pleased with the results of their breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation can enhance appearance and self-esteem by providing a full, curvy contour. If you think breast augmentation may be right for you, contact us in Bismarck or Minot, North Dakota, today. We also encourage people from surrounding areas, such as Fargo, to contact us as well.
Back to Top ^
FDA-Approved Silicone Breast Implants
Patients considering breast augmentation can now choose between saline implants and silicone implants. The Federal Drug Administration declared in November 2006 that silicone breast implants are safe to use for breast augmentation. Originally developed in 1962 and successfully used for 30 years, silicone implants were controversially banned by the FDA in 1992. Reports surfaced at that time that suggested a possible link between silicone implants and higher rates of certain medical conditions, such as connective tissue disease. However, after years of extensive testing and research, the FDA found silicone breast implants "not guilty" of the charges leveled against them. Data shows that receiving silicone breast implants does not put patients at a higher risk for disease.
The FDA approval is significant because silicone breast implants offer many advantages to patients. The consistency of the silicone gel helps create natural-looking breast enhancements that are soft to the touch. Also, silicone is less likely than saline to shift around inside the implant. This means that breasts enhanced with silicone are less likely to "ripple" or wrinkle. Silicone breast implants are almost impossible to detect when placed underneath the muscle. Both silicone and saline implants can potentially leak or harden, but these complications are rare. Silicone breast implants are safe, effective, and newly-approved. If you wish to add soft and natural-looking contours to your bust line, silicone implants are an excellent breast enhancement option.
Dr. Paulson and his staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about silicone breast implants. To arrange a breast augmentation consultation in the Bismarck, Fargo, or Minot, North Dakota area, please contact the Aesthetic Center of Plastic Surgery today.
Back to Top ^
Breast Lift
As women age, their breasts can lose shape and begin to sag. Pregnancy, nursing, weight gain, the natural aging process, and gravity can all take their toll on a woman’s bust line but, luckily, there is a solution - breast lift. Breast lift is a procedure that corrects drooping bust lines and takes years off your figure by reshaping and raising sagging breasts. Breast lift can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation for women who have small breasts or who have lost breast volume.
During breast lift, excess skin and tissue are removed and the breasts are lifted, tightened, and reshaped. Once the excess skin and tissue are removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position to provide a natural look. Breast lift is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes one to three hours. Risks of breast lift include bruising, swelling, scarring, and loss of feelings in the nipples; however, these risks are rare and breast lift is considered to be a highly safe and effective procedure to restore your breasts to their youthful shape.
If you want to learn more about breast lift, contact us in Bismarck, North Dakota, today.
Back to Top ^
Breast Reduction
 Overly large breasts can cause back and neck pain, skin irritation, breathing problems, and bra strap indentations on the shoulders. But many women with large, heavy breasts experience more than just physical discomfort - they experience emotional pain as well. Breast reduction is a reconstructive procedure that makes the breasts smaller, lighter, and more proportionate to the body, helping to relieve discomfort and improve self-esteem. Making the breasts smaller also allows women to pursue activities they never could before.
During the breast reduction procedure, an anchor-shaped incision is made around to the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) and extends down the natural curve of the breast to the crease beneath the breast. Excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed, and the remaining skin is tightened to form a newly shaped breast. Breast reduction can take two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. You may experience swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort, but these side effects will lessen as you heal.
If you feel uncomfortable because of the size of your breasts, breast reduction may be right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paulson.
Back to Top ^
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a relatively common condition. Men with gynecomastia have excess glandular tissue in their breasts which make them appear fuller than may be desired. Although in many cases, no cause can be determined, certain medical conditions and drugs have been implicated in the development of gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can also be caused by a hormone imbalance. The condition often appears during puberty, due to the sudden flood of hormones. Adolescent gynecomastia usually resolves itself. In men for whom gynecomastia becomes a lasting problem, however, a poor body image and lack of self esteem may result. For these individuals, surgery may be a viable solution.
During surgery for gynecomastia, excess tissue, fat, and, in some cases, skin is removed. If the breast mass consists primarily of fat, liposuction may provide a preferable method of fat removal. In more extreme cases of gynecomastia, the breast may begin to sag under the weight of the excess fat and tissue. In these instances, relocating the nipple to a higher position and removing excess skin can create a more masculine appearance.
If you are a man with breast tissue disproportionate to the rest of your physique and diet and exercise has failed to correct the problem, gynecomastia surgery may restore lost confidence and promote a more positive body image. Contact our Bismarck, North Dakota practice, serving Fargo, Minot, and neighboring communities to learn more.
Back to Top ^
Breast Reconstruction
Overcoming breast cancer is a long and difficult battle. Some women have to undergo mastectomy, or removal of the breast tissue, to rid their body of the cancer. Many women feel that they lose their femininity when they lose their breasts. We offer breast reconstruction for women who have had a mastectomy or who have breast deformities. Breast reconstruction restores natural curves and dramatically enhances quality of life.
There are several breast reconstruction techniques available. You will need to discuss your options with Dr. Paulson on your initial consultation to determine which option is best for you.
Skin expansion is one option for breast reconstruction. With this technique, a balloon expander is inserted beneath your skin and chest muscle following your mastectomy. The expander is gradually filled with a salt-water solution over the next weeks and months. Once the skin is stretched, you will need a second operation to remove the expander and insert the implant. The nipple and areola are reconstructed and placed in a natural position.
Breast reconstruction will not restore normal sensation to your breast but some feeling may return. Recovery from the procedure can take up to six months, but the improvement in the quality of life usually overshadows any discomfort or scars that result from the surgery.
If you have undergone a mastectomy or have a breast deformity, contact the Aesthetic Center of Plastic Surgery today. We welcome patients from all across North Dakota, including Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot.
Back to Top ^
|
