Breast Augmentation: Silicone or Saline? Understanding the real facts.

Every woman that contemplates breast augmentation surgery will ask themselves, do I want saline or silicone breast implants? Aside from what size is best to go with, this is one of the top burning questions New Jersey area women want answers to when discussing surgery with their surgeon. With advancements in breast augmentation, as well as medical improvements to the implants themselves, it is still the most popular cosmetic surgery according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ, are able to help you decide what type of implant is best for you but let us give some helpful information to get you started. We are going to help take the guesswork out of the saline or silicone question and show the benefits of both so you can make the right choice...for you!

Today’s implants…

Back in the 80’s, silicone was the popular choice for breast augmentation. When some cases of silicone implant rupturing came out causing women to be sick, the implants were briefly taken off the market. But FDA approval was quickly regained and silicone implants were redesigned. A question still commonly asked by patients, in regards to silicone implants, is are they safe? The answer is yes. Today’s implants are methodically engineered with better materials, in turn, offering more sizing options, textures, and shapes to choose from so patients can now safely enjoy their implants whether they be saline or silicone.

Considerations for breast augmentation

Breast augmentation still remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries because they offer New Jersey area women the opportunity to have fuller, shapelier breasts with little downtime and minimal to no side effects. They can help women feel sexier and regain their self-confidence and enjoy a shapelier silhouette that would otherwise not be possible. While some women are born with very limited native breast tissue, the natural process of aging, the toll pregnancy, and nursing takes on a woman’s breasts, weight loss and gain, are all factors that over time cause breasts to naturally lose volume or shape. Getting breast implants can change that for patients and give them back their self-confidence with beautiful, natural-looking results.

The filler difference...

Regardless if you choose saline or silicone, the outside or “implant shell” on both types of implants are essentially the same and have been medically improved to decrease incidences of punctures or implants rupturing. In fact, today’s implants are safer than ever before and ruptures of a silicone or saline implant are extremely rare. As for the difference in the inside filler material, it is simple. Saline implants are filled with a saline-type solution that is essentially sterile salt water. Silicone implants are filled with silicone-gel-type material. Both types have a great safety record. Even with the “silicone scare” decades ago, silicone implants are regarded as one of the most tested medical devices and quickly becoming the more popular implant choice because of their natural look and feel.

The perks about saline implants...

Patients in the state of New Jersey must be 18 years old to consider saline implants, unlike silicone implants which have state regulation of at least 22 years old. Typically the least expensive of the 2 types, saline implants also require a much smaller incision site than silicone. Saline implants or the “outer shell” are inserted first through a small incision and then filled with the saline solution during surgery. This enables the plastic surgeon to make adjustments during surgery in order to reach the desired size needed as well as allowing for better symmetry. Also with saline implants, it is not needed or recommended to have a follow-up MRI every 2-3 years to check for any possible rupturing. If the saline implant ruptures, it slowly deflates, which is visible to the patient. If this occurs, the saline is absorbed into the body (which does not create any harm for the patient) therefore showing obvious signs of an issue.

The perks about silicone implants…

The most popular choice today for most women is to choose silicone implants over saline. One of the main reasons is that silicone implants mimic natural-looking breasts. Due to the composition of the silicone-type material, they feel very similar to natural breast tissue, especially with the latest technology. They can also be offered in a variety of more shapes and sizes, compared to saline, so reaching a desired look for the profile is more achievable. Silicone implants are also lighter in weight which eliminates the “natural sag” that may occur over time. In addition, “rippling” that can occur under the skin rarely occurs with silicone implants.

Which one goes the distance?

It is a known fact, whether saline or silicone, breast implants are not medical devices that typically last forever. Individuals that had breast augmentation at a younger age may have to consider having one or both replaced over time. While it is reported that most implants can last up to 10 years, this is generally no longer the case. Women can enjoy their implants for many years beyond that number. After breast augmentation surgery, it is important to have your plastic surgeon assess your breasts throughout the years to ensure they still look, feel and function normally and are healthy. So as to the question which one lasts longer? Research studies show both saline and silicone have the same longevity.

Is the recovery different for saline or silicone?

The recovery time for both types of implants is about the same. You could return to work in a few short days. And resume more vigorous activities, if cleared by your surgeon, in a few weeks. Full recovery and optimal aesthetic outcome is usually seen within 3-4 months.

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, discuss all of your options with your plastic surgeon and allow them to help you determine which implant type is the best fit for you. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ are one of the leading cosmetic practices in the New Jersey area. With their advice, they can help guide you on choosing the right implant type in order to give you the best end result! Call or schedule your breast augmentation consultation with The Peer Group today.

by The Peer Group

What's Trending In Breast Augmentation Surgery

The trend hasn’t changed with breast augmentation surgery still being the most popular plastic surgery performed in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Yet with today’s medical advancements, breast augmentation is trending to become less invasive, a quicker recovery, and now more than ever, there are more options for patients to get an even better end result. The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery in New Jersey is one of the leading plastic surgery facilities in the New Jersey area for breast augmentation procedures.

Let’s take a look at the latest trends and what you should be considering with your breast augmentation surgery.

A different end result...

The biggest trend seen today in breast augmentation are women wanting a more natural look to their implants. The past trend of women wanting to go straight to a double D size implant, with a more obvious enhancement to their breasts, are farther and fewer between. Today’s women are more active and having larger implants can hinder certain outdoor activities or exercises. The scope has changed where women are wanting a more natural enhancement to give a less obvious improvement to their breasts leaving them with a more healthy, fit look.

Less invasive, better recovery…

Today, thanks to modern medical advancements, most patients recover in a shorter amount of time after breast augmentation surgery. Amazing strides have been made in this area of cosmetic surgery offering patients less invasive surgical procedures and better options for general anesthesia to help with a quicker recovery. New gentler forms of general anesthesia are being developed thus allowing patients to recover faster from their surgery while not trying to recover from the effects of anesthesia at the same time. Patients are able to walk or even go to dinner, the day after surgery, with a more mild sedation and less side effects.

Implant choices…

The tried, true, and tested popular implant choices are still available today, that being either saline or silicone, but there are more advancements in technology, which have made them more durable, safe, and long-lasting. Improvements in silicone implants have decreased instances of rupturing which has caused a rise in women choosing them over saline for a more natural look. Implants are offered in around and now tear shape option, which looks more like the natural shape of a breast with a variety of profiles or dimensions to them. The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery in New Jersey is also one of the few select practices that offers the IDEAL IMPLANT?. The latest in implant options, this implant is engineered to give women a more natural-looking breast implant with saline allowing for a smaller incision site and less scarring post-surgery.

Natural options...

One of the latest trends is not using an implant at all, but rather using your own fat to be the filler. With the latest advances in fat transfer surgery, patients can choose to have liposuction on an area of the body that has excess fat and have it injected into their breasts to increase their size. This treatment leaves no scars and leaves the breasts looking natural.

New breasts with a lift...

This two-part combo procedure in breast augmentation is trending to become more popular especially among older women. If you have had multiple pregnancies, breastfed, lost a significant amount of weight, or are older (over 40) then a breast lift may be needed to give your breast augmentation surgery the best end results. More New Jersey area women are choosing to have a breast lift done at the same time to minimize recovery time from both procedures as well as reduce scarring. It is also safer to have both surgeries done simultaneously.

Other new trends…

Now more than ever knowledge and information is at the fingertips of anyone. With advancements in technology plastic surgery centers, like The Peer Group, can offer 3D images of what your breast implants will look like as well offer a virtual video showing you how your procedure will go. Giving patients today more detail information on the different type of surgical options available to them as well what they can expect post-surgery. Doing your research and knowing what you want prior to surgery, with the right board-certified plastic surgeon, are not new trends but ones that are made easier with today’s technology.

If you are considering breast augmentation the options on what you can do now are more diverse than ever. New Jersey plastic surgery centers, like The Peer Group, are keeping up with today’s technology and medical advancements in order to offer patients better implants, better post-surgery recovery, and longer-lasting results. Even being able to offer patients the option of no surgical scars or need to go under general anesthesia are all cutting edge procedures that have entered into the cosmetic arena of breast augmentation.

If you are ready to enhance your look with breast augmentation surgery, call or schedule your consultation today with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, at The Peer Group for Plastic Surgery in Florham Park, NJ.

by The Peer Group

Considering Plastic Surgery? New Stats Reveal You’re Not Alone!

Considering Plastic Surgery? New Stats Reveal You’re Not Alone!

There has been a steady rise in plastic surgery procedures in recent years. More and more people are deciding that if there’s something they don’t like about themselves then it’s time to take action. There’s no reason to live with insecurities or self-consciousness when plastic surgery can help eliminate those concerns.

Just how popular is plastic surgery? New data released by the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) shows continued growth in plastic and cosmetic procedures over the last year. In fact, there were 17.5 million procedures (both surgical and nonsurgical) performed in the U.S. in 2017. The statistics also reveal that American men and women are turning to new, advanced methods to shape and contour their bodies, as minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures have increased nearly 200% since 2000.

Most Popular Cosmetic Treatments Revealed

Let’s start with the national stats. Of the nearly 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2017, the top 5 were: Breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty), and tummy tuck surgery (known as abdominoplasty). In addition, it’s no surprise that the nonsurgical cosmetic treatment market exploded as well, with new treatments and innovations entering the aesthetic space daily. In 2017, the top 5 treatments included BOTOX, injectable fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion. As time marches on, we’ll see new trends and new procedures rise to the top.

The surgeons at The Peer Group in Florham Park, NJ continue to see an influx of new patients year after year who are ready to look and feel their absolute best. Check out some of our most popular plastic surgery requests from New Jersey area men and women below.

Top Plastic Surgeries Explained

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation using silicone or saline breast implants is a procedure that enhances the size of the breasts. Many women choose implants to attain a fuller size and improve overall breast shape. Some women may even opt for a fat transfer procedure over implants as this is a more natural method to increase cup size. A fat transfer procedure uses fat from other areas of your body which is then injected into the breasts. Breast augmentation is a safe, effective way to attain fuller, shapelier, younger-looking breasts.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure that surgeons use to remove excess fat from the body. Using a device known as a cannula, fat is suctioned out carefully so that certain areas of the body, such as the abdomen, flanks, hips, buttocks, and thighs, can be contoured and reshaped. While there are a number of new liposuction methods available today, traditional liposuction remains the safest and often garners the most dramatic outcomes. Results from this procedure include a slimmer, more proportionate look.

Rhinoplasty/Nose reshaping

Rhinoplasty, also referred to as nose reshaping, is a delicate facial cosmetic surgery that can improve the size and shape of the nose. In addition to cosmetic benefits, some elect to have this procedure done in order to correct impaired breathing and nasal function. Rhinoplasty can remove a nasal hump, straighten a curvature, reduce the size of a nose that may be too large or two wide, and create an evenly balanced facial look.

Eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery (known as blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure that can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower lids, or both. The eyelids are modified to improve their overall appearance by reducing drooping and sagging skin and lifting the eyelid for a more alert, refreshed appearance. Lower eyelid surgery is beneficial in helping to correct under-eye bags and puffiness.

Tummy tuck

Both women and men elect to have tummy tuck procedures in order to remove excess fat and skin. Dramatic weight loss and excess skin from pregnancy are common reasons patients seek treatment. This procedure allows New Jersey area men and women to have flatter, more toned abdomens.

Reasons for the steady increase in growth

Multiple factors are responsible for the impressive growth in plastic surgery procedures. Surgical techniques and methods have improved tremendously with recent technology and new procedures, recovery time is shorter and allows patients to get back to their normal routine faster, pricing is also much more competitive and there are more options with payment plans or financing. One of the biggest factors in the rise of plastic surgery is that it is no longer seen as taboo. In the past, plastic surgery wasn’t something that was talked about openly, and now people have little hesitation when it comes to sharing how they got their fuller breasts, slimmer physiques, or plumper pouts.

Plastic Surgery: Important things to consider

Selecting a surgeon

If you’re considering any of these procedures, or any other cosmetic surgeries, it’s important that you find a surgeon that specializes in the specific procedure you’re wanting. Look for board-certified plastics surgeons with several years of experience. Request to see before and after photos so you have a better idea of their work and final results. Discuss their preferred methods and make sure they align with your cosmetic goals. It’s also wise to research surgeons ahead of time by performing a quick Google search. You’ll be able to find out which plastic surgeons in the greater New Jersey area are highly rated and you’ll likely be able to find some reviews from prior patients.

Financial factors

Cosmetic surgery is not covered by medical insurance. Once you’ve found a surgeon you feel comfortable with; it’s time to discuss pricing. It’s important to get the pricing upfront and in writing. You’ll also want to confirm whether or not the price includes items such as anesthesia, the surgeon’s fees and operating room fees. Many surgeons offer payment plans or special financing so it may be beneficial to look into those options.

Considering plastic surgery? How to find out more!

The first step in learning more about a cosmetic procedure is to schedule a consultation. You’ll be able to meet with the surgeon one-on-one and discuss your desired results and learn more about the procedure. The surgeon will be able to perform a physical examination to determine whether or not you’re a good candidate. You’ll also be able to talk in-depth about important topics like potential risks and complications associated with the procedure, along with realistic expectations for recovery.

Plastic surgery provides patients with a safe, effective way to improve their appearance. You have many choices when it comes to procedures and surgeons. If you’re ready to start the journey to a new and improved you, but don’t know where to begin please give our New Jersey plastic surgery center a call. Plastic surgery can be life-changing and we hope you’ll give The Peer Group an opportunity to help you look and feel your absolute best.

by The Peer Group