Tag Archive for: Breast Augmentation

October 14, 2023/in Botox-Assisted-Breast-Augmentation, Breast Augmentation /by Dr. Matthew Schulman

As a specialist in cosmetic breast surgery, I perform a large number of NYC breast augmentations. While over 300,000 breast augmentations were performed in the U.S. in 2011, not all of them were good ones. Breast Augmentations may appear easy to do, as evidenced by the countless poorly trained and inappropriate doctors trying to do this surgery. However, breast augmentation is very difficult to do really well and the revision rate for breast augmentation remains very high nationally. In my practice, I strive for natural-results, minimal breast augmentation complications, and a rapid recovery. I have created a technique for breast augmentation that I think helps me to achieve my goals. While perfection is impossible, I think I get pretty close.

Ultra-Short Breast Augmentation Scars Technique

My breast augmentations are performed using an ultra-short breast augmentation scars technique in which the incision is only slightly longer than an inch. The breast implants are then placed through this tiny incision using the aid of a Keller Funnel. This funnel helps to get the breast implant in through the small incision, but it also helps decrease complications such as infection, capsular contracture, and breast implant rupture.

I have also added Botox to my breast augmentations. Yes, you read that correctly. When done correctly, Botulinum toxin can be used to help achieve a more rapid and less painful recovery. I place very small amount of Botox into very specific areas of the chest muscle. This helps to relax the muscles, without interfering with the function of the chest muscles. The result is less pain and also a more rapid “settling” of the breast implants.

I created this Botox-Assisted Breast Augmentation scars technique and truly believe it will revolutionize breast augmentation surgery. I have been performing this procedure for several years and have worked out specifically where to inject the toxin and how much toxin is needed. I have already read about other doctors utilizing this technique and in some cases, claiming it as their own.

Aside from it being unprofessional for a doctor to purposefully mislead patients into thinking someone else’s procedure is theirs, it is also potentially dangerous to you the patient – incorrect injection of Botox can interfere with normal muscle function of the chest and arms, and incorrect dosing can potentially lead to toxicity and death.

We have all heard about Botox to reduce lines and wrinkles in the face. But I now use it in a totally new way – in your breasts. Yep, you heard that right. I perform a Botox-Assisted Breast Augmentation surgery. This involves injected Botulinum Toxin into the chest muscle during breast augmentation. Temporarily weakening the chest muscles during a breast augmentation serves several purposes:

Botox Is No Longer Just For Your Face

Less pain
Reduced feeling of “tightness”
More rapid return to normal activities
Faster “final result”

When a breast implant is placed beneath the chest (pectoralis) muscle, the muscle needs to be cut. This is the cause for the intense post-operative pain that many women feel in their chest during the first several days or weeks after surgery. Also, the healing muscle can cause painful muscle spasms for months after the procedure. By temporarily weakening the muscle surgery with Botox (or a Botox-equivalent from another company), there is significantly less pain and spasms during the healing process.

This allows my patients to take less pain medication and return to normal activity quicker. Also, because the muscle is relaxed, there is less feeling of “tightness” in the chest.

Even more important is that Botox-Assisted Breast Augmentation allows my patients to achieve the “final result” in a matter of WEEKS instead of MONTHS. The relaxed muscle allows the breast implant to drop into position much more rapidly than it would if the muscle was not partially paralyzed with Botox. With my technique, you can avoid that 3-4 month period of awkwardness when the implants are sitting too high on the chest.

The effects of the Botolinum Toxin begin in a few days and lasts for about 4 months. There is no permanent effect on your body and the dose that is used is not much more than someone would have injected into their face to reduce lines and wrinkles.

Now, You Can Add Botox To Breast Surgery To Ease Recovery

“During a Botox-assisted breast augmentation procedure , a precise amount of Botox is injected directly into the chest muscle from the inside. The Botox will relax the muscles for about three to four months,” Dr. Schulman told Byrdie.

Relaxing the chest muscles reduces muscle spasms as they heal, meaning less pain and shorter breast augmentation recovery time. It also improves the look of your new breasts. “Usually after traditional breast augmentation, the implants can appear to be high on the chest for about six months,” Dr. Schulman said. “This is normal, but high implants can look unattractive or very fake.”

When Dr. Schulman uses Botox to relax the muscles, however, the implants drop into a pleasing final position within four to six weeks.

One of Dr. Schulman’s patients — 31-year-old Jennifer, who works in Manhattan — told the New York Daily News about her experience with Botox-assisted breast surgery: “I felt great, like I didn’t have it done. I was back to work in a few days. The implants settled quickly.”

As far as risks go, Dr. Schulman says, “When done correctly, it has no negative effect on the chest muscle and will not interfere with any chest or arm strength.”

Less Post-Op Pain Faster Time to see Final Results

According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), nearly 13.1 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures were performed in 2010, a 39% increase in the last decade. Breast augmentation led all cosmetic surgeries with 296,203 procedures performed.

Matthew R. Schulman, M.D. board certified plastic surgeon and Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine has introduced a new method of breast augmentation using Botulinum Toxin, or Botox. According to Dr. Schulman Botox-Assisted Breast Augmentation has two major advantages – less post-operative pain and a more rapid final cosmetic result.

“In comparing Breast Augmentation surgery cases done with and without Botox, our before and after photos show those surgeries done with Botox reveal one month results comparable to the four month results of surgeries done without Botox.”

The procedure is done as a standard breast enhancement surgery where the breast implant is placed under the muscle. (This is the preferred position of implantation.) After the muscle has been elevated, Botulinum Toxin is then injected into the muscle before the implant is placed. This partially paralyzes the chest muscle, resulting in less muscle spasms that naturally occurs during the healing process, and dramatically reduces patient discomfort.

“The most exciting outcome we have seen with Botox-Assisted Breast Augmentation is the rapid achievement of the final cosmetic result,” says Schulman. Because the muscle is relaxed, the implant can drop into position faster. After surgery, implants will naturally appear higher on the chest as the chest muscle is contracting against the implant. With regular breast augmentation it takes about three to four MONTHS for the implants to drop into the desired position.

By paralyzing the muscle with Botox-Assisted Breast Augmentation, implants can settle into position in about three to four WEEKS.

According to Dr. Schulman, with Botox-Assisted Breast Augmentation there is less pain and a more rapid return to normal activities. Additionally, patients have a better overall cosmetic appearance in a shorter amount of time – getting them into halter tops, strapless dresses and bikinis faster!!

Contact Us to Book Your Consultation

For more information regarding Botox Assisted Breast Augmentation patients, to set-up an interview with Dr. Schulman or to view some dramatic before and after images, contact Dr. Sculman of Schulman Plastic Surgery NYC at 212.289.1851.

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/plastic-surgery-statistics?sub=2011+Plastic+Surgery+Statistics

September 29, 2023/in Plastic Surgery, Smooth Tuck, Tummy Tuck /by Dr. Matthew Schulman

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, I am always looking for the latest advances in cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Techniques and Technologies are constantly evolving.

Many of these new methods are really nothing new, but every once in a while something really exciting comes along that allows me to offer my patients better results with less pain, recovery, and scarring. There have been a few of these advances that I am really excited about.

These include surgical procedures like Smooth Tuck®, Keller Funnel™, and PermaLip™.

Smooth Tuck®

Smooth Tuck® is a surgical technique that I developed as a less invasive alternative to the traditional tummy tuck. Smooth Tuck® is a unique combination of high volume liposuction of the upper and lower abdomen and flanks, with removal of excess skin, and repositioning and rejuvenation of the belly button. Who is a candidate? Someone who is a good candidate for the traditional tummy tuck but desires a procedure with high the recovery and pain.

Also, people who are considered “too obese” for a traditional tummy tuck are good candidates because of the high volume liposuction. Compared to the traditional tummy tuck, Smooth Tuck® removes 3 times as much fat (an average of 3 liters), back to work in 7-10 days (compared to 14-21 days), and ½ the pain as determined by the amount of prescription pain medicine required. Smooth Tuck® has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, The Doctors, and Life & Style Weekly.

Currently it is only available with me at my New York City office and has attracted patients from around the globe.

Keller Funnel™

Keller Funnel™ is an innovative device used to help with the insertion of silicone gel breast implants. This device resembles a pastry bag. Using this device has revolutionized my breast augmentation practice. I am now able to insert even large gel implants through the tiniest incisions.

In fact, my average incision length for breast implants is 1.18 inches! Other advantages include: less pain, less risk of infection, less risk of implant rupture, and less chance of capsular contracture or “hardening of the implant”. As one of only a few plastic surgeons in the New York area using this technology, I have become among the most sought after cosmetic breast surgeons in New York City.

I have integrated this funnel into my surgical breast lift technique and now offer an “ultra-short-scar, rapid-recovery breast augmentation.”

Permalip™

PermaLip™ is the latest in permanent lip augmentation. This soft, solid silicone rubber implant can be inserted into the upper or lower lip, giving a permanently fuller lip that looks, and feels, natural. This has allowed me to offer my patients a fuller pout, without the pain, cost, and inconsistency of temporary injectable fillers like Restylane or Juvaderm. I was among the first plastic surgeons in New York to try PermaLip™.

Now, several years later, I have among the largest experience with this implant in the country. The procedure is done in my office using only local anesthesia. The added benefit is an incredible cost savings. Temporary fillers can cost upwards of $700 and the results last about 6 months. This means that plumping your lips and maintaining this look for 5 years with temporary fillers will cost over $7500! At a cost of $2500 for one implant, and $4000 for two implants, this is a huge savings.

In fact, Life & Style Weekly called it “a steal”.

Now there seems to be another option. I have been using PermaLip, a permanent silicone implant for the lips. These implants are solid silicone rubber that is soft and flexible. They are manufactured with tapered ends, making them very natural appearing when placed in the lips.

The soft nature of the implant allows them to move naturally with lip motion. Additionally, they do not elicit an inflammatory response, making it easy to remove if necessary. This makes the PermaLip a safe option for permanent lip augmentation.

Unlike with injectable fillers, the results are consistent overlying skin, and not soley dependent on the skill of your injector.

Permalip™ Cost

The implants are placed in a short in-office procedure requiring only local anesthesia. These is some swelling and bruising after the procedure that may last for one week. However, with a cost of approximately $3000 for both upper and lower lip, this is a cost effective option for women who desire permanently fuller lips.

So, by adding these 3 procedures to my cosmetic plastic surgery practice, I am able to offer my patients the latest (and “greatest”) ways to rejuvenate their face and body.

Questions and Answers

What are the 5 most common plastic surgeries?

The most popular cosmetic procedures include breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery extra skin on, tummy tuck, and facelift.

What are the methods of cosmetic surgery?

Cosmetic plastic surgery encompasses both surgical and non-surgical techniques aimed at enhancing and reshaping the body’s structures to boost one’s appearance and self-assurance.

What kind of technology is used in plastic surgery?

Laser technology frequently minimizes bleeding, bruising, and scarring in reconstructive plastic surgery procedures. Various laser types are available, selected based on the surgery’s purpose and location.

Contact Our Office to Book Your Cosmetic Procedures

To schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation in my Park Avenue Office, contact us today by call 212-289-1851.

If you are from out-of-town, ask about our assistance in arranging overnight lodging or arranging an internet or virtual consultation.

References

September 4, 2023/in Breast Augmentation /by Dr. Matthew Schulman

Breast augmentation stands out as one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgical treatments, and it garners attention not only among plastic surgeons. I am dedicated to continuous enhancement of my breast augmentation technique. Over time, I’ve refined my approach to develop a “Rapid-Recovery Breast Augmentation” method that significantly reduces recovery time, bruising, swelling, and discomfort when compared to traditional breast augmentation methods.

What is Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation?

Rapid Recovery breast augmentation involves four specific components:

Long-acting local anesthetics injected into pain nerves of the breast
Injection of Botox into the pectoralis muscle
Insertion of the breast implant using a Keller Funnel
Post-operative application of LED lights to reduce bruising and swelling

Dr. Matthew Schulman board certified plastic surgeon, performs breast augmentation under general anesthesia – you are completely asleep. However, I also inject long-acting local anesthetics into the nerves of the breast.

The medicine is specifically injected into the sensory nerves of the breast. The result is less pain during the first 8 hours after the surgery which is usually when most breast augmentation patients are most uncomfortable. This prevents the buildup of severe pain that can make a breast augmentation recovery difficult.

Breast Implant Placement

Rapid recovery breast augmentation

The majority of breast implants are placed under the pectoralis muscle. When implants are placed under the muscle, it requires that the surgeon cut the pectoralis muscles in order to place the implant under chest muscle. During the months after the surgery, this cut pectoralis muscle can have painful spasms. This can result in pain that can persist for weeks and months after surgery. Also, the implant can stretch the muscle, causing pain.

More importantly, the implants commonly remain “high” for several months after surgery because they are being held by the pectoralis muscle and need to “drop” into a natural position. This often takes up to 6 months after plastic surgery. The solution for all these things is Botox! I inject Botox into the pectoralis muscle at the time of surgery. This causes paralysis of the muscle for 4 months, decreasing painful spasms as the back muscle tissue heals and allows the breast implant to drop into the desired position in just a few weeks instead of 6 months.

Next, I use a special device for insertion of the breast implant. This device, called a Keller Funnel, allows non-traumatic insertion of the implant through a very small incision. Less trauma and a smaller incision equals less recovery time less pain.

The Final Component

The final component of the “Rapid-Recovery” Breast Augmentation in New York City is the use of LED lights. LED, or Light Emitting Diodes, are colored lights. Studies have shown the red and blue rays of light can decrease inflammation and bruising. My patients are given these hand-held lights to take home and apply it to the breasts several times a day. The use of these lights reduces the bruising, swelling, and pain.

Using this technique, I find that my patients have less pain, less bruising, less swelling, and a faster final result.

Incision Options for Breast Implants

There are three basic options for the incisions used to place breast implants – peri-areolar (around the areola) used in breast lift, inframammary (in the breast crease), and trans-axillary (through the underarm). The incision represents how the implant is placed. Each incision has pros and cons. Below is a basic review of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Peri-Areolar

Advantages: well-hidden incision Disadvantagous: not possible if areolas are very small, possible disruption of milk ducts which can lead to infection and interference with breast feeding, more technically challenging for the surgeon, higher capsular contracture rate than some other approaches, risk for decreased nipple sensation.

Inframammary

Advantages: well hidden incision, technically easier approach for surgeon, no disruption of milk ducts or breast tissue so virtually no risk for interference with breast feeding, quick recovery, lowest risk of infection and capsular contracture Disadvantages: scar can be visible on underside of breast.

Trans-Axillary

Advantages: hidden breast implant scar, no disruption of ilk ducts or breast gland so virtually no risk for interference with breast feeding. Disadvantages: challenging approach for the plastic surgeon and usually requires a surgical technique and use of endoscopic camera equipment, highest risk for infection and capsular contracture, scar may be irritated when shaving underarms, high rate of implant malposition.

As you can see, there are several different approaches for placement of breast implants. Your surgeon will be able to discuss which approach is best for you. It will depend on your preference of breast enhancement surgery, type of implant selected, breast implant size selected, and your body shape and size.

Questions and Answers About Rapid Recovery Technique

Rapid recovery breast augmentation vs conventional

What is rapid recovery after breast augmentation?

Rapid recovery represents a cutting-edge approach that provides patients with a swift and effortless recuperation following traditional breast augmentation surgery. Within just 24 to 48 hours, you can comfortably resume your daily routines, including normal activities like showering and even enjoying an evening out for dinner on the same day!

What is the difference between rapid recovery breast augmentation vs conventional recovery process?

Besides reduced pain, quicker recovery times, and the use of milder pain medications, rapid recovery breast augmentation boasts additional advantages over conventional breast augmentation procedure. Notably, it carries fewer risks compared to the traditional approach.

Can I get rapid recovery breast augmentation near me?

Yes. Dr. Schulman is a board certified plastic surgeon in NYC offering rapid recovery breast augmentation.

What are the worst days of breast augmentation recovery?

In the initial 3 to 5 days, you may encounter the highest level of discomfort. Dr. Schulman will have provided prescribed pain medication to manage this discomfort.

It’s possible to observe slight bleeding at the incision sites, which is a typical occurrence. However, if you have any concerns regarding bleeding, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your surgeon.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Consultation

Contact Dr. Schulman’s practice of plastic surgery in New York City to schedule a free cosmetic surgery consultation and learn more about Dr. Schulman’s Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation surgery.

July 31, 2023/in Breast Implants /by Dr. Matthew Schulman

There is a new weapon in the war against small breasts – breast implants that have adjustable volume. Adjustable breast implants have a port through which saline can be added or removed. This allows the volume to be adjusted for various reasons. Before you get too excited, these are not intended to allow women to increase their breast size for a night on the town, or decrease the size for that important business meeting.

The adjustment process involves a plastic surgeon placing a sterile needle through the skin into the fill port that is under the skin and meticulously adding or removing sterile saline solution. So it is a far cry from the Reebok Pump sneaker technology of the Eighties.

So why the need for this adjustable breast implants?

There are 3 situations in which I would use these adjustable implants in my breast practice:

1. To account for pre-operative differences in the shape and volume of the breasts. Breast asymmetry is very common and can make it difficult to choose the appropriately sized breast implants. A post-operative adjustable implant allows the surgeon to make small adjustments in the breast volume for months after the surgery, allowing better matching between asymmetric breasts.

2. To correct breast deformities such as Tuberous Breasts. Tuberous Breast Deformity is a fairly common condition characterized by an underdeveloped breast that is constricted at its base. Correction of this deformity involves placing a breast implant to increase the size (this is often only on one breast) and to correct the constricted base of the breast. Unfortunately, this cannot be done simply by placing a breast implant. You actually need to stretch the base of the breast.

A post operative adjustable breast implant allows the gradual expansion of the base of the breast to improve the shape and size.

3. To help women choose a breast size that they are happy with. The most common reason for breast implant reoperation is for a change in size. Some reports find that 25% of women ultimately undergo reoperation simply to increase/decrease the size of the implant.

A post operative adjustable implant allows the surgeon to place the implant to the desired volume and then over the next several months, small adjustments can be made until the woman is certain of the size.

Adjustable Breast Implants Have Some Drawbacks.

While this may make these implants sound like the best thing since sliced bread, there are some drawbacks.

• The implants are only saline, which have a tendency to be more visible, more palpable, show rippling and be more “unnatural” than their silicone cousins. They are also a little more expensive but you should never bargain shop your surgery.

• Adjusting the volume of the implant involves a visit to the doctor and a needle in the skin, which can cause pain and does carry some risk of infection.

• The fill port is palpable under the skin and may feel like a marble.

• Removal of the fill port involves a small office procedure.

• The range of each implant is limited (usually about 75cc in each direction) so you still need a basic idea of what size range you would like.

In my practice, 80% of the breast implants that I place today are silicone breast implants vs saline implants because I feel silicone are the most natural appearing (and feeling) implants. I do occasionally use adjustable implants though for the situations that I outlined above.

In the right circumstance, these implants are a powerful weapon in the field of breast surgery, especially in cases of marked breast asymmetry or congenital deformities.

Do Breast Implants Cause ALCL

Most recently in the news you may have heard about concerns involving an association with breast implants and a form of rare blood cancer. The safety of my patient’s is always my first priority and with the recent news headlines I want to provide you with accurate information.

Facts:

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is an extremely rare form of blood cancer – 1 out of every 500,000 women in the US are diagnosed and according to the National Cancer Institute, ALCL in the breast tissue is found in 3 out of every 100 million women nationwide without implants.

Nearly, 10 million women have breast implants and 34 unique cases world wide of ALCL in women with implants have been placed.

Breast implants for breast enhancement surgery are still FDA approved and the FDA along with plastic surgery governing societies feel breast implants remain safe and effective for women who are in good physical and mental health. Women with breast implants don’t need to change their medical care and should continue to follow normal routine – self exam and mammography when appropriate.

If changes to your breasts are detected or breast pain contact your board certified plastic surgeon.

The FDA, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, along with health care professionals and manufactures will continue to monitor silicone implants and saline implants to ensure the patient remains educated and safe.

For more information regarding FDA reports please visit: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm241090.htm

Questions and Answers

What is an adjustable breast implant?

Adjustable breast implants provide patients with an exclusive opportunity to fine-tune their breast size after surgery, ensuring precise adjustments that harmonize with their body proportions and desired results.

These specialized implants feature a small injection port or valve connected to the implant through a small tube, granting patients the ability to increase or decrease the implant’s volume as required. This unique feature allows for a personalized approach, empowering patients to attain their specific aesthetic objectives with greater control and customization.

Can you get adjustable breast implants?

If, even after completing the sizing process for your breast implant surgery, you still feel apprehensive about your choice, consider the option of adjustable breast implants. These implants have been available for over two decades and can be increased or decreased in size by up to 20 percent through a straightforward procedure after the initial surgery. This added flexibility provides reassurance and allows you to fine-tune your breast size according to your preferences and comfort level.

How do adjustable breast implants work?

A tissue expander is an implant designed to gradually expand the skin by utilizing saline to stretch it. These expanders can be either temporary or permanent. For more detailed information about tissue expander implants, please refer to the section below.

How long can you leave breast expanders in?

A tissue expander is an implant designed to gradually expand the skin by utilizing saline to stretch it. These expanders can be either temporary or up to six months. For more detailed information about tissue expander implants, please refer to the section below.

Contact Us Today to Discuss Adjustable breast implants

Please feel free to Contact my office if you have any questions about adjustable breast implants for breast augmentation or if you would like to schedule a consultation.

Tag Archive for: Breast Augmentation