Many women have heard of the possibility of donating their eggs, you may even have a friend who has donated their eggs. Donating your eggs can help another couple achieve their dreams of having a child. Many women can’t get pregnant or carry a full-term pregnancy, and egg donation may be the only way for them to have a child. If you are considering donating your eggs it is important to be familiar with the process.

What is the procedure for egg donation?

If you decide to be a donor at a clinic, you may wait a while before you are selected. Donors will have to pass health tests and be what the prospective parent or parents are looking for. If you are selected you will most likely begin the process by taking medication that stops your typical menstrual cycle. You will then take fertility medication that makes your ovaries produce more eggs at the same time. Before your eggs are retrieved you have a high risk of pregnancy if you engage in intercourse during that period. Blood tests and ultrasounds will be taken often during this time. The eggs will be extracted during a thirty-minute procedure in which an ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to extract the egg.

The medication can impact your health and there may be some side effects. Your hormones during this period may be out of the norm. The actual egg retrieval is a very quick and relatively painless process. [1]

What are the qualities an egg donor should have?

Most fertility clinics have some basic qualifications that they require any potential donor to meet. Physical health is important, you will have to have a healthy BMI and lifestyle. Your family history can not contain any history of genetic disease. Many clinics look at psychological health as well. A history of mental illness could be an issue for some clinics. You also have to be of prime childbearing age. For most clinics, this is between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-nine. 

There are a few other qualities that an egg donor should have that don’t have to do with health. You must want to donate eggs to give to others, and not for some personal gain. You should be compensated appropriately, but the process will be more enjoyable for you if you feel like you are helping others. A flexible schedule is important as egg donation can be time-consuming. There will be a series of appointments you must go to and if you are at a very busy time in your life egg donation could be too much. Most importantly all egg donors should be confident with their choice to donate their eggs. You can’t take it back in the future. [2]

Will your egg donation be anonymous or not?

It depends on the clinic, what you desire, and what the prospective parents want regarding whether the egg donation will be anonymous or known. Some prospective parents want your name and contact and others will not. You may want some baby pictures and this may be allowed. If you choose to be anonymous, the parents will have no identifying information about you.

If you choose to be a known donor you will have the parent’s contact information and could form a friendship with them. Being an anonymous donor leaves very little room for negotiation, when the donation is over it’s over. As a known donor your relationship with the family and possible child could take many forms, this is open to negotiation. Either way, you should make the choice you feel most comfortable with. If you can’t decide then maybe you are not quite ready to donate your eggs. As always your concerns and comfort level is the most important thing during this process. [3]

Sources:

It is often said that women who undergo IVF are more likely to have twins or triplets. Multiple births can be exciting to some women, and very scary to others. While IVF is a safe and popular process, many women have reservations about starting IVF and one of these reservations may be the possibility of multiple births. Is the likelihood of multiple births from IVF a rumor or reality?

Does IVF cause multiple births?

Multiple births are common with fertility treatments. During IVF, multiple births can be caused by the transfer of more than one embryo during the procedure. Throughout the last forty years, the birth of twins has doubled. This is partially due to the popularity and need for IVF and other fertility treatments. In the United States, a third of twins and three-quarters of triplets resulted from conception aided by fertility treatments. 

IVF technology is improving and fewer embryos are needed to transfer during the procedure, and this lessens the likelihood of multiple births. Younger women undergoing IVF may only have one embryo transfer, which will either result in one birth or none. Older women undergoing IVF are more likely to have more embryos transferred during the treatment to give them a better chance at conception. This creates a higher likelihood for multiples. The decision of how many embryos to transfer should be discussed between you and your doctor. Together you can decide what is healthiest for you and your body. [1]

What are the risks of multiple births?

Women who are pregnant with multiples can have a safe and healthy pregnancy, but there is a higher risk for complications. It is important to be aware of these complications, but understand that some or all may not impact you. About three-fifths of twins are born premature, they often must stay in the hospital for some time to continue healing. Premature babies are also often small and weigh less than 2500 grams. Often multiple-birth babies will spend some time in the NICU.

Besides premature babies and babies needing time in the NICU, there are other health issues to be aware of such as:

• Gestational high blood pressure
• Gestational diabetes
• Anemia
• Miscarriage
• Cesarean delivery
• Postpartum hemorrhage

Pregnancy with multiples can come with complications, it is important to discuss all of these complications with your doctor. During pregnancy with multiples your healthcare is so important and having a doctor you can trust with talking about any fears you may have is necessary. [2]

How to avoid multiples when undergoing IVF?

It is possible to avoid having multiples and still undergo IVF treatment. Instead of having multiple embryos transferred, you can choose to have an elective single-embryo transfer (eSET). eSET is a procedure in which one embryo is selected from a number of available embryos to be transferred to the uterus. The unused embryos can be left for future use. Through eSET, you can avoid multiples and the risks that come with the pregnancy and birth of multiples.

Research has shown that of women who have a good chance of success with IVF, there was a similar number of births from those who had one embryo transfer or multiple. eSET is a great alternative for those who want to start IVF, but know they do not want multiples. Your doctor and you should of course decide the best IVF route to take for your body and health. [3]

Sources:

It would be best if you did your research before getting any surgery, especially one that impacts the appearance of your face. A rhinoplasty or nose job is a common surgery, but you should do your research to ensure you are prepared for the surgery.

Why is rhinoplasty surgery so popular?

In the United States, over 200,000 rhinoplasties were done in 2018. This surgery is the third most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States. Despite its popularity, rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated surgeries within the field of Plastic Surgery. Every person has a different facial structure and tissues, which makes it challenging to create the same nose in multiple patients. Rhinoplasty is not always done for solely cosmetic reasons, and it can also be done to improve nasal function. For many, the surgery has improved their breathing and provided them with the facial aesthetic they are looking for. Many people consider having a rhinoplasty due to prior injury to their nose, breathing problems, or to change the appearance of their nose. These are all very valid reasons to decide to have a rhinoplasty. [1]

What are the reasons people get rhinoplasty?

There are two main reasons that people have an operation on their nose. The first is for cosmetic reasons. Many people dislike their nose shape. Most people notice the bridge of their nose or the tip. Sometimes there is a bump that patients want removed. Wideness, roundness, or lack of definition are other reasons people seek out rhinoplasty. 

A medical reason is another common motive for having an operation on their nose. An injury that broke or bent the nose may need correction through a rhinoplasty for the nose to look like it did originally. Sometimes there are blockages in the nasal airway that limit breathing, and this can be fixed surgically. 

The most common nose operations are to alter a bump on the nose, reshape the tip of the nose, alter the length, change the width of the nose or nostrils, or to restructure the nose after an injury. [2]

What happens during recovery?

It takes a few months to see the full effect of the surgery. It takes six months for the swelling to go down fully. After a week, stitches will be removed, and the splint will come off. For three weeks, the patient will have bruises and redness. After six weeks, the patient can exercise. Some things recommended during recovery are: elevating your head, avoiding hot baths, sneezing with your mouth open, avoiding smoky or dusty places, and not blowing your nose. [3]

Recovery from rhinoplasty is not very difficult, and side effects are pretty minimal. Your doctor will ensure you are well-prepared and educated on the recovery process. The discomfort from the surgery shouldn’t last very long. It will take some patience to wait six months for the full results, but it will be worth it in the end.

Sources:

Trigger finger impacts many people and can hurt many people’s quality of life. Any condition that affects hand mobility can cause many other issues in people’s daily lives. This condition should be treated early so that it does not worsen. 

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a condition that affects the hands. This condition makes it difficult to bend the finger or thumb that is affected. This occurs because one or more of the tendons in the hand is swollen or irritated. 

Some symptoms of trigger finger include pain in the finger or thumb that is affected. Stiffness or a clicking sensation may occur when the thumb or finger moves. Usually, this condition is the most painful in the morning. If the condition worsens, you will have pain in your hand all the time, even when it is still. It is also possible for a lump to form in your palm. More severe cases of trigger finger cause the affected finger to get stuck in a bent position. [1]

About 28 people out of 100,000 are affected by trigger finger. Trigger finger has a lifetime prevalence of 2.6% in the general population. This condition is most common in adults in their 50s and 60s. People with diabetes have an increased risk, as well as those with carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytryen’s disease, and inflammatory arthritis. Children can also have trigger finger, but it is usually in the thumb. [2]

How is trigger finger treated?

Trigger finger can be treated a few different ways. You and your doctor will decide which treatment plan is the best for your condition.

Nonsurgical treatment is one option, this option is preferred when the condition isn’t severe and the symptoms have not been occurring for a long time. A steroid injection is usually the first option for treatment. This injection is not invasive and can improve the pain associated with trigger finger. The injection is placed into the tendon to improve pain and mobility. Splints are another nonsurgical treatment that is used to reduce inflammation in the hand.

Surgical treatment is the next step if a splint and steroid injections stop working. Surgery is also considered when the trigger finger has limited movement and for infants who have trigger thumb. The most common surgery for trigger finger is the open release of the A1 pulley. There is another surgery method called the percutaneous release of the A1 pulley and this is more popular for trigger thumb. [3]

With any condition, planning treatment can be overwhelming and scary. Luckily there are many different treatment options for trigger finger. This condition can be treated without surgery if the symptoms are debilitating. If you do decide to go the surgical route, your doctor will ensure you are provided the best care possible. Medical travel provides treatment for trigger finger and other orthopedic treatments. This may be something to look into if you have symptoms of trigger finger. Medical Travel has a team of doctors who speak English and can diagnose and treat trigger finger.

Sources:

Most of us don’t enjoy seeing our faces change and age. It is a part of life, but sometimes aging causes specific wrinkles or jowls you want to get rid of. Luckily facelifts are a great way to make some changes to your face for a more youthful appearance.

How do our faces age?

Our skin is affected by age in the same way our internal organs are. Skin is the most visible layer of our body and is the most common sign of aging. It is natural for our skin to age and for wrinkles to appear. Most of us don’t enjoy the process, but it is nothing to be scared of. Change is natural, but some factors can speed up the process of aging skin. These factors include UV radiation, infrared light, smoking, and poor nutrition.

The process of facial aging occurs when deep fat and bony skeleton, along with fatigue of the ligaments, leads to a loss of support. Fat on the face begins to droop a bit. Our faces become less firm and more wrinkled. There are different compartments of fat in the face, and as you age, there is a loss of fat volume, and the face loses support. If you want to make adjustments to your face as you age, there are always procedures available to consider, such as a facelift. [1]

How do facelifts work?

A facelift or rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure with the goal of repositioning the soft tissues in the face for a more youthful appearance. This procedure can also reduce excess skin on the face. Aging causes sagging and jowls in the face, and a facelift can address some of these signs of aging. 

Facelifts are performed with the patient’s concerns and goals for their appearance in mind. The patient’s skin will be assessed thoroughly before the surgery. The patient will have many photos taken of their skin to ensure that their goals are represented to the surgeon. If the patient only wants to focus on jowls or neck sagging, the surgical technique SMAS rhytidectomy will be used. This technique involves folding the facial skin and removing the excess skin. Facelifts can be performed with a variety of different techniques, but usually, a facelift will involve incisions near the hairline. Liposuction of fat may be used. The skin will be pulled and stitched into a new position. Oftentimes facelifts may be combined with brow lifts, fillers, eyelid surgeries, or a fat transfer. [2]

Facelifts are a great option for people who want to address some areas of their face that have changed due to aging. It is great there are such advanced plastic surgery options for people to address any insecurities or bothersome areas of their appearance.

What is the recovery time?

After the surgery, the patient will see their surgeon the next day to have their bandages and drains removed. The stitches will be removed a week after the surgery. Healing involves a lot of cold packs and rest. [2]

Usually, it is recommended that patients take two to four weeks off of work after a facelift. Bruising will be visible for at least two weeks. It will take some time to see the full effect of the facelift. This can take up to nine months. Patients won’t be able to drive for a couple of days after the surgery. Patients will have to avoid any strenuous activity for up to two weeks. 

The recovery isn’t anything to be afraid of. The surgeon will typically prescribe pain medication in case of discomfort. It can feel difficult to wait months to see results, but during that period, the patient will be getting closer to their desired results every day. [3]

Sources:

[1] ​​Kapoor KM, Saputra DI, Porter CE, Colucci L, Stone C, Brenninkmeijer EEA, Sloane J, Sayed K, Winaya KK, Bertossi D. Treating Aging Changes of Facial Anatomical Layers with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021 Aug 26;14:1105-1118. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S294812. PMID: 34471372; PMCID: PMC8405095.

[2] Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. 2022 Nov 27. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 33232008.

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/#:~:text=A%20…(rhytidectomy)%20is%20cosmetic,mainly%20the%20jowls)%20and%20neck.

Sagging or wrinkles around the eyes can bother many people when it occurs. Luckily there is a surgical procedure that deals directly with this issue. It is a pretty common form of plastic surgery that involves manipulating the upper and or lower eyelids.

What is the blepharoplasty procedure?

Blepharoplasty is the surgical manipulation of the upper or lower eyelids. The intention of this procedure is typically to lessen wrinkles in this area. The excess of skin on the lower or upper eyelids is called dermatochalasis. Most patients decide to get plastic surgery on their eyelids for cosmetic reasons. Sometimes this procedure is needed due to lateral hooding, which is when there is so much skin on the upper eyelid it causes visual impairment. Some patients also want this procedure to get rid of steatoblepharon, which is the protrusion of fat on the upper and lower eyelids.

The goal of this procedure for the upper eyelid is to resection skin and fat to make the skin appear tighter and to remove lateral hooding. An excessive amount of skin or fat can’t be removed from the upper lid as this would cause an extremely hollow appearance. For the lower lid, the goal is mostly the same. This procedure is more focused on fixing the sagging of the lower lid. [1]

What happens during recovery?

Most doctors recommend that you take a week to rest after eyelid surgery. It will be noticeable that you’ve had surgery for a bit longer than a week. You will most likely not be able to drive for a few days after the surgery. Some other things you may have to do during recovery include:

• Elevating your head to reduce swelling.
• Cleaning your eyelids with prescription ointment and eye drops.
• Icing your eyes.
• Wearing sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes. 
• Taking a prescribed painkiller to relieve any discomfort.
• You shouldn’t engage in any strenuous activity for a few days.
• You shouldn’t wear contact lenses or rub your eyes for a while.

The recovery from this procedure is not incredibly difficult. You will have to stick to the regime your doctor recommends to ensure you have a quick and smooth recovery. It is important to exercise care after any surgery and especially after surgery around something as delicate as your eyes. In order to ensure your eyes will be safe and to achieve the best results from this surgery, you should follow any recovery instructions your doctor recommends. [2]

The surgical technique of partial-incision double-eyelid surgery has been known to have a short postoperative recovery time. This surgery is often used to create a natural double-eyelid crease instead of focusing specifically on wrinkles. For this surgery, the scars are typically gone after three months. Plastic surgeons have come so far with these types of surgeries, and blepharoplasty can look very natural after just a few months of recovery. [3]

Are there any complications?

As with any surgery, there are a few complications to be aware of, such as:

• Lagophthalmos: this is the failure of the upper lid margin to reach the lower lid margin. This is often called lid lag. This can cause difficulty when closing your eyes.
• Ectropion: this is when the inner eyelid turns out and is exposed. Upward massage or taping can help this. Eye lubrication can ease discomfort if this occurs.
• Dry eyes: when patients are recovering, they may experience dry eyes. Lubrication helps relieve the discomfort associated with dry eyes.
• The most debilitating possible complication is a retrobulbar hematoma. This can cause severe pain and visual complaints. 

This procedure is very common, and many patients have excellent results and recoveries. It is important to be aware of the complications in case any arise. Your doctor should explain any possible complications in depth. This procedure has helped many people eliminate wrinkles and feel more confident about their appearance. If you want to change the appearance of your eyes or are concerned about sagging around the eyes, this procedure may be something to look into. [1]

Sources:

[1] Rebowe RE, Runyan C. Blepharoplasty. 2022 Jul 25. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 29494003.

[2] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/

[3] Chen B, Ma L. Small-incision, mini-dissection, orbicularis-preservation, and orbicularis-levator aponeurosis fixation technique: A modified partial-incision double-eyelid blepharoplasty. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2022 Oct 12:S1748-6815(22)00553-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2022.10.010. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36428197.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects many women of reproductive age. This condition can have a real negative impact on many women’s lives and lifestyles. Sometimes it is difficult for women to get a diagnosis with this condition. Some women with endometriosis also have trouble conceiving. 

WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Endometriosis causes a range of problems including chronic pain and infertility. This condition is characterized by endometrial glands found in the pelvic compartment and an estrogen-dependent stroma. Often a surgical view is needed for a definite diagnosis. This condition affects about 5% of women between 25 and 35 years old. Diagnosis can be done non-invasively and this is more common. Ultrasonography, a physical examination, and biological clues can all be used to diagnose endometriosis without surgery.

Some of the symptoms of endometriosis that are incredibly difficult for many women include pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, and infertility. Pelvic pain is usually a dull, sharp, or burning feeling. Menstrual cramps are typically more painful for women with endometriosis. Symptoms can vary for many women and this can make the symptoms difficult to manage. [1]

IS THERE TREATMENT FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Most treatments for endometriosis act by hindering ovulation, reducing serum estradiol levels, and lessening uterine blood flow. There are several medications that accomplish these goals, but the cost of these medications can vary. Pain is the most common symptom that patients are looking for a treatment to address. There are different approaches to pain management for endometriosis. Traditional hormonal therapies are helpful for some, these consist of estrogen-progestin contraceptives, progestins, and GnRH agonists. 

There are many other medications that your doctor may recommend to treat endometriosis. Anti-hormones, anti-progestogens, and analgesics are all medications that are common for addressing pain associated with endometriosis. It may take some time trying different medications to find the one that works the best for you and manages your pain. [2]

HOW CAN IVF HELP THOSE WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS?

Women with endometriosis often struggle with their fertility and have a difficult time conceiving naturally. Endometriosis can also have a negative impact on the likelihood of IVF working for many women, but IVF is still a viable option for women who want to have a child with endometriosis. About 50% of infertile women have endometriosis. Endometriosis does not mean that you will never have children, but it can complicate the process. Many women with endometriosis look for options to aid conception such as IVF. 

The most important factor of successful IVF is embryo implantation. The average success rate of implantation is 20% for the regular population. Endometriosis can make implantation more difficult. Controlling endometriosis activity can achieve a better outcome for women undergoing IVF. IVF for women who have endometriosis can be a tricky and difficult process. Still, IVF can help women conceive, who thought they may never be able to have children. IVF is an option you should explore with your doctor if you have endometriosis. There is no guarantee with any procedure that it will work, but that doesn’t mean that procedures like IVF are not worth a try. [3]

Sources:

[1] Filip L, Duică F, Prădatu A, Crețoiu D, Suciu N, Crețoiu SM, Predescu DV, Varlas VN, Voinea SC. Endometriosis Associated Infertility: A Critical Review and Analysis on Etiopathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches. Medicina (Kaunas). 2020 Sep 9;56(9):460. doi: 10.3390/medicina56090460. PMID: 32916976; PMCID: PMC7559069.

[2] Rolla E. Endometriosis: advances and controversies in classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. F1000Res. 2019 Apr 23;8:F1000 Faculty Rev-529. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.14817.1. PMID: 31069056; PMCID: PMC6480968.

[3] Zhong C, Gao L, Shu L, Hou Z, Cai L, Huang J, Liu J, Mao Y. Analysis of IVF/ICSI Outcomes in Endometriosis Patients With Recurrent Implantation Failure: Influence on Cumulative Live Birth Rate. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jul 30;12:640288. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.640288. PMID: 34393990; PMCID: PMC8362597.

Many women may hear the term ovarian cysts and think that this issue is quite scary and can lead to infertility. For most women having an ovarian cyst does not equal infertility and most ovarian cysts are harmless. The term sounds scary, but usually, these cysts will not be harmful to you or your chances of fertility.

What are ovarian cysts and what symptoms are associated with ovarian cysts?

When you hear the term ovarian cysts you may think of painful symptoms that can go along with ovarian cysts. Most ovarian cysts are actually harmless. Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid located in an ovary or on the surface of an ovary. Women have two ovaries on each side of the uterus. Ovaries are where eggs develop and are eventually released monthly. Many women have ovarian cysts and often they will go unnoticed until you are examined by a doctor. Most cysts actually will go away without needing treatment. 

Large ovarian cysts can cause some noticeable symptoms including:

• Pelvic pain, this can feel like a dull ache or sharp pain below your belly button on your left or right side.

• Pressure or feeling fullness in your abdomen.

• Some noticeable bloating.

You should see a doctor if the abdomen pain is sudden or severe. The pain is associated with fever or vomiting. A feeling of shock is also a cause for concern if you have rapid breathing or lightheadedness. [1]

What are the different types of ovarian cysts?

There are a few different types of ovarian cysts. The most common type are functional cysts. These cysts occur from ovulation and these cysts show your ovaries are functioning correctly. These types of cysts shrink and disappear on their own. Some cysts do not form because of your menstrual cycle and these types of cysts need extra monitoring by a doctor. These types of cysts include:

• Cystadenomas, which form on the surface of your ovary. These cysts are filled with fluid that is either watery or mucus-like.

• Dermoid cysts are cells that make up different types of tissue in the body. The tissue in these cells can be skin, hair, teeth, or brain tissue. These can grow large without removal.

• Endometriomas are a type of cyst that is filled with endometrial tissue.

• Ovarian cancer, these are tumors that are solid masses of cancer cells. These are dangerous for your health and your doctor will most likely schedule you for the removal of these cysts and other cancer treatments.

Not all of these cysts will cause health problems or fertility problems, but your doctor will closely monitor any cysts that are not normal functional cysts. [2]

Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?

Usually, ovarian cysts do not impact fertility or cause infertility. Sometimes cysts are caused by endometriosis or PCOS and these conditions can cause fertility issues. Endometriosis is quite common and affects ten percent of women in the United States. This condition causes the lining of your uterus to grow outside of the uterus. 30 to 40 percent of women with endometriosis struggle with infertility. Treatment such as IVF and freezing your eggs can help you conceive if you have endometriosis or PCOS. If you have ovarian cysts you should go to all of your recommended screenings at your gynecologist and ask for additional testing if you are worried about your fertility. Most women with ovarian cysts can conceive easily and have few issues during their pregnancy.

Sources:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-ca…

[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9133-ovarian-cysts

[3] https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/fertility-blog/2016/august/ov…

Breast augmentation is an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery. Many of us have a friend who has had this surgery and it may seem like a casual procedure. While the procedure is safe and effective, there are still lots of choices to be made especially about implant types and the placement of your implants.

WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size of the breast. Augmentations can be done with the placement of an implant or fat transfer. Using an implant is the most common method. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Silicone implants are a common type of implant used for breast augmentations. With implants, patients can have a visual representation of how their breasts will change in shape and size. Breast augmentations give the breasts a more full and round shape. You can be specific about the size and shape you are looking for with your surgeon. Many people who undergo this surgery wish to feel confident and more comfortable in their bodies after this surgery. [1]

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF IMPLANTS USED?

There are a few different options with implants. Silicone and saline are the most common implants, but there are some other options to consider with implants. These options are split into a few categories that include:

• The surface of the implant can be textured or smooth: Textured implants are made by creating pores of different sizes to give a more natural look. Smooth implants are made by dipping the implant into liquid silicone.

• Form-stable or fluid-form: Liquid silicone has an oily compound that is good for lubrication, this is used in fluid-form implants making them less stable. Form-stable implants retain the shape even at rest, these implants need a larger incision. 

• Implant shape being round vs anatomic. The shape of the implant is made by the gel inside of it. Gel-shell ratio is important when determining shape. An implant that will look more natural or anatomic is manufactured with a textured shell. Most patients receive round implants that may not look as natural. 

In order to choose the right implant for the patient the patient’s height, weight, and body type must be considered. Patients that are taller or with wider shoulders need larger implants. Your surgeon will give you their best recommendation on what implants will work best for your body and best achieve your aesthetic goals. [2]

DOES THE PLACEMENT OF THE IMPLANT MATTER?

The surgeon and the patient will collaborate to determine the best implant placement for the look the patient wants to achieve. The implant is typically either placed above or below the pectoralis muscle. It is common in augmentation to place the implant above the pectoralis muscle. This reduces pain in recovery and displacement of the implant. Placing the implant below the pectoralis muscle is more common in reconstruction.

There are a few different incision types as well. The transaxillary is an incision at the armpit. The inframammary is an incision just below the breast. Some doctors try a periareolar approach, which is an incision on each breast. This approach looks the best, but there are more risks with scarring and scar tissue.

Whatever you decide you should feel comfortable and safe going into the surgery. Your doctor should have your best interests in mind. It is important with plastic surgery to realize that the results may not be exactly as you imagined during the healing process. As you heal, you will start to see more and more of your desired results. [3]

Sources:

[1] Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. 2022 Sep 26. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 29489168.

[2] Coombs DM, Grover R, Prassinos A, Gurunluoglu R. Breast augmentation surgery: Clinical considerations. Cleve Clin J Med. 2019 Feb;86(2):111-122. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.86a.18017. PMID: 30742581.

[3] Schrager S, Lyon SM, Poore SO. Breast Implants: Common Questions and Answers. Am Fam Physician. 2021 Nov 1;104(5):500-508. PMID: 34783490.

Liposuction is a very common cosmetic surgery. It is the most common surgical procedure for those between 25 and 64. You may hear of liposuction in passing, but what really is this procedure that is so popular and is it actually safe?

What is liposuction?

Suction-assisted lipectomy or liposuction is an outpatient procedure. This procedure involves removing adipose tissue to achieve body contour. Another advantage of liposuction is that the removal of fat cells limits the future collection of fat in those areas. This procedure allows doctors to semi-permanently redistribute fat in the body.

Liposuction is also used in reconstructive surgery. Breast and facial reconstruction use liposuction when fat is reinjected into tissues during the surgery. Another popular use of liposuction is the gluteal fat transfer or the Brazilian butt lift. In this procedure, a high volume of fat is transferred from the abdomen or inner thighs to the buttocks. This creates a body contour of slim legs, waist, and round buttocks.

Gluteal fat transfers have become one of the most popular surgical procedures. This is often due to the popularity and trends that plastic surgery is associated with. While liposuction can be an excellent option for many, it is recommended that you seek out plastic surgeons with the appropriate certifications in the nation you choose to have the surgery completed. [1]

How safe is liposuction?

Liposuction is a relatively low-risk procedure. Complications and mortality are rare with liposuction. The most common complication of liposuction is contour deformity. This can look like folds or wrinkles on the skin. Seroma and hematoma are also rare, but possible complications of liposuction. Infection is also rare, but possible. Surgeons with high expertise tend to have the lowest rates of infections with their patients. Infections can be dangerous and could lead to life-threatening sepsis.

Some other surgery complications of liposuction include edema, lymphedema, wound dehiscence, and scars forming. To avoid complications with liposuction you should research your surgeon choice well and feel comfortable with you and your surgeon’s plans for the procedure. [1]

Liposuction has been improved over the years to be a safer procedure. There have been improvements in technique, outcomes, and safety. The anesthesia used for liposuction is very safe and the tools used for liposuction are safe as well. Devices used for liposuction such as radiofrequency-assisted liposuction have been developed to be a safer way to perform liposuction, and these devices are also very effective. [2]

What are the benefits of liposuction?

The benefits of liposuction for most are a more contoured body and redistributing fat. Many people feel more confident in their bodies after liposuction. You can take fat from your arms, legs, or abdomen and transfer it somewhere else in your body if you wish. Many people enjoy this control over their bodies. It is an added benefit that after the fat is removed, it is unlikely to return.

Liposuction is also a treatment for the disorder lipedema. Lipedema is a disorder where there is a large amount of fat in the upper and lower legs. This disorder is most common in females. This condition is rare, but it can be difficult to diagnose. Liposuction is the main surgical treatment for lipedema. This can remove some of the build-ups of fat in patients and relieve some of the symptoms associated with lipedema.

Liposuction can help many people feel more confident in their skin and treat disorders like lipedema. [3]

Sources:

[1] Wu S, Coombs DM, Gurunian R. Liposuction: Concepts, safety, and techniques in body-contouring surgery. Cleve Clin J Med. 2020 Jun;87(6):367-375. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.87a.19097. Erratum in: Cleve Clin J Med. 2020 Jul 31;87(8):476. PMID: 32487557.

[2] Chia CT, Marte JA, Ulvila DD, Theodorou SJ. Second Generation Radiofrequency Body Contouring Device: Safety and Efficacy in 300 Local Anesthesia Liposuction Cases. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2020 Sep 24;8(9):e3113. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003113. PMID: 33133962; PMCID: PMC7544184.

[3] Peprah K, MacDougall D. Liposuction for the Treatment of Lipedema: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2019 Jun 7. PMID: 31479212.