Minimizing revision surgery in breast augmentation

Monday October 16, 2006 ins: Breast Enhancement Tag(s):

Technorati Tags: breast enhancement, breast implants, breast augmentation

Breast enhancement procedures are really popular. In 2004 and 2005, breast augmentation has always been in the top 5 of the most number of procedures performed on that specific year. Hundred of thousands of women flock to their respective surgeon’s offices, trying to improve their looks by increasing their cup sizes. The trend so far is good. Modern techniques have helped surgeons perform their tasks better and safer. However, there are also things that need to be considered.

Alarming as it may sound, according to the current U.S. Food and Drug Administration statistics, one out of four women who have had breast implant surgery will have a second operation within five years. Surprisingly, most cases of revision surgery are caused of patient satisfaction rather than complications such as capsular contracture and rupture. Women just become dissatisfied of the results of the initial surgery and come back to their surgeons for revision.

Dallas plastic surgeon Robert Schwartz boasts of a revision rate that is far below the national average. According to PRLeap, Schwartz follows a three-step process to accomplish his patient’s specific goals. He cannot prevent re-operations but he can minimize the chances of having corrective operations through his very basic methods.

Here’s Schwartz’ three-step process:

Step One — Detailed Measurement

During the initial visit, a comprehensive series of measurements is taken of the patient’s breasts and chest area. These measurements define the types and sizes of implants that best match a patient’s physique. Implants that might produce less-than-optimal results are eliminated from consideration.

Step Two — Real Women, Not Models

Schwartz asks patients to review dozens of before-and-after pictures to select the ones that most closely match the results they are seeking. The pictures are of actual breast augmentation patients — not magazine models, as are often used in such consultations. By discussing the photos and the patient’s desires at length, Schwartz gains a precise understanding of the woman’s objectives and can choose the best implants to achieve them.

Step Three — A Final Test

In the operating room, Schwartz utilizes test implants to confirm the best size and shape to match the patient’s frame and achieve her aesthetic objectives. Only then is the test implant replaced with an identical permanent implant. “Using this process, we leave the operating room confident that we have chosen the best possible implant for the patient’s goals and body type,” Schwartz said.

Looking closely, Schwartz’ methods are very fundamental and elementary but it is surprising that they really work for him and for his patients. Schwartz put emphasis on the human aspect of the procedure rather than on the technical ones.

Of course, the surgeon’s skills and expertise are necessary in order to get the desired results, but getting your patients to relax and open up is another important thing. And with that, Schwartz added: The key to a high success rate is to focus on the human aspects of plastic surgery as much as the technical aspects. We start by making our patients feel comfortable, so they will open up about their concerns and objectives. Then, we listen to them. Together, we clarify their goals – which gives us the best chance of getting it right the first time.

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