Breast Shape after Breast Implants

Many times I get asked questions along the lines of “What kind of ‘look’ do you aim for, doc?” when it comes to the breast shape after breast implants. Well, it is not about what I want, it is about what the patient wants. Different people like different things and are looking for different looks.

Below are two ladies who are both thrilled, are both at a similar stage after surgery, both with high-profile implants, and who yet have different looks.

The first patient is more what I consider the mom/breast-fed/deflated-breast type of patient. These women typically want to restore what they had pre-pregnancy (or maybe just a tad more!). But typically they want to look fairly natural. Notice how the implant restores volume to the breast, adding projection, and providing a “pseudo-lift” (see how much more skin can be seen below the lower border of the areola–sometimes these women come in thinking they want a breast lift). The contour of the upper pole of the breast is fairly straight.

The second is more what I consider the slightly younger/no-kids/wants-to-be-pretty-busty type of patient. The breast is not really deflated, and the whole skin envelope is tighter. Typically these women don’t mind looking a little “fake” and want to increase a number of cup sizes. Notice how the lower pole does not change too much and most of the volume goes into the upper pole. (In fairness, this will settle some over time). The upper pole has a rounded contour.

Now, usually the first type of woman does not want to look like the second, and the second type hates to go through with it and not get the look they want if they look like the first!

So when people ask me “How I do it”, I answer that it is up to the patient! As long as it is within the realm of reason, I try not to impose my biases into the equation. The main goal is to provide a person with what she wants.

For more about breast shape and breast implants, see my previous blog post.

Reloxin in San Antonio

Apparently the FDA has approved Reloxin, which is another botulinum toxin type A. Reloxin has been sold in other countries under the name Dysport. It is intended to compete with the wildly successful Botox.

This type of product works by relaxing the muscles into which it is injected. For cosmetic use, I want to relax muscles that cause that wrinkles when activated. For example, the muscles that cause “frown lines” between the eyebrows are generally a good target for this. Sometimes patients tell me that they are perceived as tired or angry when they are not. Generally we target muscles in the upper half of the face (some of these are considered “off-label” use, much like using an antibiotic approved for pneumonia to treat sinusitis). Usually lines in the lower half of the face are better treated by dermal fillers.

You can see some examples at the Botox website. Or the animations on my website may be helpful.

I should say that there is some misinformation about botulinim toxins…while they are a “toxin”, so is aspirin (in the wrong dose) and so is alcohol. Used appropriately, botulinum toxins have a tremendous safety record. My staff and I are happy to discuss this more.

It will be interesting to see how Reloxin fits in the market. There WILL be differences from Botox, and so one may be more attractive than the other for certain situations or for different reasons. Stay tuned!