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Samuel N. Pearl, M.D.
- Suite 203
525 South Drive
Mountain View, CA 94040 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 650-964-7639
- Send E-mail
- www.pearlmd.com
Answered Questions
Q:
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I am a teenager and considering breast augmentation. Am I too young for a breast augmentation? Are there risks concerning a change in breast shape because of the possible growth of my breasts after surgery?
A:
Breast augmentation is a proven way to improve the size and shape of your breasts, but it requires a great deal of thought before proceeding with surgery. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits cosmetic breast augmentation on women under 18 years of age, and most of my patients are 21 or older. Decisions regarding having children, breast feeding, breast cancer history in your family, possible complications from the surgery and the necessity to replace your implants, sometimes many years after your initial surgery, are only some of the topics that patients need to consider with their plastic surgeon. As for a change in breast shape, I am unaware of breast growth being related to breast implant surgery. Although it is possible that breast growth occurs after breast augmentation, it is unlikely to be related to your surgery.
Q:
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I have read and heard conflicting information on facial implants. I would like to consider including a chin implant with a facelift, but I am concerned about infection/rejection of the implant. Statistically, how common is infection? What are the best implants made of? Do they last indefinitely?
A:
For appropriately selected patients, adding a chin implant at the time of facelift can significantly improve the postoperative neck contour and overall facial appearance. Many surgeons routinely make a small, inconspicuous incision under the chin to recontour the neck. Through the same incision, a chin implant can be placed directly on the mandible (chin bone) to further enhance the appearance of the neck and face. Chin implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be made of different materials. The most popular type of implant is made of solid silicone and wraps around the lower jaw, avoiding the "button" look. These implants have been successfully used for more than 20 years. Infection or implant rejection is very uncommon, but if this occurs, the implant can easily be removed. Usually it can be replaced after suitable healing takes place. Exceptionally large implants are not recommended because of the increased pressure on the mandible as well as a greater chance of malposition. Most implants, if placed without initial problems, can last indefinitely. Chin augmentation with an implant can add subtle, but noticeable improvement in the results of a facelift without adding significant cost, surgical time or recovery.