Can I Get a Breast Lift Without Noticeable Scars?
In a perfect world, all aesthetic surgeries would be performed without scarring. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for surgical procedures that require incisions to be made on the surface of the skin. Breast lift surgery—also known as mastopexy—is one such procedure, as incisions are necessary to remove excess skin and correct breast drooping (ptosis). That said, board-certified plastic surgeons are trained in achieving the least visible degree of scarring possible through meticulous technique and expert positioning of incisions. There are three different scars typically associated with mastopexy. These scars may or may not be present, depending on the type of breast lift. These include: Periareolar Scar – The periareolar scar occurs from an incision made around the outer perimeter of the nipple-areolar complex, where the darker pigment of the areola meets the lighter-coloured breast skin. This scar tends to be fairly inconspicuous when nude because of the colour difference. Breast Fold Scar – The breast fold scar is produced by an incision running horizontally along the natural crease below the breast (inframammary fold). The breasts themselves generally keep this scar well concealed. Vertical Scar – The vertical scar is created by an incision that extends from the bottom of the nipple-areolar complex to the inframammary fold. In the nude, this tends to be the most visible scar of the three. Some individuals who have minimal breast ptosis may only […]
Do I Need a Breast Augmentation or Breast Lift?
When considering aesthetic surgery to rejuvenate the appearance of the breasts, it is common for women to wonder whether they would benefit more from a breast augmentation or a breast lift (mastopexy). While a number of different elements need to be considered to provide a definitive answer to this question, your unique goals for treatment and the amount of breast drooping present can often point you in the right direction. Generally speaking, a breast augmentation will typically be the most appropriate option for individuals who do not have an issue with breast drooping and are solely interested in adding/restoring volume to the breasts. Although some implants can provide a very minor “lift” in addition to increasing fullness, no implant is able to correct a moderate to significant degree of breast drooping. On the other hand, a breast lift will usually be the best choice for patients who are happy with their current breast size but are seeking to elevate the breasts to a more youthful position on the chest wall. A mastopexy alone can create some added upper pole volume, but it is not able to increase overall cup size. For women who wish to enhance/restore volume and have their breasts lifted, a combination of breast augmentation and mastopexy is often the ideal solution. Sometimes referred to as a breast lift with implants or an augmentation with a lift, this […]
Abdominoplasty and Pregnancy
Two of the most common questions I hear from women considering abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) include: “Can I have a tummy tuck before having kids?” and “Are there any risks if I become pregnant after abdominoplasty?” While both of these questions need to be answered on a case by case basis, the following information generally applies to the majority of patients. Undergoing tummy tuck surgery prior to having children is certainly a possibility for many women seeking to address excess skin, fat buildup, and/or lax musculature in the abdominal region. That said, if the patient is planning on starting a family in the near future, most board-certified plastic surgeons would recommend that they wait until after they are done having kids before receiving treatment. (This advice also applies to women who currently have kids and are considering having more at some point in time.) The underlying reason for delaying a tummy tuck is due to the potential for negative effects a pregnancy can have on the outcome of a previous abdominoplasty. For example, the expansion of skin and stretching/thinning of abdominal muscles that typically occur during pregnancy can essentially recreate the aesthetic issues the individual initially sought to resolve. Depending on the extent of these concerns, a revisional procedure—or even a second tummy tuck—may be needed to restore the results of the original treatment. In regard to whether or not […]
Diastasis Recti Treatment After Pregnancy
Numerous women complain about significant abdominal bulging following pregnancy even after their weight has returned to pre-pregnancy levels. Diastasis recti is a cosmetic concern that numerous women encounter after pregnancy. This condition occurs as a result of stretching of the abdominal wall and a separation between the rectus (‘six-pack’) muscles. It is characterized by a prominent bulge or “pooch” in the mid to lower abdomen. The protrusion or bulge is typically immune to both diet and exercise. In some cases, this protrusion can be so apparent that new mothers often feel they still look pregnant. Fortunately, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is an excellent treatment option for women bothered by diastasis recti following pregnancy. In addition to removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal region, tummy tuck surgery allows plastic surgeons to bring muscles of the abdominal wall back to their initial position, making the muscles tighter in the process. The end result can be a significantly flatter stomach and slimmer waistline. If you are troubled by a post-pregnancy stomach bulge that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise efforts, my advice is to seek the expertise of board-certified plastic surgeon who has considerable experience in abdominoplasty. Surgery is quite often the only solution for diastasis recti, and a plastic surgeon can determine whether a tummy tuck—or possibly a mini tummy tuck—would be an appropriate treatment option for your unique needs […]
Male vs. Female Rhinoplasty: Is There a Difference?
In general, the fundamental surgical technique used for rhinoplasty does not differ based on the gender of the individual. For instance, an open rhinoplasty for a female patient is performed the same way it is for a male patient—using incisions inside the nose as well as a very small incision made along the columella (the fleshy nasal tissue at the nasal base that separates the left and right nostrils). The same holds true for closed rhinoplasty, which is conducted using a limited number of internal incisions only. That being said, rhinoplasty for males versus females does often differ in regard to the cosmetic desires and distinguishing characteristics usually associated with each gender. In comparison to females, most males have a wider, more prominent nasal bridge. Furthermore, the tip of the nose for the majority of men tends to be less elevated, often creating an angle of approximately 90 to 95 degrees between the upper lip and nose. In contrast, the nasal bridge for many women is typically narrower and less prominent. The tip of the nose also tends to be narrower, and the angle between the nose is slightly more elevated at between 95 to 105 degrees. These traits—in combination with relatively thinner skin—generally result in nasal features that are a bit sharper and/or more delicate in nature. In the end, these are simply generalities; patient ethnicity, cultural preferences, personal […]
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
For virtually anyone desiring to enhance the appearance of their nose, rhinoplasty can often be an excellent solution. This custom-tailored procedure can be performed to improve the shape and size of the nasal tip, bridge, and/or nostrils, as well as to repair a crooked septum to facilitate nasal breathing. At Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, each rhinoplasty procedure is personalized to meet the unique desires of the patient, so an in-office consultation is first needed to provide an estimate of the cost of surgery. Once a thorough examination has been conducted by Dr. Lawrence Tong, an itemized breakdown of the total expense can be prepared for review. As a convenience to patients interested in financial aid, we offer various plastic surgery financing and payment plan options through Crelogix or Medicard, both of which are highly respected lenders. The overall cost of rhinoplasty is influenced by a number of different factors, including the specific needs and goals of the individual. For example, treatment for someone whose concerns pertain to the shape of the nostrils, removal of a dorsal hump, and reduction of the width of the nasal bridge will be a bit more expensive than it would be for someone whose concerns are limited exclusively to the contour of their nostrils. Additional elements that impact the total expense of the procedure include whether an “open” or “closed” rhinoplasty technique is performed, […]
What Changes to the Nose Are Possible with Rhinoplasty?
Commonly referred to as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty can be a great option for many women and men seeking to improve the appearance and/or function of their nose. Based on the unique needs and goals of the individual, this procedure can be customized to help: Decrease the overall dimensions of the nose Smooth out a nasal hump on the bridge Straighten a crooked nose Resize/reduce and/or improve the symmetry of the nostrils Reshape/refine the tip of the nose Reposition the nasal bones to decrease the width of the nose Reduce the projection of the nose Elevate (or lower) the nasal tip make it slightly upturned (or downturned) Repair a deviated septum If you are interested in rhinoplasty, it’s helpful to have a good idea of what you’d specifically like to improve about your nose prior to meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. My advice is to create a list of specific issues that bother you as well as what you wish to have changed, then schedule a consultation. Following a thorough evaluation, an individualized treatment plan can be developed based on your particular desires and your surgeon’s professional opinion. For more information about rhinoplasty, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, please feel free to contact my office today at 416-972-0999. – Dr. Lawrence Tong, Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Are There Age Limitations for Breast Augmentation?
This is an excellent question asked by numerous patients who come to my practice seeking to enhance the volume, contour, and overall appearance of their breasts. Health Canada advises that patients should be at least 18 years old for saline implants and 22 years old for silicone implants. That being said, age is not considered a significant factor in determining candidacy for breast augmentation. In fact, here at the Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery, I have successfully performed breast augmentation for women ranging in age from the late teens and early twenties to those in their fifties, sixties, and beyond. Typically more important than a one’s age, is their health status and overall expectations for the outcome of their procedure. Patients should be generally fit and healthy, with no unmanaged medical conditions or detrimental lifestyle habits (such as smoking) that could pose a threat to proper healing. In addition, they should have a good idea of what can realistically be achieved with breast augmentation based on their unique needs and aesthetic goals. If you are interested in breast enhancement with implants, I strongly encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience and demonstrable augmentation results. Taking age and various other factors into consideration, he or she should be able to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. – Dr. […]
Do Breast Implants Obstruct Mammograms?
The possibility of breast implants obstructing mammogram screenings is a concern expressed by many women who are interested in breast augmentation. Although it is true that the presence of implants can make viewing breast tissues more difficult during a traditional mammogram, particular methods can be utilized to aid in the delivery of more accurate and definitive mammography results. One technique that can be employed to enhance the precision of mammograms for women with breast implants positioned below the pectoral muscle (submuscular) is referred to as “implant displacement.” Using this method, the breast tissue is pulled forward while pushing the implant backwards along the chest wall during the mammogram. Along with the four normal mammogram x-rays, this technique enables four special images to be captured for a more complete view of the breast tissues. Anyone who has breast implants scheduling a mammogram should inform the clinic or hospital of this when making their appointment. Doing so will enable the radiology team to better prepare for the screening, ultimately leading to the most precise and conclusive results possible. In the event the implant displacement technique (or any other approach) fails to produce an acceptable mammogram result, an MRI can be requested. This advanced imaging method allows the radiologist to obtain a more detailed view of the breast tissues when implants are causing a substantial hindrance to examining the tissues. Despite the utilization […]
Which Implant Placement Provides the Most Natural Appearance?
When it comes to achieving natural-looking breast augmentation results, choosing the right implants is generally the first decision that comes to mind. While this is certainly a major factor in creating an ideal outcome, there are several other choices that can significantly impact the final results of treatment, one of which is the location of breast implant placement. For the vast majority of women, I advise placing breast implants below the pectoral muscle (submuscular positioning) as opposed to above the muscle (subglandular positioning). In my experience, this location tends to yield the most natural-looking and feeling results due to the increased tissue coverage and smoother, more gradual contour between the implant and chest wall. Additional advantages of the submuscular placement can include a decreased risk of capsular contracture, more accurate mammogram imaging, and improved long-term support for the implant. Although submuscular placement is generally preferred, it does not imply that placing breast implants above the pectoral muscle will result in an unnatural-looking outcome. In fact, many patients achieve excellent results with subglandular implant positioning, particularly those who have a sufficient amount of breast skin and tissue to cover the implants. To identify the best implant placement for you, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who has considerable experience and proven results with both techniques. Following an evaluation of your unique needs and goals, the most […]