Breast augmentation is a procedure that is undergone for a wide variety of reasons. Many women feel uncomfortable with the current look of their bodies and seek breast augmentation to help improve their self-esteem, while others may just want to fill-out their clothing and swimsuits better. Regardless of the reasoning behind the decision, a constant factor amongst breast augmentation patients is the importance of size selection. Breast augmentation is not about how large a woman can go; rather it is finding a balance between size and proportions.

Women seeking breast augmentation often request to be a certain cup size after surgery, however, breast implants, whether silicone or saline, are measured by the amount of product in the implant, in cc’s, not cup size. So how does one select a size? Dr. Savalia assists his patients in selecting implants that not only fulfill their expectations of size, but also look natural and in proportion to the rest of their body. While taking into account the patient’s pre-surgical breast size and width, as well as some additional measurements, Dr. Savalia is able to make a size recommendation, although the final decision is up to the patient.

It is of the utmost importance to select the right size so that after surgery patients are not left lamenting the fact that they wish they had gone bigger. It is also important to avoid selecting too large a size that would weigh heavily on the breast, causing it to drop egregiously over time. Dr. Savalia allows his patients to take their time in selecting an implant size. He recommends bringing to the office bras in the size that the patient wishes to fill post-surgery, as well as several tops. Then, using sample implants, patients are able to try on their desired size, and can get a general idea as to how they will look after surgery.

Despite the prevalence of breast augmentation surgery, it is still a major decision to the individual patient. By taking one’s time in determining implant size, the patient almost ensures that they will end up with a breast size that they are happy with for many years to come.

Elaina Hollis

Patient Coordinator

For women with Breast Cancer, reconstruction is an extremely important part of the process. It is an exceedingly personal decision, though most women do in fact decide to undergo reconstruction. They want to look and feel like a whole and complete woman again; one who is still feminine and sexy. Although reconstruction through implants is the choice for many women, a large number of women prefer to undergo reconstruction using muscle and soft tissue flaps. They are seeking breasts that feel more natural and are created through their own living tissue.

There are several ways in which this type of reconstruction can be performed. One is known as the TRAM Flap method, and is done in two ways. The Free Flap method involves an area of skin, fat and muscle being removed from the abdomen; freed from the rest of the blood supply and tissue. It is then placed in the chest area and reconnected to the blood supply using microsurgical techniques. The other possibility with this method is using a Pedicle Flap. The Pedicle Flap method does not require that the flap of muscle and soft tissue be removed completely; rather, it is tunneled up through the chest wall while remaining attached to the blood supply. The breasts often feel much more natural and the process includes a tummy tuck, resulting in a flatter, more streamlined abdominal area.

Several other methods of reconstruction using soft tissue flaps are available, although they are not used as frequently. DIEP and SGAP flaps are two other methods that do not use muscle; only skin and fat, and the tissue is removed from either the abdomen or the buttock. A Latissimus Dorsi Flap uses muscle, skin and fat from the back. The muscle and tissue is left connected to the blood supply and tunneled from the back to the mastectomy site, creating the new breast. Often times with this method, an implant is also required to achieve a fuller breast, as there is not enough of the donor tissue to reach the desired size.

Breast reconstruction using muscle and soft tissue flaps unfortunately does not leave the patients with much sensation in the new breasts, although they look and feel very natural. The surgical process is also longer and much more involved. In turn, the recovery process can be much more arduous.

Breast cancer patients have many options when considering their reconstruction. Dr. Savalia helps guide his patients through the decision making process by making a recommendation on the method that he feels is best suited to that individual. However, the decision is ultimately the patient’s. It is important that the breast cancer patient knows that there are many options available to her, each one with the possibility of a beautiful result.

Elaina Hollis

Patient Coordinator

Only moms know how the birth of a child can affect so many aspects of the body. From stretched abdominal muscles to sagging breasts, pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding can take an incredible toll on a woman’s figure. And the time demands of raising children leave little extra for daily workouts. Thankfully, the mommy makeover cosmetic procedure is helping mom’s get back into shape.

The great thing about the mommy makeover is that it can be fully customized based on your unique needs. Several surgical techniques are performed in one procedure in order to tighten, tone, and rejuvenate your look. You save time and money by combining body contouring options, and the results are surprising and dramatic! Here are some of the cosmetic enhancements that can be done as part of the mommy makeover:

• Liposuction – Get rid of unwanted pockets of fat in the stomach, thighs, arms, and other areas.
• Breast surgery – With breast lift, reduction, or augmentation, your cosmetic surgeon can reshape your bust to get just the right proportions. Breast lift is one of the most popular mommy procedures, as it can help combat the effects of breastfeeding and aging simultaneously.
• Tummy tuck – The abdominal area can be repaired after childbirth with techniques to tighten the tummy muscles and remove skin and fat.
• Thigh lift – The thigh lift targets upper and lower thigh, removing excess skin and fat for a more toned appearance.
• Body lift – Multiple body contouring techniques can be combined to help tighten and firm the body through the removal of loose or sagging skin.

The confidence and empowerment that can come from doing something wonderful for yourself is priceless. Mommy makeovers are recommended only for women who do not plan on having additional children.

If you are interested in learning more about the mommy makeover and its incredible benefits, contact experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nirav Savalia at his Orange County practice.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

The benefits of breast augmentation are clear: a fuller bosom, shapelier proportions, and enhanced self-confidence. If you are considering the breast enlargement procedure, there is a new implant placement technique you should know about called dual-plane breast augmentation.

The Benefits of Dual Plane Placement

Traditionally, breast implants have been placed either below the muscle (submuscular) or over the muscle (subglandular). Dual plane breast augmentation is a newer method of performing the procedure that involves placing the saline or silicone breast implants partially above and partially below the muscle.

Many cosmetic surgeons feel this is the ideal implant placement option because it combines the benefits of the other two options while producing a final appearance that is very natural-looking and comfortable. This technique also provides an extra lifting benefit, especially helpful for patients who experience sagging and are good candidates for a breast lift.

In this procedure, an incision is only needed underneath the breast, so there is no immediately visible scarring. Also, with dual plane breast augmentation, there is a minimal risk of rippling or capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue).

Is it dual plane placement right for your?

If you are considering breast augmentation, talk to an experienced Orange County breast surgeon about the benefits of dual plane enlargement. And be sure to view before and after photos before making your decision. Please contact Dr. Nirav Savalia today to set up your personalized consultation.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Breast reconstruction is a type of surgery performed to recreate the breast following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or injury. Cosmetic surgeons who are experienced in breast reconstruction apply their knowledge of form and aesthetics to expertly reconstruct the breast with a natural-looking shape and texture.

If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, here is a general introduction to the procedure. To get relevant, personalized information on breast reconstruction techniques and steps, please see a skilled reconstruction surgeon.

In a total breast reconstruction surgery,

• The surgeon will use a safe breast implant to recreates the breast shape.
• In some cases, a patient’s own body tissue may be harvested from another area to build the breast, or a combination of these two types may be used.
• If implants are used, the patient chooses from silicone or saline and can choose from a variety of shapes, styles and textures.
• Multiple surgeries will be needed to achieve the final result.
• Additional procedures may be performed to add a nipple, change the shape or size of the reconstructed breast, or adjust the opposite breast to match.

Although a reconstructed breast will not have normal sensation and may not look exactly like a natural breast, the reconstructive field continues to produce amazing advancements in breast reconstruction surgery. Breast reconstruction can do wonders for your self-confidence and help you regain a sense of femininity and sensuality.

Reconstruction may be performed at the same time as a mastectomy or lumpectomy, depending on your situation. Please consult your mastectomy surgeon as well as a reconstructive surgeon for more details.

Will insurance cover breast reconstruction?

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 made it mandatory for health providers to pay for breast reconstruction if they cover mastectomy. Your reconstructive surgeon can help you determine exactly what is covered.

Find out if you are a good candidate for breast reconstruction. Schedule a thorough surgical consultation with Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery to learn more about this amazing procedure.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

While the best place to start is to schedule a confidential, complimentary consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon, you might want to take a little time to research the various types, shapes and sizes of implants available. You can also read patient testimonials and talk to other breast surgery patients about their experiences before you make any decisions about your procedure.

Here’s a quick glance at the choices available today:

Implant Size
Implant size is a very personal choice and will depend largely on your appearance goals, as well as your comprehensive body measurements. Remember that your breast appearance will be affected by the size of your waist and other proportional factors. You may want to collect magazine or photos of women with your interpretation ideal proportions and stay within the manufacturer’s maximum recommended volume for natural-looking results and safety.

Implant Texture
While the majority of breast implants used today for cosmetic breast augmentation have a smooth surface, a textured surface is available with the advantage a lower rates of capsular contracture. However, since the textured surface allows it to “stick” to the surrounding body tissue, they tend to have visible rippling more than smooth surfaced implants.

Implant Shape
Breast implants may be round or anatomical (teardrop-shaped). Your cosmetic surgeon can show you before and after photos to help you choose the one that fits your needs best. For cosmetic augmentation, the breast already has a natural “breast shape,” so a round implant will provide the added volume necessary for the augmentation. For breast reconstruction after mastectomy, the natural “breast shape” has been lost, and therefore an anatomic, teardrop-shaped implant will recreate that shape necessary for reconstruction.

Implant Material
Whether you choose saline-filled or silicone gel-filled implants, the outer shell of the implant is made with a solid form of silicone. Saline-filled and silicone gel implants are the two most common types of implant available, but there a few new types, including cohesive-gel implants designed to retain their shape well. When choosing your filling material, keep in mind your ideal contour, the risks involved, the potential appearance results, and material biocompatibility.

To learn more about your breast enlargement options, and the risks and benefits of each, schedule a complimentary consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery today.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Aging gracefully means living well — combining a positive attitude with good physical and emotional health. For many, it includes utilizing cosmetic surgery as a tool to look and feel great. Thanks to ongoing improvements in cosmetic techniques and technology, there are several ways you can combat the signs of aging to help you reshape your body, rejuvenate your face, and boost your self-confidence.

Choose from the following types of cosmetic surgery treatments to look amazing at any age:
• Facial rejuvenation and reshaping
• Body rejuvenation and reshaping
• Non-surgical facial rejuvenation
• Breast surgery

Achieving the youthful appearance you desire depends largely on the provider you choose. Look for a skilled cosmetic surgeon who has extensive experience and an impressive photo gallery displaying great results.

Ready to learn more about affordable anti-aging options? Schedule a complimentary consultation with experienced Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery today.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Also referred to as male breast reduction, the procedure is done on an outpatient basis. Using a combination of liposuction and excision techniques, the surgeon will remove fatty tissue and loose skin, effectively toning the area and allowing muscle tissue to become more prominent.

For an even more dramatic masculine contour, some men choose to have pectoral implants added as part of the chest contouring procedure. Other cosmetic treatments can be used to enhance the male body, including tummy tuck, liposuction, and body lift.

If you are interested in learning more about male body contouring, an experienced cosmetic surgeon can help you decide if this is the right treatment for you. You can also find out how the procedure has helped others by reading patient testimonials and viewing a male breast reduction photo gallery.

For more information on gynecomastia and male breast reduction, contact Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery in Orange County.

-Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

Here’s a brief description of the procedures that can be used during the body lift:

Tummy tuck – A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, tones the abdominal area through the removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening of the underlying muscles.

Thigh lift - A thigh lift improves the appearance of the upper thighs through surgical removal of excess skin and fat.

Arm lift - An arm lift removes sagging skin from the upper arm area.

Breast lift - A breast lift rejuvenates sagging breasts with strategic repositioning.

Liposuction - Liposuction removes excess fat from areas of the body resistant to diet and exercise.

Buttock lift – A buttock lift creates a more appealing, toned rear-end through removal of fat tissue and gentle reshaping.

Because several procedures are combined into one surgery, patients experience dramatic appearance improvements without the additional costs or healing times of separate treatments.

Who can have a body lift?

A body lift procedure is common for patients who have undergone major weight loss surgery or liposuction, have lost large amounts of weight without surgery, or who are simply highly resistant to weight loss through diet and exercise. Body lift is also a popular choice for those fighting body changes due to aging. The ideal body lift candidate should have a stable weight for a period of six months to a year.

If you are interested in learning more about the body lift procedure, an experienced cosmetic surgeon can help you decide if this is the right treatment for you. You may want to visit photo galleries, consult with an Orange County cosmetic surgeon, and read patient testimonials to get an inside view into the specific procedures that make up the body lift.

To learn more about the your cosmetic surgery options, contact Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery in Orange County.

-Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant

If you’ve been considering breast augmentation, but are not quite comfortable with having a non-natural substance implanted into the body, you may want to look into the benefits of breast augmentation with fat transfer.

A newer alternative to breast implants, fat transfer (or fat grafting) lets women enhance the appearance of breasts without the concerns that come with saline or silicone implants (such as rippling or rupture). The procedure is considered investigational, and the potential risks are still being evaluated.

During the breast augmentation with fat grafting procedure, the fat cells will be harvested, or removed, from an area such as the thighs. The fat cells will then be injected into the breast tissue through very fine incisions.

Here are a few advantages to breast augmentation with fat transfer:

· Fat grafting uses a natural substance from your own body

· Removal of fat cells from the hips, thighs or tummy can create a slimmer appearance (similar to liposuction)

· Breasts can be shaped precisely using fat cells

· Risk of scarring is minimal since fat cells are implanted through tiny incisions

· The result is very natural-looking

On the downside, this procedure requires more surgical time than breast augmentation with implants and may be performed during multiple procedures. Research is currently being done to determine if fat transfer may interfere with mammography and detection of breast cancer.

To find out more about your breast enlargement options, contact Dr. Nirav Savalia at Finesse Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery in Orange County.

—Lindsey Kesel, Cosmetic Surgery Consultant