Compassion, Skill the Key for Breast Augmentation, says Surgeon

More than just a mere cosmetic alteration, breast augmentation is probably one of the most life-changing of all plastic surgery procedures. With almost 300,000 women undergoing the procedure in 2009, it is the most requested cosmetic surgery procedure of all and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, while requests for many of the most common plastic surgery operations have dropped in recent years, breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) is one of the few that has actually increased in popularity.

The physical effects of breast augmentation on a woman can, of course, be immediately measured. But its psychological effects are impossible to gauge. One of the nation’s leading plastic surgeons, Dr. Jay Calvert, MD FACS, points out that this is why it is important that the overall result compliment the patient.

“I strive to produce an enhanced, natural look by balancing the capabilities of the surgical techniques with the woman's desires,” says Dr. Calvert, who has served as a plastic surgery consultant on The Oprah Show and The Tyra Banks Show. ‘Since each woman is unique, each operation must be tailored to produce the best possible outcome for each patient.”

In addition to breast augmentation, breast lifts (mastopexy) have also increased in popularity, with more than 87,000 such operations performed last year. In addition, more than 17,000 operations to revert gynecomastia (breast reduction in men) were performed.

As one of the most popular operations performed, breast augmentation is more than a simple surgical procedure, says Dr. Calvert. It requires special skill, knowledge of the latest technology involved and a special understanding of the patient’s needs and desires.

“Breast augmentation is one of the most important decisions more and more women are making every day,” says Dr. Calvert. “Advances in breast implant technology and surgical techniques are making breast augmentation a popular option among women of all ages that desire a change in the way they look.”

To that end, Dr. Calvert says that a surgeon should customize the operation based on the specific needs of the patient. For instance, many women, Dr. Calvert says, have questions about whether the implant should be placed over or under the muscle, as well as the type of surgical approach the doctor will use in inserting the implant. Such questions are normal, he says, and should be taken seriously.

“The decision to undergo breast augmentation may result in a more flattering and better-proportioned figure, more clothing options, and may enhance your confidence and self-esteem,” states Dr. Calvert.

Likewise, the same care should be taken with an implant exchange, Dr. Calvert stresses, which is a procedure in which the previously inserted implant, which has caused scar tissue to form, is either removed and replaced with a new implant, or the scare tissue itself is simply removed.

Dr. Calvert is a board-certified member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and serves the Beverly Hills, Orange County and Los Angeles area. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles on plastic surgery and has presented his techniques at national and international conferences. Patients interested in learning more about Dr. Calvert can visit his website, http://www.drcalvert.com/.