Plastic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Plastic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Breast Augmentation


Should I choose Saline or Silicone implants?
The new cohesive gel silicone implants are generally thought to feel more natural than saline filled implants. There is clear scientific evidence that silicone is safe to use. However I will discuss the pros and cons of all the implants with you and the final choice is yours.
Where are the cuts made?
Incisions can be made underneath the breast, around the nipple/areola, or in the armpit. Careful placement of the incision around the lower third of the areola at the edge of the pigment heals with an almost imperceptible scar. This scar is 2,5 to 3 cm long and gives an ideal cosmetic result. There is no increased risk of alteration of nipple sensation when the scar is placed in this site compared to when placed beneath the breasts. The risk of scar hypertrophy (thickening) is also much reduced around the areola area. I will discuss the pros and cons of each incision site pertaining to your particular circumstance, and you will make the final choice.
Should the implant be placed in front of or behind the pectoral muscle?
In the majority of cases the result is more natural with a softer breast when the implant is placed beneath the muscle. The incidence of capsular contracture (hardening) is also significantly reduced. In certain circumstances it may be advantageous to place the implant in front of the muscle, but these are not common.
Is there any increased risk of breast cancer after breast augmentation?
No. There is no evidence that this procedure has any influence on the risk of development of breast cancer.
Can I breast feed after breast augmentation?

Yes. This procedure does not interfere with one’s ability to breast feed.

Breast Reduction


Will I lose feeling in my breasts after breast reduction?

Modern techniques of breast reduction surgery concentrate on preservation of the nerves to the breast. However very large volume reduction of breast tissue may result in some decreased sensation to parts of the breast.

Will I be able to breast feed after breast reduction?

The ducts leading from the breast gland to the nipple are preserved during surgery resulting in the majority of women being able to feed after this procedure. Remember there is a group of large breasted women who would not be able to breast feed whether they had undergone surgery or not.

How much time will I require off work?
Most women are back at work between 7 to 10 days after surgery.
Is there an increased risk of breast cancer after breast reduction surgery?

No. In fact the risk of cancer may be reduced as the procedure removes some breast glandular tissue, which could potentially in the future become cancerous.

Facelift


How do I avoid the "pulled" look so often seen after a facelift?

This should be entirely avoided with modern techniques that allow the surgeon to reposition the deeper structures and drape the skin without tension. Fat preservation is vital if one is to achieve a more youthful and “refreshed” look.

What is an ideal age to have a facelift?

Patients are requesting facelifts at a younger age than they did a decade or so ago. This is largely due to the understanding that more natural looking and longer lasting results can be obtained when operating on good quality tissues. People may be suitable for surgery as early as in their late thirties, but the highest incidence of first time face-lifts is between 45 to 55 years of age. However face-lifts are frequently performed on people in their late sixties and seventies.

How many facelifts can I have?

There is no limit to the number of facelifts that one can have. The first facelift is the most important one as this sets the scene for the subsequent ones. Incision sites and hairline alteration are sometimes difficult to correct if poorly sited during the first face-lift.

How long will recovery take?

It is possible to be back at work after 12-14 days. However the full effect can only be appreciated after 2-3 months.

Can I have it done under local anaesthetic?

Yes. However with recent advances in anaesthesia, general anaesthesia has become the popular choice for reasons of patient safety and efficiency.

Will it be painful?

Most people are amazed at how little pain is associated with facelift surgery. A feeling of tightness, particularly in the neck region is experienced for several days after surgery.

Nose Surgery


Are there visible cuts
In the vast majority of operations the cuts are on the inside of the nose and not visible. Occasionally a small cut is made on the on the underside of the nose, but is inconspicuous.
Will my nose to look "done" after the operation?
Very subtle modifications to the nose can be performed to attain harmony and a very natural look that do not make the nose appear “surgically altered”. Even if a fairly major change is requested, my philosophy is to result in a nasal appearance that suits the rest of the face and that is in proportion to the rest of the facial features.
Is it painful?
Cosmetic surgery on the nose is uncomfortable rather than painful.
How old do I have to be?

Noses stop growing at the age of 16 to 17. Nose Surgery can be performed at this stage.

How long will bruising and swelling be noticeable?

Most people take off about 7 days to allow things to settle down.

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Saul Braun operates from the Netcare Rosebank Hospital, situated in the up-market Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg.

After viewing the above Plastic Surgery Frequently Asked Questions please see our surgical procedures available below:
Facial Surgical Procedures
Breast Surgical Procedures
Body Surgical Procedures
Non-Surgical Procedures