(847)398-1660
or
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Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Chicago, Illinois

Monday, June 30, 2008

How Can I Tell if My Implants Are Ruptured or Leaking?

Breast implants are well-designed with thick silicone shells designed to prevent leaking and rupture, but sometimes they do rupture or leak, whether as a result of sudden trauma, as during an automobile accident, as a result of the expected degradation of the materials, or even as a result of manufacturing anomalies resulting in premature failure of the shell. The signs of rupture are different depending on whether you have silicone or saline implants.

Saline is salt water, and if your implant leaks or ruptures, the body will absorb it. This means that if your saline implant leaks, your breast will visibly deflate. The rate of deflation depends on the rate of leakage, but if your saline breast implant begins to shrink, see Dr. Placik immediately to have the implant evaluated.

The silicone gel that fills the implant is a different form of the same material that makes up the shell. It is a biocompatible material, meaning that there are no known health effects associated with your body's exposure to it. However, it is not absorbable, like saline, so if your silicone implant ruptures, your breast will not deflate. Instead, the silicone will accumulate in the scar capsule your body develops around the implant. Sometimes, either you or Dr. Placik will notice the difference, but in many cases the only way to detect a ruptured silicone implant is with the use of an MRI, which is why regular MRIs are recommended for women with silicone implants.

If you suspect your implants have ruptured, there is no reason for panic, but you should arrange an appointment with Dr. Placik to have your implants evaluated to maintain their appearance.

posted by Patti at 2:25 PM

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Nipple Reduction for Men

Why do men have nipples? The basic reason is familiar to anyone who has seen or read Jurassic Park: all vertebrate embryos are female to begin with, requiring certain hormones at certain stages to transform them into males. In addition, nature is frugal, so it requires a good reason for men to not have nipples before natural selection would lead to their absence, even if the nipples are largely cosmetic and nonfunctional.

Although there is no evolutionarily-sufficient reason for men to not have nipples, there are rigid social standards about what is acceptable for men's nipples. Essentially, breasts are one of the main components of sexual dimorphism, and society has taken its cues from nature in this area. Men's breasts should not look like women's breasts, either in terms of size or shape or the presence of pronounced nipples with large, colored areolas. If your breasts are enlarged as a result of Gynecomastia, you can receive treatment, and the same is true if your nipples are enlarged.

If you are embarrassed to take your shirt off, either in front of women or other men as a result of your enlarged nipples, you need not worry any more. Whether your nipples are too long or too wide, or if you have large, pronounced areolas, nipple reduction can make your chest appear more masculine.

To learn more about nipple reduction, contact Dr. Placik today for a consultation.

posted by Patti at 2:21 PM

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Will breast implants interfere with annual mammograms?

Many women are concerned that getting new breast implants will interfere with effective mammogram imaging. These concerns are not completely unfounded, as some types of breast implants can cause difficulties in imaging as they obstruct view of the natural breast tissue. Additionally, implants can sometimes cause scarring or other abnormalities that can be difficult to distinguish from cancerous growths. As such, your breast implants may increase your chances of receiving abnormal results that could require minor exploratory surgery.

In most cases, however, an experienced mammography technician can get accurate mammogram results in patients with breast implants.

The relative difficulty of mammography also depends on your specific type and placement of breast implant. Generally speaking, the deeper the implant is placed in the body, the easier it is for your mammographer to view the natural breast tissue for abnormalities. In many cases, your radiologist may take more images if you have breast implants, to ensure a clear, complete, unobstructed picture of your breast tissue.

In any case, we recommend that you receive a mammogram prior to any breast implantation procedure if recommended by recognized guidleines (generally after 35 years) to establish a baseline for your imaging; continue regular mammograms with an experienced radiologist who has experience with breast implants after your breast augmentation.

To learn more about your plastic surgery options if you live in the Chicago, Illinois area, please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto J. Placik today to schedule your confidential consultation.

posted by Patti at 5:21 PM

Disclaimer: The information provided on Bodysculptor.com regarding medical procedures, practices, and technologies is only meant to provide information as public service. The website content is not intended to substitute for health care provided by a physician. Email or call us at 847-398-1660 for more information.

Dr. Otto J. Placik M.D., Chicago Area Plastic Surgeon, plastic,reconstructive & cosmetic surgery, breast enlargement, breast reduction, breast lift, liposuction. We feature BioMedic ® Clinical Care, Skin Rejuvenation, Laser Peels, Chemical Peels, Botox ® and Collagen Injections.

Dr.Placik's before and after photos have been selected to appear on the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, a website providing comprehensive, up-to-date information on breast enhancement, face lift, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck and bariatric surgery.

Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C.
Otto J. Placik, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313
Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois