As noted at americanhealthandbeauty.com, the transition to silicone after having saline is made easier since the pocket for the implant already exists. In most cases, the implant swap can be completed in less than an hour and patients are able to return to work the next day. As with any procedure, individual results vary and consultation with your cosmetic surgeon are necessary to determine the best plan for your implant upgrade.

Saline implants were the only option for women 5 years ago. While some were pleased with their results, others were left with a “rippled” look and dissatisfied with the “water balloon” feel. The Silicone implant gives these women an option of keep their implants but improve the effect. The new Silicone implants are described as being more realistic, feeling more like natural breast tissue.

The concerns of pre-1990 silicone implants was the safety of the implant and the possibility of silicone leaking into the body. The new silicone implants have the consistency of a jelly bean and are much less likely to rupture and were designed not to “leak”. The warranty of saline implants should cover the upgrade to the new silicone implants should your old saline implant rupture. Even without the warranty, the cost of the upgrade may be less than you imagine.

If you are unhappy with your saline implants, it may  be worth a consultation with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your individual options. Let Breast Implants USA help you find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with experience in breast implant upgrades.

According to Dr. Stoker of Marina Plastic Surgery Associates, the silicone implants have already made vast improvements, “The cohesive gel is a bit firmer, so it has a dense, much softer feel. It looks and feels much more like natural tissue,” states Dr. Stoker. “Also, in the event of a rupture, the cohesive gel won’t leak. Rupture is very rare, but this aspect of these implants is very reassuring.” For those considering breast augmentation surgery, there is no better time then now to make the decision. With increased safetly smoothing the process, women now have the ability to achieve the appearance they truly desire.

A broad coalition of health organizations are against this burdensome tax (see list below), and patients have asked for ways to express their disagreement with the proposal to Congress.

What can you do?

Call 1-877-221-8207 NOW to contact your members of congress!

THE SENATE IS MOVING EVEN CLOSER TO A CRUCIAL AND IMMINENT VOTE. SENATE MAJORITY LEADER REID PLEDGES A FINAL VOTE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. THUS, YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED NOW! THE STOP MEDICAL TAX COALITON COMPRISED OF 48 GROUPS SENT A LETTER TO THE SENATE THIS MORNING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED EFFORTS. EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY TAKEN ACTION ON OUR HOTLINE WE URGE YOU TO CALL AGAIN.

Why you as the patient should care:

Discriminates Against Women and the Middle Class
Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic surgery is not an exclusive luxury of the very wealthy. Eighty six percent (86%) of cosmetic surgery patients are working women and this five percent tax discriminates against these women. In the first research of its kind, conducted with people planning to have cosmetic surgery within the next two years, 60% of respondents reported a household income of $30,000-$90,000 a year. Most importantly, 40% of the 60% reported income of $30,000-$60,000. Only 10% of respondents reported household income over $90,000. These data clearly refute the suggestion that elective surgery taxes are “luxury” taxes affecting a privileged few.

Violates Patient Privacy
Presumably enforcement of this provision will include IRS audits of medical practices to determine whether procedures were elective and/or cosmetic. To date, enforcement of whether these procedures are deductible medical expenses focuses on individuals and the burden of proof is on them. The proposed tax provision makes the physician a tax collector and holds him/her liable for the taxable amount. Therefore, the provision invites the IRS into the exam room, possibly violating HIPAA patient privacy to review personal medical records and determine whether a procedure meets the definition.

What this new tax does:
• Taxes the Middle-Class
• Discriminates Against Women
• Violates Patient Privacy
• Compromises Patient Safety
• Is Arbitrary and Difficult to Administer
• Has Failed State Experience – New Jersey – the only state to adopt a tax on elective medical procedures – passed a 6% tax on elective medical procedures in 2004, the NJ Department of Taxation has experienced a 59% shortfall based on projected revenue estimates. In fact, New Jersey Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, the original sponsor of the 2004 bill, is leading efforts to repeal the tax.

Things you can do!

Step 1: Please call our toll-free hotline at 1-877-221-8207 and urge your Senators to block this tax (you will be prompted to enter your zip code and then be directed to your Senators).
Step 2: Visit http://www.stopcosmetictax.org/.

Organizations that want your help:
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
American Academy of Dermatology Association
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
American Association of Neurological Surgeons
American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
American Society of Anesthesiologists
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
American Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgery
American Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
American Society of Liposuction Surgery
American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Ambulatory Surgery Center Advocacy Committee
American Urological Association
California Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
California Society of Plastic Surgeons
Connecticut Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Congress of Neurological Surgeons
Florida Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons
Iowa Society of Plastic Surgeons
Illinois Society of Plastic Surgeons
John Staige Davis Society of Plastic Surgeons
Massachusetts Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Maryland Society of Plastic Surgeons
Missouri Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
National Capital Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
North Carolina Society of Plastic Surgeons
New Jersey Society of Plastic Surgeons
New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons
New York Regional Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons
Oklahoma Society of Plastic Surgeons
Oregon Society of Plastic Surgeons
Robert Ivy Society (PA)
Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons
Texas Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The American Society of Breast Surgeons
Virginia Society of Plastic Surgeons
Washington Society of Plastic Surgeons
Wisconsin Society of Plastic Surgeons
West Virginia Society of Plastic Surgeons

Until the FDA approved the new silicone gel implants, women having breast augmentation surgery had only one choice: saline implants,” Approved in 2006, today’s silicone gel implants are equipped to protect against leaking. Many patients today are opting to upgrade their saline implants, to silicone ones to regain a natural feeling to their breast.

Earlier this month, a young woman was been charged with stealing money that was originally supposed to go to her breast cancer fund. Trista Joy Lathern, 24, took thousands of dollars from individuals who thought they were giving to a charitable fund. However, there’s more. Lathern never had breast cancer in the first place. Still, she allegedly played the hoax to the max. The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office stated Lathern even atttemped to shave her head, and then held a fundraiser for herself that was attended by dozens of friends and neighbors, and raised over $10,000 for the treatment. Arrested on Wednesday, Lathern was charged with “theft by deception over $1,500, but under $20,000.”

The current study performed by Zapiach used 50 women who had their liposuctioned fat used for breast augmentation. X-rays were used to look for dead tissue and breast cancer 3 to 12 months after the operation. One key element to the study featured the use of a bra-like device Zapiach invented called the Brava. The device includes a small battery-operated pump that creates suction on the breast. That, in turn, increases volume and promotes the growth of blood vessels in the area.

This is great news for surgeons who now have an alternative method to perform their surgeries. Theoretically, there is still a risk that the use of fat for augmentations could increase the risk of breast cancer, Zapiach stated, but it is evident that this new break through will help to advance the practice of breast augmentation.

In commemoration of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, WedMD has created a series of segments featuring personal stories of breast cancer survivors, in hopes of providing insight and inspiration to those in the same situation or close to it.

Relating important messages through the stories, the series touches on topics ranging from preventio and early detection to in case diagnosis, and methods for one’s own proactive health care. In addition, the stories highlight the sentiments of losing one or both breasts, which to many are symbolic characteristics of womanhood.

One of the stories featured in the series tells the story of 39-year old Zunilda Guzman, a mother from Miami who was diagnosed in 2008. Initially noticing lumps in her chest, she thought it may have been related to her breast implants. However, after a biopsy was performed, her plastic surgeon confirmed that she indeed had breast cancer.

Although a devastating reality, Zunilda thought of her 9-year old daughter Summer to provide her with the strength needed to get through her struggle. Zunilda underwent a double mastectomy followed by the removal of her ovaries and uterus.

While severe, the fortunate reality is that breast cancer is no longer necessarily equated to a death sentence. Advances in medicine, screening and treatment have improved the prognosis for breast cancer patients over the years. Building off the strength of other breast cancer survivors, women all over the world now have the support and love needed to conquer a onetime devastating illness.

Aesthetic enhancement is often shunned in Hungary. Organizers recently held a “Miss Plastic Hungary” beauty pageant to combat the negative view of plastic surgery in the country.

Miss Plastic World Competition

Qualifying for the competition meant going under the knife, as botox and facial fillers were not enough to compete. Rhinoplasty and breast implants were the most popular operations, while one finalists had a procedure to adjust her toes.

The contest sought to shed a new light into the world of surgery, combating images of over-tightened, over collagened, and over-implanted women. For the winner, an apartment in Budapest and an opportunity to compete in the Miss Plastic World competition matched awards won by the surgeons as well.

After asking friends, searching the web and visiting forums, you will discover that there are many opinions out there. The thing is, every person that has that opinion is not you! They have their own experiences, desires, biases and motivations. The best thing you can do to get answers to your breast augmentation questions?

Easy: Ask a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Wherever you live, we recommend using the Ask an Expert feature at Breast Implants USA, where you can fill out a form with a breast augmentation question and have a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area respond to you. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it gives you a chance to bounce your thoughts off of a surgeon with all the training and experience that Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery denotes.

If you are interested in Breast Augmentation and you live in Texas, Dallas Breast Implants Surgeon Dr. Ricardo Meade also takes questions on his Dallas Plastic Surgery website. His blog – covering questions about Dallas Tummy Tuck, Plano Liposuction, Facelift and more, in addition to Breast Augmentation — contains many questions from people wanting to learn more, and Dr. Meade answers each and every one.

So whether you are in Dallas or anywhere in the US, look to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a true Breast Augmentation Expert, when you ask questions that are about as serious a topic as your health.

In Las Vegas, a woman named Vanessa (last name withheld) underwent a breast augmentation procedure so painful and botched that surgeons who observed her later observed that the surgery appeared to have been performed “by a pre-schooler.”

According to KTNV:

She met with the medical director and owner of the Skin Body Institute, Dr. Sean Su.

He would perform her surgery. Within a week, he scheduled the procedure and what happened next, Vanessa describes as a nightmare.

“It was scary. I was under a lot of pain,” said Vanessa.

Vanessa was awake throughout the procedure and experienced every harrowing moment consciously.

“I was feeling his fingers just pulling on the skin, stretching the skin I could feel his fingers rubbing on my rib cage,” Vanessa says. “I was moaning, I was crying and all they would do is keep on giving me drugs.”

And Dr. Su responded by telling her to stop complaining, before continuing to put her through tremendous pain. In the end, the work he did was so substandard that her implants were exposed within a week.

He told her she needed more surgery, and the nightmare continued.

The worst part is that this doctor portrayed himself as Board Certified — but look closer at his credentials and you will see he was not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Rather, he was certified by groups that do not hold members to nearly the same standards — and some hold them to no standards whatsoever, except for the standard of whether or not they can pay membership fees.

The American Board of Plastic Surgeons: this is the board certification you want to see. Do not be taken in by lesser certifications when it comes to your health, your safety, and results.