We all know that plastic surgery has gotten better— more refined results and natural-looking outcomes are now the hallmarks of the trade— and thanks to precision surgery and the latest expert techniques, now you can recover faster, too.
Techniques That Accelerate Recovery
In a bid to accelerate recovery and minimize post-operative discomfort, Grand Rapids, MI plastic surgeon Bradley Bengtson, MD has developed a breast augmentation protocol that significantly reduces recovery time and post-operative pain.
“Most patients experience a remarkably swift recovery,” Dr. Bengtson notes. “Typically, within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, they are usually able to manage without narcotics.”
Dr. Bengtson’s technique emphasizes a bloodless approach, utilizing a precise one-inch incision at the base of the breast to create a surgical pocket for the implant. “We achieve this pocket without a single drop of blood,” he explains. “It’s crucial that the pocket perfectly matches the width of the implant and is created with no bleeding. This meticulous approach results in reduced swelling, bruising and pain during recovery.”
Patients often find themselves able to lift their arms above their heads almost immediately after surgery. “We aim for a recovery experience where you could feel comfortable enough to go out to dinner the same night,” Dr. Bengtson adds.
New and Improved Breast Implants
Dr. Bengtson emphasizes that choosing the right implant is crucial for successful breast augmentation. “The selection of the implant is arguably the most important aspect of the procedure,” he notes. “Even if the technical aspects of the surgery go perfectly, the results may fall short if the implant doesn’t align with the patient’s specific needs.”
Dr. Bengtson’s approach includes offering a variety of implant sizes tailored to the individual’s body, taking into account both the exterior and interior measurements of the breast. This personalized approach helps to minimize the risk of implant mismatch and undesirable outcomes. “About 30 percent of the breast surgeries I perform involve correcting issues from previous procedures,” he reveals. “I’ve seen numerous cases where the base measurements were not properly considered, leading to suboptimal results.”
Technological advancements in implant design have significantly improved safety and reduced the need for revisions. In his practice, Dr. Bengtson uses sixth-generation, soft-touch, highly cohesive silicone gummy bear implants developed by Allergan. “These implants are remarkably durable,” he explains. “They can withstand approximately 6 million mammogram pressures. In fact, I even tested their strength by running over some with my Ford F150 a few months ago.”
The Keys to a Great Outcome
Reducing complications is crucial for any skilled plastic surgeon and in breast augmentation, addressing and mitigating capsular contracture is a major focus.
“Capsular contracture involves the formation of excess scar tissue around the implant,” Dr. Bengtson explains. “It’s not a matter of the body rejecting the implant, but rather the body’s response to the implant, creating a barrier around it.”
Capsular contracture, once a common issue in breast augmentation, can cause the implant to shift and become firm, potentially leading to discomfort or pain. “We’ve identified that capsular contracture is often due to the presence of blood or fluid in the surgical pocket, or sometimes low-grade bacteria,” Dr. Bengtson notes. “By implementing our specialized protocol to minimize these factors, we have successfully reduced the rate of capsular contracture to less than half a percent.”
As plastic surgery continues to evolve, the combination of refined techniques and advanced technology is enhancing patient outcomes like never before. With Dr. Bengtson’s innovations in breast surgery, the field is not only achieving more natural-looking results but doing it faster as well. This progress underscores a broader trend: a shift towards precision and personalization that caters to unique needs of each patient.
