Nicole’s ImplantInfo

Q: Eye Surgery:
Hi Dr. Edwards, I am contemplating getting my eyes done. The ps recommended that I do both the lids and the fat pads underneath the eye. I was considering just underneath as I have dark circles. When I look in the mirror I really don’t see bags, but I do see the dark circles. Do you think that by removing the bags this will totally eliminate the dark circles. My family physician told me that the circles are hereditary. I'm concerned about having surgery and not getting the results I am looking for. So this brings me to my question(s). Should I have both lids and underneath done for best results. Do you think this will fix my dark circles problem?

Dr. Edwards:
I have limited my practice to plastic surgery of the body and breast. I do not perform eyelid surgery any more. I will say the dark circles under the eyes are what bother many patients. It is my understanding that it is becoming more common to consider injection of a filler such as Restylane or Juvederm in this area to help with this. Most certainly you should only have this done by someone skilled in this. I most certainly don't want to second guess your plastic surgeon but as you read in the forum often, it never hurts to get a second opinion. I wish you well.
Dr. Edwards

Q: Question About Submuscular Placement:
With submuscular placement, is it possible to get the implant COMPLETELY covered by muscle, or just by the pectoral muscle?

Dr. Edwards:
The edge of the pectoralis muscle is what makes up the front fold of your armpit. If you draw a line following that line, you can see what the pectoralis major muscle will cover. Even if you don't divide the rib attachments in the lower middle of the breast, as much as 2/3 of the implant will be under the muscle. In breast reconstruction we lift up the muscles densely attached to the chest wall but this is not commonly performed in cosmetic breast augmentation. Dr. Edwards

Visitor Response:
Thanks!

Dr. Edwards:
You bet. Ask a lot of questions before you go with either choice. Dr Edwards

Visitor Follow-up Question:
OK. Here's another... :) How much can you safely overfill an implant? Why do ps's overfill implants past what is recommended?

Dr. Edwards:
In theory, the implant warranty is voided if they are over-filled, but I assure you that I have never known the company to not honor their warranty for fill volumes. The more you fill an implant over the upper limit of recommended fill, the firmer the implant will feel and the rounder it will appear.

Visitor Follow-up Question:
Dr. Edwards, are there any other warranty/insurance/protection that can be purchased other than what comes from the implant manufacturer?

Dr. Edwards:
There most certainly is. The implants (saline or silicone with each company) are warranted for your lifetime, not guaranteed. In other words, if they deflate, the company will provide you with another. If this occurs in the 10 years after surgery, a monetary stipend of $1,200 dollars is given. You can get an additional warranty such that you can get 2 implants if one deflates and they typically double the stipend. Your plastic surgeon should go through all of these details with you. Take care.

Q: Fluctuating Weight Question:
Dr Edwards, I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck and BA and have always had a tough time maintaining my weight. How much of an impact will it have on my overall results if my weight fluctuates?

Dr. Edwards:
This depends on which way you fluctuate and how much. I ask my patients to be as close to their baseline weight as possible prior to breast and/or abdominal surgery. If you gain a lot of weight after either surgery, your skin can stretch and make your results less than optimal.
Take care, Dr. Edwards

Visitor Follow-up Question:
Dr. Edwards, If that should happen and I gain weight after and then lose it does the skin shrink back or am I then left with saggy skin again?

Dr. Edwards:
It really does depend on your skin and how much you stretch your skin. If you are having difficulty with wide swings in weight, you would be better served to get this under control possibly with your primary care doctor's input before you have your surgery. This is tough to think about but if you are going to go through the surgery and the recovery. let alone the money, you owe it yourself to get the best result you can. Dr Edwards

Visitor Response:
Thank you Dr. Edwards. I appreciate your honest response.

Dr. Edwards:
My pleasure.

Q: Weight Lifting & Implants:
Dr Edwards, I rec'd my 400cc silicone implants back in April. They are partly under & I had to have a full lift also. My PS said to be very careful with chest exercises & heavy weights. Have you seen a case where someone has displaced their implant by lifting? Thank You :)

Dr. Edwards:
I allow my patients to return to full exercise after 6 weeks as long as their recovery is progressing normally. I do also recommend a very supportive bra for any exercise. In answer to your question, I have seen a competitive weightlifter displace implants when my patient began lifting heavy weights (much against my instructions) within a week or two after surgery..... Dr. Edwards

Visitor Response:
Thank you!!

Dr. Edwards:
You are very welcome. Good luck. Dr. Edwards