Breast Asymmetry Surgeon

Actual patient with corrected breast asymmetry.

According to the statistics in Plastic Surgery, 88% of all women have different size breasts, also known as breast asymmetry. This includes breasts that are different shapes and sizes, nipples and inframammary creases at different levels, and variability in cleavages. When I see a woman in consultation, it is very important that I relate these anatomical features to her. Because it is impossible to correct all these differences, a surgical plan is developoed according to the woman’s priorities. I have found a careful and well thought out surgical plan enables my patients to have excellent results and an improvement in their preoperative asymmetries.  Please contact our office with any questions or concerns, or to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Please contact our office with any questions or concerns, or to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Dr. Robert Wald

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 22nd, 2012 at 2:47 am and is filed under Breast Enhancement.

Innovations in Breast Reconstruction Surgery Enhance Results

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Images

Plastic surgeons for the last few years have human tissue (Acellular Dermis) available that enhances our breast reconstruction results.  This material (Alloderm), made by Life Cell, gives extra coverage and support in selected patients.  By placing this material under the breast skin and subcutaneous tissue we are able to help prevent rippling of an underlying breast implant.  This also is true for a very thin cosmetic patient.  Recent articles suggest that ACD may also help prevent capsular contracture.  Even though the results with ACD are still early, it appears that this material will continue to enhance our results.

Breast Revision procedures for post-breast reconstruction and post-breast augmentation are also enhanced by ACD.  Problems such as bottoming out, inframammary fold malposition and breast asymmetries can be corrected using this material.  There appears to be very few problems associated with ACD and it has been found to be extremely safe.  I have found ACD to be very helpful in problem cases.

Dr. Robert Wald

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 8th, 2012 at 2:16 am and is filed under Breast Reconstruction.

When considering breast augmentation, many questions may arise during your research. The most common questions pertain to breast augmentation pricing and why the cost difference is so drastic. Many different factors can contribute to the final cost of your breast augmentation, and it may take additional inquiries to decide the best surgeon for you. This blog will help you understand what to expect when pricing out a breast augmentation procedure and the elements that will raise or lower your estimated charges.

Factors That Adjust Pricing

Costs will vary, but on average, for a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform saline breast augmentation, the cost is approximately $5,500, and silicone implants cost about $6,500. Lower rates for this procedure should be examined thoroughly as a lot of times there are extra charges involved that are not advertised. Some additional charges can include:

• Demographics: The location of your procedure will have an affect on the price. For instance, in Omaha, Nebraska, the cost will be at the lower end of the price range. In Beverly Hills, however, the cost will be at the higher range. The overhead each plastic surgeon has in their area, and the price patients can afford in a specific location contribute to a difference in pricing.
• Required lab work: Bloodwork and other tests may be necessary prior to or directly after your procedure and may not be included in your estimated price.
• Surgical center or surgeon fees: These rates can range between $2,500 to $4,000 anywhere in the nation. This payment handles your doctor’s expertise, time, office visits, and all of your care.
• Breast implant fees: Only two manufacturers exist for breast implants, and they typically cost between $800 to $900 per pair for saline implants and $1,800 to $1,900 per pair for silicone implants.
• Operating room fees: Depending on the facility and how long your augmentation takes will determine a more accurate price for this. Lower pricing may indicate that the operation is performed in an office building or the doctor’s personal surgical site. Part of your research should include checking accreditation and safety of the surgical facility. If the procedure is completed in someone’s personal office clinic, it is recommended that you look elsewhere to undergo your breast augmentation surgery.
• Anesthesia and anesthesiologist fees: Cost for these fees will vary, especially if you opt for a board-certified anesthesiologist. Being selective about who you choose for your anesthesiologist is critical to ensure that your medication is being administered correctly.

Total Price for Breast Augmentation

Patients can expect to pay a total between $4,500 and $6,500 for saline implants and $6,500 to $7,500 for silicone gel implants. Asking about what is included or excluded in pricing estimates as well as requesting an itemized breakdown can help you make an informed decision. It is normal to be skeptical regarding your procedure, and you should demand the best for your operation.

Your Comfort Comes First

Selecting a doctor who makes you feel comfortable is essential for you to achieve the best results. Your payment may be a sensitive subject at first, but you want to ensure that your desired outcome is safely achieved. An excellent plastic surgeon with extensive experience will put you at ease during your breast augmentation procedure.

At Dr. Wald’s office and surgical center, our team is devoted to providing the best results for our patients. We never compromise the patient’s outcome or safety in our practice. Review our breast augmentation before and after images and contact our office to schedule a consultation by calling (714) 312-3549.  

This entry was posted on Friday, March 1st, 2019 at 9:38 am and is filed under Breast Enhancement.

Which breast implant is better for me, silicone or saline?

The moratorium on silicone implants was lifted 2 years ago.  This FDA edict began in 1992.  During this time, (1992-2011) only women with breast cancer, or chest deformities, or ruptured implants, were allowed to have silicone gel.  As a result, normal women who wanted breast augmentation during this time were required to have saline implants.  The result of breast augmentation with saline implants is quite good, but there are differences between silicone and saline.

The appearance of saline implants is quite good but not quite as natural as silicone. Saline implants are firmer due to the water component located within the shell of the implant.  A silicone device has silicone gel on the inside of the shell and for this reason silicone gel implants are softer than saline.

The main concern the FDA has about silicone implants is how to detect a leak.  If a silicone implant ruptures, in almost all cases, the breast appears to be normal.  It maintains its softness and symptoms are uncommon.  Occasionally, however there are obvious changes with a rupture.  The symptoms include pain and throbbing and an obvious change in the shape of the breast.  Because detection of a rupture is difficult, the FDA recommends that a woman with silicone implants obtain a MRI of her breast every 3-4 years.  The MRI is the best test available to detect an implant rupture.

However, the MRI is only 85% specific for rupture and not a 100%.  For this reason there are some false negatives and positions with the MRI.  A woman with saline implants will not have required an MRI for implant leak because if a saline implant ruptures it will deflate.  This is easily detected both by patient and doctor and is a 100% safe if it does rupture.

The other concern about implants is capsular contracture.  When this occurs, the breast become firm, misshapen and occasional discomfort; this problem can occur with either saline or silicone.  The literature suggests that there is no difference in contracture with either silicone or saline.

Another difference between silicone and saline is the amount of rippling and palpability of the implant.  Since saline is firmer, this tends to cause more rippling or waviness of underneath the skin. The saline also is more palpable because of the firmness.   A woman with small breasts and a minimal amount of body fat is quite susceptible to rippling and for this reason I always suggest silicone in this type of women.

Another difference between silicone and saline are the cost.  Saline implants are less expensive than silicone.  Silicone costs approximately $2000.00 for a pair and saline about $1000.00.  Both implants have a 10 year warranty by the manufacturer.

In summary, both implants are good, but there are differences between the two.  Every woman has to make her own decision about which is best.

Please contact Dr. Wald with any questions/comments or to schedule a consultation.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013 at 4:04 pm and is filed under Breast Enhancement.