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Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery | Houston Plastic SurgeryNearly 4.5 million breast augmentation cosmetic surgery procedures have been performed between 1997 and 2012, as per the figures released by the ASPS. Breast augmentation currently ranks as the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US. A key component of the procedure is the pre-op preparation, which will invariably have an impact on the final results.

Prior to the surgery, the patient will receive detailed instructions from the surgeon to help her prepare for breast implant surgery. Patients in Houston, Texas, and other areas around this fantastic American city have an opportunity to receive breast augmentation from board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak.

 

Assessment of Cosmetic Goals

To begin with, the candidate for breast implants should assess her reasons to seek this surgery, and have clear cosmetic goals. This will allow her to have a more productive initial consultation with the breast surgeon where she can explain precisely what about her breast appearance may be bothering her, and help them create a customized breast augmentation plastic surgery plan.

Breast augmentation surgery is a personal journey for a woman, and she should seek it if she has clear aesthetic needs and a personal desire to enhance the breast appearance. She should not choose it merely because someone else convinced her to have it.

 

Knowledge Gathering

When a woman is considering breast augmentation surgery, she should take a few steps to learn about the procedure and the surgeon with whom she wants to have a consultation. She should review the surgeon’s website to familiarize herself with the practice.

She may visit reputed Internet forums to get in touch with other patients who are willing to share their insights and experiences with breast augmentation. Having some community support and guidance will improve her confidence and help her determine whether the procedure is best suited for her. Well-prepared candidates will typically have a more useful consultation with the surgeon and make better decisions.

 

Meeting Candidacy Requisites

Once the patient has decided to undergo breast augmentation, she should make a systematic effort to improve her diet and follow a steady daily exercise regimen. She should maintain a stable body weight as far as possible, and not plan for a weight loss procedure or a pregnancy once she has chosen to undergo breast augmentation.

She should form realistic expectations by reviewing as many breast augmentation ‘before and after’ photos as possible. She can access these photos from the surgeon’s website or get them from their office. She should also ideally prepare a list of questions she may want to ask the surgeon during the pre-op consultation.

 

Prior to the Surgery

Preparatory steps before the surgery may include:

Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas.


For more information on 
procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

 

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation | Houston Plastic SurgeryOne of the most important components in the breast augmentation cosmetic surgery process is the pre-operative consultation. Breast augmentation is a highly customizable procedure, which means that the patient’s involvement in decision making will matter a lot.

The consultation will provide her with an opportunity to share her inputs with the surgeon and help them in creating a customized surgical plan.

During the consultation, the patient will also have a chance to ask questions about the breast augmentation procedure and the surgeon’s credentials and practice. They can make a more informed choice once they have their doubts and concerns addressed by the surgeon. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast augmentation to patients in Houston, Texas, and other neighborhoods and cities around this mighty Texas city.

 

Determining Candidacy

The surgeon will go through the patient’s health records as well as examine their current health condition to determine her fitness to undergo a breast augmentation plastic surgery procedure. In a few cases, the surgeon may order specialized mammograms. They will also check the amount of skin laxity in the breast area to assess whether the patient may require a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation.

 

Key Decisions

At the time of consultation, the surgeon and the patient will together make certain decisions such as the choice of the surgical technique, the type and size of breast implants, the placement of implants above or below the pectoral muscle, and whether the procedure will be performed independently or in combination with breast lift or another surgery.

 

Implant Selection

An important decision that will make a difference to the final results of breast augmentation will be the selection of breast implants. The surgeon will discuss the benefits and limitations of saline, silicone and ultra cohesive silicone implants, the appropriate implant sizes, and the choices in implant shape and profile. Best decisions will be made at this stage in close consultation between the surgeon and the patient.

 

Implant Placement

Breast implants can usually be placed either in front of the pectoral muscle or below the pectoral muscle. The pros and cons of both options will be discussed during the consultation in order to help the patient make a judicious decision. The surgeon will make their recommendation based on the patient’s breast anatomy and her unique aesthetic needs.

 

Incision Location

Incision options in case of breast augmentation will include under the breast crease, around the areola circumference, and the underarm area. In rare cases, a TUBA incision may be placed in the navel area. The potential scarring in each case and other aspects will be discussed during the consultation. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas.

 

Developing Expectations

The surgeon will like the patient to know exactly what a breast augmentation surgery can or cannot do for her. Therefore, they may present breast augmentation before and after images during the initial consultation to let the patient have a clear idea. Reviews and testimonials of past patients may also be shown so that the patient may gain insights about the procedure from another patient’s perspective.


For more information on 
procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?


Breast augmentation ranks among one of the more customizable cosmetic surgery procedures today, which is also a reason for its wide acceptance among many patients.

Breast implants are available in different types and sizes, and the patient can select them according to her specific anatomical and aesthetic requirements. During pre-surgery consultation, the surgeon will explain about various implant options and help the patient make the right choice.

It is important for the patient to choose the most appropriate implant type to suit her personal aesthetic sense and comfort level.

The implant size should ideally be chosen to make the breasts appear more proportionate to the rest of the body. In case only limited skin is available in the breasts, the patient should avoid choosing very large implants to minimize the risk of implant rippling. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast implants to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

Classification

Breast implants are mainly classified into two categories: saline implants and silicone gel implants. The surgeon will educate the patient about the pros and cons of both options and apprise them of the associated costs to help her make the best choice for her breast implant plastic surgery procedure.

Saline Implants

plastic surgery 7Saline implants have been approved by the FDA for women above the age of 18. These were the first implants to get FDA approval. The inner core of saline implants is filled with a sterile saline fluid, and the outer shell is made of silicone. Saline implants are designed to provide natural shape and firmness to the breasts.

The implant can be inserted into the breast tissue in a deflated state, and the saline solution can be filled thereafter. This enables the surgeon to place the implant with a smaller incision. Saline solution is totally biocompatible, which makes these implants very safe in the event of implant leakage or rupture. The saline solution will get naturally absorbed in the body in such case.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants received the FDA’s approval a few years after saline implants, but their popularity has now exceeded that of saline implants. The aesthetic appeal and natural touch of these implants is superior due to the silicone gel core. Silicone implants have been approved for women over the age of 21.

The silicone gel in these implants allows it to mimic the natural effect of the breast tissue, which is the prime reason behind their popularity. Accomplished female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and other neighborhoods in this part of the fruited plane for breast implant surgery and other aesthetic procedures.

Gummy Bear Implants

Form stable implants or Gummy Bear implants are ultra-cohesive silicone gel implants. The FDA has approved these latest implant qualities in the US. Due to their highly viscous silicone gel core, these implants are able to maintain form and shape even under pressure.

The silicone gel in these implants will not leak out to other areas in the body even in a situation where the implant is damaged or broken. Both silicone and saline implants are available in sizes ranging between 120 cc and 960 cc.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Breast Augmentation    breast augmentation recoveryRecovery is a vital component of the overall breast augmentation cosmetic surgery procedure, and contributes to the final outcome. During surgical planning, the date of procedure should be scheduled in a way that the patient has sufficient recovery time available. The patient should preferably complete any urgent household or office tasks beforehand so that she can have a stress-free recovery.   Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing breast augmentation and various other innovative and advanced procedures. Patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive breast augmentation from Dr. Hustak.

Precautions for Early Recovery

In the first week after breast augmentation plastic surgery, the patient should stay home and take plenty of rest. However, from the second day of the surgery, she can perform short walks at home and do light activities. This will help to maintain blood flow in the incision areas. Excessive bending, lifting of heavy objects or doing vigorous activities must be avoided in the initial phase to minimize the strain on the incisions.   Working women should take at least one week off from their workplace, and gradually increase their activity at work even after they join back. If the job at the workplace is physically demanding, she may have to take an additional week off before returning to work. If the patient has little kids or several household responsibilities, she may consider hiring a help for aftercare.

Recovery Process

How long it takes to fully recover from the surgery will depend on the type of surgical technique used, the size of incisions, the placement of implants, the patient’s natural healing ability, and her commitment to follow the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions.   Bruising and swelling in the incision areas will occur after breast augmentation surgery, but bruising will resolve rapidly from the second week. Swelling will take a few weeks or months before it completely disappears. The surgeon may recommend certain physical exercises to shorten the recovery and make it as pain-free as possible.   The patient will be required to refrain from smoking during the recovery phase for a certain period. The focus should be on balanced nutrition and a diet rich in lean proteins to support the healing process. Dedicated female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for breast augmentation.

First Week

Most patients will experience some pain and discomfort in the incision areas during the first three to five days. The surgeon will prescribe pain medications to provide relief. In a few days following the surgery, the patient will be required to wear a surgical bra, which will help to firm up the new shape of breasts and support healing.   At the end of first week, the patient will be required to visit the surgeon for a review as well as possible removal of sutures and temporary drain tubes. Once this is done, most patients will be able to resume their normal activities or go back to work. Full recovery will occur over several weeks and the final results will become clearer as the swelling resolves.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.


The Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists 23rd Annual Skin Care Meeting “Sail into What’s New in Skin Care” – April 25 – 28, 2017 will be held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel in San Diego, CA.

 

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak, MD will be discussing genital rejuvenation on Wednesday, April 26 at 3:15pm. Learn more and purchase your tickets Skin Care 2017 here!

Breast Augmentation  Breast Augmentation Risks and SafetyBreast augmentation  currently ranks as the most sought after cosmetic surgery procedure in the US, according to the figures published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The surgery has become less invasive and less painful due to innovations in surgical techniques over the years. However, some risks will remain intrinsic to breast augmentation, just like other surgeries. At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will apprise the patient about the potential risks and temporary side effects that the procedure will involve. The surgeon’s first concern will be to enable the patient to make a careful choice after having access to all pertinent information. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast augmentation to patients in Houston, Texas, and neighborhoods around Houston and across this part of the nation.

Breast Implant Risks

The procedure will involve the placement of silicone or saline breast implants, which creates its own unique risks for a procedure such as breast augmentation plastic surgery.

Capsular Contracture

As the implants placed inside the breast tissue, the body’s immune response will lead to the formation of scar tissue around the implant. This scar tissue can sometimes tend to harden or contract, which will place the implant under undue pressure. If the scar tissue becomes excessively hard, it will squeeze the silicone shell of the implant, causing it to get damaged, misshaped or move from its position. Hardening of the breast capsule may also cause pain or discomfort to the patient. In such a situation, a breast implant removal or replacement surgery may have to be performed.

Implant Rippling

In some cases, the amount of skin available in the breast area may be limited, but the implant size may be much larger. This may cause the implant to develop creases or folds, resulting in a rippling effect on the surface. It will compromise the natural aesthetic appearance of the breast. Experienced surgeons will guide the patient to choose the appropriate size of implants according to their breast anatomy so that the risk of implant rippling is minimized. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and other cities around Houston for breast implant surgery.

Implant Shifting

In rare cases, the implant may move from its desired position soon after the breast implant procedure has been performed. With larger sized implants, the risk of displacement is higher, but the risk of implant rupture is common to all implant sizes.

Surgery-related Risks

Some risks are inherent to all surgeries, including breast augmentation.

Infection

Infection risks can be minimized if the breast implant surgery is performed at a professional surgical facility with a sterile surgical environment. Antibiotics may be prescribed by the surgeon for a few days following the surgery to reduce the risk of infection after the procedure.

Altered Sensation in Nipples

Numbness, sensitivity or changed sensation may occur in the nipple area after breast implant surgery. The condition will usually resolve quickly, but in some cases, the change of sensation may be prolonged or even permanent. A skillful surgeon will adopt a conservative surgery approach to minimize such risks.

 

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Breast Augmentation 

Breast Augmentation Procedure StepsBreast augmentation is a substantial cosmetic surgery procedure, involving a few key steps. The surgeon may choose from different surgical techniques to perform this procedure, but the overall steps in the surgery will large remain unchanged in each case. The surgeon will customize the procedure to match with the specific goals of the patient.

See Breast Augmentation Before & After Photos

At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about all aspects of breast augmentation, and discuss the steps involved. Once the patient becomes familiar with the procedure, it will help to mitigate her pre-surgery anxiety. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast augmentation to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

Anesthesia

The first step in the procedure will be to place the patient under anesthesia just before the surgery is set to begin. The procedure will typically involve general anesthesia, which will be administered by an anesthesiologist or a certified anesthetist nurse. The patient will feel no pain, and will remain unconscious throughout the surgery.

Following the procedure, the patient will experience mild side effects of anesthesia for a few hours, including nausea and grogginess. After a few hours of observation, she can return home with a responsible driver. She should also ideally have someone to stay with her for aftercare for at least a day or two.

Placing the Incisions

Following anesthesia, the surgeon will create inconspicuous incisions in pre-determined sites, which could be under the breast crease, around the areola border, in the underarm area, or around the navel in a few cases. A skilled surgeon will be able to minimize subsequent scarring by placing the incisions discreetly.

The location and size of incisions will be determined during the surgical planning in advance. The surgeon will assess the patient’s breast anatomy, her personal cosmetic goals, and the type and size of implants chosen to determine the incision plan. Patient will be involved in the decision process and plan for breast augmentation plastic surgery.

Implant Placement

The breast implants may be placed in front of the pectoral muscle right behind the breast tissue, or in front of the pectoral muscle. The placement position of implants will be determined after evaluating the patient’s breast anatomy the size of the chosen implants. The advantages and limitations of both placement options will be discussed with the patient beforehand.

Wound Closure

Once the implants are adjusted and placed into the desired position, the incisions will be closed with traditional or absorbable sutures. The surgeon will place temporary drainage tubes under the skin in the incision sites. The patient will be required to keep the incision site clean and dry to mitigate the risk of infection.

Bandages and Surgical Bra

The surgeon will cover the incisions with gauze bandage to protect the wound. In a few days, the bandages will be replaced with a surgical bra to help ensure that the breasts acquire their new shape. Hard working and astute female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and communities across the region for breast augmentation.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Breast Augmentation Candidates | Houston Plastic Surgery | Female SurgeonWomen usually seek breast augmentation cosmetic surgery to enhance their personality, which could be by way of increasing the size of naturally small breasts, making the breasts more symmetrical, or simply creating a voluptuous figure with larger breasts. In some instances, breast augmentation may be required to restore breast appearance after a mastectomy.

Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing breast augmentation and various other procedures for the breast, body and face. Dr. Hustak will carefully determine a woman’s candidacy and help her make the right choice. She provides breast augmentation to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations.

 

Why Choose Breast Enlargement?

The surgeon will first seek to know the reasons why a woman wants to undergo breast augmentation plastic surgery. Only the patient can provide the best answer, and can inform what exactly about her breasts may be bothering her. Some of the reasons why women want to receive breast enlargement include:

The ideal candidate will have realistic expectations, a positive mindset, and clear aesthetic goals. Experienced female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for breast augmentation.

 

Health Requirements

To undergo a major surgery such as breast augmentation, the patient will need to have a fairly good level of health and fitness. The surgeon will review her detailed health records, evaluate the breast anatomy and skin laxity in the breast area, and order some specialized mammograms, if necessary.

The patient should disclose all relevant information pertaining to her current health condition so that the surgeon can plan the surgery appropriately. Her body weight should be moderate and stable, and she should be suffering from any untreated infections or having cancerous or pre-cancerous breast tissue. She should also not be currently pregnant or nursing.

 

Lifestyle Requirements

If the patient is a smoker, she will be required to stop the habit completely for a certain time period prior to breast augmentation as advised by the surgeon. The schedule of her current prescription and non-prescription drugs may be altered in consultation with the physician. She should stay sufficiently hydrated for a few days prior to the surgery, and eat a balanced diet with an increased intake of lean proteins to have a more sustainable recovery.

 

Age Requirements

To be eligible for silicone breast implants, the candidate should be above the age of 21, as per the FDA’s regulations. The age limit is relaxed to 18 years in case of saline implants. In exceptional situations, women below the age of 18 may undergo breast augmentation to correct birth related deformities or repair breast tissue injuries.


For more information on 
procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

 

Breast Augmentation Surgery Recovery | Houston Plastic SurgeryBreast augmentation cosmetic surgery procedure involves a significant recovery process, which is crucial to the final outcome of the procedure. At the time of surgical planning, the candidate should schedule the surgery in a way that adequate time for recovery is available to her. During the recovery phase, she will be required to follow certain instructions from the surgeon, which will help make the recovery safer and faster.

Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing breast augmentation and several other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive breast augmentation from Dr. Hustak.

 

Expected Downtime

The downtime following breast augmentation plastic surgery will differ between two patients, but usually the patients can resume their normal activities or go back to work within a week. However, if the job at the workplace is physically demanding, she may be required to spend an additional week at home before returning to work.

In the first week, the patient should limit her physical activities, but do regular short walks within the home and perform very light activities. Bending, straining the incisions, or lifting of heavy weights should be avoided because this can cause pain and delay the healing process.

 

Recovery Process

The duration for complete recovery will primarily depend on the surgical technique applied for breast implant placement. If the implants are placed submuscularly, the overall recovery process will be longer and more difficult than in the case where the implants are placed subglandularly.

Bruising in the breast area will start resolving soon, but swelling will disappear gradually and may take several weeks or months before it is fully resolved. The surgeon will give clear instructions for recovery and may advise certain physical exercises to make the recovery period shorter and as painless as possible.

The patient should be committed to following the surgeon’s advice for recovery and make all the post-operative visits to the surgeon’s office as per schedule. This will allow her to have more sustainable results and years of satisfaction. Accomplished female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for breast augmentation.

 

First Week

 

In the first week, the patient will experience mild pain and soreness in the incision areas, which can be managed with pain meds prescribed by the surgeon. The gauze dressing which covers the incisions initially will be replaced with a surgical bra within a few days.

Sutures and drain tubes will be removed around the end of the first week. During the first two to three days after the surgery, the patient should preferably have someone to assist her with household chores.

 

First Few Months

Mild swelling and sensitivity in the breast area will persist for several weeks. Until the sensitivity subsides, the patient should have minimal physical contact with the breasts to mitigate the risk of injury or delayed recovery. Strenuous exercises and activities should only be resumed in about two to four weeks after the surgery for a safer recovery.


For more information on 
procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgery Before and After Photos | HoustonBreast augmentation currently ranks as the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US. During the initial consultation, the breast surgeon will discuss various aspects of the procedure, and may also present breast augmentation before and after photographs before the patient. The first concern of the surgeon will be to help the patient make a well-informed decision.

Patients can have a better idea about the potential effectiveness of breast augmentation procedure once they review the before and after photos. Patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive breast augmentation and other procedures from board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak.

 

What are Breast Augmentation Before and After Images?

Before and after images in case of breast augmentation refer to pair or group of pictures belonging to a previous patient who has been through the same procedure with successful results. The pictures include images taken prior to the procedure and after the procedure at a stage when the post-operative swelling and bruising has been resolved and full effects of breast augmentation are visible.

The surgeon will take care to ensure that breast augmentation plastic surgery before and after images are obtained with the consent of the patient. The identity of the patient will be kept confidential and the images will be presented before new patients in a discreet manner. The only goal of the surgeon here is to use the photos as a visual aid to educate new patients about breast augmentation.

Now this is going to be mentioned below as well but it cannot be emphasized enough on what is happening. What is happening or really what has happened is the digital revolution has occurred and is evolving to this day. Every industry from real estate to architecture to auto to plastic surgery has been taking advantage of this technology.

With website pictures which is what digital technology is bringing to the table for plastic surgeons any patient can look on the website and see what breast augmentation can do for them. Not only are these pictures much more clear than looking at some vague brochure or some pictures from a Polaroid camera, you can view these pictures from the solitude of your home without anyone knowing.

This means someone can make a decision while taking their time and not have to rely so much on the spoken word from the surgeon or one of their assistants in a face to face meeting. Now any patient who signs on the dotted line authorizing this procedure will know what they have signed up for. This decreases their anxiety and everyone, really, who is involved with this procedure.

 

Benefits

When a new patient visits the surgeon’s office for breast augmentation, she may only have a vague understanding of how far her breast size may improve and whether the procedure will meet her personal breast appearance goals. Breast augmentation is a customizable procedure, involving decisions about incision placement, implant type and size, and positioning of implants in the breast tissue.

Some patients may require breast augmentation in conjunction with breast lift. In each case, the patient is in a better position to make a decision when she has access to breast augmentation before and after photos.

 

Reasonable Expectations

Patients who have a positive mindset, clear aesthetic goals, and reasonable expectations will usually achieve the best satisfaction levels after a procedure such as breast augmentation. Therefore, an astute and practiced surgeon will prefer to present breast augmentation before and after photos at the very first appointment.

Once the patient knows what the surgery can or cannot do for her, she will be in better position to appreciate the final outcome and feel more satisfied and confident. Dedicated female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for breast augmentation.

 

Website Photos

If the surgeon has their own practice website, they can utilize the opportunity to present breast augmentation before and after photos on the site under a separate Photo Gallery section. New patients can simply access the photos online in the privacy and comfort of their home or office and then choose whether to seek a personal consultation with the breast surgeon as stated already.

Digital technology has made life easier for so many patients.


For more information on 
procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.