We all know that plastic surgery has improved – more refined and natural-looking results are now the hallmarks of the trade – and thanks to precision surgeries and the latest specialist techniques, you can now recover faster too.
Techniques that accelerate recovery
In an effort to speed 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 an extremely rapid recovery,” notes Dr. Bengtson. “Typically, within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, they’re usually able to manage it without drugs.”
The technique of Dr. Bengtson emphasizes a bloodless approach, using a precise one-inch incision at the base of the breast to create a surgical pocket for the implant. “We get this pouch done without a single drop of blood,” he explains. “It is important that the pocket perfectly matches the width of the implant and is created without bleeding. This meticulous approach results in reduced swelling, bruising and pain during recovery.”
Patients often find that they can raise their arms above their head almost immediately after surgery. “We’re aiming for a recovery experience where you feel comfortable enough to go out to dinner the same night,” adds Dr. Bengtson.
New and improved breast implants
Dr. Bengtson emphasizes that choosing the right implant is critical to successful breast augmentation. “The choice of implant is arguably the most important aspect of the procedure,” he notes. “Even if the technical aspects of the surgery go perfectly, the results can be suboptimal if the implant is not aligned with the patient’s specific needs.”
The approach of Dr. Bengtson includes offering a variety of implant sizes tailored to the individual’s body, taking into account both the external and internal measurements of the breast. This personalized approach helps minimize the risk of implant mismatch and adverse outcomes. “About 30 percent of the breast surgeries I perform are to correct issues from previous surgeries,” she reveals. “I have seen many cases where key metrics were not properly taken into account, leading to suboptimal results.”
Technological advances in implant design have greatly improved safety and reduced the need for revisions. In his practice, Dr. Bengtson uses sixth-generation, soft-touch, high-coherence silicone gummy bear implants developed by Allergan. “These implants are extremely durable,” he explains. “They can withstand about 6 million mammogram pressures. In fact, I even tested their strength by running some in my Ford F150 a few months ago.”
The keys to a great result
Reducing complications is vital for any skilled plastic surgeon, and in breast augmentation, addressing and mitigating capsular contracture is an important focus.
“Capsular contracture involves the formation of excess scar tissue around the implant,” explains Dr. Bengtson. “It’s not about the body rejecting the implant, but rather the body’s response to the implant, creating a barrier around it.”
Capsular contraction, once a common problem in breast augmentation, can cause displacement and stabilization of the implant, potentially leading to discomfort or pain. “We have found that capsular contracture is often due to the presence of blood or fluid in the surgical pocket, or sometimes low-grade bacteria,” notes Dr. Bengtson. “By implementing our specialized protocol to minimize these factors, we 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 enhances patient outcomes like never before. With the innovations of Dr. Bengtson in breast surgery, the field not only achieves more natural results, but does so faster. This advance underscores a broader trend: a shift toward precision and personalization that addresses each patient’s unique needs.
