Natrelle Breast Implants - Helpful Information

Some helpful information if you have Natrelle (previously under the brands Allergan, or McGhan) Breast Implants or are considering Natrelle Breast Implants.

Natrelle Homepage

Breast Augmentation Pre-Consultation Kit with rebate options.

Warranty Information for patients who have had, or are considering Breast Augmentation with Natrelle Implants.

Warranty Enrollment Information for patients who underwent Breast Augmentation with Natrelle Implants.

Safety Information regarding Natrelle Silicone Breast Implants
- For Breast Augmentation
- For Breast Reconstruction

Helpful Facts about Natrelle Silicone Breast Implants (pdf booklet)

Mentor Breast Implants - Helpful Information

Some helpful information if you have Mentor Breast Implant or are considering Mentor Breast Implants.

Mentor Homepage

Warranty Information for patients considering Breast Augmentation with Mentor Implants.

Warranty Information for patients who underwent Breast Augmentation with Mentor Implants.

Warranty Enrollment Information for patients who underwent Breast Augmentation with Mentor Implants.

Safety Information regarding Mentor Silicone Breast Implants
- For Breast Augmentation
- For Breast Reconstruction

Safety Facts about Mentor Silicone Breast Implants (pdf booklet)

Myths of Plastic Surgery

Myth 1: Only plastic surgeons can legally perform plastic surgery.

No regulations govern what type of medical practitioner can perform plastic surgery procedures. So the best way to know your surgeon is qualified is to choose an ASPS Member Surgeon.

ASPS Member Surgeons:

• Are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body 
• Have at least six years of surgical training and experience, with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery 
• Operate only in accredited facilities 
• Fulfill continuing medical education requirements 

Myth 2:  Plastic surgery procedures cost the same no matter who performs them or where they are performed.

There are many variables involved in the pricing of plastic surgery procedures - including geographic location, surgeon expertise and demand, and the time and effort your procedure requires. Other factors include the costs of anesthesia, surgical facility fee, labs, and more. Be sure to ask your surgeon about all costs involved.

When choosing a plastic surgeon, remember that the surgeon’s qualifications and experience as well as your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans.

Learn more about the costs of plastic surgery.

Myth 3:  It is disrespectful to ask your plastic surgeon tough questions.

Asking tough questions is the best way to get to know your surgeon. It gives you the opportunity to learn about their qualifications, experience, and demeanor. Your questions let them know you’ve done your homework, want to be educated about your procedure, and will be an active partner throughout the process.

How to choose your ASPS Member Surgeon.

Myth 4:  It is inappropriate to ask surgeons to speak with their previous patients.
Reputable surgeons will have no problem supplying you with contact information for some of their recent patients. Speaking with patients about their experience and results is an excellent way to learn more about your surgeon.

Read more information on how to plan for a plastic surgery procedure.

Myth 5:  All plastic surgeries are performed in accredited facilities.

Some practitioners perform plastic surgery procedures in nonaccredited facilities. Making sure that your procedure can be performed in an accredited facility will significantly reduce safety risks and increase your comfort level. ASPS Member Surgeons perform surgeries only in accredited facilities.

Myth 6:  Plastic surgeons only perform reconstructive surgery.

Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. ASPS Member Surgeons are trained, experienced, and qualified to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures on the face and all areas of the body. Because many cosmetic procedures are rooted in reconstructive plastic surgery, ASPS Member Surgeons are uniquely qualified to handle your cosmetic needs.

Learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Myth 7:  “Extreme makeovers” are routine in plastic surgery practices.

Contrary to what reality shows portray, extreme makeovers are far from routine or common in plastic surgery. Most patients inquire about one particular area of the body that they would like to improve.

During your consultation, your surgeon will ask you a series of questions to gain an understanding of your goals for plastic surgery and discuss them with you on a realistic basis.

Myth 8:  Science still has not proven the safety of silicone breast implants.

In November 2006, the FDA reversed its 14-year ban on silicone breast implants, allowing patients in the United States access to the same implants that women in 60 countries around the world already have.

You can find a wealth of scientific information on the safety of silicone breast implants at www.breastimplantsafety.org.

Myth 9:  Plastic surgery is only for the rich and famous.

A 2005 study found that almost 60 percent of people who had recently had plastic surgery or were seriously considering plastic surgery had a household income of $30,000–$90,000 a year. In fact, 40 percent of that 60 percent reported an annual income of $60,000 or less. Just 10 percent of respondents reported a household income of more than $90,000.

Learn more about the costs of plastic surgery.

Myth 10:  All board certifications are the same.

Any group of medical professionals can create its own “certification” board. ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery - a group designated by the American Board of Medical Specialties to oversee credentialing in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. Their certification requires passing rigorous oral and written exams.

Get more information on the qualifications for ASPS Member Surgeons.

History of Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation

Landmarks in this endeavor - timeline style.

1890 - first surgical breast augmentation procedure was performed with paraffin injection.

• This led to infections
• Lump formations in the breast
• By 1920s paraffin injections became out of favor for breast augmentation

1920 - Fat transplants were tried.  Fatty tissue was surgically removed from the belly and buttock areas and trasferred into the breast

• This was unsuccessful because the body would quickly reabsorb most of the fat, leaving the breast lumpy and lopsided.
• By 1940s, this procedure was given up.

1960's - Silicone injections directly into the breast was tried

• Complications of chornic inflammation, infections, and lumps
• These complications caused this form of breast augmentation to fall out of favor.

1950s - Polyvinyl sponges started to be implanted into the breasts for breast augmentation

• Different types of synthetic sponges were also tried
• They were all found to shrink and harden within a year
• Infections occurred.
• There was a possible link between this type of breast augmentation surgery and cancer

1961 - The first silicone breast implant was developed.

1982 - Silicone breast implants were withdrawn due to safety concerns

1988 - Dow Corning, one of the silicone breast implants largest manufacturer settled a class action lawsuit for 3.2 billion for 170,000 women

1992 - Only saline-filled implants have been allowed in the American general market for cosmetic breast augmentation.  Silicone breast implants had been available only to special pateints through FDA approved trials

1995 - Soybean Oil implants introduced

• Considered to be a natural approach to breast augmentation
• 1999 - these breast implants were withdrawn from the market because a they were found to contain a filler that could become toxic in the body as it breaks down.
• This type of breast augmentation surgery was never approved in the U.S.
• an article on Tara Reid's Breast Implants Threaten Her Life - she had soybean implants
• They could also go rancid.

2001 Brava Breast Enhancement and Shaping System was introduced

• Bra-like device sourrounded with silicone that creates a vacuum over the breasts that induce the breast to possibly grow about one cup size.  Must be worn 10 hours a day for several mouths to create a breast augmentation effect.  The idea here is an augmentation method without implants.  Haven't found any satisfied patients using this method of breast enhancement (yet).

2006 - November, the FDA (USA) approves silicone breast implants again

• collection of articles about the reapproval of silicone implants
• After 14 years, silicone breast implants will once be available to women in the United States
• The new implants are the gummy bear style silicone breast implants
• These implants are available locally at Fleming Island Plastic Surgery

Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Allergan/Inamed/McGhan/Natrelle Gummy Bear Breast Implant

What are gummy bear implants?

They are technically called cohesive gel implants.  They are a fairly new type of breast implant with an inner substance similar in quality to a gummy bear.  When cut, it also resembles a gummy bear with a slice through it.  They were designed this way to maintain their shape and integrity if rupture or leakage happens.  The gel doesn't migrate.  This adds a safety factor to these gel implants.  Furthermore, this decreases wrinkling, folds and rippling associated with some saline and other silicone implants.  They also have the look and feel of silicone.  Capsular contraction also seems to be less of a problem.  Gummy bear breast implants have been used outside of the United States for about a decade with positive results.

Downsides to gummy bear breast implants

These breast implants cost significantly more than saline.  The costs can be twice that of certain saline implants and the costs can be more than traditional silicone breast implants.  There's also a slightly larger incision length required.  Gel fracture is a problem caused by a crack in this semi-solid breast implant..

Your Fleming Island & Greater Jacksonville, Florida Source for more information

Dr. William A. Wallace can offer you cohesive silicone gel (gummy bear) implants. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, the only board recognized to credential plastic surgeons, as well as the American Board of Surgery. 
Dr. Wallace is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and a Fellow of the America College of Surgeons. 


Fleming Island Plastic Surgery, in addition to breast augmentation, also offers: liposuction, botox, skin care including: chemical peels, microdermabrasion (diamond), and hyaluronic acid (ie. Juvederm) treatments. 


Visit the Fleming Island Plastic Surgery website today. 
Disclaimer:  Please see your doctor in person for medical information regarding gummy bear implants.

Breast Implant Manufacturers

These corporations are where you can find out more information regarding breast augmentation implants, whether they be silicone, saline, or cohesive gel.

• Mentor Corporation
• Inamed Aesthetics / McGhan / Allergan (makers of Botox)

Information on this webpage regarding breast augmentation, gummy bear breast implants, and breast implant manufacturers is provided by the expertise of the Dr. William A. Wallace, MD FACS of Fleming Island Plastic Surgery. The office number is 904-990-3477 if you have further questions regarding breast implants.

Information about Silicone Breast Implants

Links and articles regarding Silicone Breast Implants

These are articles regarding Silicone Breast Implants.

Please ask your plastic surgeon for any details and thoughts regarding silicone breast implants.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website.

American Society of Plastic Surgery website.

ABC News

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Is Liposuction Right for You? 10 Reasons...

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. Check out the top 10 reasons why people undergo liposuction.

1. Lose Those "Last Five Pounds"

Many people who follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen are frustrated about "those last five pounds." It seems that no amount of exercise and dieting can make them disappear. Liposuction is an ideal procedure for these people because it can permanently remove the stubborn fat pockets and reveal a svelte, toned figure.

2. Get Rid of the Muffin Top or Love Handles

Many people have localized fat deposits in the midriff area - the dreaded "muffin top" and "love handles." Even slim individuals might have genetically predetermined fat pockets in the stomach and lower back areas. Liposuction can help these people achieve a proportionate-looking physique.

3. Improve the Definition of Your Neck

Many people who have a double-chin or a neck that appears too thick feel self-conscious and unattractive. While late-night TV commercials offer a number of devices that promise to get rid of unwanted neck fat, in reality they can do little. Liposuction is often the best procedure to get rid of neck fat and create a slender neck profile.

4. Slim Your Hips

One of the more popular areas for liposuction is the hips. Liposuction can remove a substantial amount of fat from the hips, reducing their size by several inches. In addition, slimmer hips often improve the proportion and appearance of the buttocks.

5. Shape Your Legs

Thighs, knees and calves are common problem areas for many women. Because many females are genetically predisposed to store fat in their hips, this area is often resistant to exercise and diet. Liposuction can shape and slim both the outer and inner hips, as well as remove unsightly fat tissue from the knees and calves.

6. Create a More Masculine Chest

Recently, men suffering from overdeveloped chest tissue have discovered that liposuction can provide the much-needed solution for this aesthetic problem. Liposuction can remove the unwanted chest tissue, creating a flatter, more masculine chest.

7. Enhance Your Shape After Weight Loss

After losing a large amount of weight, many people notice localized fat pockets on their hips, lower legs, midriff and arms. Liposuction can help them complete their weight loss journey by removing the remaining fatty tissues to reveal a beautifully contoured physique.

8. Remove the Post-Pregnancy Belly Pouch

Mothers often wish childbearing would not leave visible marks on their bodies. One of the more common post-pregnancy problems is the belly pouch. Liposuction (often performed together with tummy tuck surgery and breast augmentation as part of a mommy makeover) can help permanently remove the pouch.

9. Shape Your Arms

Liposuction can also help improve the contour of the upper arms. Arm liposuction is usually recommended for people who have localized fat deposits on their upper arms and taut, elastic skin.

10. Feel More Confident and Attractive

Finally, liposuction can help you enhance your self-confidence and feel more attractive. If you have done everything you could to lose weight and tone your body but still suffer from stubborn fat pockets, ask your liposuction surgeon how this procedure can help you!

Is A Mommy Makeover Right for You? 3 Questions...

Sometimes the process of aging occurs so slowly that you barely notice it. A few extra gray hairs here and a new wrinkle there can easily be overlooked. However, having kids can drastically accelerate aging. Seemingly overnight, your body may start to "fall apart." 

A mommy makeover is a plastic surgery combination procedure that can include a tummy tuck, body lift, breast lift, liposuction and other treatments designed to restore your youthful good looks. Here are several hints that may let you know it's time to schedule an appointment with a board certified Plastic Surgeon:

1. The Awkward Post-Partum Question. Let's say you gave birth to your last child over a year ago and people are still asking, "When are you due?" This means you should take a serious look at what's going on in the area that used to be your waistline. That "phantom" baby bump may be the result of abdominal muscles that have permanently separated under the stress of pregnancy. If diet and exercise aren't getting rid of that bulge, it's time to look into having a tummy tuck. This is one of the most-requested procedures for women who don't intend to have any more kids. Subsequent pregnancies can re-tear the stomach muscles; so this procedure isn't recommended for moms who aren't finished with childbearing.

2. Your Bobby-socks have become Tube-socks. As a mom, you know what it's like to feel so tired that you're fighting gravity with each step. Unfortunately, your breasts may have given up the fight entirely and be headed for your knees. Long and skinny is a great look for legs, but not for your boobs. If you have to roll your breasts up like cinnamon rolls to tuck them into your bra, this is a sure sign that you can benefit from a breast lift. While you're having that surgery done, you might as well spring for an upgrade and get a nice "mommy-style" pair of breast implants. If you've felt the spark going out of your relationship, making yourself feel desirable again may be just what the doctor ordered.

3. You're Constantly Asked If You're Wearing Corduroy Pants. When you're raising kids, it always seems like there's never enough of "you" to meet everyone's needs. Ironically, with a post-pregnancy body there may be more of "you" hanging around than you'd like. If you notice that you can't sneak quietly out of a room where your toddler is sleeping because of the noise your thighs make rubbing together, it may be a good idea to have an inner thigh lift. Liposuction can actually be used to spot-treat many different areas of your body where stubborn "baby fat" refuses to budge.

New Technology in Breast Augmentation

Having breast surgery is a life changing decision. No matter what surgery you are having, you want to make sure you have the most up-to-date and technologically advanced procedure possible. There have been several new advancements in breast augmentation in the past couple of years to help you have the safest and most satisfactory experience possible.

New Breast Implants

For a long time, only saline implants were available to most women who wanted to undergo breast augmentation. The FDA recently approved the use of silicone breast implants for all women. Before this approval, silicone implants were reserved for those who needed breast reconstruction or for those who were not candidates for saline implants.

There are three types of breast implants available:

1. Saline 

2. Silicone 

3. “Gummy Bear” (cohesive gel)

All three options for breast implants have their pros and cons. The saline in saline breast implants is easily absorbed by your body if the implant ruptures for any reason. The disadvantages are that they may ripple under the surface of your breast and they may not look as natural on women with smaller breasts.

Silicone breast implants do not cause health risks with the newer types. The newest implants will not leak if they rupture. There is a chance; however, that you will not notice there has been a rupture because they do not leak. Silicone implants look and feel more natural than saline.

The new Gummy Bear breast implants are very soft, strong, and pliable. No matter how they are pulled, pushed, or even if they are cut, they will never lose their natural shape. The term “gummy bear” refers to the filling inside the implant. Just like a gummy bear candy, the implant is not a liquid that can leak. It is a cohesive gel that cannot be deformed.