Happy Anniversary Lynn!

August 27th, 2010

 Congratulations!!!  Lynn, Dr. Alexander’s RN celebrates her 10 year anniversary with Dr. Alexander & Co.

Posted in Uncategorized

How to Determine Your Bra Size After Breast Augmentation: Part 2

August 24th, 2010

Once you’ve determined your bra size, as outlined in part 1, the next step is to learn how to tell when you’ve found a bra that fits. Many women simply don’t know what signs to look for when determining if a bra fits properly or poorly. This lack of knowledge is a major reason why the percentage of women who are wearing the wrong size bra is so astonishingly high. Now that you’ve invested in yourself, you will find that wearing the correct bra size is even more worthwhile, since it can further enhance your breasts results.

Here are a few key indicators of an incorrect bra size:

1. The band digs into your back or does not go along your back straight and evenly – Your bra, once adjusted properly, should be snug across your back without digging, and the band should be straight across the back of your ribcage.

2. The front band below the cups isn’t securely against your body below your breasts – The front of the bra band should rest against your ribcage. If you look down your bra between your breasts, no gap should be visible; the bra, not your ribcage should be all that you see. A common issue for women is that the front of the bra band hangs below the cups, causing a gap. If this is occurring, it could be due to both your cup size and band size being too small.

3. The sides of the cups don’t cover your breasts - The underwire that runs along the side of your bra cups should be against the side of your ribcage below your armpit. If it lies against your breast tissue, the cups are too small.

4. Your breasts spill over the top of the cups - A comfortable amount of cleavage that is still supported is natural. However, a larger cup size is necessary if the appearance is lumpy as the cup is cutting into your breast, rather than being round and smooth.

5. Your new bra is on the tightest clasp - A bra will stretch with wear, so make sure it fits comfortably on the loosest clasp when it’s new so you continue to get the right fit as you break it in. If your bra is on the tightest clasp, you can likely go down one band size.

Tags: Alexander MD, bra size after breast augmentation, choosing clothing after plastic surgery, determining your bra size, how a bra should fit, how to measure your bra size, tips for choosing a bra
Posted in Fashion and Clothing Tips after Surgery

How to Determine Your Bra Size After a Breast Augmentation: Part 1

August 21st, 2010

Did you know that 80% of American women are wearing the wrong size bra? These are women whose breasts have remained one consistent size throughout adulthood; the statistics are likely far worse with women who have received a breast augmentation.  When you’ve been walking into a lingerie store to purchase the same size for most of your life, knowing how to choose a bra that will offer the optimal fit and support can be challenging.

Here are some guidelines to help you find the right size bra after surgery:

1. Understand cup sizes can vary per brand and style.

For example, you may have had a breast augmentation to give you a C cup size. However, that doesn’t guarantee that every C cup bra that you pick up in a store will fit correctly without exception. Bra sizes are meant to be standardized, but just as when you’re buying a dress or a pair of pants, you’ll occasionally find yourself in a size you’re not used to calling your own. Therefore, it’s important to always try on new bras to make sure you get the right fit. If you find that a bra doesn’t offer enough support or that you have extra room in the cups when picking up a C cup bra, size up or size down accordingly.  Accept that the indications of size on the tag are merely guidelines and purchase your bra based on comfort and support!

2. Be professionally fitted.

Most lingerie and department stores have employees specialized in bra-fitting that can help you find your size in every style of bra available. They’ll measure both your band size and cup size to use as a basis to help select bras for you to try. Be prepared to model the bras during the process, as these fit specialists will need to visually make sure that each bra fits well and has enough support so that they may offer different sizes if necessary.

3. Determine your bra measurement at home.

It may also be helpful to get a ballpark measurement at home. Exhale and measure around your ribcage just below your breasts. Round to the nearest inch. If the number is even, add 4. If the number is odd, add 5. This is your band size. For your cup size, measure around the fullest part of your breasts. Subtract your band size from this measurement. The difference between the two measurement gives you your cup size. Here are the guidelines:

less than 1/2 inch – AA

1/2 inch to 1 inch – A

up to 2 inches – B

up to 3 inches – C

up to 4 inches – D

up to 5 inches – DD etc

But remember, measurements are only a basis to help you gather your bra sizes off the rack to try or to help your fit specialist know what to bring you. It’s likely that you’ll have to try on a few sizes in each and every bra you’re being fitted for during the process!

These steps should help you determine your bra size after a breast augmentation. In part 2, we’ll teach you how to tell that you’ve found the right bra!

Image via: Flickr Creative Commons

Tags: Alexander MD, bra size after breast augmentation, determining your bra size, finding the right size bra, getting fit for a bra, how to measure your bra size, what's your bra size
Posted in Fashion and Clothing Tips after Surgery

Plastic Surgery News: World’s First Full Facial Transplant a Success!

August 17th, 2010

Plastic surgery isn’t simply designed to make people feel better about their appearances when there’s something about themselves physically they feel needs enhancing; it can change lives. Facial reconstructive surgery helps patients who have suffered a severe trauma or genetic disfigurement that has altered the overall structure of their face. These individuals don’t just look different aesthetically, simple functions that are managed by the face can be affected like swallowing, blinking and even breathing. So for those who assume plastic surgery is simply about vanity; think again, because it can change lives.

Just ask Oscar (last name not released to the media), the recipient of the first full facial transplant surgery in April  that has been in the news since being released from the hospital at the end of July.  Although he still has months of physio therapy ahead of him, this patient is already finding the results to be life changing.  This patient who couldn’t breathe or swallow on his own since a 2005 accident with a loaded gun is already speaking and eating. He’s also had facial hair growth which is a sign of a successful transplant.

Because of the severity of Oscar’s disfigurement prior to surgery, the facial reconstruction involved providing him with new skin, bones, teeth and more. By the time his recovery is complete, this patient is expected to recover about 90% of his facial function which will put him miles ahead of where he was prior to surgery.

The best part of this story, is that Oscar is only 31 years old, and has a long life still ahead of him and he’ll finally have the opportunity to live his life normally once again.

Tags: benefits of plastic surgery, facial transplant, full face transplant, life changing plastic surgery, medical advancements in plastic surgery, plastic surgery news, reconstructive surgery
Posted in Plastic Surgery News

Understanding Plastic Surgery: What is a Breast Augmentation?

August 10th, 2010

Breast augmentation, plastic surgery to change the shape, size and overall look of the breast, is one of the most talked about cosmetic surgery procedures today. The procedure, best known as breast augmentation is sought by women from all walks of life, each with their own personal reasons for breast enhancement.

Breast augmentation is typically used to increase the size of the breasts. Often, women who have overcome breast cancer receive the surgery in order to regain a sense of self. It can also help to boost the self-confidence of women who have felt under-developed throughout their adult lives.  Plastic surgery for the breasts involves a relatively small incision that allows a prosthesis to be inserted so that the original shape and size of the breast can be enhanced. Recovery time varies by patient, but most women can expect to return to full activity, including exercise and bra shopping, by six weeks.

Determining if You Should Have Breast Augmentation

With any plastic surgery procedure, it is important that you do it for the right reasons. If you are considering a breast augmentation, make sure that you are doing it to please yourself so as to ensure satisfaction with the procedure in the long term. It is not a decision that should be jumped into overnight. Careful consideration is always recommended. Be certain to talk to your plastic surgeon about your personal needs and concerns before you finalize your decision. Experience matters. Ensure that your plastic surgeon is not only board certified, but is alsoexperienced with this procedure and has a reputation for attractive breast augmentation results. When you determine how large your implants should be, make sure the size will be comfortable for your individual lifestyle.

How Big Should Your Implants Be?

In the past, trends have shown that bigger was better. However, in recent years, many celebrities have chosen to exchange their enormous implants for a smaller, more natural-looking size. It has been speculated that many current celebrities undergoing breast-enhancement surgery have been selecting an implant size that is both inconspicuous and very natural. Rather than to shock, their intention now is to simply fill out their bra.

Your breasts should be a size that you will feel comfortable with and that will improve your self-image and confidence. Avoid allowing the media or people around you to influence your decision. Choose for yourself!

Image: Flickr Creative Commons

Tags: breast augmentation, breast enlargement, celebrity plastic surgery, plastic surgery, should I get breast augmentation?, understanding plastic surgery, what is a breast augmentation?
Posted in Plastic Surgery Guide