A Physician’s Opinion: Breast Size

Jun 26, 2014 | Uncategorized

Choosing the correct breast implants involves careful consideration. Before a breast augmentation consult, patients are encouraged to find reference pictures of women with similar body types, consider scar placement, and think about the merits of saline vs. silicone breast implants. But there are many questions about choosing the right implants that only your physician can answer. During each consultation, Dr. Brantner educates his patient about the surgical process and provides his professional insights about the ideal breast size based on her body type.

Breast Augmentation Consult

During your pre-surgical consultation, Dr. Brantner will measure your breasts and chest, discuss your desired aesthetics, and recommend an implant size in proportion to the rest of your body. The current amount of breast tissue, width of the shoulder, chest wall dimensions, and overall frame of the body help Dr. Brantner determine what size breast implants will look both full and natural for each patient. Be vocal about your desired breast size and your reasons for choosing that size, but stay open to Dr. Brantner’s professional insights and size recommendations.

Desired Breast Size vs. Ideal Breast Size

Thanks to unrealistic Hollywood stereotypes and photoshopped visions of ideal womanhood, many women want breast implants that are too large for their frame. Although Dr. Brantner will adjust his recommended implant size based on the desire of the patient, he reserves the right to not perform augmentation surgery if:

• He and the patient cannot agree on an implant size.
• The patient’s chest cavity is not large enough to contain her desired implant size.
• The size of the implants might lead to long-term complications such as tissue or muscle thinning, stretch marks, clear rippling and ridges under the skin, or re-operation.
• The patient’s lifestyle does not suit the implant size they’ve chosen (ex: a patient who works out frequently may put too much stress on large implants)

Call Dr. Brantner’s scheduling coordinator to schedule a breast augmentation consultation at your earliest convenience.

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Going Under the Knife

Jun 19, 2014 | Uncategorized

Plastic surgery helps patients rejuvenate their appearance, leading to healthier bodies and more youthful looks. Surgery can solve many issues caused by age or unhealthy living, but patients must follow their doctor’s recommended health plan for the best results. Failure to prepare for surgery and recovery might mean surgical complications, trouble healing, or poor results.

Medical History

Prepare for your pre-operative paperwork and surgical consultation by knowing your medical history. Share the following information with Dr. Brantner and his nurses:

• Allergies to food, medication, and medical supplies (such as tape or latex gloves)
• Current vitamins and medications
• Alcoholic units consumed each week
• Use of tobacco
• Previous surgeries and any complications during/after those surgeries
• History of excessive bleeding or blood clots
• Problems with anesthesia in the past
• Recent dental problems (infections, invasive procedures, or complications)
• Family medical history (heart disease, diabetes, etc)

Sharing pertinent medical information with your physician allows him to evaluate your current medications, make informed decisions about potential complications, and take necessary precautions before the procedure.

Prepare for Surgery

Before any surgical procedure, patients must:

• Get lab testing and blood work at ETASC
• Change dosage of current medications based on Dr. Brantner’s instructions
• Avoid taking aspirin, certain natural supplements, and anti-inflammatories
• Stop smoking
• Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum after midnight the day before surgery
• Remove all watches, jewelry, nail polish, makeup, contact lenses, etc
• Enlist a family member or close friend to hold their valuables, take them home after surgery, and care for them during the recovery period

Always follow Dr. Brantner’s pre- and post-surgery instructions to avoid medical complications, discomfort, and difficulty healing.

Call Dr. Brantner’s scheduling coordinator to book a plastic surgery consultation at your earliest convenience.

image from FreeDigitalPhotos

Is a Nose Job Right for You?

Jun 13, 2014 | Uncategorized

Rhinoplasties are a common cosmetic procedure performed to correct symmetry, unwanted bumps, and blocked passageways in the nose. Most patients choose rhinoplasties for cosmetic purposes, but insurance may cover your surgery if you have a breathing impairment due to a deviated septum. Rhinoplasty procedures are unique because they’re as popular among men as they are among women. If you’re thinking about having rhinoplasty surgery, consider the following information as you make your decision.

Choosing a Rhinoplasty

Many patients choose rhinoplasty surgery because they’re unhappy with the size, shape, or balance of their nose. Rhinoplasties can also correct breathing difficulties caused by blocked nasal passages. Cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery increases the balance and proportions of the face by adjusting the size or shape of the nose. Good candidates for a cosmetic rhinoplasty procedure are unhappy with the size or appearance of their nose. They may have:

• Bumps, ridges, or depressions on the bridge of their nose
• Noses disproportionate in size to their other facial features
• Asymmetrical noses
• A rounded, drooping, hooked, or enlarged nose tip
• Wide, upturned, or oddly shaped nostrils

Rhinoplasty Consultation and Surgery

A surgical consultation is designed to allow Dr. Brantner to educate the patient about the procedure, discuss the aesthetic and practical goals of the patient, and answer any questions the patient may have about his or her upcoming surgery. During your rhinoplasty consultation, you should expect:

• To discuss past surgeries, current medications, and known allergies
• To discuss your cosmetic surgical goals and any breathing difficulties
• For Dr. Brantner to evaluate your health and candidacy for nose surgery
• To learn about the options for reshaping your nose
• For Dr. Brantner or his nurse to take photographs of your face and nose, measure your features, and recommend a surgical course of action
• To learn about the health risks, potential complications, surgery, and recovery involved in a rhinoplasty
• To share any questions or concerns about your rhinoplasty surgery with Dr. Brantner
• To schedule your rhinoplasty procedure with Dr. Brantner’s scheduling coordinator

If you’re interested in learning more about rhinoplasties or scheduling a cosmetic surgery consultation, contact Dr. Brantner’s office.

image from FreeDigitalPhotos

The Father’s Day Gift That Lasts

Jun 6, 2014 | Uncategorized

Father’s Day is approaching fast, and with it comes the inevitable question: “What can I get him that’s not a grill?” Sometimes it feels like fathers are the most difficult people to shop for. It’s difficult to find a gift that’s useful, unexpected, and meaningful. Most years families find themselves celebrating dad by giving him array of sporting goods and backyard accessories. Think outside the box with your Father’s Day present this year. If your husband or father has expressed a desire to improve his appearance, give him the gift of plastic surgery.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasties, better known as “nose jobs,” are a common pick for men who want cosmetic surgery. A rhinoplasty can be cosmetic—balancing a nose large enough that it distracts from a man’s other facial features—or medical—correcting a break or natural flaw that blocks the nasal passage. A rhinoplasty can improve the size, shape, and symmetry of the nose. Dr. Brantner gives his patients natural-looking enhancements, shaving down the size or shape of the nose to balance the shape of the face. When done correctly, the patient’s acquaintances might not even notice he had work done, just that he looks more attractive.

Facelift for Men

As they age many men find themselves unhappy with sagging jowls, drooping eyelids, and displaced fat on the face. Some men want to improve their appearance for personal reasons, while others believe that a smoother jaw line and more alert looking eyes will benefit their careers. Whatever his reasons, a facelift makes a great Father’s Day gift for any dad who has expressed an interest in facial rejuvenation. Give your husband a full facelift for Father’s Day, or address his biggest insecurities with an in-office facelift that lifts the eyes, mid-face, and neck. He’ll enjoy a smoother, more youthful appearance without changing the facial features that make him the man you love.

To learn more about cosmetic surgery for men and determine if your dad is a candidate for plastic surgery, call Dr. Brantner’s office.

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