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Dr. Nick Slenkovich – Colorado Plastic Surgery Center

Denver, Colorado

Breast Augmentation and Mammograms

June 11, 2010 – 12:10 pm

Many women have concerns that breast augmentation will make it more difficult for radiologists to detect breast cancer in its early stages. Breast implants do not significantly impair the ability of screeners to detect breast cancer. In fact, women with breast implants typically have a more thorough mammogram to ensure accuracy.

Dr. Slenkovich requires all of his breast patients over the age of 30 to have a mammogram before surgery. This mammogram acts as a baseline

There are some steps you should take to ensure your mammograms are as effective as possible following your breast augmentation:

• Consider submuscular implant placement. Placement of breast implants below the muscle during breast augmentation may increase breast tissue visibility.
• When scheduling a mammogram, talk to the clinic about their experience in performing mammograms on women who have had breast augmentation.
• When you arrive for your mammogram, mention that you have breast implants.
• Be prepared to answer questions the radiologist may have about your breast augmentation procedure.

To learn more about breast augmentation, please contact Colorado Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule an appointment with Denver cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nick Slenkovich.

Categories: Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Surgery
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What is Synmastia?

June 10, 2010 – 12:08 pm

Symmastia (sometimes synmastia) is a very rare complication related to breast implant surgery. In symmastia, the breast implants migrate toward the center of the chest, eventually overcoming the tissue separating them to create one breast.

Symmastia is most often related to a surgical error or poor planning on the part of a plastic surgeon. This is just another reason it is so important to select a board certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Nick Slenkovich. During the creation of the pockets for the implant, some inexperienced plastic surgeons will aggressively dissect the tissue between the breasts. They may be responding to a patient’s request for cleavage creation, but when overdone the remaining tissue may not be sufficient to hold the breast implants apart.

Another error that contributes to symmastia is attempting to use breast implants that are too large or too wide for a patient’s chest, and they cause the skin and fat in the center of the chest to separate from the breastbone. Selecting breast implants of an appropriate size and profile can help prevent this complication. During your breast augmentation consultation Dr. Nick will take body measurements to help you determine the best size and profile to meet your goals.

Women with a depressed breastbone (pectus excavatum) are more at risk for this complication, but an experienced surgeon can still provide a good result.

The good news is that because symmastia is most often associated with a surgical error, you can dramatically reduce your risk of this complication by working with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Please call or email us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nick Slenkovich, who can talk to you about this or other potential complications associated with breast implants.

Categories: Breast Augmentation, Breast Surgery
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Smooth Breast Implants vs. Textured Breast Implants

June 8, 2010 – 12:03 pm

You have many options when it comes to the type of breast implants you want. All the choices you have for breast implants come with advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing to remember when deciding on a breast implant is to keep your goals in mind. You will want to choose the right breast implant for you.

All of the options for breast implants can be a little confusing and overwhelming. Denver breast surgeon, Dr. Nick Slenkovich will walk you through your breast implant choices in a confidential breast augmentation consultation. He will inform you of all the advantages and disadvantages to each type of breast implant and answer all of your questions.

One of the choices you will have to make about breast implants is what type of surface you would like on your implants. You can choose either a smooth breast implant or a textured breast implant.

Smooth Breast Implant

The smooth breast implant only comes in the round shape and are thought to look more natural after placement due to their softer feel and mobility. This implant is less likely to cause rippling and offers a very natural look.

Textured Breast Implants

Textured breast implants come in either round or contour breast implants. The contour breast implants must be textured to avoid rotating that causes the breasts to look misshapen. The texture of the implant feels like fine sandpaper and can sometimes attach itself to the breast tissue causing the implant to ripple.

Please contact the Colorado Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule a consultation about your breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Slenkovich will be more than happy to discuss your breast implant options with you. He sees patients in and around the Denver, Colorado area.

Categories: Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Surgery
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Denver Breast augmentation FAQ’s answered by Nurse Deb

June 7, 2010 – 4:44 pm

1) HOW DOES DR. SLENKOVICH PERFORM A BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Breast augmentation surgery is performed at our on-site AAAASF-certified (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) ambulatory surgery center. The procedure takes about an hour and is performed under IV sedation under the care of a Certified Nurse Anesthetist and surgical team consisting of the surgeon, an RN and a surgical technician. This type of anesthesia minimizes the risk of post-operative complications such as blood clots, nausea and vomiting.

Dr. Slenkovich places the implant under the muscle using an inframammary incision (in the crease under the breast). You can expect to be in the building for about 3 hours and your caregiver may wait in our comfortable waiting room. If a breast lift is recommended, the incision may be placed around the areola (darker area around the nipple). Saline or silicone gel implants may be used, as each has different characteristics. The incision may be 1 inch to 2.5 inches depending on the type and size of implant. We provide complimentary cosmetic consultations to patients requesting information about breast surgery. Our clinic is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and we typically perform surgeries on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2) WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CONSULTATION?
DXT1297.jpgA consultation typically lasts an hour. Here you will meet Dr. Slenkovich and our staff, receive information on the surgery, be examined by Dr. Slenkovich and try on breast implant sizers to help you decide which implant size you like best. You will then receive a price quote  from our patient coordinator, Lyndsay, as well as information on financing and steps for booking surgery. You can even get a tour of our surgery center if you like. It can be helpful to bring your significant other, a friend or family member to the consultation for support. You are welcome to come back as many times as needed, free of charge, until we have answered all of your questions.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SILICONE GEL AND A SALINE IMPLANT?
Both implants are excellent choices these days. Technology has come far and manufacturers have created an excellent, natural-feeling breast implant. Saline implants have been around the longest. They are less expensive, can sometimes be felt or seen under the skin, and are more noticeable if they deflate. The silicone gel implant is made up of a cohesive gel which is similar to a gummy bear. It feels more natural, is more costly, and requires an MRI every few years to screen for potential silent leaks. Both implants are available in a variety of sizes and projections. Dr. Slenkovich will make a few suggestions after he examines you based on the base width of your current breast tissue. Ultimately, the decision is yours in choosing the best implant for you. For more information, see this blog entry on the differences in implants.

IS THERE ANY LAB WORK REQUIRED BEFORE SURGERY?
Generally, if you are healthy, labs are not required by Dr. Slenkovich. This will be determined at the consultation visit. However, any woman with a family history of breast cancer or who is over the age of 30 is required by Dr. Slenkovich to have a baseline mammogram prior to your pre-operative visit (generally 2 weeks before surgery). This provides an excellent screening tool for breast cancer. You will need to tell the mammographer in the future that you have breast implants so that certain views and techniques are used.

3) WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON COMPLICATIONS YOU SEE?
Breast implants are a man-made device and therefore can fail. Although many women have their implants for years and years, complications can still occur. The most common nuisances associated with a breast augmentation are discomfort, pain, swelling, bruising, temporary changes in sensation of the breast or nipple and asymmetry. Less often, but more concerning are hematoma (internal bleeding in the breast), infection and capsular contracture (scarring around the implant potentially causing firmness, pain and asymmetry). The latter complications could potentially lead to re-operation.

4) WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF A BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Our breast augmentation price quote will be itemized and will include the implants, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, facility/supply fees, all your post-op medications, an early on-site Solstice peri-operative therapy appointment to decrease swelling, CosmetAssure 30-day Insurance covering early complications and all your pre-op and post-op visits (typically at 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months and annually). The manufacturer of the implants also provides an upgraded warranty for an additional charge in case of an implant rupture years down the road.

Categories: Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Lift, Breast Surgery, Dr. Slenkovich
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Contour Breast Implants vs. Round Breast Implants

June 7, 2010 – 12:01 pm

There are multiple choices of breast implants, including the type of implant, profile, texture and even shape! There are two shapes of breast implants:

• Round breast implants
• Contour breast implants

Denver breast surgeon, Dr. Nick Slenkovich is committed to helping you choose the correct style breast implant that will get you the results you desireWhile Dr. Slenkovich only uses round implants, it’s important to understand the differences.

Round Breast Implants

The round breast implant is typically chosen more for breast augmentation than the contour breast implant and is in fact Dr. Nick’s preference for shape. This is because the round breast implant offers benefits that the contour implant does not.

The round breast implant offers a more forward projection of the breast adding to the fullness of the upper portion of the breast. Women who wish to have fuller upper breasts can achieve this look without resorting to larger breast implants. Most women feel that this shape of breast implant enhances the breasts more with greater:

• Lift
• Fullness
• Cleavage

The Contour Breast Implants

The contoured breast implant is shaped like a teardrop and is sometimes referred to as a teardrop breast implant. The shape of this type of breast implant is designed to give a natural, sloping look to the breasts. However, it does not give the youthful fullness to the upper portion of the breasts and contoured implants do not often have the soft, natural feel that round implants have.

The contour implant does possess the risk of rotating after placement causing the breasts to look misshapen, an issue that does not arise with the round implant since it is the same shape all the way around. As a result, the contoured breast implant requires a textured surface because it has a tendency to rotate. The textured surface does help minimize the likelihood of rotation happening.

To learn more about breast implants and breast augmentation in Denver, Colorado, please contact Dr. Slenkovich today to schedule a breast augmentation consultation.

Categories: Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Lift, Breast Surgery
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Fat Transfer for Breast Augmentation

June 4, 2010 – 10:33 am

Breast enhancement has never had so many options. Not only can you undergo the traditional form of breast augmentation where an implant is placed, but fat transfer has made breast augmentation more natural-looking and safer than ever.

Fat transfer for breast augmentation uses liposuction to remove fat from one area of your body and place it into the breasts. This procedure is ideal for those who want fuller breasts without implants. Common areas for liposuction for fat transfer include:

  • Thighs
  • Abdomen
  • Back
  • Buttocks

If you are interested in a fuller breast but do not want a dramatic change in your appearance, a fat transfer may be a great option for breast enhancement. In order to undergo a fat transfer for breast enhancement, you should:

  • Have an ample amount of fat in the desired area
  • Have a realistic expectation of the outcome of your procedure
  • Desire roughly a half-cup size more fullness in your breasts
  • Have an ideal breast shape to begin with

Please learn more about fat transfer for breast enhancement today when you contact experienced breast enhancement Denver cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Slenkovich today at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, serving Denver, Colorado.

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Incision Options for Breast Augmentation

May 25, 2010 – 9:43 am

While the inframmamary crease is the most common crease option, there are two other options as well.

There are three options for incision sites for breast augmentation:

  • Inframammary–at the breast crease
  • Periareolar–around the areola
  • Axillary–in the armpit

The inframammary incision is the one most commonly used, and preferred by Dr. Slenkovich, because it allows for the greatest flexibility and ease of implant insertion. It can be used with either saline or silicone gel implants.

A periareolar incision

The axillary incision has the advantage of not being actually on the breast, but it does have some limitations. Transaxillary breast augmentation (breast augmentation using the axillary incision) can only be performed using saline breast implants. Saline breast implants come unfilled from the manufacturer, allowing them to be rolled and inserted via the small incision in the armpit, then filled once inside the implant pocket. Transaxillary breast augmentation is also associated with higher rates of asymmetric results.

To learn more about your breast augmentation options, please call or email Dr. Nick Slenkovich at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center today.

Categories: Breast Augmentation, Breast Surgery

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What is a Mommy Makeover?

May 24, 2010 – 9:41 am

A mommy makeover consists of a group of cosmetic procedures to help you restore your youthful proportions and body contours after childbearing and breast feeding. You can choose from various breast enhancement and body contouring procedures, as well as different skin care treatments to address facial blemishes that can be a result of pregnancy hormones.

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, as exhilarating and gratifying as they are, the body typically goes through changes to its shape. The breasts may sag, the abdominal muscles may be weakened and there may be unwanted fatty tissue and/or skin in the abdomen,.

Most mommy makeovers include a breast lift to restore the breasts higher on the chest and perhaps reposition the nipples. Breast augmentation, in addition to a breast lift, is also a good option to restore volume and fullness. Dr. Nick will discuss the many choices associated with Breast augmentation including the implant size, placement, type, shape, etc. ahead of time and help you decide what the best options are for achieving your desired result.

Body contouring, including a tummy tuck and liposuction, is also an option. Dr. Nick can treat specific areas that have been unresponsive to diet and exercise, such as the lower abdomen, hips, and waistline.

Skin problems can also develop during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. We can help you with a new skin care routine and with products that will bleach discolored areas. A chemical peel is another option that is usually very successful in facial rejuvenation. With breast enhancement, a slimmer profile, and rejuvenated skin, you will be pleased when you glance in a mirror and it can all be done right here according to your schedule and budget.

To learn more about mommy makeovers and how yours can best be designed, please contact our Colorado plastic surgery center today.

Categories: Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Mommy Makeover

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Picking the Right Breast Implants: Profile

May 23, 2010 – 9:38 am

All breast implants used in breast augmentation by Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Slenkovich are round, but this does not mean they are all the same shape. Breast implants come in different “profiles” to help you get the results you desire from your breast augmentation procedure.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Slenkovich will perform a breast exam and take measurements of the width of your breasts. Those measurements determine which size and profile implant will give you the most natural result.

A breast implant’s profile is a description of its shape, how wide it is compared to how much projection it gives. Implant profiles are designed to allow a woman with a more narrow breast width to have the option of more projection and cleavage without having to use a larger implant.

We use Allergan Natrelle smooth round breast implants, which come in three different profiles:

  • Moderate Profile: less projection, wider
  • Midrange Profile: more projection, narrower
  • High Profile: Highest projection, narrowest base

How much does the shape change between the profiles?
A 125 cc silicone gel implant is about 10.0 cm (4 in) wide and 2.2 cm (just less than 1 inch) high in Moderate Profile, but 8.9 cm by 2.8 cm in Moderate Plus and 8.3 cm by 3.5 cm in High Profile, so a High Profile implant has 65% more projection and 20% less diameter than the Moderate.

The profile of the implant can be very important for getting the results you want from your breast augmentation. Women with narrower chests who want more dramatic results can use higher profile implants to get the projection they desire without having their breasts seem too crowded or too large for their chests.

We can talk to you about your breast implant options and help you make the best decision for your body and your cosmetic goals. Please call or email us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nick Slenkovich.

Categories: Breast Surgery

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What Is Capsular Contracture?

May 22, 2010 – 9:34 am

Capsular contracture is an uncommon complication of breast augmentation in which the scar capsule around the breast implant begins to contract around the implant usually just on one side. As a result, the breasts may become hard, misshapen, or slightly painful.

Every patient who undergoes breast augmentation develops a scar around her implants and under normal conditions the pocket around the scar remains open, allowing the breasts to look natural. Capsular contracture develops when the pocket contracts and squeezes around the implant, causing the breast to look very round and firm.

More recent studies show a much low rate for capsular contracture, including a study that followed almost 5,400 breast augmentation patients for an average of nearly four years and recorded a rate of severe capsular contracture of only 1.7 % (less than 1 in 50).

It is not currently understood what exactly causes capsular contracture, but it seems to be more commonly associated with:

  • Infection
  • Hematoma (a broken blood vessel that causes blood clotting or bruising)
  • Seroma (fluid collecting beneath the skin)
  • Trauma to the breast

While the exact cause of capsular contracture is not well understood, Dr. Slenkovich takes certain measures to prevent it:

  • Submuscular placement of the breast implant
  • Prescribing antibiotics after surgery and before any other procedure, including dental work
  • Teaching patients massage techniques to perform after surgery
  • Selecting the right plastic surgeon

Possible complications are an important factor to consider before any procedure. At the Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, we are dedicated to patient education and patient safety. We do our utmost to reduce your risk of any complications. To learn more about breast implants any possible complications and the benefits, please schedule a consultation at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center.

Categories: Breast Surgery

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