Q: Am I a candidate?

If you’ve noticed a change in the size or shape of your breasts, especially after pregnancy or nursing, you may be a candidate for breast augmentation. The best candidates for breast enlargement should be in good health physically and mentally, and should have realistic expectations about their likely results.

Q: How will my augmented breasts look and feel?

Between the superior quality of today’s breast implants and the advances in modern-day surgical techniques, there’s never been a better time to enjoy breast augmentation results that look and feel more natural than ever before.

Q: How long until I can see my results?

You’ll notice a difference in your figure immediately after surgery, although some amount of post-operative swelling may disguise your final results at first. As recovery progresses and swelling dissipates, your implants should settle into their final placement by about 1 to 3 months after surgery.

Q: What does breast augmentation in Charlotte cost?

Prices for breast augmentation depend on many factors. You’ll receive an exact fee quote at your consultation. Fees include breast implants, surgical care, the facility, and anesthesia provided by an MD anesthesiologist. Financing is available, and we’ll go over your options at your personal consultation.

Question 1

Am I a candidate?

Accepted Answer

If you&rsquo;ve noticed a change in the size or shape of your breasts, especially after pregnancy or nursing, you may be a candidate for breast augmentation. The best candidates for breast enlargement should be in good health physically and mentally, and should have realistic expectations about their likely results.

Question 2

How Do I Know Which Breast Implant Size Is Best For Me?

Accepted Answer

During your consultation, Dr. Ditesheim will explain how to pick the perfect breast implants to meet your individual appearance goals, taking into account your natural anatomy and existing breast measurements. You&rsquo;ll also get to try on implants right in our office so you can see how different sizes, shapes, and profiles will look on your body.

Question 3

Will implants make my breasts less saggy?

Accepted Answer

Implants can restore volume to breasts that look deflated for a fuller look, but won&rsquo;t actually change the placement of your breasts. For women with significant drooping in the breasts, nipples that point downward, or an elongated breast shape, Dr. Ditesheim may recommend combining a breast lift with your augmentation.

Question 4

How will my augmented breasts look and feel?

Accepted Answer

Between the superior quality of today&rsquo;s breast implants and the advances in modern-day surgical techniques, there&rsquo;s never been a better time to enjoy breast augmentation results that look and feel more natural than ever before.

Question 5

Will I have scars?

Accepted Answer

Any invasive surgery leaves scars behind, including breast augmentation. However, Dr. Ditesheim offers three options for discreet incision placement to ensure results look as scar-free as possible.

Question 6

How long until I can see my results?

Accepted Answer

You&rsquo;ll notice a difference in your figure immediately after surgery, although some amount of post-operative swelling may disguise your final results at first. As recovery progresses and swelling dissipates, your implants should settle into their final placement by about 1 to 3 months after surgery.

Question 7

What does breast augmentation in Charlotte cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices for breast augmentation depend on many factors. You&rsquo;ll receive an exact fee quote at your consultation. Fees include breast implants, surgical care, the facility, and anesthesia provided by an MD anesthesiologist. Financing is available, and we&rsquo;ll go over your options at your personal consultation.

Question 8

Are breast implants under warranty?

Accepted Answer

Although it varies by manufacturer, most breast implants come with warranties for replacement in cases of complications that require the implants to be removed

Question 9

How long do breast implants last?

Accepted Answer

Breast implants are not intended to be permanent devices and most last between 10 and 20 years before needing to be removed or replaced.

Question 10

How do you know if you have capsular contracture?

Accepted Answer

Capsular contracture develops gradually and can cause the breast to feel stiff, change shape, and become painful over time. Dr. Ditesheim can confirm the diagnosis during an appointment.

Question 11

Can breast implants correct asymmetry?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the type and extent of breast asymmetry, augmentation may or may not be the best solution to achieve equal breast size and shape. Other procedures that may be beneficial include breast reduction and breast lift.

Question 12

How do I know if my breasts are asymmetrical?

Accepted Answer

If you have trouble finding bras that fit well, or notice that some clothes just don&rsquo;t quite hang right, you may have asymmetrical breasts that can be corrected with a cosmetic procedure.

Question 13

How long is recovery after breast surgery?

Accepted Answer

Recovery and downtime will depend on your specific breast asymmetry procedure, but typically patients of breast augmentation or breast lift need to wait one to two weeks before resuming normal activities.

Question 14

Do I need a breast lift or just implants?

Accepted Answer

If you&rsquo;re happy with the size of your breasts but want them to appear perkier and more youthful, a breast lift is probably the right path. For both increased volume and a more youthful appearance, a breast lift plus augmentation yields excellent results.

Question 15

Do you lose sensation with breast lift?

Accepted Answer

Although it&rsquo;s not unusual to have decreased sensation on the breasts and nipples immediately following surgery, this condition is temporary and feeling will gradually return to normal over time.

Question 16

Do breasts sag after breast augmentation?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, simply increasing the size of the breasts through augmentation can lead to breasts that sag. To prevent this, implants can be combined with a breast lift for better results.

Question 17

Am I a candidate?

Accepted Answer

The best candidates for breast lift surgery are women who are in good overall physical and mental health and have concerns about the degree of sagging in their breasts. Sagging or ptosis, is common among women as they age, undergo weight fluctuations or have gone through pregnancy. Women with moderate to large breasts are especially prone to sagging, although women with small breasts can also benefit from a breast lift. The best breast lift results are seen in women with downward-pointing nipples, excess breast skin or a deflated breast appearance.

Question 18

Can a breast lift change the location of my nipples?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because a breast lift involves lifting and reshaping breast tissue before tightening the breast skin, the procedure usually also requires relocating the nipples to a naturally central placement.nnFor many women, this is an added benefit of the procedure, because sagging can cause the breast skin to stretch out, often resulting in nipples that are off-center or lower than they should be. In addition, your areolas can be resized if they have become larger than you would like as a result of sagging.

Question 19

Will a breast lift make my breasts look larger?

Accepted Answer

Keep in mind that a breast lift focuses on breast shape rather than breast size. While a breast lift won&rsquo;t make your breasts any larger, most women feel that their new shape after a breast life gives them a more youthful figure with a perkier bust line. Depending on your goals, a breast lift might be enough to enhance your breasts. For others, ideal results can be created through a combination of a breast lift and implants.

Question 20

Where are the scars located after a breast lift?

Accepted Answer

The common approach to take for breast lift surgery is to place the incisions around the areola, extending downward to the inframammary fold, the natural crease below the breasts. This is often called a &lsquo;keyhole&rsquo; incision, and allows Dr. Ditesheim to reshape the breast tissue and tighten the skin for the best breast lift results. While some breast lift patients worry about the appearance of scars prior to their surgery, after their breast lift, most patients are so happy with their results that the scars seem well worth it. In addition, the scars from breast lift surgery tend to fade quite a bit within the first couple of years after surgery, and for many, eventually heal to a point that they are hardly noticeable.

Question 21

Can a breast lift help correct asymmetrical breasts?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your exact needs, it&rsquo;s quite possible that a breast lift can help you achieve greater breast symmetry. If you have one breast that is larger than the other, the smaller breast can be augmented or the larger breast reduced. These procedures can be combined with a lift on one or both breasts to create the most natural appearance. The best way to determine your options for asymmetrical breasts is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ditesheim.

Question 22

When will I see my results?

Accepted Answer

You should be able to notice some difference in your breast shape and position immediately after surgery. Initially, your end results will be obscured by swelling or bruising as your body heals from surgery. While most breast lift patients can return to work after only a few days of downtime, your final results will slowly develop over the next several weeks and months as the swelling dissipates and your breasts settle into their new position. At about 6 months following surgery, you should have a good idea of the end results of your breast lift.

Question 23

Can breast grow back after reduction?

Accepted Answer

Most patients experience a permanent solution after breast reduction, although changes such as weight gain and pregnancy can cause breast tissue to grow back.

Question 24

How do you know when you need a breast reduction?

Accepted Answer

If you experience back pain, shoulder pain, grooves from wearing a bra, or simply want a more manageable chest size, you will likely benefit from a breast reduction.

Question 25

Does weight gain increase breast size?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you gain weight proportionally throughout your body, including the breasts, although the size increase may not be noticeable.

Question 26

Am I a candidate?

Accepted Answer

If you want smaller breasts for either cosmetic or for health reasons, you are likely a candidate for breast reduction. Women with large breasts may have chronic back or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or posture problems. Large breasts can also create difficulty finding clothes that fit or cause feelings of self-consciousness and unwanted attention.nnAdditionally, some women feel that a smaller breast size would simply better complement their figure. The best candidates for breast reduction should be in good overall physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about their results.

Question 27

How Can I Decide on the Right New Breast Size for Me?

Accepted Answer

Choosing the right breast size for you is an important and personal decision that depends partially on your reason for wanting breast reduction. If you suffer from physical discomfort connected with large breasts, Dr. Ditesheim can help you determine the right amount of breast tissue to remove in order to alleviate excessive weight carried on your chest. However, if you plan to request insurance coverage for your breast, your provider likely has stipulations regarding a minimum amount of breast tissue to remove. If you are undergoing the procedure for cosmetic purposes, your new breast size is entirely up to you, although Dr. Ditesheim can help you determine an appropriate size based on your anatomy.

Question 28

What Happens to Nipple Placement During Breast Reduction?

Accepted Answer

During breast reduction surgery, the nipples are usually shifted to a naturally central location on the breast. Because large breasts often experience some degree of sagging, or ptosis, the areolas can become enlarged. If this is the case, the areolas can be resized as part of your breast reduction as well.

Question 29

How Will Breast Reduction Affect Texture?

Accepted Answer

Often, breast reduction improves texture of the breasts. This is because breast reduction surgery is not only about making breasts smaller. The procedure also reshapes the remaining breast tissue before pulling the breast skin taut over the new shape, much like a breast lift. This typically results in breasts that are not only lighter and more proportionate, but that also have a firmer feel.

Question 30

Will My Results Be Permanent?

Accepted Answer

Breast reduction is designed to create long lasting results, and most women only undergo the procedure once in their lives. However, your breast size and shape will still change in response to age and lifestyle factors. For example, if you become pregnant or gain weight, your breasts may become larger as a result.

Question 31

Will I have scars?

Accepted Answer

As with any surgery, some amount of scarring from breast reduction is unavoidable. However, Dr. Ditesheim uses a &ldquo;short scar technique&rdquo; during breast reduction to minimize the appearance of scarring. The short scar technique uses what is known as a &ldquo;lollipop&rdquo; incision. One incision traces around the areola (where it can be more easily hidden by the darker skin), while another incision extends vertically from the areola to the inframammary fold. The result is discreet scarring that is easily covered by bathing suits or lingerie.

Question 32

How long until I can see my results?

Accepted Answer

The change in your body shape after breast reduction surgery should be immediate, as should an improvement in back and shoulder pain. However, your breasts will initially experience some degree of swelling, preventing you from seeing the final results right away. Most women return to work within a week after surgery, while your new breast profile should gradually develop over the following few months.

Question 33

Am I a candidate?

Accepted Answer

The best candidates for breast implant revision have already undergone breast augmentation but may not feel that their results matched their expectations. This can happen if implants shift out of position, or if one implant leaks or ruptures. Breast implant revision can also be performed to correct capsular contracture, the presence of excess scar tissue around the breast implants.nnSome women may pursue implant revision surgery because they change their mind about the implant size or type they currently have. Revision surgery can also be performed to improve age-related or pregnancy-related changes in augmented breasts.nnThe best candidates for a breast revision are women who are in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about the results they can hope to see after a revision procedure.

Question 34

Can breast revision surgery fix asymmetry?

Accepted Answer

Breast asymmetry can occur in women that receive breast implants, sometimes as the result of poor surgical technique but often simply due to a difference in the way implants settled after surgery. Existing asymmetry that was present before getting breast implants may also be exaggerated afterward if the proper steps were not taken during augmentation. Breast implant revision can remove one or both implants, sometimes in combination with a breast lift, to restore a natural balance to your figure.

Question 35

My implants feel hard and uncomfortable. Should I have a revision?

Accepted Answer

The hardening of the scar tissue that surrounds the implants is known as capsular contracture, and is one of the main reasons women schedule revision surgery. There are four different grades of capsular contracture, and breasts that become hard or painful to the touch are symptomatic of the most serious grade. If you notice these symptoms in your own breasts, it&rsquo;s likely that scar tissue needs to be removed and your implants should be replaced.

Question 36

I've had my implants for years, but they still look and feel great. Do I have to update them?

Accepted Answer

Breast implants don&rsquo;t generally need to be replaced unless there&rsquo;s a specific reason to do so, such as a rupture or the formation of capsular contracture. Regular mammograms should be scheduled to determine that the implant shell remains stable, but unless you&rsquo;ve noticed a change in appearance or physical discomfort associated with your implants, you should be fine to continue using them. Unless, of course, you&rsquo;d prefer to move to a larger or smaller implant size for cosmetic reasons, in which case revision surgery can help.

Question 37

I was disappointed after my first procedure. How will a breast implant “redo” be any different?

Accepted Answer

Worrying that augmentation revision still might not help you meet your goals is completely understandable. Breast implant revision can correct many cosmetic issues related to your breast augmentation like size or symmetry, and even some medical concerns like capsular contracture. However, the goal of any cosmetic procedure is improvement rather than perfection, and that holds true for implant revision too. Having realistic expectations is an important part of feeling happy with your results, so it&rsquo;s important to discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon to find out what level of improvement you can hope to achieve with breast implant revision.

Question 38

Is breast implant revision covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

While non-reconstructive breast augmentation is considered cosmetic and therefore elective, breast implant revision is unique in that it is sometimes covered by health insurance providers if done for medical reasons. These can include capsular contracture, breast implant rupture or contour irregularities that may occur after surgery. However, the coverage itself will vary greatly from provider to provider, so you&rsquo;ll need to check the specifics of your policy ahead of time. The Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery team will work with you to provide any documentation you need for your insurance company.

Question 39

When will I see my results?

Accepted Answer

Like your initial breast augmentation, seeing the final results from your breast implant revision will take some time. Your new look may be disguised by swelling and bruising at first, although many woman say recovery from revision surgery is faster and easier than their first breast augmentation. You should see an improvement in your appearance fairly soon after surgery, with your final results developing over the next few months.

Question 40

What causes gynecomastia in males?

Accepted Answer

Gynecomastia is usually characterized by excess localized fat, overgrowth of male breast tissue under the nipple, or skin excess (usually from significant weight loss). One or both sides of the chest can be affected.

Question 41

Can liposuction be used to treat male breasts?

Accepted Answer

For patients whose gynecomastia is mostly excess fatty tissue, Aquashape (water-assisted liposuction) or Vaser (ultrasound-assisted liposuction) can be used to remove the excess fat.

Question 42

Who is a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery with liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Breast tissue under the nipple can be made of fatty, fibrous (firmer), or glandular (hard) tissue. It is hard to predict who will have which type of breast tissue. Gynecomastia surgery with liposuction is very efficient in removing fatty tissue under the nipple and over the chest wall. If the breast tissue is too tough, glandular tissue can be removed with an intra-areolar incision.

Question 43

Am I a candidate?

Accepted Answer

Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck have undergone significant weight loss or have been pregnant. If you&rsquo;re bothered by loose, excess abdominal skin, lingering fatty deposits around the abdomen or separated abdominal muscles, you may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty. Women frequently pursue tummy tuck surgery after they have completed their families, while both men and women can be excellent candidates if they have lost any amount of weight that leaves them with baggy abdominal contours. Candidates should reach their goal weight prior to surgery, be in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations about their results.

Question 44

What's the difference between a full and a mini tummy tuck?

Accepted Answer

Either a full or mini tummy tuck can deliver beautiful results in the right candidate. At your consultation, Dr. Ditesheim can explain in detail the difference between the two tummy tuck types and evaluate your current skin laxity, abdominal contours and the state of your abdominal muscles to help determine which tummy tuck is right for you. A mini tummy tuck focuses on excess skin and fatty tissue below the belly button. While keeping the belly button intact, Dr. Ditesheim removes small amounts of fatty tissue through a small incision just above the pubic mound. He can also tone the lower abdominal muscles before pulling the skin over your new shape and trimming away any extra. A mini tummy tuck is best for patients with little to no excess skin or fatty tissue in the upper abdominal region and minimal abdominal separation. A full tummy tuck is a more comprehensive procedure that addresses skin and muscle laxity throughout the abdomen. Through a slightly longer incision, Dr. Ditesheim can remove excess tissue throughout the stomach and repair the upper and lower abdominals. He will then pull the stomach skin tight, excise any extra and reinsert the belly button in a natural position. A full tummy tuck is common for patients who have undergone dramatic weight loss, multiple pregnancies or have contouring concerns throughout their midsection.

Question 45

When is liposuction used in conjunction with a tummy tuck?

Accepted Answer

While Dr. Ditesheim removes small amounts of fatty tissue during a tummy tuck, the procedure&rsquo;s ability to reduce pockets of subcutaneous fat is limited. For patients with stubborn fatty deposits in and around the abdomen, Dr. Ditesheim can use AquaShape water-assisted liposuction to remove fat cells in problem areas. While not every patient will require liposuction to reach their goals, this combined technique can result in greater contouring possibilities than either procedure alone.

Question 46

Are the results of a tummy tuck permanent?

Accepted Answer

A tummy tuck is intended to create long-lasting results. However, it&rsquo;s important that patients understand that their bodies will continue to respond to lifestyle changes, diet, age, and hormones. Post-weight loss patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to keep their new contours. Additionally, women who plan on becoming pregnant in the future are often recommended to wait until they have completed their families before getting a tummy tuck. While abdominoplasty won&rsquo;t affect a woman&rsquo;s ability to carry a child to term, future pregnancies may reverse some of the contouring accomplished in a tummy tuck.

Question 47

Will I have permanent scars?

Accepted Answer

As with any surgery, the scars from a tummy tuck are permanent. However, Dr. Ditesheim takes special care to place the incisions as discreetly as possible. The scar from a tummy tuck should fall below the bikini line so as to be well hidden. With proper care, many patients find that their scars fade dramatically within the first one to two years following surgery.

Question 48

When can I see results?

Accepted Answer

You should notice a difference in your figure immediately after surgery, although your results will initially be obscured by any swelling or bruising you experience as you recover. By the middle of the second week, most patients can return to most of their daily activities, easing into more vigorous exercises over the next several weeks. You should have a good idea of your final results within 4 to 6 weeks after your tummy tuck.

Question 49

Are you put to sleep for liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Ditesheim performs liposuction procedures both using local and general anesthesia, depending on the intensity of the procedure and the number of incisions being made.

Question 50

Can visceral fat be removed?

Accepted Answer

Visceral fat are deposits of fat deep in the body, covering internal organs. These cannot be removed with liposuction.

Question 51

How can I get rid of tummy fat?

Accepted Answer

If you have body fat that won&rsquo;t go away no matter what you eat or do, liposuction can be an effective way to permanently remove it.

Question 52

How much does liposuction cost in Charlotte NC?

Accepted Answer

Liposuction procedures vary widely in their cost based on your goals. For those looking to stick to a budget or treat only one area, liposuction can cost between $4,000 and $6,000. For those who want the most advanced liposuction techniques and the most dramatic transformation, procedures can cost up to $15,000.

Question 53

Does fat come back after liposuction?

Accepted Answer

No. Fat that is removed with liposuction is permanently gone. However, gaining weight following treatment will cause increased fat stores uniformly throughout the body, which will affect your achieved results.

Question 54

How much weight can I lose after liposuction?

Accepted Answer

People who have been treated with liposuction do not lose much weight as a direct result of the procedure. However, many patients experience a boost in self-confidence, helping them get back into a healthy exercise routine to maximize their results.

Question 55

Is Liposuction better than cool-sculpting?

Accepted Answer

Liposuction is a more versatile and efficient procedure than CoolSculpting, allowing an expert like Dr. Ditesheim to

Question 56

How much fat can be removed with liposuction?

Accepted Answer

There is a limit to how much fat can be safely removed during liposuction procedures, although up to five liters may be able to be suctioned away depending on your needs and goals.

Question 57

Do you have to be put to sleep for liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Not in every scenario. Using the gentle, efficient AquaShape liposuction device, Dr. Ditesheim can perform minor liposuction procedures without having to put the patient under general anesthesia. This shortens recovery time and makes the procedure more affordable.

Question 58

Is Vaser better than traditional liposuction?

Accepted Answer

The ultrasound-assisted Vaser liposuction device is much more precise than traditional liposuction, meaning it can be used for both large-volume fat reduction as well as superficial fat removal for enhancing muscle definition.

Question 59

What areas does VaserLipo treat?

Accepted Answer

Proven to be safe around muscle groups, VaserLipo can precisely target fat in the love handles, thighs, calves, buttocks, back, and chest. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ditesheim to learn if your specific problem area can be treated by this highly effective procedure

Question 60

Can I get liposuction if I'm overweight?

Accepted Answer

Contrary to popular belief, patients with a BMI that labels them as overweight or obese can absolutely be a good candidate for VaserLipo.

Question 61

How is a tummy tuck 360 different than a regular tummy tuck?

Accepted Answer

While a traditional tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, the High Definition liposuction 360 technique achieves artistic body contouring by treating the entire circumference of a patient, including the back and sides.

Question 62

How soon will I see results from tummy tuck 360?

Accepted Answer

You will see preliminary results from any liposuction procedure immediately, although your body contour will continue to improve in appearance as you heal and any bruising and swelling go down.

Question 63

How much weight will I lose with liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Liposuction and the High Definition 360 procedure are not weight-loss surgeries, but rather body contouring procedures. Although some fat can be removed, it is more about achieving the shape you want rather than helping you lose a lot of weight.

Question 64

Is AquaShape better than liposuction?

Accepted Answer

AquaShape is a water-assisted liposuction device that simultaneously removes fat through liposuction and processes it to be re-injected for fat augmentation elsewhere on the body. In this sense, it is performing two jobs at once, which traditional liposuction does not do.

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