Plastic Surgeon in New Hampshire on ASAPS Breast Augmentation Stats

At his New Hampshire plastic surgery practice, Dr. Richard Zeff says breast augmentation is the most popular surgical procedure he performs, a statistic reflected by the most recent statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). The ASAPS reports cosmetic surgical procedures increased by almost 9% during the past year to a total of 1.6 million procedures performed. There were a total of 318,123 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2010 according to the latest study, a number that Dr. Zeff believes will continue to rise as approval of cosmetic enhancement also increases.

According to the latest study released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the past year, with 318,123 performed during 2010. Board-certified New Hampshire plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Zeff says he has seen similar results at his practice. The ASAPS study also shows that cosmetic surgical procedures rose by 9%, with almost 1.6 million total. Dr. Zeff says this growth indicates a greater trend of increased approval and awareness of cosmetic plastic surgery in the US.

Dr. Zeff says the popularity of breast augmentation is likely a result of the innovations in surgical techniques and breast implant options over the past few years. As advances in both silicone and saline implants and incision size have continued to develop, he says even more patients are seeking quality, natural results that breast augmentation can now offer. “New, more durable implants and the results of extensive research have given patients a greater comfort level. Implants have become more widely accepted. There is less paranoia about safety and less concern with what other people think. Even the mammography departments consider it routine.”

Whether patients are considering breast augmentation or another procedure, such as breast lift surgery, Dr. Zeff says the increase in popularity of the procedure will continue to foster research and technological advances in surgical techniques. At his practice, Dr. Zeff says keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in breast surgery can ensure that surgeons are achieving the highest quality results and furthering developments in safety and efficiency.

About Richard L. Zeff, M.D. P.A.

Dr. Richard Zeff graduated from Tufts University and received his medical degree from the University of Miami. He completed his residency in general surgery in Des Moines, Iowa and his plastic surgery training at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Dr. Zeff is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the New Hampshire Medical Society, and the New England Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Located at 137 Portsmouth Avenue in Stratham, NH, Dr. Zeff’s practice can be contacted at (603) 684-2339 and also online via the website drrichardzeff.com or facebook.com/drzeff.

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Q: Mommy Makeover procedures have gained popularity recently. Would this be a way to address a loose belly after pregnancy?

Nothing’s more annoying to a mother of small (or any size) children than seeing another mother wearing a skimpy 2 piece showing off her abs of steel. The truth is, she’s unusual and incredibly lucky, or…. she’s had a tummy tuck. The condition of the tummy following one or more pregnancies is much like the condition of the skin of some one who has had massive weight loss. The skin loses much of its natural elasticity and becomes loose, stretched out and, occasionally saggy. Only a very lucky few have an unusually strong genetic resistance to this elastic damage. Once it happens, no amount of diet or exercise can restore the original tone. That’s not to say that excellent diet and exercise can’t achieve the best possible degree of health and tone. It simply won’t tighten the skin.
Tummy tuck or “abdominoplasty” is the surgical procedure in which which the excess skin and fat between the pubis and the belly button are removed. Once things are pulled together, the entire abdomen is often so tight that it takes a few days to stand up fully straight. But when you do…..! The scar can be quite long, and the belly button itself is not moved but sutured to the newly tightened skin improving another troublesome area. Another bonus is the internal tightening of the muscle which has usually become relaxed or even widened in the mid-line following pregnancy. There is also a “mini-tummy tuck” which is effective when only the lowest part of the tummy needs to be tightened. Many women actually have tummy tuck and breast lift or augmentation at the same time. Since the breasts and the tummy seem to suffer the most with pregnancy, this seems to be the most common combination (mommy makeover) operation.

1.  How do I choose the right breast implant size?

I’ve found that the absolute best way to select implant size is to try on sizers in the office.  Sizers reproduce the exact shape and feel and when worn under clothing will accurately reflect post op size making size selection very easy.

2.   Breast Implants and Breast Lift after pregnancy? How long after pregnancy should I wait before I can get breast implants and undergo breast lift?

When you are no longer nursing and your breasts stop changing, you can consider breast lift and/or augmentation.

3.    Which breast implant placement gives a more natural appearance? When getting breast implants, what gives a more natural appearance, going under or over the muscle?

I prefer using smooth round implants. My philosophy is that all women already have an inherent breast shape, and they simply want to enhance that shape with larger breasts. Therefore, I don’t use anatomic or shaped implants for cosmetic enlargement.  Because the pectoralis muscle serves as an internal bra, placement under the muscle provides addtional support giving the breasts a perky, but natural look.

4.    Breast implants – How long do they last? When should you replace them?

No one really knows how long they will last. Every patient should expect that they will need to be replaced.  The companies warranty the implants for life. I see no reason to replace the implants at a predetermined time unless there is an issue or problem.

5.    Should I get breast implants if I plan on getting pregnant later? Is it recommended to have breast implants before having a child? How will the breast look after breast feeding?

Getting breast implants prior to pregnancy or breast feeding simply gives a larger starting point.  Whatever pregnancy and breast feeding will do is essentially unaffected except that you will still have the implants when it’s over.