USA Olympic Gold Medals

If you are a fan of winter sports like I am you have to be excited about how we are doing in the Olympics at Vancouver. SIX MEDALS! To make it even better the US Women finished first and second in the downhill. The first time an American has won that event. A six-pack of American medals - USATODAY.com This is the most medals the US has ever won in a single day in the Winter.

Watching our athletes in action has made bearing the snow that we usually don't get here in the greater Washington DC area a lot more bearable. Not only does it feel OK to stay inside and watch it, I get inspired to get out and enjoy it.

I hope you are having a great winter and can enjoy this snow.

All the best,

Dr. Jabs

Breast Implant Dimensions

So far we have discussed Gel vs. Saline and implant shapes and textures. We know that round smooth implants assume a tear drop shape when in the upright position, and that a smooth surface looks the most natural. Let's turn our attention to the three basic designs in round, smooth implants. The key is to determine the base width of the breast, which is individual specific, and match this to an implant at the volume that we desire.

Implants come in 3 types, Moderate, Moderate Plus and High Profile. All 300 ml. implants contain the same fill volume, it is the base width that is different between the different types. The Moderate Profile is wider and thus slightly less projecting than the Moderate Plus, which is itself wider and less projecting than the High Profile. The High Profile implant is "rounder" than the others. These dimensions matter because we are trying to achieve as natural looking breast as possible. As the volume increases in an implant we change types to maintain the base width. For example, in a specific woman, a moderate profile might be the best fit at 300 ml., but would be too wide at 400 ml. We therefore move to the Moderate Plus or maybe even High Profile to achieve an optimal fit. We have to use an implant with a narrower base dimension in an individual as we increase the volume.

In a small framed woman who wants large breasts we will often use the narrower based implants whereas in a larger woman we will stick to the wider implants. Overall, it is best to not be too narrow. The implant should sit directly behind the nipple and have equal amounts of volume on either side.

The implant dimensions in the 3 types are the same for both saline and Memory Gel filled implants. This allows us to use the same sizers to determine your optimal size no matter what you choose to have as your fill material.

Next we'll talk about volume and cup size. They aren't standard, as any woman who has had the experience of buying bras from different manufacturer's knows.

All the Best,

Dr. Jabs

Washington Snowstorm

It is snowing again in the greater Washington DC/Maryland/Virginia area. It has been a tough storm for many families with power outages that have left people cold and in the dark. It began last Friday and continues today with a short respite yesterday. Just about the time we got plowed and shoveled out, we got hit again with more of the white stuff. To top it off the wind is howling. We have had to cancel office hours and some surgeries. People just can't get out of their homes or if they can the roads are mostly impassable. I love the change in weather but could do with a little less magnitude. I am looking forward to seeing my patients next week and to meeting new ones. I hope you are safe and warm with your loved ones.

All the Best,

Dr. Jabs

Implant Shapes and Textures

So many choices. How do you determine what is best for you?

First we have to consider your personal anatomy and what your goal is. What is the bony shape of your chest? How wide are your breasts? How tall are you? What do you weigh? Are your breasts droopy? Where is your nipple in relation to the fixed crease of your breast?

Once we take all of this in to consideration, we can determine what we need to do to get you to your goals. Then, and only then, can we choose and implant.

Implants come in different shapes and sizes. In addition the implant shell may be either textured or smooth. I have tried various types of implants and have found what I think works best to give a lasting, natural appearing breast shape. Lets start with the basics.

Implant shape: The idea of a shaped implant is to provide a more natural looking, tear drop shaped breast once in place. Sounds good on paper. The problem is that ALL implants assume a tear drop shape when in the upright position. If the implant has a shape of it's own, then it must be held in a fixed position to look normal. If it moves, it could turn upside down! To hold the implant in position it is either sewn in place or is made with a texture (sort of like Velcro) that requires the shell to be thicker. This adherence can lead to more wrinkling. No good. The smooth shelled, round shaped implant that can move in the pocket can best simulate a natural breast. In addition the shell can be quite thin making it less palpable.

We've already covered fill materials (last entry). Next we'll consider implant dimensions and volume.

All the best,

Dr. Jabs