What you should know about breast augmentation

The breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries around the world. Like any surgical intervention, its performance involves certain risks and requires dedication for optimal postoperative recovery. To ensure a safe procedure, it is essential to trust properly trained professionals. But it is equally important for the patient to prepare physically and mentally to go through the entire Mammaplasty process. In this article, we review what you should know about breast augmentation before doing it.

What is breast augmentation?

Augmentation Mammaplasty consists of a surgery carried out with the purpose of increasing the size of the breasts. To do this, implants are incorporated under the breast tissue or the chest muscles. These implants are covered by a flexible silicone outer covering and may contain a saline solution or a silicone gel.

This procedure must be performed by a plastic surgeon, after previous consultations for orientation and planning with the patient.

MOST USED MATERIALS FOR CHEST IMPLANTS

Among the most used materials for this type of operation are silicone prostheses and serum prostheses that have different characteristics:

Silicone prosthesis: They are the most used. Silicone prosthesis is composed of three layers of polyurethane and its filling can be of two types:

Cohesive gel: it is characterized by a greater bond between the molecules of the gel, which gives it greater density. In the unlikely event of a prosthesis rupture, the gel, being more consistent, does not migrate to other parts of the body.

Soft gel: The shape of this type of prosthesis changes depending on the movements and pressure that are made on the breast. In the event that the prosthesis breaks, the gel will come out of the capsule, spreading through the breast tissue. So it is not entirely recommended.

Serum prosthesis: The content of this type of prosthesis is compatible with the body, so in case of breakage of the material or leakage of the capsule, it could be reabsorbed by the body itself. Despite this, we also find some disadvantages such as the loss of volume of the breast over time or the undulation of the upper part of it.

What is augmentation Mammaplasty for?

This surgery is usually related to aesthetic purposes and it is important not to stigmatize its purposes and benefits. Most of the women who opt for Mammaplasty do so because they feel unhappy with their appearance. Some for having naturally small breast, others to correct differences in size or to reverse a reduction after pregnancy.

However, Mammaplasty can also be part of a breast reconstruction process, which is necessary after going through certain diseases (breast cancer, for example). In any case, breast augmentation allows many women to strengthen their self-esteem and confidence. And this translates into a positive impact not only on a physical level, but fundamentally on an emotional and social level.

What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?

All surgery involves a degree of risk and, therefore, it is essential to have the support of trained professionals. But augmentation Mammaplasty can also lead to certain complications after surgery, such as:

Sensitivity changes in the breasts, especially in the nipples.
Pain in the breasts, mainly during the postoperative period.
Infections (postoperative care is essential to prevent them).
Development of systemic symptoms described in the so-called breast implant disease.
Distortion of the shape of the implant mainly associated with a contraction produced by the healing of the tissue.
Loss or patella of the implant.

We know that breast augmentation surgery has its risks and complications, however, they are temporary and scarce, and so we should not fear undergoing the operation. Being an optional surgical treatment, we have the last word in our hand.

If you want an assessment of our plastic surgeon, Dr. Lane Smith, make an appointment! The first assessment consultation is free.

Affordable Accommodation in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls has really in terms of tourism, which means that you can choose accommodation according to your taste and budget. In the past Livingstone only had exclusive luxury lodges, a small number of backpacker options and a handful of guesthouses and hotels, but today you have plenty to choose from.

It is good to know what your options are before you decide on which option to go with:

Victoria Falls Rest Camp is a good example of a centrally located, cost-effective accommodation option. The chalets are clean, comfortable and secure, ranging in sizes from small to family size. There are also tents for those who don’t mind ‘roughing it’ although with twin beds and ablution blocks, you don’t need to break all your survival skills out. The camp is in walking distance from all the attractions in Livingstone.

Another self-catering option that is not too expensive is Lokuthula Lodges (pronounced “Lock-oo-too-la”). Its name means “Place of Peace” and is located in a garden setting complete with elephant walking about. It is situated only 4km from Victoria Falls. This is a relatively upmarket accommodation option, with an affordable price, but does not really qualify as budget accommodation. It is value for money, considering there is a watering hole nearby and the game moves freely between the parks and the lodge – which means game viewing right on your doorstep. Lokuthula Lodge also has a restaurant on-site, a pool bar, and a three-tier swimming pool along with a children’s pool. There are also baby-sitting services!

If you are used to the travelling lifestyle then the Shoestring Backpackers is for you. Known fondly as the “nightlife of Victoria Falls”, this is not luxury accommodation but this option has a certain charm that you can only get in an establishment such as this. It is within walking distance from the major amenities, the rooms are small but clean and there is a communal kitchen and swimming pool which is a luxury in the summer heat.

Vic Falls Adventure Lodge is a hotel with 70 rooms, all en-suite. Fourteen of the hotels rooms have air-conditioning units while all rooms have fans. There are the usual amenities available with televisions in all the rooms. The Adventure Lodge is just 2km away from Victoria Falls.

With a range of different types of affordable accommodation on offer, there is no excuse not to visit this beautiful part of the world and experience the Victoria Falls.

Driving Drowsy Is as Irresponsible as Driving Drunk

The state of Florida held its Drowsy Driving Awareness Week in early September, 2012, in honor of a little Tallahassee girl who died when a cement truck hit the vehicle she was riding in. Tragically, the truck driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.

The Florida Department of Transportation reports that in 2011, drowsy drivers were involved in almost 3,000 road accidents in the state. In those crashes, 2,393 people were hurt and 21 died.

Not only are people at risk of falling asleep when they drive while too tired, but also their response times and alertness are dulled. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, after 24 hours of no sleep, a driver is as impaired as if he or she were over the legal limit for alcohol. Sometimes police pull over people thinking their driving patterns point to drunkenness, but instead they find overly tired drivers behind the wheel.

AAA also reports that drowsy-driving accidents happen most often during the night or in early morning, but a spike also occurs in the mid- to late afternoon because of natural fatigue cycles.

People become drowsy while driving for a number of reasons, the most obvious of which is sleep loss that could be caused simply by missing the necessary hours of rest or by sleep disorders. Other causes of fatigue can be medication, alcohol or illegal drug use.

Besides the obvious advice to get enough sleep, treat sleep disorders medically and avoid taking substances that cause fatigue, another good idea is not to drive alone on long road trips. Driving with a companion allows you to not only share driving responsibilities, but also help each other stay awake. Stay off the road altogether if you are obviously too tired to stay alert or awake. If you do travel, take regularly scheduled breaks to get fresh air, move around and even take cat naps. If necessary, check into a hotel and get the necessary sleep to arrive safely at your destination.

Certain physical symptoms should alert a driver to get off the road because of his or her fatigue level. These include constant yawning, trouble focusing visually, drifting out of your lane, suddenly realizing that you can’t remember the last stretch of road traveled, or actually falling asleep and waking up after having continued to steer the car down the road.

Some people are naturally at higher risk like those who work overnight or long shifts, over-the-road truckers and business travelers with jet lag. Younger drivers are also more at risk statistically.

As National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week approaches from Nov. 6 to 12, 2012, be aware of your level of alertness or fatigue before you get behind the wheel. If you or a loved one is unfortunate enough to be involved in a motor-vehicle accident with a sleepy driver, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about your legal rights and options.

Article provided by Culpepper Kurland, PLLC
Visit us at www.ckfirm.com