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Over 15 million Americans had plastic surgery in 2014, a three percent increase from 2013, according to the annual report released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) earlier this year. In his practice, Castellon Plastic Surgery Center, Mauricio J. Castellon, MD, FACS, finds that “the demand for plastic surgery continues to grow as medical advancements are made and technology improves, resulting in a wider array of options for patients.”

Breast Augmentation Remains the Most Popular Plastic Surgery Procedure 

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 10.58.32 AMMore than 300,000 breast augmentations were performed last year. According to Dr. Castellon, “Breast augmentation has improved by leaps and bounds over the past several years.” Having performed over 10,000 breast surgeries in Brevard County over the past 15 years, Dr. Castellon is a leading authority in breast procedures, known for his superior surgical technique, dedicated staff and unparalleled compassion for his patients. So what is driving the continued growth and popularity of breast augmentation and other procedures?

More Implant Options

Silicone implants have come back into favor.  Of the breast enlargement procedures performed last year, 70 percent of them used silicone implants rather than saline. “Every woman considering breast enhancement has individual, personal appearance goals for surgery and her anticipated outcome.  This individuality demands a broad range of breast implant options including varying shapes, types, projections and textures. The different implant manufacturers offer implants with varying diameter and projection, and each offers several profiles (low, moderate-plus, high) as well as shapes allowing the surgeon to expertly customize each and every breast augmentation procedure. This is an exciting time for women considering breast enhancement. We have so many more options than what we had just a few short years ago, and we can pick the implant that will work the best for each and every patient.”

Advanced Surgical Techniques and Devices

In addition to the vast variety of implant options, the technique used to create the space for the breast implant has improved over the past several years as well. Dr. Castellon utilizes meticulous dissection under directed vision, using fiber optic equipment, to decrease trauma to surrounding breast tissue and muscle. Previously, the space or “pocket” created for a breast implant was dissected bluntly. This more careful operative technique results in less bleeding, less post-operative pain, a quicker recovery, and theoretically, a lower rate of capsular contracture with less blood and inflammation around the implant surface.  Smaller incisions can be used for insertion of the implant as well with the development of the Keller Funnel. “I use this device for all of my breast augmentation procedures.  It is a disposable, FDA approved, cone-shaped funnel with a special hydrophilic interior coating that allows the implant to be placed in the pocket using a ‘no-touch’ technique with less trauma to the breast and implant.”

Fat Grafting for Breast Fullness

“Another breast enhancement trend in my practice that is increasing in popularity is utilizing fat grafting for breast lift and augmentation rather than placing an implant to create fullness.” The procedure involves harvesting the patient’s own fat from another part of the body, usually the abdomen, hips or thighs, then injecting it into the breasts. In addition, for women that have full breasts and require a lift, existing breast tissue can be repositioned to create a smaller, lifted yet fuller breasts. This procedure is usually reserved for women who want a very modest size increase or targeted fullness of the breasts.

For women considering breast enhancement – whether they desire a breast augmentation, breast lift, or even a breast reduction- this is truly an exciting time as the surgical techniques and materials utilized are being continually evaluated and enhanced to ensure the optimal outcome for each patient.  

castellonA word of caution: As with any plastic surgery procedure, Dr. Castellon warns that it is imperative to select a doctor who’s certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Why is it so important to have a board certified surgeon? Because legally any doctor is allowed to perform any procedure. This means that even a general practitioner — with no formal surgical training — could do a tummy tuck or a breast augmentation. When you choose a board certified plastic surgeon, you know he or she has completed three to five years of training in general surgery and a minimum of two to three years of training in plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery is a combination of art, science, surgery and experience. Having performed over 10,000 breast surgeries in Brevard County over the past 15 years, Mauricio J. Castellon, MD, FACS, is excited about the advances being made every day in plastic surgery and poised to bring them to his patients and raise the bar for patient care and satisfaction in the community. For more information, visit DrCastellon.com or call (321) 729-9909