Plastic Surgeon in Houston Discusses the Rise in Demand for Breast Augmentation
Houston, TX — According to the latest statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed by plastic surgeons across the country. Rising 4% to over 307,000 procedures, the popularity of breast augmentation has been undisputed over the past few years based on statistics from both the ASPS and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Dr. Philip Straka, a plastic surgeon in Houston, says he has seen similar results at his practice as of late and expects the procedure to only continue growing in demand this season as patients begin to prepare for the warm summer months and swimsuit weather.
At his Houston plastic surgery practice, Dr. Straka focuses on a wide range of cosmetic enhancements including liposuction, buttock lift, and revisional breast surgery. He says he has observed a swell in the number of breast augmentation procedures requested for the past few years and attributes much of their demand to an abundance of recent advancements in techniques and technology associated with the treatment. Dr. Straka says the newest line of silicone breast implants have offered patients the safest and most reliable implant on the market and have been able to achieve a natural look and feel that is desirable to a large portion of his patients.
With summer approaching, Dr. Straka says patients have begun requesting consultations and procedures to enhance the fullness of their breasts before swimsuit season and the chance to show off their bodies with confidence. He says breast augmentation has also seen a number of developments in surgical technique that have helped minimize scarring and improve the recovery time following a procedure, meaning patients can achieve the body they desire with less side effects and risks. Dr. Straka says his Houston breast augmentation patients are most frequently looking to simply enhance their feminine curves and restore confidence and self-esteem to their lives.
For anyone considering a breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Straka urges his patients to consult with a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon before undergoing any cosmetic treatment. He says partnership with a skilled and devoted practice that is dedicated to personalized care can help patients enhance their self-confidence and feel good about their figures in a swimsuit. Dr. Straka adds that patients should be sure to consider all available options so as to ensure they find the procedure that is right for them.
About Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS
A graduate of Northwestern University Medical School, Dr. Philip Straka completed both his general surgery and plastic surgery residencies at Ohio State University. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Straka also has served as a Principle Investigator for FDA studies evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Mentor and Allergan silicone gel breast implants.
Dr. Philip Straka, a plastic surgeon in Houston, recently received accreditation in the performance of surgical procedures and the administration of anesthesia from the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) for his new facility. At his practice, Dr. Straka focuses on cosmetic enhancements such as breast augmentation in Houston. Accreditation from the AAAASF requires adherence to several mandates and high standards of safety, governance, and procedure quality.
The Houston plastic surgery facility operated by Dr. Philip Straka was recently certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The AAAASF is an inspection and accreditation program for certifying the quality of surgical facilities and the standards of patient safety and care. Dr. Straka’s practice provides services in plastic surgery, including breast implants in Houston. He says the recent certification marks his commitment to providing quality procedures and ensuring the highest level of safety for his patients.
In order to receive accreditation from the AAAASF, surgical facilities must meet certain requirements of excellence in patient safety and quality of care. Conducted by physicians, podiatrists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons operating under a Board of Directors, inspections verify quality in general environment, operating and recovery room policy and procedures, general safety, blood and medications, medical records, anesthesia, personnel, and several other categories of care. Dr. Straka’s facility in Houston received the highest class (Class C) available by the AAAASF, for performing anesthesia in all surgical, endoscopic, and pain management procedures.
Dr. Straka says he hopes the recent accreditation will assure patients of his dedication to serving patients with safe, effective treatment. He also says he is excited about offering patients the maximum level of comfort and peace of mind as they are undergoing a procedure to enhance their body and their quality of life.
About the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
The AAAASF was founded in 1980 as a way to standardize and improve patient care in surgical facilities. It is currently the largest not-for-profit accrediting organization in the United States with over 1000 ambulatory surgical facilities. AAAASF has been instrumental in the implementation of state legislation in California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, and several other states mandating the accreditation of all outpatient facilities that administer general and sedation anesthesia.
About Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS
Dr. Philip Straka received his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. He completed his general and plastic surgery residencies at Ohio State University. Dr. Straka is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and several other organizations. He also contributed as a principle investigator in the Mentor and Allergan silicone gel breast implant studies for the U. S. Food and Drug Administration.
Plastic Surgeon in Houston Embraces Social Media Interaction
Board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston Dr. Philip Straka has embraced social media as a way to interact and communicate with his patients. Through Facebook applications like status updates and wall posts, Dr. Straka says he has been able to keep patients informed about his breast augmentation procedures and establish an online social and professional reputation for his practice.
A study produced for the HealthCare New Media Marketing Conference by Q1 Productions reported that 80 percent of Internet users have searched online for health information. With Facebook at a total user population of 750 million, Dr. Phillip Straka says he is excited to tap into the vast resource and improve patient-doctor relationships. The online social media surge has led many medical practices like Dr. Straka’s Houston plastic surgery center to initiate interaction with their patients via applications like the status update and the “Like” button on Facebook. He says seeing patients respond with personalized feedback and comments further proves the value of such a venue.
By generating a consistent and engaged following, doctors are able to connect with their patients on multiple levels, says Dr. Straka. He adds that online networking through social media not only lets doctors communicate practice news to the community, but also allows prospective patients to read reviews about doctors posted by current or past patients. Dr. Straka’s Facebook page also provides links to his practice website where patients can find more information about liposuction, tummy tuck, breast implant procedures, and other cosmetic enhancement options.
Dr. Straka says Facebook is an essential tool as he strives to improve patient care through greater connectivity and personal interaction. He adds that the ultimate goal is to provide patients with the best quality results and the most pleasant experience. “By engaging with patients before, during, and after their consultations and procedures through Facebook, my team and I are able to develop and strengthen patient relationships quicker than we were able to in the past.”
About Dr. Straka
Dr. Philip Straka received his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago and completed his general and plastic surgery medical residencies at Ohio State University. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of multiple affiliations including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and many others.
Upgrade Your Breast Implants from Saline to Silicone and Receive a $250 Gift Card from Mentor®
More and more women who have had breast augmentation are taking advantage of the natural look and feel of silicone breast implants. With that in mind, Dr. Philip Straka and one of the most reputable makers of breast implants in the world want to give women an added incentive to upgrade their saline implants to silicone. Dr. Straka is participating in Mentor®’s Feel the Difference campaign, a program designed to give a $250 gift card from American Express to women who switch from saline to silicone breast implants. Mentor®’s MemoryGel® breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are becoming very popular among patients who would like to add volume and fullness to the breasts. The Feel the Difference campaign is only offered to patients who already have saline breast implants and are considering exchanging them for silicone. Once the implant exchange procedure is complete, patients will receive a $250 gift card that they can use for anything they wish. Patients wishing to participate in the program can take advantage of Mentor®’s special offer through August 31st, 2011.
More details on Mentor®’s Feel the Difference campaign are available at our practice. Please contact Dr. Philip J. Straka today!
According to the most recent study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 9.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2010. Additionally, breast augmentation was the most popular procedure performed, accounting for over 300,000 procedures alone. As plastic surgery becomes increasingly popular and techniques more refined, Dr. Philip Straka says he regularly now performs revision breast augmentation procedures weekly at his Houston plastic surgery practice.
The latest study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) shows more than half of all Americans now approves of cosmetic plastic surgery. Of the more than 9.3 million procedures performed in 2010, breast augmentation was the most popular surgical procedure. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, TX, Dr. Philip Straka says the increase in the number of procedures performed, coupled with the drive for more advanced technology and precise techniques, has led to an increase in demand for revision breast surgery.
Dr. Straka says revisional, or corrective, breast augmentation surgery is designed to improve and refine the aesthetic appearance of a previous breast enhancement procedure. Dr. Straka says he relies on his significant experience, training, and expertise in cosmetic breast enhancement to not only improve the shape and implant position, but to improve the softness of the previously augmented breast as well, which is why many patients are referred to Dr. Straka for these challenging repair operations. He says his goal when performing a revision procedure is to address the patient’s specific concerns regarding the look and feel of the their breast augmentation. Specifically, Dr. Straka says he and the patient develop realistic expectations for an improved shape, position, and feel of the breast implant, to ensure the revision procedure satisfies the patient’s aesthetic enhancement goals.
Ultimately, Dr. Straka says fostering the growth of a strong patient-doctor relationship from the initial consultation to the final stages of recovery will increase the likelihood of achieving satisfactory cosmetic enhancement results. He adds that as patients consider a cosmetic procedure of any kind, ensuring a surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the first essential step in pursuing any procedure, especially a revision procedure as it can often present an entirely separate set of concerns. However, Dr. Straka says as cosmetic plastic surgery becomes increasingly popular, and the industry continues to advance, he expects revision breast augmentation will continue to increase as well.
About Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS
Dr. Philip Straka earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School. He then completed his general and plastic surgery residencies at Ohio State University. Dr. Straka is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Straka’s Houston plastic surgery practice is located at 19701 Kingwood Dr., Bldg. 2 in Kingwood, TX 77339, and can be reached at (281) 540-8044, or found online at www.drstraka.com, or the Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS Facebook page.
Dr. Straka Opens New Plastic Surgery Facility in Houston, TX
Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, is announcing the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the individual patient’s greatest desires during aesthetic enhancement procedures: safety, convenience, and privacy. Whether his patients undergo a subtle revitalization with BOTOX Cosmetic®, or a more dramatic transformation with breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, Dr. Straka says their every need has been addressed with the new facility.
At his Houston plastic surgery practice, Dr. Philip Straka is announcing the completion of an innovative new facility designed to enhance his dedication to patient care. As he remains committed to the safety and effectiveness of each cosmetic surgery he performs, Dr. Straka says the new facility provides private, convenient services that meet and in some ways exceed the high level of care available at many hospitals. Regardless of whether his patients are considering a breast augmentation or tummy tuck, he adds that every facet of comprehensive patient care has been taken into consideration to ensure he and his team meet the aesthetic enhancement goals of every patient.
Dr. Straka says he recognizes the desire for discrete care is especially important for patients considering cosmetic enhancement. He stresses the new facility further improves his practice’s ability to respect a patient’s privacy throughout the entire aesthetic enhancement process – from the initial consultation, to formulating patient expectation and choosing the size and type of breast implants, to patient safety and recovery.
In addition to investing in the latest cosmetic enhancement technology, Dr. Straka says assembling a team comprised of some of the best in the plastic surgery industry is also essential to the success of his new facility. Dr. Straka says with the support of nurses he has personally worked with for more than 10 years, and a board-certified anesthesiologist with more than 20 years of experience, the new facility is currently undergoing the certification process with the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities to further enhance the level of care available for patients considering plastic surgery in the Houston area.
As Dr. Straka welcomes patients to his new state-of-the-art facility, he says patient comfort was considered every step of the way. From spa-like recovery rooms to a warm and inviting waiting room, he says creating a positive patient experience was essential to him and his team from the beginning.
About Dr. Straka
Dr. Philip J. Straka earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School, and completed his general and plastic surgery residencies at Ohio State University. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Straka maintains the greatest respect for patient safety, and served as a Principle Investigator in several major Silicone Gel Breast Implants studies.
Dr. Straka’s practice is located at 19701 Kingwood Dr., Bldg. 2, in Kingwood, TX 77339, and can be reached at (281) 540-8044, or found online at www.drstraka.com or the Philip J. Straka, MD, FACS Facebook] page.
More than 400 million people across the globe are using the popular social networking site Facebook to connect with friends, share information and even learn about businesses.
This is a general guide about breast augmentation and breast implants for patients considering breast enhancement surgery. These breast augmentation frequently asked questions (FAQ) and answers are general guidelines and are not patient specific. As a disclaimer, the below does not substitute for advice obtained personally from a plastic surgeon and a professional consultation. Some answers to these questions may vary depending on an individual’s anatomy and medical history. The transmission of information from Dr. Straka’s website is not intended to create, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship between you and Dr. Straka.
How long is breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery usually takes 1-2 hours. This of course varies from person to person and sometimes varies based on the breast incision location and breast implant type.
Will I be awake during breast surgery? What type of anesthesia is used for breast augmentation surgery?
You will be asleep during your breast augmentation surgery. It is performed under a general anesthetic. Dr. Straka uses Board-Certified anesthesiologists or Certified Nurse Anesthetists to perform the anesthesia.
It means that that Dr. Straka has the training and experience to make him uniquely qualified to perform your cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. The Mission Statement of The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. is to promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification and maintenance of certification of plastic surgeons as specialists and subspecialists.
What are side effects of breast augmentation surgery?
Possible side effects of breast augmentation surgery include, but are not limited to, temporary breast soreness, swelling and change in nipple sensation.
Will breast implants increase my risk of breast cancer?
Breast implants will not change your risks of breast cancer. There have been numerous studies that have researched this topic and there has been no link found between breast implants and cancer. Sometimes, breast implants may even make breast lumps easier to detect by pushing breast lumps closer to the skin’s surface. Dr. Straka recommends continued surveillance for breast cancer with annual mammograms for those over 35 and routine physical examinations. If you have a family history of breast cancer or have had a previous abnormal finding, then follow the instructions of your physicals for obtaining mammograms; otherwise, follow the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for mammograms.
How long will it take the scars to fade after breast augmentation?
The scars left by incisions through which the breast implants are inserted will remain pink for the first six weeks or so and will then fade significantly over the following months. Over time these scars may become difficult to even detect.
How long do breast implants last?
The lifetime of the implants varies from person to person. Implants may require replacement to treat deflation of an implant. Some breast implants last a lifetime. Manufactures of implants, such as Mentor and Allergan, offer lifetime warranties on their breast implants.
How long will I have to wear a sports bra after breast augmentation?
A sports bra is typically worn for two to four weeks post-operatively.
What is breast implant massage after breast augmentation?
Breast implant massage begins approximately one week after surgery and is performed daily in order to help keep the implants soft and mobile.
Will I have drains after breast augmentation surgery?
What should I expect before breast augmentation surgery?
You will be asked to refrain from taking aspirin and diet medications for at least two weeks prior to breast implant surgery. If you smoke, you will be asked to stop smoking prior to surgery since smoking can inhibit the healing process. You will be provided prescriptions for pain medication prior to your surgery so that you have them on hand as you need them. On the day of your breast augmentation surgery, you should wear loose-fitting clothing with preferably a button down shirt. Be sure to have a spouse, family member or friend present to drive you home after the operation. Depending on your medical history, Dr. Straka’s individual instructions to you may vary.
What is the expected recovery after breast augmentation surgery?
The first 24-48 hours following breast augmentation will be the most uncomfortable and most patients experience mild breast soreness and a pressure sensation. Most of your discomfort is well controlled with pain medication. After approximately five days, patients are usually able to drive and return to work but they still need to refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous activity.
Should I use saline breast implants or silicone breast implants?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the type of implant to use. Both saline and silicone breast implants provide patients with a very high level of satisfaction. Advantages of silicone implants are that they have a softer, more natural feel and are associated with less rippling. Advantages of saline breast implants include shorter incisions and resulting shorter scars, adjust-ability of the fill of these implants, and a lower rate of capsular contracture. Dr. Straka will discuss which type of implant will best meet your goals.
What are some of the risks of breast augmentation surgery?
Risks of breast implant surgery include, but are not limited to, hematoma, infection, capsular contracture (the formation of thickened scar tissue around the implant) or increased or decreased sensitivity of nipples or breast skin. These risks are best discussed in person with Dr. Straka. Each person’s risks vary depending on ones natural anatomy and medical history.
Is breast feeding after breast augmentation surgery possible?
Breast augmentation surgery should not interfere with your ability to breast feed. There is no way to predict how breast implants will affect your experience with breast feeding until you start however, most women find that implants do not significantly inhibit the ability to nurse.
Can I have mammograms after breast augmentation surgery?
Yes. You will be able to have mammograms after breast augmentation surgery. Make sure to inform your technician that you have breast implants. Most technicians are very familiar with the proper techniques to use to obtain good imaging of the breast tissue with implants in place.
Where are the breast augmentation incision sites and resulting scars after breast augmentation?
Dr. Straka will discuss with you the pros and cons for the incision site specifically suited for you. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so that the resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Common incision sites are within the armpit (axillary), beneath the nipple (peri-areolar), and within the fold under the breast (infra-mammary).
Should I choose breast implants above the muscle or breast implants below the muscle?
Sub muscular implant placement — Most commonly Dr. Straka places the breast implant behind the chest wall muscle (pectoral muscle). This placement feels and looks more “natural” as there is a greater amount of tissue covering the implant. It typically results in a lower rate of capsular contracture and easier imaging of the breast with mammography.
Subglandular implant placement — Placement of the implants above the muscle typically results in more palpable implants and visible rippling. Studies show a higher rate of capsular contracture with implants placed above the muscle.
How do I choose a breast implant size that is right for me (breast implant sizing)?
Several methods can be used to determine the implant size necessary to achieve your goals. During your consultation, patients may place sample implants within a bra to simulate the appearance of this these implants in your body. Dr. Straka performs detailed breast and chest measurements preoperatively in order to ensure that the implants chosen are appropriate to fit your chest. Dr. Straka also uses breast implant sizers during your surgery in order to confirm that the implants chosen are those he feels best to fit your frame and meet your goals.
What is capsular contracture and what is the treatment for capsular contracture?
The scar tissue (capsule) that normally forms around the implant may tighten over time and compress the implant, making it feel firm, painful and less mobile and lead to what is called capsular contracture. Additional surgery may be needed in cases where pain and/or firmness are severe. This surgery ranges from removal of the scar tissue around the implant, to removal and possible replacement of the involved implant.
Will I lose nipple sensation after breast augmentation?
A small percentage of women experience a change in nipple sensation after surgery, most commonly an increase in sensation which often resolves within three weeks. It is very uncommon for a patient to lose sensation permanently.
Should I choose smooth breast implants or textured breast implants?
Smooth breast implants are the most commonly used type of implant. Smooth implants have a more natural feel and more natural movement than textured breast implants. Textured breast implants are more fixed in their position and are typically used with placement of contoured/anatomic implants to avoid rotation of these implants.
Should I choose round breast implants or anatomical breast implants (also known as contoured breast implants)?
Most commonly, Dr. Straka places round breast implants. The anatomic implants are more tear drop shaped with more projection at the bottom than at the top of the implant. Round breast implants tend to fill in the cleavage area to a greater degree which is especially beneficial in treating the loss of volume at the upper part of the breast following pregnancy.
What is the difference in moderate profile breast implants, moderate profile plus breast implants, or high profile breast implants?
For a given amount of volume (for example a 350cc implant), a moderate profile implant will have a greater width and less overall projection than a high profile implant which is narrower and more projecting than a moderate profile implant. Moderate profile plus breast implants have a width and projection in between a moderate and a high profile type of implant. In general, a moderate profile breast implant will result in a more natural appearing contour of the breast while a moderate profile plus or a high profile implant will give a rounder appearance to the breasts.
Are any treatments available to minimize the appearance of scars after breast augmentation?
Although the scars after breast augmentation are typically very short, flat and narrow, massage of the scars or the use of special scar tapes may help the scars soften and fade more rapidly.
When can I resume normal activity after breast augmentation?
Patients are instructed to be up and walking on the very day of surgery and typically can shower the next morning. Most patients can drive and return to work within 5 days and may perform mild exercise two weeks post-operatively. Patients are usually instructed to avoid heaving lifting and strenuous exercise for six weeks after surgery.
What is the cost of breast augmentation surgery?
The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on the type of implant used. A price estimate will be given at the time of consultation with Dr. Straka.
Is breast augmentation financing are available?
Financing is available for breast augmentation with various terms and rates. A link to Care Credit financing company can be found on the Contact Us page of this website.
What are Memory Gel implants or Gummy Bear Implants (sometimes spelled Gummi Bear Implants)
These implants represent a more evolved and advanced type of implant whose consistency of the silicone gel is thicker and more cohesive. This provides a softer, more natural feel that is similar to natural breast tissue.
Dr. Philip Straka also specializes in performing revisional, or corrective, breast augmentation surgery, which is designed to improve and refine the appearance of a previous breast augmentation. Revisional breast augmentation surgery allows Dr. Straka to “revisit” the work of another doctor and to use his significant experience, training and expertise in cosmetic breast enhancement to improve the shape, implant position, and softness of the augmented breast. Many patients are referred to Dr. Straka for these challenging repair operations.
What is the difference between the terms breast augmentation, breast enlargement, and breast enhancement?
These are interchangeable terms which all refer to the placement of breast implants to increase the size, shape and appearance of one’s breasts.
Hello and welcome to the blog for Philip J. Straka, M.D.! We’ve created this resource to assist our patients who are considering plastic surgery. Our goal is provide you with information about the latest technology and procedures in plastic surgery. Our blog will also serve as a forum for patients to learn about their surgical options from our Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Philip J. Straka.
