Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Surgery

I'm considering breast augmentation in Indiana. How do silicone breast implants differ from saline?

Since the FDA's approval of silicone breast implants in November 2006 for breast augmentation, Indiana women have wondered what makes the gel-filled implants different from traditional saline (salt water) filled breast implants. First, is feel; silicone has a doughy, natural feel. With that said, if saline implants are placed beneath the muscle, they also can have a natural look and feel, like that of silicone. Second, is cost; silicone is more expensive than saline. Third, is scarring; the incision to insert silicone implants is necessarily longer, resulting in a slightly longer scar. It should be noted that the FDA recommended, although they did not mandate, that an MRI scan be performed to evaluate the status of silicone implants at three years and then every two years thereafter, at the patient's expense. Finally, gel-filled implants may have a slightly higher risk of producing a capsular contracture. The important thing to remember is you have options. Make an informed decision about breast augmentation in Indiana and schedule your consultation today by calling our Schererville or Valparaiso offices at 800-721-3244.

Should my breast implants be placed above or below the chest muscle?

The placement of breast implants either above (subglandular) or beneath (submuscular) the pectoralis major muscle is dictated by several factors including:

• the amount and quality of existing breast tissue
• your level of activity
• the type of implant, and
• your plastic surgeon's personal preference

For instance, if you have ample breast tissue, you are most likely a good candidate for placement above the muscle, as the breast implant will be better covered and camouflaged. If you're a slender individual with little breast tissue, you'll benefit more from placement beneath the muscle, as the extra layer can help hide the "take off" of the implant from the chest wall, as well as conceal the visible rippling commonly seen with saline implants. A small number of patients with implants placed beneath the muscle will sometimes complain of excessive movement of the breast when the muscle flexes during strenuous activities, such as lifting weights. Finally, studies suggest a lower rate of capsular contracture when implants are placed beneath the muscle.

Will my breast implants need to be replaced after a certain period of time?

"If it isn't broke, don't fix it," generally holds true for breast augmentation. Indiana women should keep in mind that the indications for replacing a breast implant are few. Of course, if an implant ruptures or is found to be leaking, then replacement is warranted. Also, an implant should be replaced when removing scar tissue resulting from capsular contracture.

I’m interested in improving the look of my face, but I would like to avoid invasive surgery, what can I do?

Some people are looking for facial rejuvenation, but want to avoid plastic surgery. They can start with a skincare program. For something with a little more depth, there is chemical peeling and laser skin resurfacing. Also, if the patient feels they will be happy with something temporary, collagen, and/or Botox treatments are also available as an alternative to, for example, a face lift or eyelid surgery. Merrillville, Munster, and other Northwest Indiana residents are encouraged to contact our offices in Valparaiso and Schererville today.

I’m considering breast surgery, but I’m concerned with the safety issues regarding the use of implants. What should I know before considering surgery?

Breast augmentation is still one of the most requested cosmetic procedures. We have used saline implants with hundreds of patients. These types of implants have been used for many years in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures with an extremely high degree of safety and a minimal complication rate.

Last fall, the FDA approved silicone gel breast implants, declaring them safe and effective for all women over the age of 22. You may remember that silicone implant availability was restricted in the United States for several years amid safety concerns. After fourteen years of additional research, the FDA found there was no evidence that the devices caused additional health risks for women. You now have a choice of implants, each with its own advantages. Dr. Galante is ready to help you evaluate the options and decide which type is right for you.

If you live in Northwest Indiana and would like more information about plastic surgery, please contact us today.

I exercise all the time, but I can’t seem to rid myself of some fat in the abdominal area. Is there something more that I can do?

Yes, liposuction can be very helpful for patients who are fairly close to their ideal body weight, but who have discrete areas of fat deposits. This plastic surgery procedure involves very small incisions and a recovery time that is generally acceptable to most people. If you live in Northwest Indiana, Merrillville or Munster, and would like more information about plastic surgery, please contact our offices in Schererville and Valparaiso today.

I’ve had two children and I have loose skin and also some protrusion of my abdomen. This interferes with my ability to wear some of the more form fitting clothes that I desire. What can I do to narrow my waist and flatten my tummy?

For women who have had children or people who have lost weight and found that their skin is loose, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) could be just the answer for them. This plastic surgery procedure not only tightens the stomach muscles and narrows the waist, but also removes excess skin. This gives the patient a flatter, firmer abdomen. If you live in Munster, Merrillville or anywhere else in Northwest Indiana and would like more information about plastic surgery, please contact our offices in Valparaiso and Schererville today.

I’m considering a facelift and possibly some eyelid surgery, but wonder if, at my age of 65, I’m too old?

For patients in good health or with only minor medical conditions, age should not be a factor in having a cosmetic procedure to enhance your self-esteem. Our office does a thorough medical history and exam prior to any plastic surgery procedure. We will work with a patient’s family physician to determine if a patient is a candidate for any type of plastic surgery, including a face lift or eyelid surgery. Northwest Indiana residents are encouraged to contact Dr. Gustavo Galante today.

What type of financing is available for my procedure?

To help make cosmetic procedures affordable for all patients, our practice offers several convenient financing options. For more information about financing, call us at (800) 721-3244 or simply fill out the form to the right.