In 2011, the plastic surgery community and the FDA noted a possible link between a rare form of cancer called ALCL, or anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and breast implants. Back then, we didn’t even know whether breast implants were a real risk factor. There simply were too few cases to make a connection.

Today, while there are still many questions, we know a lot more about the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment options for breast implant-associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL). I’d like to share some essential information with you today.

• What is BIA-ALCL?
• What causes BIA-ALCL?
• How many people have BIA-ALCL?
• Am I at risk of getting cancer from my breast implants?
• What are the symptoms of BIA-ALCL?
• How is BIA-ALCL treated?
• Can you die from BIA-ALCL?
• Why do surgeons still use textured implants?
• Should I have my textured breast implants removed?

What is BIA-ALCL?

BIA-ALCL is a very specific and rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is an immune cell cancer. It is found specifically within the fluid and natural scar tissue surrounding the breast implant, which is called the capsule. It’s important to stress that while BIA-ALCL is located in immune system cells in the breast, it is not breast cancer.

What causes BIA-ALCL?

There appears to be a very strong link between textured implants and BIA-ALCL. A strong majority of reported BIA-ALCL cases have occurred in patients who have textured implants at the time of diagnosis, or who have had them in the past. A 2017 study showed that “macro” texturing methods (namely Allergan’s “Biocell” process) carry a significantly higher risk of BIA-ALCL than other methods, as they result in a higher surface area that can harbor more bacteria.

Implant shell type is not the only factor at play, however. The presence of certain bacteria in the implant’s biofilm (the normal collection of microbes surrounding an area) are also associated with higher BIA-ALCL risk, especially with macro-textured implants. The patient’s genetic predisposition may also play a role.

How many people have BIA-ALCL?

According to the most recent published data (July 2019), the FDA has received 573 unique medical device reports (MDRs) of BIA-ALCL. Consider that about 450,000 women get breast implants each year for augmentation or reconstruction in the United States alone. Worldwide, 717 cases have been reported.

Am I at risk of getting cancer from my breast implants?

There is a risk, but it is very small. Based on current FDA numbers and breast implant data collected over the past 20 years, the lifetime risk lies between 1:3817 and 1:38000 for women who have or have had textured implants. The risk is even smaller if you have only ever had smooth implants. Note that the type of cancer associated with implants is a type of lymphoma affecting immune cells in the breast implant capsule, and not a form of breast cancer.

What are the symptoms of BIA-ALCL?

One good piece of news about BIA-ALCL is that it usually shows symptoms in the early stages, when it can be fully treated. These include:

• Swelling in one or both breasts
• Seroma (fluid accumulation) around the breast
• Breast pain that cannot be attributed to hormonal shifts)

In most cases, these symptoms will present at least one year after breast augmentation, with the average patient reporting symptoms at 8 years post-surgery. If you experience these symptoms at any time, see your doctor promptly. These can also be symptoms of other issues or complications, but should always be checked to rule out BIA-ALCL.

How is BIA-ALCL treated?

BIA-ALCL is highly treatable, especially if detected in the earlier stages. In most cases, removing the breast implants and surrounding scar tissue capsule completely eliminates the ALCL cancer from the body. If deemed safe for the patient, most plastic surgeons will perform an en bloc capsulectomy, which removes the capsule with the implant still sealed inside, to remove BIA-ALCL. In some cases, additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation may be indicated to fully treat the disease.

A note on en bloc capsulectomy

It’s important to understand that en bloc capsulectomy is not the only safe breast implant removal procedure, despite what some websites say. In fact, in some cases, it is not safe or possible to keep the capsule tissue intact when removing it from the body. For instance, if the capsule tissue has adhered to the rib cage, we will need to remove the implant (and most of the capsule) first, and then carefully remove remaining fragments of capsule tissue so as not to harm vital organs.

Can you die from BIA-ALCL?

Worldwide, there have been 33 confirmed deaths associated with BIA-ALCL, including 12 cases in the United States. Based on the reports we have, these patients received late diagnoses and So far, patients who have received prompt diagnosis and treatment have fully recovered from the disease.

Why do surgeons still use textured implants?

Following the discovery that macro-textured breast implants have the highest BIA-ALCL risk, several countries, including the United States and Canada, have pulled Allergan Biocell textured implants from the market.

Many plastic surgeons have discontinued their use of all textured implants—they can achieve an excellent aesthetic result with smooth implants, so why take the extra risk? For the most part, this is my line of thinking, too. I have long preferred smooth, round silicone gel breast implants for my breast augmentation patients. In addition to having a lower risk for BIA-ALCL, these implants achieve a beautiful shape and a more natural feel than firmer “gummy bear” textured implants.

Still, some may argue that it makes sense to keep textured implants as an option for specific patients whose anatomy calls for a shaped implant, such as breast reconstruction patients who have very little natural breast tissue left. In such cases, textured implants will provide an aesthetically pleasing shape and also stay in place as they “grip” the breast tissue..

Should I have my textured breast implants removed?

If you are not experiencing symptoms, it is not recommended to have breast implants removed prophylactically for a few reasons. First, if you are otherwise happy with your implants, the risks associated with additional surgery to take out implants are likely greater than your risk of BIA-ALCL. Second, removing textured implants and replacing them with smooth ones is unlikely to eradicate your risk for BIA-ALCL, as the disease has been found in patients who had a previous history of textured implants, even if they currently have smooth implants.

That said, if you simply no longer want your breast implants, that is reason enough to talk to a board certified plastic surgeon about your options for breast implant removal.

Have more questions? Please contact us at The Parker Center.

I am always happy to talk to patients about plastic surgery safety. If you are concerned about BIA-ALCL, or you are exploring your options for breast implant removal in New Jersey, please call us a 201-967-1212 or contact us online. I offer free cosmetic surgery consultations and will be glad to help you understand your options and help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

The post Why Do Surgeons Still Use Textured Implants? And 8 More Questions You Have About BIA-ALCL, Answered by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon appeared first on Parker Center for Plastic Surgery.

Here at The Parker Center, one of our primary goals is ensuring our patients are well-informed and up-to-date on medical news that is pertinent to their safety. Yesterday, July 24, 2019, the FDA and breast implant manufacturer Allergan announced a voluntary recall of all Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants.

Understandably, this news has led to many of our patients reaching out to make sure they are safe and unaffected by this recall. Before we get into the specifics of BIA-ALCL, the Allergan recall, and what it means for you, we want to remind and reassure our patients that the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery does not use textured breast implants for breast augmentation. We only offer smooth, round breast implants from Mentor to our patients, based on their record of safety.

What is BIA-ALCL?

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a very rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that specifically develops in the capsule of breast tissue surrounding breast implants. It is not a form of breast cancer or cancer of the breast tissue itself.

To date, the FDA reports 573 unique cases of confirmed BIA-ALCL and 33 fatalities worldwide. When diagnosed early, BIA-ALCL is curable through the removal of the breast implant and implant capsule without recurrence of the disease.

Why were Allergan textured breast implants recalled?

The FDA, plastic surgery-related organizations, and individual researchers have been monitoring instances of BIA-ALCL since 2010. Over that course of time, the prevailing theory is that certain manufacturing processes used to texturize breast implants increase the risk of developing BIA-ALCL—an overwhelming majority of confirmed BIA-ALCL cases were found in patients who currently have textured breast implants or have had textured implants at one point in their lives.

Through further study and research, a trend emerged: in BIA-ALCL incident reports where the manufacturer of the implant was known, most cases involved patients who have or have had textured breast implants with a high surface area, such as Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants.

After further monitoring, the FDA requested that Allergan voluntarily cease sales of BIOCELL textured implants and recommended that surgeons no longer implant these devices during breast augmentation.

Do I need to have my Allergan breast implants removed?

As of July 2019, the FDA does not recommend having Allergan textured breast implants removed if you are asymptomatic. This is because BIA-ALCL is a rare condition that has impacted only a very small percentage of women with breast implants, even among those with BIOCELL implants. Thus breast implant removal surgery is likely unnecessary if you are happy with your appearance and have no symptoms.

If you do notice any unexplained breast swelling or other symptoms, it’s important to inform your primary physician or board certified plastic surgeon. Properly diagnosing any breast augmentation complication is crucial to ensuring your health and happiness.

If you have any concerns or want to learn more about safe options for breast augmentation, or are considering implant removal, please contact my office.

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Tuberous breasts (also known as tubular breasts) or parenchymal maldistribution, is a deformity caused by constricted fibrous bands within the breast tissue. This condition is characterized by a high inframammary fold under the breast, a narrow base of the breast, large areolas, and a tubular breast shape. The result is breasts shaped like the famous cartoon dog’s nose, hence the popular term for the condition: “snoopy breasts.” Tubular breasts are also more likely to be asymmetrical, adding to the image issues for women with this condition.

What are my options?

If you are suffering from this issue, you’re not alone and the good news is it’s correctable. While very little can be done to change tuberous breasts without surgery, an experienced plastic surgeon can sculpt your breasts back into a more normal shape.

If the idea of seeing a doctor about your breasts has held you back from getting help, you needn’t be embarrassed: tuberous breasts are not just small breasts, and seeking correction is not a sign of vanity.

“Patients are typically both physically and psychologically transformed after we correct their tuberous breasts,” comments Dr. Paul Parker, Medical Director of the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey. “They love the appearance of their breasts in and out of clothing and feel sexier with an enhanced sense of self esteem and body image.”

There are a number of trusted procedures that have been known to produce great results:

Tissue Expansion

An experienced surgeon can release the fibrous material that is constricting the breast tissue to aid in expansion. For the right candidate, this procedure can allow the breast tissue to naturally expand and take on a fuller shape.

Breast Lift

As we all know, no set of breasts is the same—depending on your particular pair, a breast lift may be what is needed to create a better breast shape. By surgically removing excess skin and tightening and re-anchoring the breast, a breast lift can dramatically improve breast shape and profile.

Breast Augmentation

Breast implants are often a great option for filling out and enhancing breast shape, as well as diminishing the conical look of tubular breasts. Depending on your goals, a number of sizes, shapes, and materials are available to ensure your implants give you the look you want. Consulting with a board certified surgeon can help you determine which fit is the best for you.

Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation

Depending on your individual needs, a breast lift combined with breast augmentation may be the strongest option for complete correction of tuberous breasts. By lifting the breast and adding shape and volume to improve breast symmetry, you can achieve a fuller, more natural look.

“When consulting with patients with tuberous breasts, we discuss all of these options. We also review before and after pictures of other similar patients on whom we’ve operated and helped,” says Dr. Parker. “Finally, we utilize 3 dimensional computer imaging to give patients a realistic idea of how they should look after surgery.”

Remember that tuberous breasts are physically different from typical breasts, so you’ll need to find a plastic surgeon who is very experienced in treating the condition and then maintain an open dialogue with them throughout the process. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Parker today, and find out more about your options.

Dr. Paul Parker patient reviews

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Occasionally, however, patients who’ve had prior breast augmentation experience a condition called capsular contracture. If you suspect this has happened to you, we have good news. Capsular contracture can be successfully treated, both relieving your symptoms and restoring an aesthetically pleasing shape and appearance to your breasts.

What happens to cause capsular contracture?
As part of the normal breast augmentation healing process, your body will form a capsule, or tissue lining around the breast implants. Normally, this lining is flexible, soft and barely noticeable by touch or appearance. In a small percentage of patients, this capsule hardens and contracts around the implant—this is called “capsular contracture.” When this happens, the breast can look and feel unnaturally round and hard. In some cases, the condition can be painful.

Although capsular contracture is one of the more common complications following breast augmentation, it’s still pretty rare—in a recent study of about 2500 breast augmentation patients, only about 7.6% developed capsular contracture within 5 years following surgery. You can take our quiz to learn more about the symptoms and risk factors for capsular contracture.

Currently, there are two options for treating capsular contracture.

Non-Surgical Treatment via the Aspen Ultrasound System
The Aspen Ultrasound System is a unique non-invasive treatment that combines deep sound wave therapy (ultrasound) with targeted massage to help painlessly break up the excess scar tissue and release the capsule. For patients with mild to moderate cases of capsular contracture, this treatment can help relieve pain and hardness and help the breast implant assume a more natural position without having to undergo the expense, recovery time, and risks of a second surgery.

In our experience, about 80% of our patients experience noticeable improvements after Aspen Ultrasound System treatment. For patients who are deemed good candidates, we will typically recommend this non-invasive approach first.

Breast Implant Revision Surgery
For some patients, a revisional surgery will yield the best results. During a procedure to correct capsular contracture, a surgeon will take out the old breast implants, remove the hardened scar tissue, or “capsules,” and place new implants. As such, revision surgery is usually the better option for women who wish to change their implant size or type at the same time, as well as those who have more advanced cases of capsular contracture.

For patients who do require surgical intervention, the Aspen Ultrasound System can be used as a post-surgical therapy to reduce the recurrence of the capsular contracture.

If you have questions or suspect you may have capsular contracture, we encourage you to contact us. This is not a condition you should live with, and Dr. Parker will help you understand your treatment options at a .

The post Can You Treat My Capsular Contracture Without Surgery? appeared first on Parker Center for Plastic Surgery.

“I’d been so lucky so far—I didn’t want to wake up one morning to find something had deflated!” Jill said.

With some money saved up and in great physical shape, Jill decided to undergo her second breast augmentation. She knew just who to call. Dr. Parker had done her first surgery, and she knew she’d picked the right surgeon from the get-go. For years she’d received compliment after compliment on the natural appearance of her breasts and attributed that to Dr. Parker’s expertise.

“When I would go in for a physical or a mammogram, doctors always said to me, ‘Oh my God, your breasts look so natural,’” Jill said. “My own primary care physician told me he wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t told him, and you know when it’s coming from a doctor that that’s a real compliment. So of course I went back to Dr. Parker.”

When Jill underwent her first breast augmentation, saline was her only option. This time she had choices and knew she wanted to switch to silicone. Now that she did, she can’t imagine ever going back. The even more realistic feel of her breast implants blows her mind.

“There’s a huge difference between saline and silicone. Huge,” Jill explained. “When I first met with Dr. Parker to talk about it, he said that if I was happy with the saline—which I was—I was going to love the silicone. He was 1,000% right. There’s no comparison. The way they move, the way it feels, it’s so natural. They feel like real breast tissue, like a part of me.”

And it’s not just the new material she’s thrilled with. Jill decided to go a little bigger, thanks to a special fitting session at the Parker Center. The day before the surgery, Dr. Parker deflated one of her implants so she could try on different sizes with the gel bra. This allowed Jill to pick out just the right size for her new implants. With an added boost, she now has her desired look as well as the natural feel she always wanted!

Interested in learning more about breast augmentation and implant options? Visit the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery for before and after galleries, more patient stories, and greater details about the procedure.

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“I wanted to get back to the way I was. I wanted to look as good as I did in those push-up, molded cup bras. My breasts had become so deflated after having had children, and I wanted them to become full again,” Linda explained.

When Linda first considered having surgery, she contacted a relative who was a plastic surgeon out-of-town. She sent him photos and had a phone consultation. He had recommended a lift in addition to augmentation, but Linda wasn’t sure about undergoing a breast lift.

“I had seen another local surgeon and was just about ready to go ahead with the surgery when I decided to do one more search on the Internet. Dr. Parker’s website came up and I was really pleased with all the information, especially the photos. I think photos really tell the story. I found a few with my body type and was very impressed with Dr. Parker’s results,” said Linda.

Linda went on to explain that her initial visit to the Parker Center wasn’t like going to any other doctor’s office. She describes the atmosphere similar to a hotel or spa, calming and relaxing from the moment you walk in the door.

“First I met Angela who answered every question I could think of and then some. She was extremely patient with me and really understood what I was looking for,” Linda stated.

Linda went on to explain that what she really liked about Dr. Parker was his breast augmentation technique and the fact that he felt that Linda did not immediately need a breast lift. Linda appreciated the fact that Dr. Parker didn’t pressure her and let her decide whether to have a lift or not. Linda loves the natural feel and shape of her new breasts. She went from a 34A to about a 36C in bra size. Linda got the fullness she had been missing and loves how she looks in clothes. She no longer has to shop for those padded bras, and feels more confident than ever before.

“I’m thrilled that I decided to do this for myself. I’m happy with the outcome. The scar is barely visible, and Dr. Parker and his staff responded to every concern I had throughout the process. I’m one happy patient and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone. Everyone should do something like this for themselves,” said Linda.

Breast augmentation at the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our on site, fully ambulatory surgical center, Surgiplex, LLC. This 2,300 sq. ft. facility was designed with patient safety in mind. Fully AAAASF accredited and Medicare, Surgiplex, LLC is a state-of-art facility that offers our patients a safe yet calming atmosphere for their selected procedure.

Dr. Paul M. Parker of the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery has over 20 years’ experience, and his patients have voted him one of the top surgeons in his field. If you are interested in breast augmentation or any other type of plastic surgery procedure call the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery at (201) 967-1212 for a consultation. To learn more about any procedure, visit our website at dev.parkercenter.net.

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The cause of capsular contracture is thought by plastic surgery researchers to be multifactorial. In performing breast augmentations, Dr. Paul M. Parker of the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery employs a number of state of the art techniques, such as using the Keller Funnel for implant insertion, to minimize the risk of capsular contracture to his patients. Despite this, Dr. Parker reports that approximately 5 % of his patients sustain capsular contracture. Historically, capsular contractures have been treated by breast revision surgery whereby the capsule is removed and the implant re inserted. This requires an additional surgery and recovery. The recurrence rates after this procedure have been reported up to 50%.

Frustrated by the problem of capsular contracture and the need for revisional surgery, Dr. Parker learned about the Aspen Rehabilitation Ultrasound Treatment. The Aspen Ultrasound System uses a combination of therapeutic ultrasound and massage sessions to reduce capsular contracture. Instead of the traditional ultrasound wand, the Aspen ultrasound device uses a uniquely designed paddle system that covers the entire breast and provides deeper penetration of the ultrasonic energy. The energy softens the capsule and is followed by a special massage technique to help soften the capsule further. The Aspen ultrasound system has been uniquely designed by a physical therapist in Florida with an interest in capsular contracture. Over several years developing the Aspen Ultrasound System, his experience is that it is approximately 80% effective in significantly improving capsular contractures. The Aspen Ultrasound System is different from diagnostic ultrasound or the ultrasound used in ultrasonic assisted liposuction. This system has been shown to be safe in treating patients with capsular contracture.

By offering the Aspen Rehabilitation System to patients, Dr. Parker believes he and his team are offering them an excellent, non-surgical solution to capsular contracture. The Parker Center is the only plastic surgery practice in the northeast trained and authorized to treat capsular contracture with the new Aspen Rehabilitation Ultrasound Treatment. Dr. Parker’s commitment in seeking the best treatments for his patients, including new technologies and methods, has prompted many of the Parker Center’s patients to say “these are the most caring, committed and professional people I have ever encountered”.

“I’m always looking to increase my knowledge and skills with new technology and surgical advances. In addition to supplemental training, and learning about new methods, I believe it’s my responsibility to offer my patients the highest level of care, no matter what issue they present. The Aspen Rehabilitation System for capsular contraction is proving to be a successful, painless, and non-invasive treatment that can bring relief to women who have developed capsular contracture,” Dr. Parker stated.

“For the first time since my breast augmentation surgery, I have soft, natural looking breasts. The discomfort I have been living with is gone. I’m grateful that Dr. Parker is so innovative and always looking for new ways to help women,” said Kathy, a patient with capsular contracture of her left breast.

Every day Dr. Paul M. Parker and the staff at the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery strive to provide their patients with the safest, state of the art surgical facility and procedures. To learn more about the Aspen Ultrasound System Treatment, the Keller Funnel® or any other plastic surgery procedure visit our website at dev.parkercenter.net. To make an appointment for a consultation, please call our office at (201) 967-1212.

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Heidi is a 32-year old mother of twins who was large breasted for most of her life. After her pregnancy and nursing twins, Heidi had lost a lot of weight. Unfortunately with losing weight, Heidi had lost a lot of volume in her breasts, and they were sagging unattractively.

“I had been very large breasted, and I enjoyed having a large chest. After the kids, I just wasn’t happy with how my breasts looked. I wanted to do the lift with implants to give me back what I had lost,” said Heidi.
Heidi had been thinking about having a breast lift since just after her twins’ birth. There are many surgeon options to consider. Breast lift surgery was a big decision for Heidi. She thought about it for a year, and spent the second year doing her research and seeing different surgeons. In all, Heidi saw six plastics surgeons for consultations.

Dr. Parker was number five of the six plastic surgeons Heidi saw for a consultation. Heidi got a good feeling from the first phone call to the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery. With other surgeon’s offices, Heidi wasn’t given any information over the phone, just booked for a consult.

“Michelle, the patient coordinator at the Parker Center, was the complete opposite of what I experienced with the other surgeon’s offices. She described everything, sent me the paperwork, explained all the paperwork, told me how the consultation appointment would go and gave me an estimate on the cost and reviewed payment options,” said Heidi.

When asked what made her choose Dr. Parker over the other five surgeons she consulted, Heidi explained that while she often makes decisions based on her gut instinct, she didn’t rely on that factor alone. Heidi felt that the information available on the website, the openness and professionalism of the staff, and Dr. Parker’s demeanor helped cement her decision to have breast implants.

“Dr. Parker just struck the right balance for me. He was very thorough while explaining everything, not rushed, and he really listened to what I wanted. He was professional and warm; he communicated a lot of information. I never felt that he was trying to sell me. There were no games, and it felt right,” explained Heidi.

Unfortunately just as Heidi had decided to schedule her surgery, she lost her job. Heidi had to cancel her surgery until she found new employment. But once she had a new job, Heidi called Michelle at the Parker Center and asked if she could come back in for a second consultation with her husband. Heidi’s husband was equally impressed with Dr. Parker and encouraged her to go ahead with her surgery in New Jersey. Breast lift procedures are a routine surgery for Dr. Parker, giving him ample experience to comfort Heidi throughout the process.

Heidi was very nervous about her surgery but felt reassured by Angela, Dr. Parker’s nurse coordinator, who was with her every step of the way. Her recovery was very quick and less painful than Heidi had expected. In fact, she was back at work five days later.

“I can’t even tell I had surgery six weeks ago. I’m so thrilled with how my breasts look. The best thing is that I can wear any kind of top, strapless, backless whatever. Not having to wear a bra for special occasion dresses or tops that I could never wear in the past is fantastic,” said Heidi.

Heidi has already booked two vacations and is looking forward to doing a lot of shopping for swimsuits and sundresses. She is so happy with her breast lift that she’s planning on returning to Dr. Parker to have a tummy tuck in the near future.

Heidi chose to use silicone implants with her breast lift. Silicone implants give a softer, more natural look to breast implants. Dr. Parker uses the Keller Funnel® to insert the silicone implant. The Keller Funnel® is a sterile, soft cone-shaped device that allows Dr. Parker to insert the implant safely. Studies suggest the Keller Funnel® reduces the risk of both capsular contraction and potential for long term rupture.

If you are interested in a breast lift, Dr. Paul M. Parker, has over twenty years of experience. To learn more about a mastopexy (breast lift) procedure, visit our website at dev.parkercenter.net. For a consultation please call our office at 201-967-1212 today.

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Cami is a 23-year old single mom who has always been unhappy with the size and shape of her breasts. When she finished breastfeeding, she began seriously looking for a plastic surgeon.

“Breastfeeding left my breasts like two empty sacks, and I was really unhappy about it. I knew that I wanted to have breast augmentation, and I spent a lot of time doing research on the Internet. That’s how I found Dr. Parker,” said Cami.

Cami researched plastic surgeons in her area and scheduled consultations with three different surgeons. Cami found Dr. Paul M. Parker, during her Internet search. She felt that the Parker Center had more information about breast augmentation than any other website. She read everything that was on Dr. Parker’s site and felt it was very helpful. Cami went through with each of her consultations and decided on the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery.

“Dr. Parker was more real about everything. He didn’t just jump in and tell me what to do. He asked me what I wanted. I found that refreshing; the other doctors just said, ‘This is what I’ll do.’ It was important to me that he listened first,” explained Cami.
Cami found the office at the Parker Center to be calm and orderly. She said that they clearly knew what they’re doing, and everyone she encountered was friendly and professional.

After her consultation, Cami felt comfortable and confident to go ahead with her surgery at the Parker Center. Six weeks ago she had her breast augmentation. Dr. Parker, ensured that everything went very smoothly, including her recovery. Cami took two weeks off from work and went back on light duty immediately after. Cami explained that she felt really great after the first week but decided that since she had the time off, she’d use it.

Patient education is a cornerstone of breast augmentation and all plastic surgery at the Parker Center. A consultation at the Parker Center usually takes at least an hour long and consists of learning about the different type of implants, meeting Dr. Parker, and a sizing session with our professional photographer. Also, you will read other patient stories, learn about the procedure in detail, and have the option of contacting other patients.

“I had wanted to do this for a long time, and I’m really glad I did it. I now feel much more feminine and confident in my own body. Dr. Parker is a fantastic doctor. I’ve already recommended him to family and friends, and I know they’ll love him too,” Cami said.

Breast augmentation is a straightforward outpatient procedure. Plastic surgery is performed in our on-site fully certified ambulatory surgical center, Surgiplex, LLC. We have a staff, including a board certified anesthesiologist and surgical nurse. Patient safety was our priority when designing the center, giving our patient the safety of a hospital operating room but in a calmer, more serene atmosphere.

To learn more about breast augmentation or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, please visit our website at dev.parkercenter.net or call our office at 201-967-1212 to make an appointment for a consultation.

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Antonette is a 46-year-old single mother of two grown children. She works two jobs and had gotten to the point in her life where she was ready to do something for herself. Antonette had always wanted tohave a breast augmentation but between kids, work, and the cost of living, it was not possible.

“I could finally afford to do this, and I wanted to have the surgery for such a long time. A co-worker’s daughter had a breast augmentation with Dr. Parker and highly recommended him, so I called for a consultation,” said Antonette.

Antonette’s first visit to the Parker Center convinced her that this was the place to go. The staff was warm, friendly and professional. Antonette immediately noted how immaculately clean the Parker Center was. Antonette’s implants gave her a 38C bra size; she didn’t want to go too large but wanted to be able to wear a bra without wires or padding. Plus, she felt, if she went any larger it would not look natural on her body frame.

Implants are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, which gives women myriad choices to create the most natural looking breasts possible. At the Parker Center, our Sizing and Shaping Session is a very exciting part of the process. The ability to “try on” different sizes and be photographed by our professional photographer allows patients to get a good idea of how they’ll look with their new implants.

Since Antonette works two very physical jobs, she took a total of eight days off in order to recuperate fully. Many breast augmentation patients can go back to work sooner if they’re jobs are less physically demanding, but Antonette wanted to heal more fully before returning to work.

“The three manual lymphatic drainage massages that came with my surgery were wonderful. I loved every minute of them. They made me feel great. I felt so good after the massages, they were so gentle but I knew that they were really helping me heal more quickly,” explained Antonette.

Nationwide and especially in New Jersey, Breast augmentation is the number one cosmetic surgery that women seek. It is also the number one procedure of New Jersey plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul M. Parker. Many women suffer with poor body image and low self-confidence. They often long to wear clothing that makes them feel more feminine. Breast augmentation surgery can improve the emotional well-being of women bothered by these concerns.

“I didn’t tell my kids or my mother that I was having the surgery until after it was done. I was afraid they’d try to talk me out of it. I had decided to do this for myself and I didn’t want anyone to discourage me. I’m glad I did this for me,” said Antonette.

If you are considering breast augmentation or any other plastic surgery, visit our website at dev.parkercenter.net to see dozens of before and after photos. Video of actual procedures and testimonials from past patients are also available. Consultations for cosmetic procedures are free, so call 201-967-1212 today to make your appointment.

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