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Denver Breast Augmentation Surgeon - Dr. Nick Slenkovich
Do You Wish Almost Every Day for Larger, More Beautiful or More Youthful Breasts?
Today’s options for breast augmentation are increasingly safe, natural-looking and attainable.
In most cases, breast enlargement surgery is done on an out-patient basis and patients are back to work in a week or less. Also, there are many financing options available if cost is what’s standing in your way.
Breast augmentation procedures are the most frequent surgeries Dr. Slenkovich performs -- and the results speak for themselves. Please take the time to review our gallery of “before and after” photos of actual Denver breast implants patients. You will probably be inspired and excited to realize that you simply don’t have to be embarrassed about your breast size or shape any more.
Silcone and Saline Breast Implants
The two most popular options for breast enhancement are silicone or saline implants, both of which are excellent breast augmentation options and each of which has pros and cons. While you may recall an era in which silicone implants were controversial and even unsafe, that has changed. In November of 2006, silicone implants were re-approved by the FDA and have become increasingly popular. Both silicone and saline implants are excellent options, depending on what’s right for you – and Dr. Nick does equal numbers of each.
We will discuss which of these options may be best for you during your Denver breast augmentation consultation. Sometimes, a breast lift, with or without breast implants, is all that’s needed to restore your former shape and contours. Indeed, during your detailed consultation process, we will take the time to fully educate you about breast enhancement procedures and what you can realistically expect.
Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants – The Pros and Cons of Each
While you may recall an era where silicone implants were controversial and even unsafe, in November of 2006, silicone implants were re-approved by the FDA and have become increasingly popular.
Comparison of Saline and Silicone Options
There is a wide range of surgeons’ opinions on whether saline or silicone implants are preferred. Many surgeons feel that silicone gives a better result; others feel that is definitely not true. Here’s what is true: Under clothes, there is very little difference in appearance; we get great results with both silicone and saline. With your clothes off, often there is a difference in appearance as saline implants look less natural when naked because in certain positions the implant shape is visible, such as when leaning over or being viewed from the side. Also, to the touch, silicone feels more like natural breast tissue.
If you have thin skin, and/or are thin or petite with very little skin to sufficiently cover the implant, silicone gel implants are less likely to cause visible rippling or wrinkling than saline. Rippling or wrinkling, when present, are seen generally on the side and bottom of the breast (for example while leaning forward with your clothes off). Also for thin people with little breast tissue or skin covering, saline implants can feel like there’s a water bag under the breast. In general, patients with thinner tissues and less native breast tissue are more likely to appreciate the benefits of silicone gel implants. By contrast, for breast augmentation Denver patients with thick enough skin, and plenty of breast tissue for coverage, saline implants have less of these issues.
While some surgeons feel that silicone delivers a more natural shape, Dr. Slenkovich feels that in a large majority of women that the shape results are equal. In his practice, he does both silicone and saline in about equal numbers and gets great results with both.
In both cases, the implant most commonly is inserted under the pectoralis muscle for the safest and most natural result.
Mammograms are different with either a silicone or saline implant in place, and a “diagnostic” mammogram (which takes pictures from more angles) is done to best visualize the breast tissue. Sensation in the breast and nipple, and success at breast feeding are the same for both procedures, with problems with either of these areas very uncommon.
Pros and Cons of Silicone
Silicone delivers a great result including a natural shape and natural feel.
The biggest drawback to silicone implants is that if there is a problem, it is likely to be a “silent” rupture (saline, unlike silicone, is absorbed by the body and therefore a saline rupture is very noticeable). While older silicone implants were in liquid form with a weaker casing, today’s implants have the silicone in the form of a “cohesive gel” and the implant shell is very durable and safe. With these newer silicone gel implants, migration of silicone into the breast tissue is now very rare.
Silicone implants also require more “homework’ both before and after surgery. As part of the re-approval of silicone implants, the FDA has made several recommendations that we ask patients to learn about and consider. After surgery the most significant issue is the FDA recommendation that patients get an MRI of the breast every two years starting at year three. Despite this recommendation many surgeons – including Dr. Slenkovich who was a researcher on the 5-year study assessing the safety of Silicone implants and whether or not to approve them for future use – question the usefulness of obtaining MRIs this frequently. Of course, if there is a change in the breast or a clinical question arises about the status of the implants, an MRI is recommended.
Many Denver breast augmentation patients who had silicone implants 15 years ago still have absolutely beautiful, natural appearing, soft breasts and have never had a problem. And today’s silicone implants are even safer and better than the earlier versions.
Dr. Nick’s position on silicone is as follows: “I think that the silicone gel is a great implant. However, if a patient has reservations about silicone, then typically saline is still a great option that in most patients gives an equivalent shape. I recommend that my breast implants Denver patients read the FDA recommendations forms, and that they don’t just blindly sign it, but I personally, do not have reservations about silicone. Indeed, the 1992 FDA statement that silicone implants were being pulled off the market because of safety concerns, but that if a patient had an implant, they did not recommend that it be removed, was very confusing to many. Either silicone was unsafe or it wasn’t, and since they weren’t recommending removal, one had to wonder. Further, numerous reviews of all of the silicone implant studies have concluded that there is no scientifically identifiable association between silicone implants and auto-immune diseases (lupus, arthritis, MS). I feel that those claims are unsupportable and I am completely comfortable with silicone. I would use silicone for family and on my staff (some of whom have silicone implants). I think most medical professionals would agree that silicone is great. However, this is ultimately the patient’s choice and about half of my breast surgeries are silicone and half are saline."
Pros and Cons of Saline
The saline used in a saline breast implant exactly matches the salinity of the human body, so if there is a leak or rupture, there is no health danger. Depending on how you look at it, this fact that your body will absorb the saline from a ruptured implant is either an advantage or a disadvantage. It is an advantage in that you generally don’t need an MRI to detect a leak as the breast would simply go flat as the saline is absorbed. It is perhaps a disadvantage in that a rupture and rapid deflation leave little opportunity for conveniently choosing a time for any needed surgery to replace the implant.
The disadvantages are: a less natural feel because water feels less like breast tissue than silicone gel; rippling or wrinkling of the skin; and visibility of the implant from certain angles when naked (such as leaning over or when viewed from the side). These drawbacks are significantly minimized when there is sufficient skin and breast tissue to completely cover the implant (only an examination can make this determination) and when the implant is inserted beneath rather than on top of the muscle, which is now standard procedure for saline.
What To Expect When You Come In For Your Breast Enlargement Consultation
Our philosophy is that educating and giving our Denver breast augmentation patients full information in order to make an informed decision is a key to a successful breast enhancement procedure with a good outcome. It’s important that you be involved in the process from start to finish, and keeping your informed and involved is a responsibility we take very seriously. Here’s what to expect at your breast enlargement consultation:
- Before meeting with Dr. Slenkovich, you will meet with his medical assistant. She will listen carefully to your desired outcomes and your questions and concerns. We will provide an explanation of different breast enhancement procedures including advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Dr. Slenkovich will meet with you after he has reviewed your conversation with his assistant. He will take with you in more detail about your goals and concerns and provide additional information. Patients often tell us that they are very encouraged by the warmth, honesty and openness of everyone at Colorado Plastic Surgery in engaging in a true dialogue where the patient’s needs, hopes and concerns are considered so carefully.
- Next, we will review a presentation that will help you understand more about breast enhancement. This presentation will include actual examples of different breast sizes and shapes and many different ages of patients in the before and after photos. This will help you begin to form a realistic picture of where you’re starting from and what you can realistically expect for results. Most patients are excited and encouraged to see how beautiful their breasts can be. You’ll also receive printed materials outlining all of your options, answers to frequently asked questions about breast enhancement procedures, and what to expect during surgery and recovery. This will be yours to keep, so you can refer back to it as often as necessary.
- Next you will change into a robe and be examined by Dr. Slenkovich so he can get a detailed picture of your size and shape, breast structure and tissue, and body structure. This forms the basis of his opinion of what will be medically healthy, realistic, proportional, and help you reach your breast enhancement goals. He will show you several before and after pictures of patients that have similar tissues that serve as good examples of what he anticipates you would be able to acheive.
Dr. Slenkovich says: "I want to be as clear as possible about what you can realistically expect if you decide to have a procedure. After your exam, we’ll have an in-depth conversation where we will openly talk with each other about what you want and what is possible, and I will also address your questions and concerns. This open sharing is one of the most important steps in providing you with the most pleasant and rewarding experience possible."
Dr. Slenkovich cautions those seeking breast enhancement, “The last thing in the world you want at this point is a 'salesman' who will promise you the world. Now is when you want a caring surgeon who will provide you with an honest and realistic picture of what to expect, and who understands that these procedures are not right for everyone. Take your time in thinking over everything you’ve learned and make the decision that is right for you. No matter what you decide, my staff and I will be supportive because what we want for you is your comfort, safety, and peace of mind. I promise you’ll find the whole experience to be encouraging, easy, and reassuring."
- If you choose to have a breast enlargement procedure at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, we also schedule a detailed pre-op teaching session. Our entire education process from start to finish brings new clarity and assurance to your desire to pursue breast enhancement. You’ll also be secure knowing your procedure is supported by the years of expertise, knowledge, and skill the doctor brings to every procedure.
Why Do We Go To Such Lengths To Educate You About Breast Enhancement?
At Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, we are committed to each of our patient’s total well-being and health and we believe that patient education and communication is an integral part of this. Our happy and satisfied patient results seem to support this belief:
"When I met Dr. Slenkovich, I knew I'd made the right decision. He was totally cool, upbeat, a good listener, and highly competent. He made me feel completely safe. I didn't feel pressured to have any procedures done, just comfortable knowing all my questions were answered. My procedure was great. I look fabulous now!. Everything fits together. Before I felt like crying every day when I got undressed. That’s something you should be able to fix if you can. You don’t have to settle for less. I took the opportunity, and I couldn’t be happier. The surgery went smoothly. Within a week, I was back at work, looking and feeling entirely new. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Slenkovich and his team for doing such a great job on my new form; for creating a comforting atmosphere before, during, and after surgery; and for treating me so personably. I've already recommended the Colorado Plastic Surgery Center to several friends who've noticed the amazing difference in me – and hope to have similar results in their own lives." -- N.B. Cheyenne, WY
Breast Augmentation Under Local Anesthesia
Most breast augmentation procedures are performed under twilight anesthesia, which sedates the patient, but does not render them completely unconscious. The patient generally does not remember what has taken place.
Colorado Plastic Surgery Center does offer another option for Denver breast augmentation patients. While it is not for all, breast augmentation under local anesthesia is a great option for those who have a very small body structure or who are uncomfortable or nervous about being placed under twilight anesthesia and its potential side effects.
If a patient opts to use local anesthesia for her breast augmentation, she will receive doses of strong pain medication before Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Slenkovich administers a series of local anesthesia injections until the area is numb.
The main difference between having breast augmentation under local anesthesia versus twilight anesthesia is the patient if fully awake and talking to Dr. Slenkovich and the operating room staff during the procedure. Recovery time is also much shorter because the patient does not have to regain consciousness after surgery.
Breast augmentation under local anesthesia is very safe and Dr. Slenkovich has a high success rate. But in the rare case that he cannot make the patient comfortable and at ease, twilight anesthesia can be used.
Here Dr. Slenkovich discusses breast augmentation under local anesthesia with a patient before her surgery. To schedule a consultation, or for more information on breast augmentation under local anesthesia, please contact our office.
Experience and Credentials
Dr. Slenkovich’s credentials including being a Board Certified plastic surgeon. He has also written, edited or co-authored a number of medical articles on breast enhancement surgeries including "Breast Anatomy", "Breast Augmentation, Endoscopic Assisted" , "Breast Augmentation, Submuscular", "Breast Augmentation, Subglandular", "Breast Augmentation, Expansion Augmentation", and "Breast Implants, Silicone: Safety and Efficacy" which are also available in the articles section of this site.
Most important, Dr. Slenkovich is a skilled and caring plastic surgeon who is honest with patients and committed to patient education and truthfulness. You may notice that on most cosmetic surgery websites, you see only the most youthful and perfect breasts depicted in the before and after gallery. But breasts come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and ages, which must be taken into consideration. This is where the principles of the surgeon you choose to work with come into play, about what’s realistic, what you really need for a natural look, and what you should expect for the outcome of the procedure.
Carefully Selecting Your Breast Enhancement Surgeon Is Absolutely Essential
You don’t want to go to someone who churns out breast enhancements with a “one size or method fits all” kind of mentality. In other words, you don’t want a physician who follows the same recipe over and over again. Dr. Slenkovich takes the time to customize each procedure for the most optimum and natural result for each individual. In his own words, he says, “ I’m a perfectionist when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Frankly, you shouldn’t even consider a surgeon who isn’t. I truly want your results to be as beautiful as possible for you.” For guidance on What To Look For When Selecting A Plastic Surgeon, click here.
To Learn More
Please select from the menu on the right for more information about the specific procedure you're interested in, and please view our before and after photos and 3-D demonstrations. We also invite you to read our patient experiences and patient testimonials pages.