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combines reconstructive and cosmetic principles, this is the most complicated breast procedure. The first concern many patients express about implants is safety. To assuage their fears and offer the safest procedure with the best results, Dr. Asaadi uses saline implants. Many of the body's natural processes can affect the shape of the breast follow- ing surgery, so numerous precautions are taken to ensure procedures have long- lasting benefits. For example, scar tissue and capsule formation can become too thick following surgery and push the implant upward, changing the breast's shape. To solve the problem of capsule formation, Dr. Asaadi follows a three-step process. He inserts the implant under direct visualization to release the pectoralis muscle. Controlling bleeding prevents capsule and scar tissue formation around the breast implant. Meticulous sterility measures — includ- ing washing the chest with antiseptic, changing to powderless gloves, and avoiding contact of implant with skin — minimize complications. To insert the deflated implant, Dr. Asaadi folds it, and places it in the pocket under the pectoral muscle, tak- ing great care to avoid transmission of staph epidermis from the patient's skin to the implant. The bacteria can colonize around the implant, causing capsule formation and hardness, and antibiotics cannot penetrate the colony (biofilm phenomenon). To perform the procedure, Dr. Asaadi approaches along the natural contours of the lower breast — not through the armpit, navel or areola. This approach reduces contact between the implant and breast tissue. Breast glands have bacteria that might not cause infection but can cause capsule formation. For optimal outcomes, Dr. Asaadi performs mastopexy augmentations at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, with a skilled plastic surgery support team. Careful preparation correlates with excellent results, demonstrating a surgeon's critical role. "One of the major problems with breast augmentation procedures is that there is a 25 percent chance that a patient will need a second surgery," Dr. Asaadi says. "After a second surgery, the number jumps to 33 percent who will need a third. Why should patients have such an operation when there's a high risk they'll need subsequent surgeries for correction? Surgeons must perform the first operation correctly." The Right Choice Cosmetic artistry cannot be achieved by alacrity. Surgeons must be committed to one objective above all. "Safety is the No. 1 priority for cosmetic surgery," says Dr. Asaadi. "If patients seek elective surgery, they should not be pressured by price or influence. They need to pick the right surgeon and the right location. Patients need to beware of board-certification claims — there is no board certification for cosmetic surgery. They need a board-certified surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery and has privileges in a hospital." F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t A saadi Pla st ic Sur ge r y, plea se vi sit www.asaadiplasticsurger y.com. ■ "There are no shortcuts in cosmetic surgery. I perform all procedures in facilities equipped with the latest equipment and an experienced supporting team. Each procedure is multilayered, and it is critically important to be highly attentive to sterility and patient positioning to offer patients the highest quality results. Rushing through surgery always ends in unnecessary complications. Surgeons must perform using best practices to give patients the results they expect." — Mokhtar Asaadi, MD, FACS, Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, President of Asaadi Plastic Surgery A sample of Dr. Asaadi's patients' testimonials of appreciation and gratitude Dr. Asaadi's patients are welcomed by a warm office environment. COV ER FE AT UR E 8 | Central New Jersey MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M