Guide to Breast Implant Care With Phoenix Plastic Surgeon Dr. Steven Turkeltaub

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Dec 5, 2012) - Phoenix plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Turkeltaub says that proper postoperative care is quite essential for a successful, uneventful recovery following breast implant surgery. With breast augmentation continuing to be the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Dr. Turkeltaub states it is even more important that he keeps his patients informed about the do's and don'ts of caring for one's breast implants. He encourages patients to carefully follow the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon and avoid certain strenuous activities for a specified period of time after surgery in order to reduce the likelihood of certain complications.

When it comes to breast augmentation, Dr. Turkeltaub indicates that nearly all of his Phoenix plastic surgery patients choose silicone for their breast implants because of its naturalness, durability and longevity, a statistic which somewhat parallels the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) which reports that 69 percent of all breast implant procedures performed last year used silicone. Although they can provide longer-lasting results than their saline counterparts, he says that patients need to realize that even silicone breast implants are not permanent medical devices and do not last forever.

"Many people are under the impression that breast implants last forever," says Dr. Turkeltaub. "It is important that every patient is informed that given a long enough time, these implants will ultimately wear down and then need to be replaced or just removed. There are also many patients who, for some reason, believe that they will need to be replaced every ten years. This is also not true -- there is no 'ten year rule.'"

Following a breast implant procedure such as a breast augmentation or a mastopexy with implants, Dr. Turkeltaub instructs his patients to avoid any heavy lifting, straining or working out for approximately three weeks. He also has them avoid starting ten days prior to surgery those medications, herbs and other supplements that can affect the blood's clotting mechanism leading to bleeding. Examples include aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, and ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oils. Additionally, Dr. Turkeltaub says smoking can impair the body's natural healing process, leading to an increased risk of infection and wound healing problems.

Dr. Turkeltaub says another crucial component to a healthy result from breast augmentation is maintaining the right weight. He says patients who stay active and eat right can enjoy the benefits of an enhanced appearance for many years to come until they eventually need to be replaced from natural degeneration.

Because of the many important aesthetic and technical issues associated with a breast augmentation, Dr. Turkeltaub encourages anyone considering the procedure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing treatment. He also states that choosing the right practice can increase the likelihood that the patient will obtain the result desired and do so safely.

About Steven H. Turkeltaub, MD, PC

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the Six-Year Boston University Medical Program, Dr. Steven Turkeltaub completed his general surgery residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and Northwestern Medical Center in Chicago, and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Arizona Medical Association, and the Arizona Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. Dr. Turkeltaub's advanced techniques in plastic surgery have been published in numerous medical journals and textbook chapters, and he has dedicated numerous hours to his continued education.

With two locations at 10290 N. 92nd St. Suite 207 in Scottsdale, AZ 85258 and 18275 N. 59th Avenue Bldg. E Suite 126 in Glendale, AZ 85308, Dr. Turkeltaub's practice can be reached at (480) 451-3000. It can also be contacted online via the websites arizonabreast.com, turkeltaub.com, or facebook.com/drturkeltaub.