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Cosmetic surgery for breast augmentation (implants) is now available at Moundview Memorial Hospital & Clinics through Steve Paulk, MD, board certified surgeon and member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.  Dr. Paulk has practiced at Moundview since 1995 and owns Northeast Surgical Group in Portage.  

 

Dr. Paulk completed training to perform breast augmentations through an accredited course sponsored by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He trained under Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown, a triple board certified cosmetic surgeon who has repeatedly been voted “top plastic surgeon” in Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

“Dr. Paulk is very familiar with the anatomy of the breast having performed numerous breast biopsies and cancer surgeries during his career,” said Dr. Mandell-Brown. “It was a natural progression for him to learn breast augmentation.”

 

“Cosmetic surgeons include physicians from various fields such as ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and surgeons like Dr. Paulk,” said Dr. Mandell-Brown. “Accredited courses, such as the breast augmentation course I teach, allow these physicians to further develop their skills and expertise. Their strong knowledge base, combined with a high level of training and practical experience, makes them among the most qualified doctors to perform cosmetic procedures.” 

 

Dr. Paulk’s training included lectures by Dr. Mandell-Brown, hands-on experience in performing breast augmentation using cadavers, direct observation of surgeries performed by other cosmetic surgeons, and one-on-one surgical training with Dr. Mandell-Brown. 

 

In mid-October Dr. Mandell-Brown traveled to Friendship with his assistant, Therese Holden, to observe Dr. Paulk’s first breast augmentation surgeries at Moundview. 

 

“I think Dr. Paulk’s work will speak for itself,” said Dr. Mandell-Brown. “Credentials alone do not make the doctor. It’s about being attentive, providing individualized care, compassionate treatment, and an aesthetic sense to help patients improve their appearance. Dr. Paulk possesses these characteristics as well as the expertise to perform the surgeries.” 

 

In addition to his successful medical practice and teaching breast augmentation, Dr. Mandell-Brown holds plastic surgery and laser workshops for physicians at the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center. He has a teaching appointment at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and annually instructs medical students and residents. He has lectured throughout the United States and Canada. And, he has authored over a dozen medical articles and served as a co-editor of four medical textbooks. 

 

Breast augmentation is the third most popular cosmetic surgery performed in the United States. There are many reasons why this procedure appeals to women.  

 

“A number of women want the surgery because they feel their breasts are too small,” said Dr. Paulk. “Others may have uneven breasts, with one having a different size or shape than the other. And, some want to restore the size and shape of their breasts after pregnancy, breast feeding, significant weight loss, or aging.” 

 

Whatever reasons women may have for being interested in breast augmentation, it is important to be realistic. The surgery is appropriate for women who are looking for improvement, not perfection.  

 

“Patients must meet certain criteria for this surgery,” said Dr. Paulk. “During consultation, I talk to the patient about their goals and take measurements of their chest to determine if they are a good candidate for implants.” 

 

“If the patient meets surgery criteria, we discuss their preferences for the feel and overall appearance of their breasts and look at pictures to help determine the size of their implant,” said Dr. Paulk. “This information and the patient’s chest dimensions are used to determine which implant will look the best.”

 

Other topics discussed during consultation include the pros and cons of the procedure, costs, surgical techniques, and what to expect after surgery including medications and special precautions.

 

“It’s important to have good communication with patients prior to their surgery to ensure they are happy with the end results,” said Dr. Paulk. 

 

For most surgeries, the doctor will make an incision under the breast. Care is taken to make the incision as small as possible so that the resulting scars are not easily seen. Once the incision is made, the breast tissue is lifted, creating a pocket where the implant (saline or silicone) is placed. The type of implant used is based on doctor and patient preference. Both are approved by the FDA with silicone implants having been re-approved in late 2006.  

 

Absorbable stitches are typically used to close the incision. Occasionally, tubes may be used to drain the surgical site which will need to be removed a few days after surgery. The doctor may recommend using a compression bandage or sports bra for extra support. 

 

The surgery usually takes one to two hours. Patients will be sore the first few days after surgery, but your doctor can prescribe medication for pain relief.   Most patients can return to work within a week. Resuming everyday activities may take longer as your breasts will be sensitive to physical contact or jarring movements for several weeks.

 

Breast implants are some of the most popular and safest cosmetic/plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States. However, as with any surgery, there are possible risks and complications.  

 

“I take time to explain the potential risks during the patient’s consultation,” said Dr. Paulk. “Most women will not experience complications, but they should be well informed about all aspects of the procedure. Good communication and attention to detail are important. I want to do everything possible to ensure patients are happy with their surgery.”

 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Paulk, call Moundview Memorial Hospital & Clinics at (608) 339-8360 or his Portage office at (608) 742-9300.