Breast augmentation
By Mary Malik
Sometimes it’s difficult to take action on things, even if it’s about something you have wanted and dreamt about for many years. That was the case for Rachel, a patient of Dr. Paul Vanek, a double-board certified general and plastic surgeon in Mentor.
“Breast augmentation was something I wanted to do ever since I can remember,” says Rachel.
“I was always a confident person, but I felt there was something missing. I had many ups and downs with my weight over the years and I was finally in a good place after making some smart lifestyle changes. I wanted to make that one final change and be completely comfortable with my body.”
Rachel’s main reason for waiting was her intense fear at the thought of undergoing any kind of surgery. After an extensive search for the right doctor, she found Dr. Vanek, and very quickly felt she was in the right hands. When Rachel walked into the office for her initial consultation and met Mary Jo Somich, Dr. Vanek’s cosmetic coordinator, she knew she was finally on her way to realizing her dream of a more feminine appearance.
“Immediately the focus was on me,” says Rachel. “I discussed my hopes and fears with Dr. Vanek and he was so kind and supportive and spent time explaining every aspect of the procedure. He started by asking me what I wanted. No other doctor had ever asked me that before. I was able to relax and get excited about my results.”
Rachel had many years of questions, thoughts and concerns to share. She describes how she never felt rushed and Mary Jo even promised to hold her hand and walk her to the procedure, and she did just that.
“Everyone there understands that this is a life-changing event and they want you to be comfortable every step of the way,” says Rachel. “They understood my fears and they worked with me to help me through them.”
Dr. Vanek and his staff know that serving each patient’s emotional needs is extremely important. When comfortable and knowledgeable about the procedure, their entire experience is more positive.
“I have been performing breast augmentation procedures since 1996,” says Dr. Vanek.
“After hundreds of these procedures, I have gained both medical and artistic expertise and my patients are thrilled with their results. But I think it’s my personal attention to each individual that sets me apart. Every patient is unique and I approach her that way. It’s important to me that I really know you, your desires for the procedure, your lifestyle, and I take the time to create a vision together with you to achieve your best possible result. Every breast augmentation is a true and unique collaboration.”
Dr. Vanek believes that the happiest patient is an informed patient, and he wants his patients to make comfortable, medically and emotionally sound decisions.
“I went back three times before I decided on my implant size,” says Rachel. “Dr. Vanek explained how my particular physiology and anatomy needed to be considered in order to make the right choice.”
Dr. Vanek guides each patient individually through all breast augmentation decisions.
“It’s a unique blend of art and science,” says Dr. Vanek. “In terms of size, many women are trying to regain lost volume in their breasts due to pregnancy or weight loss, and some are in search of something they’ve never had. I assess your individual needs, discuss aesthetic goals, possible outcomes and empower you to decide what’s right for you.”
As a biochemist and researcher, Dr. Vanek has participated in FDA studies on breast implant safety and assures the long-term safety of both silicone- and saline-filled implants. Silicone gel implants have the feel of natural breasts and behave most like breast tissue. Most of his patients, including Rachel, choose silicone gel. Especially of interest to many young women, since implants are placed behind the muscle, breastfeeding is not restricted.
“Rachel is intelligent and was very involved and curious about all aspects of the procedure,” says Dr. Vanek. “As an engineering student, she had some technical questions.
Immediately after her surgery I saw her vivacious personality emerge. I’m very happy to be part of her story.”
And Rachel says all of her expectations were not just met but exceeded.
“I feel like I’m finally in the body I was meant to have,” says Rachel. “My whole experience from start to finish was amazing. Even the recovery was better than I expected. Between my mother and the rest of my support system at Dr. Vanek’s office, I was back to my normal life in just a few days.”
And Rachel’s longtime dreams have now become her everyday reality, just like she and Dr. Vanek planned.
Dr. Paul Vanek is located at 9485 Mentor Ave., Suite 100, in Mentor. Call 440-205-5750 for more information and to schedule a consultation, or visit MentorPlasticSurgery.comor ThisCanBU.com, where you can see more photos of Rachel and other breast augmentation patients of Dr. Vanek.