Enhancing Natural Beauty: Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. It is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. In 2006 for the first time, the number of surgical procedures surpassed number of non-surgical aesthetic procedures in US. Breast enhancement surgery is the most common procedure performed at BeverlyHillsPhysicians. Over the years, several different types and styles of implants have been used. Today most physicians performing breast augmentation are using saline filled implants as well as the new FDA approved memory gel Silicone Implants.
Your Many Choices
There are currently several different methods for inserting and positioning the implants. The incisions can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, beneath the areola, in the armpit or in the belly button. Having performed several thousands of breast augmentations—using all techniques—we can say that all methods can be performed safely with equally good results. The method you choose will depend on where you want the incision, as well as which procedure your surgeon feels will give you the best result.
The saline filled or silicon breast implants may be placed above or below the chest muscles. Most physicians are currently placing the implants under the muscle (sub-pectoral). The muscle provides an extra layer of padding to give a more natural appearance. In addition, placing the implants under the muscle may decrease the chance of scar tissue formation around the implant (capsular contracture) and also allows for greater ease in reading mammograms. When placing the implants under the muscle, an appropriate pocket must be created so that the breasts will have a nice shape as well as adequate cleavage. When performing the procedure your surgeon may prefer to place temporary implants, called “sizers” within the pocket to determine what size implants will give you the look you desire. These implants are only inserted for a few minutes but often will allow for a more precise result.
The Straight Facts on Surgery
With all said, here are a few commonly asked questions about breast augmentation surgery:
Is breast augmentation for me?
During a consultation with Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeons, you have the chance to discuss the goals and expectations of the surgery. The surgeon will asses your breast and body contour and will discuss the outcome of your procedure.
Is the implant safe?
Yes. At this time, there is no evidence that implants would increase the risk of any disease or pre-expose one to any medical condition. A mammogram can be safely performed in women with breast implants. Today, the most common implant used is saline filled. Certain patients are also candidate for silicone filled implants. Both saline and silicone implants have been found to be very safe, although not everyone is a candidate for silicone filled implants.
What is the breast augmentation surgery like?
The procedure is performed at an outpatient surgical facility. The procedure typically takes just over an hour to perform. Most patients recover within 1 to 2 hours after surgery and are discharged home.
What is the recovery from breast augmentation surgery like?
Most women are ambulatory few hours after surgery. It is suggested to rest a few days following the procedure. A post surgical sports bra is worn for several weeks. There is some discomfort and swelling after the surgery. The surgeon prescribes antibiotic and oral pain medication for control of discomfort. Depending on the type of job and level of activity at work, one can go back to work as early as 3 days following surgery.
Can I breast feed after breast augmentation surgery?
Most likely, yes. By placing the implants under the muscle (sub-pectoral), the glandular breast tissue remains intact and the implant will have a more natural look and feel. The vast majority of women can breast feed following a sub-pectoral breast augmentation surgery.
Follow your surgeon’s advice on when to resume your normal activities. Frequent postoperative checkups are beneficial to ensure proper healing. Your surgeon should discuss in full detail the steps required both before and after your surgery to attain the best results. This article is only meant to serve as a basic overview of the procedure.
Knowledge and Trust at BeverlyHillsPhysicians.Com
Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeons at Beverly Hills Physicians perform over 400 surgical procedures per month, including the most number of breast enhancement procedures than any other group in California.
The decision on which method to choose and who will perform your surgery should be carefully considered. These choices can be difficult, but being well informed will help you make the appropriate ones. If possible, try to get a referral from a friend who has had a good experience and always check to see that your physician is a true plastic surgeon. You want your surgeon to be board eligible or certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. You should also ask your plastic surgeon to show you before and after plastic surgery pictures of his/her prior patients or even ask to talk to a few prior patients.
Your Satisfying New Shape
The result of breast augmentation can be satisfying as women learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. For the women whose body has undergone changes after childbirth, it could be a life changing experience. In recent years with the baby boomer population explosion, many women feel they need a breast enhancement procedure such as a breast augmentation or a breast lift. Other professional women feel that a cosmetic breast procedure will increase their chance of staying competitive with the younger work force. For any further questions please contact one of our locations for a complimentary consultation with a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Call us at 800.788.1416