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Breast Augmentation

Breast enhancement procedures such as Breast Augmentation with breast implants, Breast Lift, Breast Reconstruction and Breast Reduction can dramatically enhance the appearance of the breasts.

Breast Augmentation
Planning
Procedure
What to Expect after the Surgery
Procedure at a Glance

Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammaplasty)

Breast augmentation is the #1 surgical procedures requested by women today.     Breast Augmentation is about art and skill and experience.  The result is highly dependent on the skill of the surgeon, and is NOT the same from doctor to doctor.  The best candidates for Breast Augmentation are women who are looking for:

1)      Enhancement in the breast size

2)      Restoring breast volume lost due to weight loss or following pregnancy

3)      Achieving better symmetry of disproportionate breast size or shape

4)      Improving shape of sagging breast that may have lost firmness (see Breast Lift Procedure)

5)      Reconstruction after breast cancer

6)      Improving appearance of breast that may be disfigured due to trauma, heredity, or congenital abnormalities.

Planning

During your initial consultation with Dr. Javaheri, he will thoroughly discuss with you your desires and expectations for surgery.  He will examine your breasts and body, and will carefully advise you on the type, method, and placement of implants that suit you best. 

There is not one “best choice” of implant, incisions or implant placement.  Each patient is unique and requires an individual analysis and plan. 

Procedure

After careful consideration by you and Dr. Javaheri, the implant type, size, shape, position of incision, and location will be decided. 

There are two options where the implant may be placed: the sub glandular (in front of the pectoral muscle) and the sub muscular (behind the pectoral muscle).  Sub muscular placement increases the padding overlying the implant offering more coverage and camouflage to the shape of the implant. This is particularly helpful in women bearing very little or no breast tissue at all.  Most women are candidates for under the muscle approach.  There are 4 types of incision placement. 

Different approaches to Breast Augmentation are:  

(1)  Mammary Incision (also known as “under the breast” incision)   A small incision is carefully placed at the natural fold of the breast, in most cases hiding the scar. This method allows for precise placement.

(2) Peri-areola Incision -   This incision is made around the edge of the areola (the darker skin around the edge of the nipple) and, in most patients, is barely visible with time.  This, too, allows for precise placement of the implant.

(3)  Auxiliary incision – This incision is made in one of the crease lines of the armpit.   The scars may be visible than the other approaches.

(4) Umbilical (belly button) Incision - This technique may be  performed endoscopically using scopes and cameras for implant placement, or without endoscopic equipment for the subglandular placement  Implant placement is not as precise as the Mammary Incision or the Peri-Areola incision.

Generally over time, the scars usually settle quite well and become less noticeable.  Scars can often times be managed through the usage of over the counter scar gels.  Our staff will be happy to assist you in recommending which is right for you.

What to Expect after the Surgery

Patient will leave the surgery with a dressing in place followed by a post-surgical compression bra.  You will experience moderate discomfort following the surgery that will be managed by prescription medication. Breasts will be swollen and bruised post surgery  and may take about 1-2 months to settle.  During these weeks, breasts may appear higher than normal but will settle and gradually lower over the course of 1-2 months into a more natural position. 

We recommend that you avoid any stretching or lifting during the first seven to ten days.  Many    women can go back to work after a few short days.  If your job involves excessive stretching and lifting, it is advised that you refrain from these activities for an additional ten days. You can usually start light lower limb exercise after three weeks, and upper arm exercises and swimming after six weeks. When exercising, you should always try to wear a sports bra. You will be able to drive after a few days.

Procedure at a glance:

·   Procedure: Enhance the size and shaped of breasts

·   Length: 1 to 2 hours.

·   Anesthesia: Local with sedation, or general (recommended)

·   In/Outpatient: Outpatient.

·   Side Effects: Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.

·   Risks: Lack of implant permanence, deflation, the formation of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture), bleeding or infection, increase or decrease in sensitivity of nipples or breast skin.  (mammography requires a special technique)

·   Recovery: Back to work: a few days. Physical contact with breasts: 3 to 4 weeks. Fading of scars: several months to a year or more.

·   Type of Implant:  Saline filled implant or Silicone filled implant 

 

Concerning Breast Cancer

There have been many concerns regarding breast augmentation and the possibility of delayed detection of breast cancer due to the possible obstruction of breast tissue with saline.  Numerous studies have shown that the rate of cancer detection has not changed with implants. (Rosh, Does this only apply to saline?  Wouldn’t this same rule apply to silicone implant patients also?) breast implants during a mammogram. Fortunately, modern technology has improved over the last few years enabling the radiographer to minimize the amount of breast that is hidden by the implant. Women with breast implants are encouraged to have regular mammograms just as all other women.  The Radiographer should be informed of your breast implants prior to your mammogram.

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