Breast enlargement, or augmentation mammoplasty, enhances the body contour of a woman who is unhappy with her small breast size. Other purposes of this procedure include:
Breast augmentation is done on an outpatient basis in our surgical center, under general anesthesia. An implant (prosthesis) is placed through an incision, under the breast tissue or under the muscle. The incision can be made under the breast, around the nipple or under the arm. A breast implant is composed of an outer silicone shell filled with saline (the FDA has restricted the use of silicone gel implants). The outer surface may be smooth or textured, and implants come in various shapes to meet the individual woman's needs.
When the implant is placed sub muscularly under the breast, there is a lower chance of contracture (contraction of the tissue capsule surrounding the implant), and mammography is more reliable. There is also less risk of visible or palpable implant edges. However, some believe the implant has a more natural appearance when placed above the muscle, under the breast tissue. Your Orange County breast augmentation surgeon can help you decide which placement and type of implant will work best.
The shape of your augmented breasts depends on the implant. Implants may be round or teardrop-shaped (anatomical). The choice depends on the look you want to achieve: Anatomical implants produce a gentle slope, whereas round implants create a round curve in the upper part of the breast. Another factor to consider prior to surgery is breast width, which determines the amount of "cleavage" between your breasts and the outer curves, which you may want to balance with your hips. Realistic expectations of this procedure are important. Women often think of breast size in terms of bra cup size. If you are currently a size "A" and wish to be a size "C", there must be adequate existing breast tissue coverage; otherwise you will be warned of visible or palpable implant edges and other possible risks.
You must have someone drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. You will experience some pain the first day or two that is easily controlled with pain pills prescribed by your surgeon. Some tightness in the breast area is also normal as your body adjusts to the implants.
You can move about freely after surgery. Wear a bra at all times (except when showering) during the first 2 weeks following surgery. Avoid heavy lifting for 2-3 weeks. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after the third week. Vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed at 4-6 weeks. You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks.
During recovery, the breasts will be somewhat swollen. Within a few weeks, the actual shape and size will be evident. You may notice some asymmetry; however most breasts are naturally somewhat asymmetrical.
Delayed wound healing may occur in persons with diabetes, history of radiation, autoimmune disease or smokers. Other complications include capsular contracture, bleeding, infection, or irregularity of the skin. It is important to have a thorough medical evaluation beforehand to address these potential risks. You also need to know that even a small hole in an implant can cause the saline to leak out, resulting in a "flat" implant and necessitating surgical replacement.
About silicone gel implants: The FDA approved the use of silicone gel breast implants in 2006 for the use in breast augmentation surgery. After years of testing and thorough research, there has been no evidence found to support reports of illness or disease stemming from silicone gel implants. According to the FDA approval of this type of implant, they have been cleared for use in patients over 22 years of age and those who undergo breast reconstruction. In addition, patients who receive silicone gel breast implants must check in with their surgeon to monitor the implants’ performance and safety. It is highly recommended that patients continue their follow-up appointments, be aware of any changes in the breasts, and stay in touch with their surgeon in order to ensure that there are no post-surgery complications.
Augmentation mammoplasty is a safe procedure that has produced pleasing and satisfying results for many women. Those who are psychologically stable and have realistic expectations benefit the most. A preliminary consultation with Dr. Robert Wald can help you determine whether breast augmentation is right for you.
When reviewing information about specific plastic surgery procedures, it is important to understand that the circumstances and experience of every individual are unique. If you are considering plastic surgery, please ask your breast augmentation surgeon for further information about the particular procedure and what you can expect.
Abdominoplasty The removal of excess abdominal fat with tightening of the abdominal wall. Also called tummy tuck.
Arm Lift To contour the upper arms by removing skin and fat
Augmentation Mammaplasty To enlarge the breasts making them more youthful and full using breast implants
Blepharoplasty To remove the excess skin and fat of the upper and lower eyelids
Body Lift To tighten and improve contour of the back, thighs, and abdomen
BOTOX® To soften the lines around the eyes and forehead
Brachioplasty To improve contour and reduce excess skin and fat of upper arms
Breast Augmentation To enlarge the breasts making them more youthful and full using breast implants
Breast Enhancement To enlarge the breasts making them more youthful and full using breast implants
Breast Enlargement To enlarge the breasts making them more youthful and full using breast implants
Breast Implant Revision To improve overall shape and size of breasts following previous cosmetic breast surgery
Breast Implants Saline or silicone devices to enlarge breasts
Breast Lift To uplift breasts following pregnancy, the aging process, or congenital deformity
Breast Reconstruction The surgical procedure to remake breasts for a woman who has lost a breast due to cancer
Breast Reduction To reduce the size of breasts that are too large and heavy
Brow Lift To elevate the forehead and eyebrows following the aging process
Calf Augmentation/Implants To enlarge size of calves
Cellulite The dimpling or cheese appearance of skin following pregnancy or develops with age
Cheek Implants Implants to enlarge cheeks
Chemical Peel Various acid treatments to improve texture and fine wrinkles of the face
Chin Augmentation To enlarge and improve contour of chin
Chin Implant Silicone or other type of material device to enlarge chin
Collagen Natural bodies tissue used in healing
Collagen Injections A filler to elevate folds or wrinkles to soften facial appearance
Dermal Fillers A filler to elevate folds or wrinkles to soften facial appearance
DSL Laser Hair Removal
Ear Pinning/Surgery To correct ears that are too projecting or dumbo like in appearance
Endoscopic Brow Lift Technique to elevate forehead, low brow position and heaviness of upper eyelids
Face Lift To tighten skin of face and neck and reposition soft tissue of cheek and jowls
Facial Implants Implants to enhance contour of cheeks, chin, and mandibular angle
Fat Injections Fat added to areas of body to enhance volume and contour
Flap Surgery Tissue from one area of body added to another area to correct a body defect
Forehead Lift To elevate forehead and eyebrows
Gynecomastia Excess breast tissue of male
Hylaform® A filler to enhance facial lines and depressions
Incision A cut made in skin
IPL™ Photofacial/Fotofacial Light therapy to soften facial wrinkles and pigmentation
Labiaplasty To remove excess labial skin
Laser Hair Removal Laser to remove unwanted hair
Laser Skin Tightening Laser light to burn skin that causes new collagen formation and less wrinkles
Laser Skin Resurfacing CO2 laser therapy to correct facial wrinkles
Lip Augmentation To add fillers or fat to enlarge lips
Lipodissolve™ Technique to remove excess body or facial fat
Lipoplasty Technique to remove excess body or facial fat
Liposculpture Technique to remove excess body or facial fat
Liposuction Technique to remove excess body or facial fat
Male Breast Reduction To remove excess breast tissue and skin on a male
Mammaplasty To enlarge the breasts
Mastectomy To remove breast including breast tissue, nipple, areola, and some breast skin
Mastopexy To uplift the breast and reposition the nipple/areola
Mentoplasty To enlarge the chin and improve the chin’s contour
NeckLift To tighten the skin of the neck
Nipple Reduction To reduce the size of the nipple
Nose Job To improve the shape and contour of the nose. Also called rhinoplasty.
Obagi Skin care system that transforms skin into younger and healthier skin
Otoplasty Surgical technique to pin back ears that are too protruding
Pec Implants Implants to enlarge male breasts
Ptosis Droopiness that overhangs the pupil and may interfere with vision
Radiesse A filler to elevate depressions or wrinkles or add volume to face
Refirme™ (ST)
Restylane® Injections A filler to minimize depressions and wrinkles of face
Rhinoplasty Surgery to improve, shape, size, and contour of nose
Rhytidectomy Surgery to tighten facial and neck skin and make face more youthful. Also called face necklift.
Rosacea Skin condition that causes redness
Saline Implants Implants comprised of a silicone shell and saline content
Sclerotherapy To inject spider veins that result in their disappearance or lightening
Sculptra® A long lasting filler
Silicone Implants Implants comprised of silicone
SkinCeuticals : Skin care products to prevent damage, protect healthy skin, and correct previous damage
Skin Expansion Technique to stretch skin of breasts or body
Suture Material to bring skin or underlying tissue together
Symmastia Condition where two breast meet in middle of chest
Thermage® Laser therapy to improve texture of facial skin
Thigh Lift/Thighplasty Surgery to improve contour and shape of thighs
Thread Face Lift Surgical technique to tighten facial and neck skin using threads
Topical Solution Liquid applied to the skin
Tummy Abdomen
Vein Therapy Techniques to improve appearance of large varicose veins or small spider veins
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