Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants to achieve fuller breasts. Some women have breast augmentation surgery to improve their self-image. Some feel dissatisfied because the size of their breasts do not meet expectations. Others want to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller than the other is. Often women want the procedure to restore their natural breast volume, which may have decreased because of pregnancy, weight loss, aging or even breast cancer surgery.
A surgeon performs the procedure in a surgical facility under a light where an anesthesiologist administers a general and local anesthetic for the surgery, which lasts from one to two hours. The surgeon enlarges the breasts by placing soft implants through a small incision, either though the armpit, from around the nipple or under the breast. Both saline and silicone implants are now available.
Endoscopic
Endoscopic is the most modern technique for breast enlargement surgery. A surgeon makes a small incision in the axilla (underarm) and uses an endoscope to introduce the implant, either under the pectoralis muscle or the breast tissue. The doctor employs absorbable sutures throughout the procedure to assure the comfort of the patient. The unique features of this technique are the small incisions used to perform the procedure and the location of the incisions in the axilla or armpit. Therefore, no scars are visible on the breast or at the breast crease, which lead to excellent aesthetic results. It is an ideal procedure for those patients with smaller breasts where the scars on the breast would be visible, and for those who have a predisposition to abnormal scarring.
Axillary
Doctors use an axillary approach when the breasts of the patient are small, in good position and are relatively symmetrical. Cosmetic surgeons introduce the implant through a 1- to 1 1/2-inch incision in the center of the axilla and generally place the implant under the muscle mass. In patients who are extremely muscular, this placement may show movement of the implant; in such cases, the doctor puts the implant over the muscle tissue. To finish the procedure the doctor uses absorbable stitches at underarm area and uses a small tubular drain to collect fluid for a day or two in order to decrease swelling.
Nipple
This commonly used approach involves a 1- to 1 1/2-inch incision on the lower border of the pigmented areola and allows some correction of shape and position discrepancies of the breasts. The incision generally heals well with minimal scarring. Although blockage of nipple ducts is a theoretical problem, it rarely occurs. Most women are able to breast feed after this procedure.
Inframammary Incision
In a small number of cases where the areola is very small, the doctor makes an incision at the crease below the breast. This approach may be suitable with the most complicated breast augmentations or for women who had previous breast surgery.
Q: Are silicone breast implants dangerous?
A: Since the silicone scare of the 1980s, many research studies demonstrate silicone implants are safe. The implant shell and the composition of the silicone gel have changed in recent years and there are far fewer leaks reported. Silicone implants remain more natural to the touch relative to their saline counterparts, but the ultimate decision rests with the patient.
Help with Questions
Other Resources
Silicone Gel Bleed - Silicone can leak out of the implant without an obvious rupture of the shell. A slow silicone leak occurs through an intact shell.
David Sayah - Dr. David Sayah is a Southern California native who attended UCLA Medical School and graduated with honors in surgery.
Enlargement Costs - Breast Enlargement cost includes the surgeon's fee, operating room cost, anesthesia and the implant costs.
Implant Problem - Undergoing any surgical procedure may involve complications like the effects of anesthesia, possible infection, swelling, redness, bleeding and pain. Breast implant placement can be a complex surgery and complications may occur.
Breast Complication - Not every plastic surgery procedure leads to perfect results. Unnatural results are the most common complaints with plastic surgery. Other imperfections associated with prior plastic surgery include ugly visible scarring, asymmetry or uneven results from one side of the body to the other and deformity.
Perfect Breast
Breast Augmentation -
Breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants for fuller breasts.
Breast Augmentation Bargains -
Although low cost breast implants and augmentation surgery may be enticing, finding a cheap breast augmentation quote should not be the primary goal when selecting a cosmetic surgeon. There are several reasons why choosing a surgeon who offers breast augmentation prices at a dramatically reduced cost can be poor judgement.
Breast Augmentation Cost -
Breast augmentation cost includes the surgeon's fee, operating room cost, anesthesia and the implant costs.
Breast Augmentation Photos -
Breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants to achieve fuller breasts. Some women have breast augmentation surgery to improve their self-image. Some feel dissatisfied because the size of their breasts does not meet expectations.
Breast Augmentation Surgeries -
Breast augmentation adds size and contour to any woman's frame. Because breast implants come in a variety of sizes, and because every size will produce different results on different women, careful thought and consultation with a highly qualified breast implant expert are necessary to achieve optimal results.
Breast Implant -
A breast implant alters the size and shape of a woman's breasts. There are two primary types of breast implants: saline-filled and silicone-gel-filled implants.
Breast Implant Choices -
There is actually a scientific method for selecting the best breast implant size based on the width of the breasts. Another variable to choose when having breast augmentation is the shape of the breast.
Breast Implant Surgery -
Breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants for fuller breasts.
Breast Lift -
A breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.
Large Breast Augmentation -
Large breast augmentation adds generous size and contour to any woman's frame. Because big breast implants come in a variety of sizes, and because every size will produce different results on different women, careful thought and consultation with a highly qualified breast implant expert are necessary to achieve optimal results.
Large Breast Augmentations -
Large breast enhancement adds generous size and contour to any woman's frame. Because big breast implants come in a variety of sizes, and because every size will produce different results on different women, careful thought and consultation with a highly qualified breast implant expert are necessary to achieve optimal results.
Natural Results -
Patients always ask for natural results. Most patients take a conservative approach towards plastic surgery and refer new patients with the same philosophy.
Perfect Breast Augmentation -
The perfect breast augmentation begins by choosing the right plastic surgeon. The perfect result is a surgeon’s combination of talent and experience and understanding the patient’s desires.
Home -
The perfect breast augmentation begins by choosing the right plastic surgeon. The perfect result is a surgeon’s combination of talent and experience and understanding the patient’s desires.
Plastic Surgery Questions -
Not all plastic surgeons are equal. The American Board of Plastic Surgery aims promote safe, ethical and efficacious plastic surgery to the public by certification standards for plastic surgeons.
Westwood Breast Implants -
Before and after photos for Westwood breast implants surgery. Breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants to achieve fuller breasts.