What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is surgery to enlarge and improve contour and shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation is the most common plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States. Breast augmentation is a popular choice because it allows you to enhance your breast shape and size, giving you a more proportional figure along with more attractive curves. Every woman wants to feel good about her body, and breast augmentation can give you that voluptuous figure. The reasons behind breast enhancement can be cosmetic as in approximately 80% of women, however, 20% of implants are used for reconstruction either after cancer surgery or for other traumatic injuries requiring reconstruction.
Some of the reasons for breast augmentation surgery include:
- Small breasts
- Underdeveloped breasts
- Asymmetry or different sized or shaped breasts
- Deflation/atrophy of breasts after breastfeeding or after childbirth
- Patients desiring more fullness
- Volume loss or atrophy after weight loss
- Injury or illness changing shape or size of breasts
Evaluation for Breast Augmentation
The first step is to schedule your consultation with Dr. Som Kohanzadeh—our board-certified plastic surgeon. During your initial visit, Dr. Som will thoroughly discuss your specific cosmetic goals for breast augmentation. Part of this discussion includes thorough evaluation the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the position of your nipples and areolas to determine the best treatment plan for you. In some cases, breast augmentation may need to be combined with additional procedures such as a breast lift (mastopexy) to improve your overall results. Dr. Som will discuss the various options for augmentation including implant type, surgical approach, and size. Dr. Som will spend time discussing the procedure in detail including potential risks and complications, and create a personalized plan to best achieve your cosmetic goals.
“Dr Som is hands down THE BEST! He is a tremendously skilled surgeon, and yet pragmatic about cosmetic recommendations. His bedside manner is amazing and will take the time to answer any and all questions, and made me feel very comfortable and would recommend him to everyone.”
Selecting the Right Implant
Currently, breast implant options include silicone and saline filled implants. All implants are approved for use in the United States and have undergone approval by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Saline implants are filled with saline or salt water solution which can be easily absorbed by the body in case of rupture or leakage, with an outer shell made of silicone. These implants are filled after insertion into the appropriate pre-created space and often may be placed utilizing a slightly smaller incision. They are more firm and heavier than silicone implants, and have a higher chance of rippling that can be seen from the outside. Saline implants are approved for patients that are 18 years and older.
On the other hand, silicone implants are filled with medical grade silicone with a similar outer shell of silicone. Silicone implants are famous for their natural appearance and feel, with less chance of rippling. These implants are prefilled and therefore, may require a slightly larger incision for placement. Silicone implants are approved for patients that are 22 years and older.
The Procedure
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Combination of medications are provided by an anesthesiologist to help you sleep through the procedure and keep you comfortable for the entirety of the procedure.
Step 2 – Surgical approach
There are 3 primary options for the incision site location. All incisions are made and placed in locations that are hidden to minimize any visible scars. Each option has variable rates of complications and benefits depending on each patient. Plastic surgeon Dr. Som will discuss the optimal incision for you based upon your goals and desires.
Step 3 – Implant position
After incision is made then a pocket is created to hold the implant. This can be below the muscle or above the muscle and below the breast tissue. Each position has various benefits and risks. This will be discussed with you during your consultation to determine with Dr. Som the best implant position for you.
Step 4 – Closure and Completion
Fine multilayered closure is performed with sutures. Breast position and shape are checked again, dressings and a surgical bra are applied and then the anesthesiologist will wake you up and transfer to the recovery suite.
To learn more about breast augmentation, what procedure may be right for you, please contact Dr. Som. Our patients are family and privacy is everything and we make sure of it!