Breast Augmentation Videos
Breast Augmentation
The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.
When and How Performed :
Our Plastic surgeons perform a breast augmentation in a variety of ways. The implants are usually placed under the muscle. Operative incisions can be around the areola (pigmented skin of the nipple), in the fold under the breasts or in the axilla (arm pit). The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.
Breast Implant Options:
Above or Below the muscle - Below the muscle is usually preferred since this can help to mask the water baggy feel of the saline filled breast implant.
A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with a salt-water solution known as saline.
We can use saline filled implants or gel filled.
The implants have a limited lifetime warranty - if they leak during the first 10 years the manufacturer will pay for replacement and provide a new implant. If they leak after that time they will provide you with a new implant for life.
We have over 20 years of experience with saline filled implants and in general very satisfactory results. There are very few cases of implant failure or patient dissatisfaction.
Breast Augmentation can be performed either in the office or outpatient operating room. We have a AAAASF in office Surgical Suite. We use only Board Certified Anesthesiologists (M.D.) and a dedicated operating room staff of registered nurses.
Most of our patients choose the office operating room for the added privacy, comfort, location, scheduling convenience. We do have privileges at both Duluth Outpatient and Emory Johns Creek. These outpatient facilities are in close proximity to our office.
The operative procedure is approximately 1 ½ hours long and performed as an outpatient.
Positive Features
Overall satisfaction rate for breast augmentation is very high
Restores fullness that may have been lost by pregnancy or weight loss
Creates proportionate breasts if there has been a developmental loss
Cost: $4,400(Saline Implants) - which includes the implants, surgeon’s fee, operating room, sterile supplies and follow up examinations.
Other important information about breast augmentation
Location: Office or Outpatient Surgical Procedure
Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Length of surgery: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Location of incision: Options include under the breast, in the arm pit or around the areola.
Recovery: You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.
Pain level Mild to Moderate, different for every person but in general most people will experience a discomfort that will be eased by the use of the prescribed medications.
More information on silicone gel implants
For years even the mention of silicone breast implants caused women everywhere to cringe. Many women may still remember when the FDA pulled silicone breast implants off the market because of their tendency to rupture. Now, after more than a decade, the FDA has APPROVED the use of gel filled silicone implants.
The FDA's reasons for studying the new high strength gel silicone breast implants was purely for reasons of safety. Plastic surgeons like silicone gel implants, not only because they are safe, but because silicone breast enhancements feel and look completely natural. Both Dr. Zwiren and Dr. Nakano have been involved with two studies for Mentor Silicone Implants and Inamed Silicone Implants for the past 10 years and therefore they both have experience with using these silicone gel implants on many patients. These studies were in place to give the FDA the additional data they require before they would approve silicone breast implants for general use. Women who qualified for participation in these studies had to meet the following criteria:
You are a mastectomy patient and are undergoing reconstructive surgery.
You are having revisionary surgery and already have saline implants.
You are having a breast lift (mastopexy), in addition to breast augmentation.
You have a chest wall deformity (pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, possibly scoliosis).
At this time, you do not need to meet the above criteria.
What's New
After rigorous scientific review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the marketing of silicone gel-filled breast implants made by two companies for breast reconstruction in women of all ages and breast augmentation in women ages 22 and older. The products are made by Allergan Corp. (Formerly Inamed Corp.) and Mentor Corporation. Mentor Corp.'s silicone gel implants are called the MemoryGel Breast implants.
In the past decade, many independent studies have been performed to examine whether silicone gel-filled breast implants are associated with connective tissue disease or any cancers. These studies have concluded that there is no convincing evidence that breast implants are associated with either of these diseases.
Now that the products have been determined to be safe, the FDA will continue to monitor them by requiring each company to follow about 40,000 women for 10 years after receiving the breast implants. This is normal practice for the FDA so that they will be able to answer important questions that could only be answered once the product is in broader use. The post-approval studies will be closely monitored by the FDA.
If you would like to discuss your options regarding using silicone gel-filled breast implants, it is required that you schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who has been approved to perform silicone breast enhancements with these implants. Dr. Zwiren and Dr. Nakano both qualify under the new guidelines.
Silicone gel breast implants are pre-filled, unlike the saline implants that are filled once they are placed under the muscle of the patient. Surgeons order them in the requested size and they cannot be changed. Plastic surgeons have to make longer incisions in most cases to place a silicone gel filled breast implant than a saline filled breast implant, all other things being equal.
Silicone Breast Enhancement Procedures
The surgical technique used for silicone gel implants will be discussed with you when you meet with either Dr. Nakano or Dr. Zwiren. Silicone breast enhancement procedures take approximately two hours. Silicone gel implants are pre-filled and so the incision may be a little longer than those of saline filled implants. The pocket is made for the implant just as for the saline implant.
During your consultation we will discuss every detail of your silicone breast enhancement, including the exact size and type of silicone breast implants that may be used and their relative advantages. Silicone breast enhancements are performed on an outpatient basis at our surgical center under general anesthesia.
Breast Augmentation FAQ
What is Breast Augmentation?
In Breast Augmentation surgery, the breast is supplemented with implants designed to look and feel like actual breast tissue. Breast Augmentation has many variables. You should consult with your doctor about types and shapes of implants, where to place them and the location of the incision. Each type and method comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Although it is possible to do the procedure under a local anesthesia with sedation, this surgery is usually done under general anesthesia. You will sleep through the entire procedure. Afterwards, arrange for transportation to take you home.
What are my options?
Most implants for breast augmentation are filled with saline, which is contained in a soft silicone shell. Should a leak develop in the implant shell, the saline is absorbed harmlessly into the surrounding tissue. Saline implants are filled at the time of surgery through a small tube and self-sealing valve. Silicone implants are preferred for their look and feel, but require regular MRIs every few years to detect possible rupture. Silicone gel implants have recently been FDA approved for use in both reconstructive and augmentation procedures.
There is some disagreement over whether round or teardrop-shaped implants give a more realistic look. There are also smooth implants, for a more natural look and feel, or textured implants, designed to resist hardening and stay in place.
Implants can be inserted above or below the muscle of the chest. Submuscular implants are less likely to form firm scar tissue and have a more natural feel. They also do not complicate mammograms. However, the surgery is more invasive and takes longer to recover from. Implants inserted above the muscle but below the breast glands give better projection, but may have a higher risk of hardening. Placement above the muscle may also make mammograms more difficult, requiring you to find a technician experienced with implants.
The incision may be made at the border of the areola, under the crease of the breast or under the armpit. Each incision has advantages and disadvantages. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor to select an approach.
Is Breast Augmentation safe?
Breast Augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery among women. Saline implants are filled with saline solution that is harmlessly absorbed into the body should a break occur. Silicone implants have shown an excellent safety profile after extensive testing. As a surgical procedure, there are risks, such as bleeding, infection, rippling, shifting, excessive scarring, loss of sensation, and hardness due to scar contracture (capsular contracture).
Are there any possible side effects?
Temporary alteration in sensation is normal, but loss of nipple sensation is not common, occurring in less than ten percent. Temporary swelling, pain and itching are normal. Some may experience occasional breast pain or hypersensitivity. Your ability to breast feed may also be affected. For more information of the safety of breast implants, visit http://breastimplantsafety.org/.
Will there be any downtime?
Yes, this is a surgical procedure and requires recovery time. You will need to arrange transportation to take you home. Most woman resume usual daily activity in one to five days.
What are the benefits of Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation enhances the breast by making it larger and in better proportion to the body based on your personal preference. Most woman report feeling more confident about themselves.
What are the results?
Improved breast size, increased cleavage and better body proportion are the results.
What can be expected post-surgery?
You should expect some discomfort, which varies from person to person and may be worse for those getting implants under the muscle. Some bruising is common. Incision scars may be red at first, but usually fade with time. Implants may temporarily sit high until they settle and may be firm at first. This generally takes a few weeks.
How soon will results appear?
A visible change is immediate. Desired results can be seen once swelling diminishes and the implants settle, usually within a few weeks.
How long does Breast Augmentation surgery last?
The procedure typically takes one to two hours.
Who are candidates for Breast Augmentation?
Healthy women over the age of 18 (saline implants) or 21 (silicone implants) who are seeking increased breast size are good candidates. Existing breast shape, size and skin quality largely determine subsequent results. Woman who have lost breast tissue do to changes associated with having children or aging are often good candidates.
Who should avoid Breast Augmentation?
Women with untreated breast cancer or active infections are not candidates. Women with autoimmune disorders or family history of autoimmune disease should discuss this with their doctor.
How does it feel post-surgery?
Afterwards, some swelling, tightness, tenderness and pain are normal.
What are the alternative treatments?
Sagging breasts may be addressed with a breast lift rather than an implant, or the procedures can be combined. Some slight breast enhancement can be achieved through the hormones in birth control pills. Herbal medications and over-the-counter medications may provide temporary swelling and are not regulated by the FDA.
Is additional treatment necessary?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and should be checked regularly. Your doctor should advise you when you need to come in for follow-up appointments. Women undergoing breast augmentation should understand there is a significant chance that they will require revision or implant replacement.
What are the limitations of Breast Augmentation?
Breast implants will never have the exact feel of breast tissue, although some may not notice. While implants may help correct asymmetry, the implant itself will not correct asymmetric nipple position or problems with breast shape.
Instructions for before surgery:
Avoid ibuprophen and aspirin for two weeks before surgery, as they are blood thinners and may increase bleeding. You should avoid smoking for the duration as well. Leave your fingernails unpainted for monitoring purposes during surgery. If you will not have help during your recovery, make preparations. Take items you will need off of high shelves and set out clothing that is easy to put on.
Instructions for after surgery:
Expect to be on pain medication for a few days. Rest and limit your movement. If you show any signs of infection, such as fever or bleeding, see your doctor. You may be up in one or two days, but your motion will still be limited. After several days, any dressings you have will be removed, and you may be given a surgical bra. At this time, you can return to work. After two weeks, any pain sensations should fade. Until then, avoid close physical contact. At three to five weeks any swelling should diminish, and you may resume exercise. It should take several months for your scars to fade.