Procedures
Breast Augmentation
Breast enlargement is the surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman's bustline by one or more bra cup sizes. It can be used to enhance the body contour of a woman who feels her breast size is too small. It can also be used to balance different breast sizes.
What are the advantages of having a Breast Augmentation?
Larger and more shapely breasts. A more positive self image.
Who is a good candidate for a Breast Augmentation?
Women who desire larger breasts or women with a moderate degree of breast sagging and smaller breasts, whose problem can be solved by enlargement.
What does a Breast Augmentation procedure involve?
A Breast augmentation typically takes between one and three hours to complete, but the exact time will vary according to the particular patient, the technique used, the implant placement, and the type of anesthesia used.
How long does a Breast Augmentation take?
A Breast augmentation typically takes between one and three hours to complete, but the exact time will vary according to the particular patient, the technique used, the implant placement, and the type of anesthesia used.
How long does it take to recover from a Breast Augmentation?
Sutures are removed in 7-12 days.
When can I expect to see results from my Breast Augmentation?
Immediately, but swelling may take 3-5 weeks to disappear.
When can I go back to work/resume my normal activities after having a Breast Augmentation?
Light activity can be resumed as tolerated. Aerobic activity can be started in about 3 weeks.
How do the doctor and I determine the size and type of implant to be used?
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How long will the results of a Breast Augmentation last?
It is not known how long breast implants last. The implant may or may not last a lifetime and depends upon the manufacturing process and other, as yet, unknown factors.
What are my alternatives to having a Breast Augmentation?
If the breasts are saggy in addition to being small, a Breast Lift procedure may enhance a Breast Augmentation.
What are the risks involved with having a Breast Augmentation?
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
Breast augmentation involves many different options and techniques. Choices must be made about the incision location and the implant placement. At the Del Mar Cosmetic Medical Center, we offer our patients the choice of where their incision will be placed for the insertion of the implants. Each incision approach has its advantages and disadvantages.
If you have no preference, Dr. Sherman will make a recommendation based upon your physique, pre-operative breast size/shape and your level of physical activity. Augmentation Mammaplasty increases both size and fullness of the breasts.
In terms of incision placement, the axillary (armpit) and inframammary (crease where the breast and chest come together) placements are typically associated with fewer complications with future breast feeding, though both of these placements do produce a visible, though small, scar. The peri-areolar (through the nipple) placement involves a less visible scar, but it is associated with an increase in breast feeding complications. There is also a fourth placement, known as the umbilical or endoscopic placement, which involves insertion of the implant through the navel, or belly button.
When it comes to the placement of the implant itself, there is the choice between subglandular (behind the breast tissue) and submuscular (underneath the chest wall muscles). For the subglandular placement, the implants are placed above the chest muscle. Though this placement typically involves shorter surgery and recovery times and less pain, it may also involve an increased risk of implant palpability, capsular contracture, and mammography interference. On the other hand, the submuscular placement, or beneath the chest muscle, typically involves a decreased risk of capsular contracture, implant palpability, and mammography interference. However, this placement is also associated with longer surgery and recover times and more pain.
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