One of the most common requests of women who are seeking plastic surgery has to do with improving the look of their breasts. Breast augmentation is becoming increasingly popular for women who want to enlarge their bust size. Many choose to have a breast lift performed during the procedure as well. While a lift and breast augmentation are not the same, they work well when enhancing bust size and restoring a more youthful appearance.
For a woman to be considered for breast augmentation or any other type of cosmetic surgery, they must be in excellent health and good physical condition. Women who often look into this type of procedure are those who have small breasts, misshapen breasts, implants or have experienced cancer and were forced to have a mastectomy. Other procedures can be performed in conjunction with the augmentation, such as:
• breast reconstruction • breast lift • nipple reduction • corrective surgery as in a mastectomy
What's New in Breast Enhancement Procedures in Los Angeles
In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration forced a recall of silicone breast implants due to several reports of injuries and illnesses. In 2006, the FDA gave companies the go ahead to begin using improved silicone gel breast implants for breast augmentation procedures. In 2012, breast enhancement procedures had returned to the number one spot for most popular cosmetic procedures according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. While both saline implants and silicone gel implants are both in use today, most women choose the saline gel due to its texture and feel. Statistics show that of the 300,000 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2012, 72 % choose the saline gel. Depending on the woman's expectations and the type of profile they choose, low, average or high, saline gel implants feel more like natural breast tissue. Saline implants can feel soft and provide little in the way of shape and firmness.
In 2012 and 2013, new versions of breast implants were introduced that increased the number of options available to women who were interested in breast augmentation. Sientra's “gummy bear” implant and Allergan's 410 cohesive gel shaped implant are tailored in a tear drop shape to help hold position and firmness for longer periods of time. Their unique shape provides fullness near the base of the breast offering more projection and natural shape and firmness. Implants prior to the newly designed ones, relied on a woman's shape prior to the surgery to create the end result. The new implants are designed to provide the shape a woman may have been lacking prior to the augmentation. Because of their natural, more conforming shape, fewer tightening of the scar tissue (capsular contracture) have been reported.
The new implants are firmer than their predecessors, offering a more natural feel for the woman and her partner. As part of their design, implants come in several different shapes with varying degrees of projection, firmness and heights. Implants are also found in several different sizes to accommodate any woman's desired outcome. Women who have little existing breast tissue find the new implants more beneficial. If there is an excessive amount of existing tissue it can cause the shaping of the implant to be off causing them to look irregular or uneven. Women who are adding to what they already have, may want to go with an implant that has less shape and form.
Another option for women who are interested in pursuing breast augmentation is the use of their own body fat instead of utilizing foreign breast implants. Body fat is taken from different areas of the body and used to build up existing tissue, making the breasts more prominent and firm. The use of body fat is much less reliable than that of saline or silicone gel implants. It does work well, however, when used with existing breast tissue after one has had a mastectomy or other cancer surgery associated with the breast. Studies are being performed to test not only the reliability, but also the durability of breast augmentation that is performed using one's own fat tissues.
Breast Augmentation Procedures and Basic Information
At our office, the first order of business is a consultation that includes a complete examination, as well as an assessment of the woman's overall health. The type of surgery is determined, in addition to any other procedures the woman may be interested including like a breast lift or nipple reduction. The type of implant and the profile will also be discussed. The doctor will explain the various types of incisions that can and will be used during the procedure. All questions will be answered and the doctor will then move on to the next step.
Implants – Both saline and silicone gel implants are used by our doctors. The staff understands that each patient is different and their needs are unique. They can offer a variety of options in the way of implants and procedures to make sure each patient gets exactly what they are looking for.
Profile – The implant profile is normally considered in one of two ways, low and high. High profile breasts have more definition and a distinctly rounder shape. Low profile breasts tend to lay flat against the body and have a wider appearance.
Incisions – The type of incision used will depend on exactly what is being done with the breast tissue. Three basic incisions are used for breast augmentation. A periareolar incision is shaped like a lollipop, circles the nipple and goes down towards the breast's base. An inframmamary incision is made below the breast near the curvature of where it connects to the chest. The last incision, a transaxillary, is made through the armpit. Each incision is designed to reduce the impact of scarring during surgery and work equally well used in different situations. The size of the implants and the patient's physical shape and form will help determine which incision should be used.
Our doctor uses a special bloodless, surgical technique to reduce inflammation. A multiple layer closure is used to hasten the healing process and help reduce the risk of infection. Fine suturing helps to minimize scarring and eliminate any visual signs that a surgery was ever performed.
After any procedure, our doctors continually monitors his patients through every step of the healing process. His staff offers a unique post operative support system to help the patient get through any issues they may experience. During the 6 to 8 week recovery period, patients are encouraged to call the office with any questions they may have concerning after care.
Women who undergo breast augmentation are encouraged to wear sports bras for maximum sport and increased mobility. They are encouraged to use gentle massage to help the tissues remain supple and to follow the pain management treatment plan designed by their physician. Women can begin light activity after the first few days of recovery, but are advised to avoid anything strenuous for at least 3 to 4 weeks.
