Breast Augmentation
WHAT IS A BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Breast augmentation helps increase the size and shape of the breast. With the latest technology of implants, the specific type of breast implant shape, firmness, and projection can be customized to your goals and desires.
WHAT IS YOUR TREATMENT APPROACH TO BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Dr. Chen will discuss with you the best and latest treatment available to address your desires. Unlike previous generation of breast implants, breast augmentation these days should be customized to your goals. The consultation should be a two way street to discuss your body shape, preferences, and specific areas of the breast to be addressed. With breast augmentation, your input is well received and necessary for a successful outcome.
WHAT TYPE OF BREAST IMPLANTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Your first question to consider is whether you prefer saline or silicone. The majority of implants placed in the United States are silicone implants. Silicone implants generally have a softer, more natural feel to them. Both are encased in a silicone outer shell; the saline implants require an additional step in which the saline is added after the implant is inserted into your body.
The three major companies that make breast implants are:
Allergan (Natrelle)
Mentor
Sientra
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF INCISIONS USED DURING BREAST AUGMENTATION?
The next thing to consider is what type of incision is going to be made. Dr. Chen will make the smallest incision possible, usually around 4-5 cm, that will allow for placement of the breast implant. It is important to express your preferred selection during consultation.
There are four different types of incisions options that could be used during the breast augmentation procedure:
Inframammary – This incision is made in the crease where your breast meets the chest. This is the best healing incision of all the different types and is considered the cleanest.
Periareolar – This incision is made right under the nipple. This incision won’t work if you have small nipples or if you need a larger incision for a larger implant, including shaped silicone implants. During this incision, small amounts of bacteria from the milk ducts can get into the tissues and may increase the capsule thickness that forms around the implant. This could leave you with a feeling of firmness more than what you want.
Transaxillary – This is where the incision is made in the armpit. This type of incision and scar is seen when you lift up your arms. Some implant manufacturers don’t recommend this type of incision because of potential damage to the implants.
Scars generally fade gradually in appearance over six months to a year and return to the color of the surrounding skin.
WHERE ARE THE BREAST IMPLANTS PLACED?
There are two primary options for the placement of the implant:
Submuscular (partially under, also called “Dual-Plane,” the pectoral muscle) –
This choice is ideal for those who have a small amount of natural breast tissue, as the overlying muscles add an extra layer over the implant. This also usually used for those who will be adding saline implants, as the implants are less likely to be palpable.
When the implant is placed under the muscle, it gives it a more natural slope. It’s also more difficult to feel that an implant is actually there. If rippling occurs, it will be less obvious with this placement.
Subglandular (over the pectoral muscle) –
It is good for those who want to appear to have more projection, as the muscles will not be pushing the implants down. This placement is also more fit for those who have a larger amount of natural breast tissue.
This placement results in a faster recovery with less discomfort. However, these implants are more visible and may be felt.
WHAT SIZE OF BREAST IMPLANTS DO I NEED?
One of the fun parts of your initial consultation is to trying on implant sizers. These will give you an idea of what you’ll look like with each size of implant.
The office staff will guide you during the sizing process; you aren’t simply left in a room with breasts to try on! Having a close friend with you makes a big difference because there are a lot of topics covered on the day of your consultation – they can help with your decision and because there is a lot of information covered during the consultation they can help you remember all the details.
WHAT WILL BE MY CUP SIZE AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
The normal reaction is to answer in cup size. It’s actually a bit odd that implants aren’t measured in the cup sizes you are used to when you purchase a bra. The problem is that cup sizes are not standardized. A size 36D bra from one company varies considerably from another 36D bra from another company.
This is part of the reason why each implant is measured in volume – in cubic centimeters such as 350 or 450 cc. During consultation, Dr. Chen will measure your breast measurements to recommend a range of implant sizes that will fit your body shape.
Breast augmentation can now be customized also to how wide or projected the implants are. This may affect how much side breasts you have or how much cleavage you develop. In general, the larger the implant size, the wider the implants will be.
Some women may have asymmetrical breasts that may need a larger implant in one breast to address the asymmetry.
WHAT ARE THE SHAPES OF THE BREAST IMPLANTS?
You have a choice of implant shape, too, and can choose either round or teardrop-shaped. The teardrop-shaped implants are also called contoured or anatomical.
Teardrop-shaped implants project farther at the bottom than the top and were developed to coincide with the natural contours of the breast tissue. While this type of implant may seem like the obvious choice, interestingly enough most woman and doctors opt for round implants. When it comes to choosing the shape, it’s important to understand that the final shape will depend on several factors. Factors such as the patient’s body type, amount of pre-existing breast tissue, and location of implant placement are much more indicative of how your breast with ultimately look after the procedure.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT PROFILES OR PROJECTIONS OF BREAST IMPLANTS?
In the breast augmentation world, there’s a phrase that is used commonly called implant profile. What this means is how far out the new breast appearance will project. You may choose a moderate breast implant profile, moderate plus breast implant profile, or high breast implant profile.
Your personality plays into the breast implant profile you choose. The greater the size and/or profile of the implant, the farther projection the implant will be. If you are athletic and participate in sports, your implant profile should match your athletic lifestyle without interfering with your fitness profile. A moderate breast implant profile is one with a rounded, natural look, and projects the least amount. If you have a broad chest, you may decide to select this option with your doctor.
A moderate plus breast implant profile is one that is also called normal, regular, or standard. You can expect more projection but less width compared to moderate profile. If you have a narrower build, you may opt for a higher profile for your body.
A high breast implant profile allows for full size most projection of the breasts and gives you a very full appearance. You’ll have a lot of fullness in the upper part of the breast. With this option, the implant won’t push into the underarm area because it has the least width of the three. If you have a very narrow build, the high breast implant profile may be your best option.
WHAT ARE SMOOTH OR TEXTURED BREAST IMPLANTS?
The surface of the implant may be smooth or textured. When the implant is added to your body, your body starts to create a “capsule” around it. Originally, it was thought that if the surface of the implant is textured, there is a lower chance of capsular contracture, or hardened capsule. However, this is likely more dependent on the technique of placement. In shaped implants, the texturing is important in preventing the implant from rotating in the chest.
WHAT ARE GUMMY BEAR COHESIVE GEL IMPLANTS?
Gummy Bear Cohesive Gel Implants are a specific type of silicone implants. The latest advancement is the conversion of the traditional silicone implant to the cohesive gel implant. In this implant, the silicone material inside the implant holds its structure stronger and longer than previous implants.
Gummy Bear Implants or cohesive gel implants have a silicone shell that encases a firmer composition of silicone. When they were cut in half, the gel would still hold its shape due to the cohesiveness of the gel. They also are less likely to develop folds and ripples. Their shape directly dictates how the breasts will be shaped after surgery.
Gummy Bear Implants may not be for everyone. For some woman, they feel Gummy Bear implants may not look as natural because the gel is dense and are too firm.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED DURING BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Breast Augmentation is performed as an out patient surgery under general anesthesia. The surgery usually takes about one hour.
WHAT IS THE POST OPERATIVE CARE AND RECOVERY LIKE AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
You will be given a compression garment to wear after surgery to support the breast in their new position. It will also help reduce swelling. Many patients do not need strong pain medications after breast augmentation, although they can be prescribed as needed. You will be able to return to work after several days or a week.
IS A BREAST AUGMENTATION RIGHT FOR ME?
Candidates for breast augmentation:
Desire fuller, perkier, and more youthful breasts
May have mild degree of breast sagging, which can be lifted with breast augmentation techniques
May have some breast asymmetry, which can be corrected during surgery
WILL I NEED TO REPLACE MY IMPLANTS DURING MY LIFETIME?
All breast implants are now considered state-of-the-art implants and can last a lifetime.
YOUR CONSULTATION WITH DR. CHEN
When consulting with Dr. Chen, he can assist you in picking the right implant for you. He will discuss with you the pros and cons of each implant and how each might fit your body.
Dr. Chen will create a personalized treatment plan after a comprehensive breast examination and a detailed discussion regarding your personal goals. A thorough medical history will also be obtained to ensure surgery is a safe option for you. Dr. Chen will discuss all surgical and non-surgical options so that you can make an informed decision about what is the right choice for you.
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