Breast Augmentation 101 Chapel Hill NC

Breast augmentation was the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in 2006, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgery. It is a testament to the operation that 94% of women after having it done would recommend it to others. In my practice in Newport Beach and Santa Monica, CA, breast augmentation is certainly one of the most commonly requested operations. In fact, many women even come in knowing exactly what type and size of implant, incision location, and implant position that they desire.

The truth about breast augmentation is that it is a life-long commitment and, as with any operation, it should not be taken lightly.

All implants can wear out over time and leak.

All implants are "foreign bodies" that your body has to form a capsule of scar tissue around

All implants will stretch skin and breast tissue over time.

You may need a second operation at some point in your life

And these are the points that I make sure all women understand before they commit to breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation generally comes in two patient variations. First is a young woman who is naturally small-breasted, never had children, and wants fuller breasts. Second is a more mature woman, who after finishing child-birth, notes that her breast size had decreased and she has loose skin leading to sagging, known as ptosis. For the former, an implant will need to be chosen that will not stretch the natural boundaries of her native breast, aka "fit her body". This implant will also stretch out her breast skin gradually until it looks natural. For the latter, the implant will serve two purposes - replace the lost breast volume and provide a certain amount of "lift" to the low breast (if this lift is not enough, your surgeon may recommend a formal breast lift, called a mastopexy).

Regardless of the patient type, the decision needs to be made regarding implant type. All implants are composed of a solid silicone outer shell and a fill material of either saline (sterile salt-water) or elastic silicone gel. Both implants are currently FDA-approved, but it should be noted the silicone implants have only recently been re-introduced to the US in November 2006, after a 14-year hiatus, during which they were vigorously tested for safety.

You will also need to choose the location of the scar for implant placement. Briefly, there are four methods, of which I prefer the first two.

Inframammary - a scar hidden in the fold on the bottom of the breast

Periareolar - a scar hidden in the perimeter of the areola

Transaxillary - a scar hidden in the armpit - less commonly performed

Transumbilical - a scar hidden in the belly button - least commonly performed, difficult to perform accurately

In addition to the incision, your doctor will also discuss placing the implant either directly under the breast tissue or underneath the pec muscle, to provide additional padding on the top of the implant.

One last issue to discuss in this limited article is capsular contracture, which is estimated to occur in roughly 10-30% of women. Your body will form a capsule composed of scar tissue around the implant. If this capsule were to become thick and firm, it can result in a capsular contracture. This contracture, depending on severity, can cause your breast to feel firm, hard, or even painful, and is one of common reasons for revision operation.

I have briefly covered the salient points of breast augmentation here, but obviously anyone considering breast augmentation needs to have a lengthy consultation with their plastic surgeon. It remains one of the most satisfying procedures I perform, as I can see and immediate rise in a woman's self-esteem and confidence (as well as the amount of attention they receive!).

Copyright: Copyright c 2007-2008 Dr. Nirav Savalia

About the Author:

Dr. Nirav Savalia performs breast augmentation in Orange County, California at Finesse Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery. Dr Savalia's services range from non-surgical skin care and anti-aging strategies to surgical rejuvenation of the face and body such as facelifts, body lifts, tummy tucks, and breast augmentation. You can visit Finesse's website at http://www.finesse-aesthetics.com

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