Breast Augmentation

 

The breast augmentation procedure is the surgical enhancement of the appearance of the breasts by adding volume to the breast usually through the use of an implant.

Women may desire larger breasts for many reasons.  For some, small underdeveloped breasts is damaging to their self image and self confidence.  For other, child bearing and breast feeding has lost them the fullness and youthful appearance they once had.  Women have been undergoing breast augmentations for the better part of a century now.  People who once thought of it as vanity now recognize the importance proportionate breasts has to the psyche and mental health of women.

There are more choices for women today and a lot of questions to answer.  Dr. Newall does not charge for consultations and would be happy to discuss all your options with you in person.  However, three of the most common questions to consider when deciding to have a breast augmentation include:

• Breast Size – This is a very personal question and based more on personal preferences than anything else.  During your consultation you will have an opportunity to hold and examine implants of different sizes.  Using special bras you can try the implants on to get an idea of what sizes would achieve your goals.
  
  
• Implant Type – There are two types of implants: Silicone and Saline.  Today’s silicone is different than years past.  After pulling silicone from the market many years ago and studying the effects of silicone on the body the FDA has approved the new silicone gel implants.  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery have set up a joint web site to answer consumers’ questions.  You can visit this website at www.breastimplantsafety.org.   Saline implants gained wide acceptance during this the period silicone was off the shelf.  Saline implants are basically a silicone balloon filled with sterile salt water called saline.  
  
  
• Breast Surgery Placement – Breast implants used to be placed just below the breast tissue, on top of the pectoral muscle.  However, the disadvantage of this placement is that gravity will naturally begin to effect this placement.  Over time, as your skin naturally begins to loose its elasticity, your breasts may begin to sag and you would have a higher likely hood of needing a breast lift.  These days it is more common to place the implant below the pectoral muscle.  This placement is considered optimal because the muscle acts as a sling to counter the effects of gravity.  Many patients also describe this placement as “feeling more natural”.  Implants placed under the muscle also tend to experience less capsular contractures and infections.  Placement is usually described as above the muscle or sub-pectoral.
  
  
  
  

A breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia.  An incision is made in the area known as the inframammary fold, the crease just below the breast.  The incision is made just large enough to push the implant thru.  The incision may be slightly larger for silicone implants than for saline since saline are implanted empty and filled after implantation.  After surgery you can expect to be sore for 7-14 days. 

Women that suffer sagging or droopy breast will achieve fullness and a lifting effect from a breast implant.  The degree of correction is dependant on your anatomy and the size of implant you choose.  It is common to perform a breast lift  with a breast augmentation to achieve the best results. Dr. Newall is happy to answer any questions you might have.