Posted October 31, 2012 in AntiAging, Body Cosmetic Surgery, Breast Cosmetic Surgery
3 minute read
Breast Augmentation, Breast Enhancement, Mammoplasty Augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size and shape of the breast and can offer breast lifting benefits as well. Breast lift today employs “breast implants” or “fat grafting” to achieve the desired size, shape, symmetry and restored youthfulness.
Many women are born with breasts that are too small, not their ideal size and shape and are not as sexy as they ideally would like. Other women experience age related changes, changes due to hormones, genetics, childbirth, illness, disease, trauma or weight fluctuation. Each woman, despite the reasons for the changes they experience, has a mental picture of their “ideal breast”…hence the reason so many women today are lining up for Breast Augmentation surgery.
Breast Augmentation…What Is Involved? I do many, many Breast Augmentations with women choosing to use “implants.” Many others prefer to augment the size, shape and contour of the breast using their own natural body fat. (Fat Grafting) The procedures involves surgically placing the implant into a pocket created in the breast in front of the chest wall. the incision is typically made in the crease underneath the breast, allowing for more precise placement and easy access should future revision or replacement be needed.
Implants come in a host of shapes and sizes allowing for “customizing” to your personal needs and goals. Today’s implants are the safest ever and feel as natural as your own body tissue.
Implants are either saline or silicone…Saline implants are soft shells filled with saline (salt water). The shell is inserted first and then slowly filled. This requires an additional tiny incision which is well hidden also. If the shell leaks (rarely happens today) the saline is absorbed by your body tissue. Saline implants look quite natural but don’t feel as natural as silicone. Silicone implants have a similar shell as saline implants, but are pre filled with silicone which is a natural earth substance. Silicone is a cohesive gel with a strong bond that prevents the gel from migrating through the body if the implant should leak or rupture. Silicone implants feel more natural with less rippling than saline implants.
Leaking or Rupturing of breast implants rarely occurs with todays advanced implants, and they last longer than their older versions.
Incision Placement…you have options. Here are your placement options:
- Inframammary, this is an incision place in the crease of the breast (underneath the breast). Most surgeons agree this is the best placement for creating breast symmetry. Also, should revision surgery or implant replacement be needed, this has worked well….instead of having to make a new incision.
- Periareolar…around the nipple is chosen by many surgeons because it heals the best and is small. Most scars with this incision placement are virtually invisible.
- Axillary is an incision placed in the armpit. This is your choice if you want to be virtually scar around or on the breast.
- Their are advantages and disadvantages to each placement and type of implant. These should be well understood when making your decision. I take the time to educate my patients thoroughly on these important issues and help guide them through the process.
OK, my next blog will cover Breast Reduction, another procedure chosen by men and women. Look for it soon!
I’m here to help you achieve health and well being…and to be your absolute best!
Let’s talk soon.
Steven Davison M.D.
“Davinci…where I combine the supreme element of art and surgical science.”