Breast Enhancement
Breast Augmentation
Who is a candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Women who are seeking to improve the shape, size, symmetry or proportion of their breasts. Breast augmentation can also correct minimal sag. A word about size: Your body type, chest size and density of breast tissue will determine the implant size and shape. While optimal breast size and shape are personal and subjective, we advise patients to choose the most conservative implant size to achieve the enhancement they desire. This will decrease the possibility of long term sagging and provide a more natural outcome. You will have the opportunity to “try on” different implant sizes during your consultation with Dr. Beck.
How is it done?
Breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of the breasts through the placement of implants. Implants are made of biocompatible material and have a smooth or textured silicone shell. The shell shape may be round, high profile, adjustable or contoured. The inside of the implant is filled with saline, silicone or cohesive silicone. Currently, only saline has FDA approval for first-time breast augmentation. Since 1992, silicone implants have been available to breast reconstruction patients and those replacing older silicone implants. A very small number of first-time augmentation patients with certain conditions have been approved for study purposes. In April of 2005 the FDA gave conditional approval for one type of silicone implant, but formal approval status remains pending. A newer type of silicone implant, called cohesive silicone is filled with a denser version of the material and is currently in FDA trials. For the latest information, visit www.breastimplantsafety.org
Implants are placed either above the muscle, (subglandular) or below the muscle, (submuscular.) There are three options when considering incision location; around the nipple (periareolar), in the armpit (axillary), or in the fold of the breast (inframammary.) There are pros and cons to each location. The decision as to the best implant location and incision placement for your procedure will be discussed as part of your physical exam and consultation with Dr. Beck.
Breast augmentations are done at our surgery center on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes one hour and requires you to recover in our facility for an additional hour before going home.
Recuperation
You will wake up wearing a support bra. After you are stable, you will be released into the care of a responsible adult. We recommend you have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours. You may experience mild discomfort which can be controlled by oral medication. Most of our patients are up and around the evening of surgery. A post operative visit will be scheduled for suture removal two days following surgery. You can anticipate returning to work or school within one week. Exercise can be safely resumed 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.
Complete post operative instructions are available by clicking Post Op and using your password.
Other Options
Depending upon the degree of sag, (ptosis) a breast augmentation may be combined with a breast lift for the best overall result. Click here for Breast Lift.
A word about financing…
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping can be made very affordable
through our partners at Care Credit. Visit them
at www.carecredit.com
Deborah would be happy to assist you in completing the
necessary paperwork for approval.
Insurance Notes:
Insurance policies vary widely, but if there is a true
breathing problem Dr. Beck will act within the stipulations
of your coverage if possible. |
Ask Dr. Beck
Q: |
I have heard that people’s implants get hard over time. Is that true? |
A: |
You are referring to a condition called “capsular contracture.” This is a contraction of the natural internal scar tissue that surrounds the implant. It is a small risk, but one that must be considered. Should capsular contracture occur and bring discomfort or distortion to the breast(s), a surgical procedure can be performed to correct the situation. In rare cases, the implants must be replaced or removed altogether. Saline implants have a lower incidence of capsular contracture. Following pre and post operative instructions can also help reduce your risk. |
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Q: |
What is the link between autoimmune diseases, cancer and breast implants? |
A: |
Despite all the publicity, the “FDA Breast Implant Consumer Handbook 2004” dispels any possible links between illness and silicone or saline implants. |
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Q: |
Will a breast implant lift my breasts up? |
A: |
An implant will expand the size and alter the shape of a breast. The shape of some implants can mediate mild breast sag, but will not change the position of the nipple or counteract significant droop. |
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Q: |
Can I choose if I want my implant above or below the muscle? |
A: |
Not always. It depends on your anatomy and options should be discussed with Dr. Beck or Dr. Brink. |
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Q: |
Are there any guarantees that my implant won’t break or leak? |
A: |
There are no guarantees, but there are warranties available. Implants are engineered to withstand considerable pressure or impact; however they are not lifetime devices. Following your procedure we will give you a serial number and warranty card from the implant manufacturer. You can elect to purchase an extended warranty. |
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