OUR PROCEDURES & SERVICES
Beverly Hills Breast Augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty)
Breast Augmentation, or “augmentation mammoplasty,” is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a women’s breasts. It can be performed to increase the size of naturally small breasts, correct volume reduction post-pregnancy, correct breast asymmetry, and to reconstruct the breasts after a mastectomy.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
The ideal candidates for breast augmentation surgery have realistic expectations, anticipating an aesthetic improvement versus perfection. Women who desire breast enhancement should also be in good mental and physical condition, and not smoke.
Prior to surgery, arrangements should be made for someone to drive you to and from surgery, and to assist you for the first 24 hours. You will need to take time off work and minimize your responsibilities at home for at least two weeks.
The Methods
There are several options regarding breast augmentation methods for the prospective patient to consider, including incision location, breast implant placement, and type of implant to get (silicone gel or saline). Dr. Chiu of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc. will help you make the best decisions based on your anatomy, medical history, and personal preferences.
Incision Location Options
The four breast augmentation incision techniques are:
Periareolar – Around the nipple area
Inframammary – Beneath the breast, at the fold
Transaxillary – In a skin crease within the armpit
Transumbilical (TUBA) – Through an incision in the navel
Implant Placement Options
The breast implant can be placed either above or below the pectoral muscles:
Submuscular placement means that breast implants are placed underneath both the breast tissue and the pectoral muscles, closest to the ribs. This placement method offers multiple benefits; mammograms are easier to perform and read, the implants are less noticeable or obvious from the outside, and there is less risk for capsular contracture (when scar tissue forms around the breast implant)
With subglandular placement, the breast implant is placed above the pectoral muscles but below the breast tissues. Subglandular placement has a quicker recovery time and is a less complicated surgery, but studies have shown capsular contracture is more likely to develop with this placement method. In addition, there is great risk of visible implant rippling and mammograms may be difficult to perform and read.
Silicone Gel or Saline Implants
Dr. Chiu offers the option of choosing silicone gel or saline breast implants for your breast augmentation:
Silicone Gel
FDA-approved cohesive silicone gel implants offer a natural look and feel, and provide minimal chance of rippling or wrinkling. Silicone gel breast implants may be recommended to very thin women, subglandular placement, and post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Silicone gel implants are also higher in cost as compared to breast augmentation using saline implants.
Saline
Saline implants tend to feel firmer than silicone, and rippling or wrinkling is more common with them. However, wrinkling is less likely when the implant is placed beneath the muscle or when the woman has enough breast tissue to thoroughly cover the implant. The main advantage of saline implants is that they do not come pre-filled by the manufacturer, so the volume can then be adjusted during the operation, after they are placed.
The Procedure
Dr. Chiu will first make the incision in the predetermined location, and create a pocket for the implant either above or below the muscle. If you chose saline implants, Dr. Chiu will fill them and adjust them to the correct size during surgery. Incisions are eventually closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue, and then the skin is closed with skin adhesive and surgical tape.
Recovery
For the first two days after surgery, you will feel groggy and tired from the anesthesia. As your breast tissue and skin adjust to the new implants, you will experience some pain and discomfort for about a week. Dr. Chiu will prescribe pain medication to help you recover as comfortable as possible. You will need to wear a compression garment or surgical bra to support the new breast position. This will also help with swelling and soreness. You should be able to return to work and other normal activities within a week, and strenuous activities should be avoided for 2-4 weeks following surgery. It is important to stay in contact with Dr. Chiu to report any concerns you may have. He will schedule follow-up appointments with you to ensure your breasts are healing properly and that there are no complications.
Results
You will see the results of your breast augmentation immediately following the procedure. Swelling will reduce over time, and incision lines will fade. You should note that the results with breast augmentation are long-lasting but are not permanent, and may require replacement during your lifetime. Changes due to weight fluctuation, hormonal factors, aging or gravity may affect your new breast shape as time passes. Should you become dissatisfied with your breasts after a period of years, a breast lift or implant exchange can give you a restored youthful look.