Breast Augmentation

What is breast augmentation?

Augmentation mammoplasty, also known as breast augmentation, or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure to increase the cup size, shape or fullness of your breasts. Newer implants have a lifespan warranty for 20 years on average.

The primary goal of this elective surgery is to have a clear understanding of the patient's goal and meet their expectations

Secondarily there needs to be a discussion of the “reality” of the outcome. Can we address the patients goals safely?

How is breast augmentation performed?

Breast augmentation is performed by placing implants behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Ones of three incision location techniques are used:

• Inframammary Approach
• Areolar or Periareolar Approach
• Transaxillary Approach

Discussed will be the three options as to what the advantages and disadvantages are to meet or exceed your expectation of the surgery.

Among the types of implants from a leading breast implant manufacturer is Sientra Opus, a silicone gel implant::

• High -Strength Cohesive Gel
• Soft feel mimics natural breast tissue
• Desirable round shape in the upper pole of the breast
• Designed to maintain a fuller, youthful shape over time

Most common silicone gel implants are high cohesive gel with layered silicone shell eliminating silicon gel “leakage”. The principal goal for patients is to identify a size which assists in improving their body image and how they look and feel in their clothes. Breast symmetry is the desired outcome in performing this surgery.

Breast enlargement surgery is intended for women at least 22 years old. The operation is done at an outpatient surgery center or in a hospital under general anesthesia.

What are the risks of breast augmentation procedure?

Complications can include infection and other surgery risks; among them, chronic breast pain, nipple numbness, capsular contracture, and skin loss.

Lately, a concern has arisen regarding the potential development of ALCL from medical studies in (Vol 143- No 5- May 2019 of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery journal). Anaplastic large cell lymphoma in grade 4 surface breast implants. The grading has in the past been subjective marketing terms to differentiate the products by the texture of the implant and not clinically relevant. The four marketing grades are grade 4 macrotexture, grade 3 microtexture, grade 2 nanotexture, finally grade1 smooth. The grade 4 and 3 implants manufactured from polyurethane possessed the highest risk that the surface of these implants promotes bacterial growth, resulting in chronic inflammation.

Additional surgery may be needed for a cosmetic problem such as dissatisfaction with how the breast looks with the implant.

What is breast augmentation recovery like?

A support bra may be needed to be worn as you heal post-op. For a few days after your surgery, you will need to take it easy. For instance, you shouldn't do any strenuous activities for up to six weeks after getting your implants. Some swelling may develop in the area where the surgery was done and will be given pain medication such as

Choosing a breast augmentation surgeon

• A board -certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Dr. Faibisoff has been Board-certified Plastic Surgeon since 1983.
• Has performed hundreds of breast implant surgeries since 1983.
• Has a low reoperation rate for breast implant patients

Why breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is surgery to increase the size and shape of your breasts. For some women with breast implants, it is about self-confidence. Their own self-body image is their primary goal. For others, it's part of breast reconstruction from cancer surgery.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

Sizes and types of breast implants that have been approved by the FDA are Sientra OPUS under a ten-year core study data. Breast augmentation cost requires a consultation at Plastic Surgery Prescott since there are so many variables involved.

Need to have your implants removed?

When you made your decision to have breast augmentation surgery, you probably didn’t think about removing your breast implants. Among the reasons for removing them can be a breast cancer diagnosis, lifestyle changes or experiencing complications including capsular contraction. Three of the most common breast implant removal surgery techniques include:

• Breast implant removal only. The incisions will be made in the same location as where the original breast implant was done. If you are capsular contracture, the plastic surgeon will remove the hardened capsules to help the healing process.
• An election to have a breast lift done at the same time as the implant removal depending on if the breast skin has been stretched or is saggy. The doctor will remove any excess breast skin and tighten your breast tissue to provide better support.
• If your breast implants are saline, the surgeon may choose to deflate them without undergoing surgery and can be done under local anesthesia in the office. Depending on the results, you may need to require further surgery such as breast lift or breast implant replacement surgery.