San Luis Obispo Breast Augmentation

Augmentation Mammoplasty

Augmentation Mammoplasty is a surgical procedure which should be considered by a woman who wishes to increase her breast volume and improve the aesthetic appearance of her breasts. This procedure, like many other aesthetic surgery procedures, is generally offered to patients who are felt to be good candidates. It is important for a woman to display appropriate self-motivation and to have reasonable expectations regarding her outcome.

I believe that patients are best served by a proportional augmentation. Implants are chosen after achieving measurements that indicate the required implant diameter and anterior projection. The implant used should increase lateral breast width and projection providing a natural appearance. By using saline-filled implants filled to an appropriate volume, a natural and inconspicuous result is obtained.

Placement of the implant beneath the muscle layer is most important for women with very little breast tissue or thin soft tissue coverage. The small incision used to initiate the creation of the pocket is either made just above the fold beneath the breast (inframammary fold, IMF) or around the areola (periareolar). These two options provide access for symmetric pocket creation and careful control of bleeding. The scars fade over time and are typically inconspicuous. A successful outcome requires precise and symmetric creation of the pocket and careful control of bleeding.

Implants are filled with sterile IV saline solution using a closed filling mechanism. This is the safest way to fill an implant as it prevents any contamination of the fluid. Saline implants should be filled to the volume recommended by the manufacturer. Recent literature indicates that near-maximum fill volumes minimize the possibility of creases and folds in the implant and enhance implant lifespan. No biomechanical device should be expected to last forever. Nevertheless, the saline-filled implants that are used today have an excellent track record regarding longevity and rarely leak or rupture in the absence of trauma.

I have exclusively used saline-filled implants for augmentation mammoplasty during the past 10 years. These implants behave reliably and certainly demonstrate a lower incidence of complications than silicone gel implants. The saline implant is most often placed in a partial submuscular pocket created beneath the pectoralis major muscle. Certain muscle fibers are divided to allow the implant to occupy a proper position; this is critical for a natural appearance. The muscle heals normally in 2 to 4 weeks and patients may gradually resume most of their pre-operative activities. Many patients enjoy competitive sports and athletic activity. These individuals typically return to enjoy these activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Patients should be prepared to take 5 to 10 days off from work depending on the nature of their employment and its physical demands.

Drooping of the breasts (ptosis) is usually not improved by augmentation mammoplasty alone, unless it is early or minor in degree. It is important to understand the relationships between the skin envelope and breast gland, (with or without an implant), and how alterations in balance affect the final aesthetic appearance of the breast. Some women with significant ptosis will benefit from breast lift surgery (mastopexy).

A thorough consultation is essential for a patient considering breast augmentation surgery. These topics are important components during the office consultation:

• Medical and Surgical History
• Personal History of Breast Surgery, Breast Disease and Mammography
• Family History of Breast Cancer
• Occupation and Job Requirements
• Participation in Sports and Hobbies
• Patient Motivation and Expectations
• Examination of the Breasts Including Standard Measurements for Dimensional Planning
  Implant Selection
• Recommendations regarding the incisional approach
• Discussion of alternatives (if applicable), and/or adjunctive procedures
• Discussion regarding anticipated recovery and limitation of post-operative activities
• Recommendations regarding anesthesia care
• Follow-up Care in the Office
• Financial Requirements/Considerations
• Scheduling Surgery and Pre-Operative visits

Thank you for visiting our website and for taking the time to review this information. To help facilitate your education and make a consultation more rewarding you may print this page and bring it with you to the office. Use the reverse side of the page to write down any questions you have so they can be answered in the office. Please download and fill out our Patient Information Form and bring it with you when you have your appointment.