| Dr. Hotchandani is a Cosmetic Surgeon and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Breast Augmentation.
Q. What is breast augmentation?
A. Breast augmentation simply means breast enhancement, which could be accomplished with saline or silicone implants or fat transfer which I have done to enhance or augment the breasts. I am actually scheduled to attend the first fat transfer international forum in New Orleans in October to expand my focus in that field.
Q. How is a breast augmentation surgery performed?
A. Most important part of the procedure is patient education. So considerable time is spent to have a well informed patient. After thorough consult and informed consent including patient trying out different implant sizes they are scheduled to have lab work which gives us further face to face time with the clients. On the day of surgery, photographs are obtained for pre-op documentation & marking of incision sites. I offer three incision sites: underarm, below breasts ( inframmary) or periareolar (around the nipple). Placement of the implant is either in front of the muscle or behind the muscle. This is all planned well ahead of the surgery date.
Under general anesthesia surgery usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Post op recovery is usually 45 minutes to an hour, usually I don’t place any sutures that need removal. The clients continue to take antibiotics for a week and pain meds prescribed to them. Post op instructions are discussed with patient and significant others. They have my cell phone number and email to stay in touch with me for whatever questions they may have. Patients are followed as frequently as needed.
Q. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
A. Breast augmentation is an elective cosmetic procedure, so I prefer to do it on healthy clients. I would avoid surgery in clients with a large number of medical problems, diabetic on insulin, someone who is on blood thinners and someone with unrealistic goals. Otherwise, anybody over the age of 18 is a candidate for breast augmentation if they wish.
Q. What type of anesthetic is used for breast augmentation surgery?
A. We use general anesthesia for all our breast augmentation clients. Some practices do those under local anesthesia with IV sedation. I choose general anesthesia because I want my clients to be comfortable and not struggling during surgery. It only takes 45 minutes to an hour to do the procedure, and then recovery with observation takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Clients are generally in and out in 2 and a half hours.
Q. What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?
A. Like any other major operation, breast augmentation is not without possible risks or complications. Infection, bleeding, implant malpositioning, seromas are rare. Long term complications include capsular contracture when a capsule forms around the implant causing tightening sometimes so much as to change the shape of the implant and even cause pain. This in turn would require capsulectomy and placement of new implant, possibly in a new space. Implant leakage is rare, actually less than 5% over 10 years. Leakage is more common with saline implants because the valve may become incompetent. Leakage from saline implants is not harmful to the body. There are many more nuances and possible side effects too numerous to mention in this short answer.
Q. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
A. Recovery is faster when implants are placed in front of the muscles as compared to when placed behind the muscles. Considerable pain is noticed up to 24-48 hours especially when the implants are placed under the muscles. I have clients that are able to resume clerical or desk jobs in 48-72 hours. Usually in 6 weeks patients are back to full exercise routines increasing their activities as they feel comfortable. I have patients wear a good sports bra as soon as possible to avoid drooping of the breasts and to keep them comfortable during activities. When they are attending specials occasions, they are certainly able to wear a regular bra.
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
A. Currently we are running a Buy one get one FREE breast implant promotion. So after the discounts, saline implants are $5100.00 and silicone implants are $5700.00. The price includes consultation, history & physical, lab work, OR fee, surgeon fee, anesthesia fee and all your follow up visits. We do have financing options available. All you have to do is call.
Q. How to contact Dr. Hotchandani if we have further questions?
A. You can contact Dr. Hotchandani by phone at 920-497-9996/920-738-6666 or mobile phone 906-396-2040. You can also email him at dr@hotchlaser.com |
