| Dr. John Silverton is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Breast Augmentation.
Q. What is Breast Augmentation?
A. Breast augmentation is my most popular procedure. I have been doing this for 35 years and the procedure is now very safe, with minimal discomfort and recovery is now quite quick. Many improvements have been incorporated over the years. The procedure is customized to every patient’s needs by detailed measurements of the breasts and we have a wide variety of saline filled and silicone gel filled implants in many sizes and styles. I believe that surgery must be done in a very gentle manner with great respect for patient's tissues. I also strive to do the procedure with virtually no bleeding at all. You might be surprised to find out than only a very few drops of blood are spilled during this technique – probably less than if you cut your finger. I put a comfortable bra on you after the procedure and no tight wraps. Pain is quite mild and you are usually able to get a good night’s sleep after your procedure and are able to get back to an office job within a week.
Q. How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
A. In order to be a good candidate for this procedure you should be healthy and have reasonable expectations. You should be aware of all the benefits and risks. If you have some breast droop or some differences between the two sides, then the procedure will be modified for you to give you the best possible symmetrical result. This might involve a breast lift or implants of different sizes. Breast implants come in two basic types – saline or silicone gel filled. Each category has styles that are either wide, medium or narrow and there are a very large number of sizes to choose from. We plan the implant to fit your body, much like buying clothes that fit your body. There are also different types of breast lifts that can be done depending on your individual shape. You should not smoke. It causes wound healing problems. You should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and Vitamin E and other medications for 2 weeks before because they might make you bleed.
I am sure you are aware that pregnancy and breast feeding causes changes to occur in the shape of women’s breasts. Many times this is the reason to come in to get breast implants. The breasts have lost volume or their youthful shape and may have begun to droop. This is a great reason to get implants.
Other women might choose to come in before having children because they want larger breasts. This is also a great reason to come in.
Q. How is a breast augmentation surgery performed?
A. Breast implants can be inserted via a variety of incisions. The most popular choices are around the bottom edge of the areola, in the crease under the breast or in the armpit. I prefer the areola incision by far. It gives a better and longer lasting shape. It creates a well hidden minimal scar. It actually allows for better access for the surgeon and this always helps to prevent complications.
I prefer to place the implant under the chest wall muscle rather than on top. This reduces the occurrence of capsular contracture, and it reduces rippling in saline implants and it reduces interference with mammograms. You are completely asleep for the procedure and will not feel anything.
Q. What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
A. Recovery is quick. Office work is allowed in a week and full workouts at the gym can start at six weeks. In my practice there are no stitches to take out, as they are all dissolving sutures.
Q. What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?
A. Every surgery of almost all types has a risk of infection or bleeding afterwards, which could be serious. They are rare. Fluid collection around the implant is rare and might need a drain. Drains are not usually required for this procedure in my practice. Nipple and breast skin sensation changes can occur after breast augmentation. This can be temporary or permanent. The choice of incision does not have any effect on this risk. It is thought that there might occasionally be some interference with future breast feeding if the areola incision is used, but many patients breast feed normally after this procedure. Implants can potentially interfere with future mammograms and this is one reason why I prefer to place the implants under the chest wall muscle rather than on top of it. Implants, especially saline implants in thin people, can sometimes be felt through the skin as ripples and this is another reason to place the implants under the muscle.
Implants eventually wear out and will need to be replaced. Saline implants will deflate and go flat if they break, but this is harmless. There is a manufacturer’s warranty for broken implants. Today’s silicone implants do not leak even if they break. They are made of cohesive silicone gel and this is also known as the "gummy bear" implant. They can even be cut in half without the silicone leaking out! At this time there is a greatly enhanced temporary warranty promotion for silicone implants by the manufacturer.
The most important risk is capsular contracture. This is where the scar that forms inside all around the implant in everyone, just like the lining of a pocket, can shrink and squash the implant. It produces an unsatisfactory firm round result, but is not harmful to your health. This is less common under the muscle. This is a big subject and will be discussed in great detail at a consultation.
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
A. Saline breast implants are currently discounted at $4990 and this includes everything (surgeon’s fee, anesthesiologist’s fee, facility charge and implants). Silicone implants and breast lifts cost more.
|
