breast augmentation

Breast augmentation plastic surgery is one of the most common aesthetic procedures. Women may choose to under go breast enlargement surgery for various reasons. These personal reasons may center around breasts that are perceived to be under developed, or because of differences in the sizes of the breasts. Significant changes in the appearance of a woman’s breasts frequently occur after pregnancy, with or without breast feeding or with weight loss.  Some women simply want their breasts fuller.  Breast enhancement using breast implants can give a woman more proportional shape and may improve self esteem.

Good Candidates for Breast Augmentation

• you are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
• clothes that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustline
• a feeling of self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top
• you have lost weight or had children and the breasts have lost their volume
• there is significant asymmetry between the breasts (difference in size)

The Consultation Process

Dr. Simon will listen to your concerns and goals regarding breast augmentation surgery.  Throughout the process,  multiple factors will be considered to determine the best surgical procedure for you and breast implant size.  Dr. Simon will spend as much time as necessary to make you feel comfortable.  The risks and benefits of the various types of procedures and implants will be discussed as well to aid you in making the most informed decision possible.

Your Surgical Experience

Dr. Simon and his office staff will make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

Breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.

If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

Dr. Simon utilizes several medications during the surgery that will lead to increased comfort in the postoperative period.  A long acting local anesthetic will be placed in the area under the muscle along with the implant which will significantly decrease postoperative pain.  Dr. Simon makes a special effort to ensure the most comfortable surgical experience possible. 

What to Expect After Surgery

You will see Dr. Simon for a follow up appointment 1-2 days after the surgery. The surgical bra will be removed at that time and further instructions will be given.  You will be permitted to shower after this visit.

Some discoloration and swelling will occur initially, but this will disappear quickly. Most residual swelling will resolve within a month.

Post-op Activity Restrictions

Dr. Simon’s patients typically return to their normal daily activities the day after surgery.  However, you will need to restrict any strenuous activity for a week and there will be no lifting anything over 5-10 lbs for the first 2 weeks.  Activities and exercise that involve the chest muscles, running, and jumping is restricted for 4-6 weeks. 

Implant and Surgery Options

Dr. Simon offers both saline and the FDA approved silicone gel implants.  The silicone gel implants are preferred by some patients secondary to their more natural look and feel and for secondary cases.  Dr. Simon is certified by both Mentor and Allergan, the two breast implant companies in the U.S. for placement of silicone gel implants.  The incisions that are utilized for gel implants include periareolar (under the nipple) and inframammary (under the breast); saline implants may also be placed through an axillary incision (under the arm).  The implants are typically placed under the pectoralis muscle as this is generally considered the safest location and the most natural appearance.

Risks

During the consultation process you will have the opportunity to discuss the potential risks of breast augmentation surgery, in addition you will be given material for review at home that will further detail these issues.

Potential complications that may be discussed with you include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding and infection. Although rare, an infection that does not subside with appropriate treatment may require temporary removal of the implant. Changes in nipple or breast sensation are uncommon and when they occur are usually temporary.

When a breast implant is inserted, a scar capsule forms around it as part of the natural healing process. The capsule may sometimes tighten and compress the implant, causing the breast to feel firmer than normal. Capsular contracture can occur to varying degrees. If it is severe, it can cause discomfort or changes in the breast's appearance. In such cases, more surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue, or perhaps remove or replace the implant.  Dr. Simon does everything possible to minimize the incidence of this particular problem.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices and cannot be expected to last forever. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the salt water content is harmlessly absorbed. A definite change in the size of the breast is clearly noticed. Rupture can occur as a result of trauma to the chest, but more commonly it occurs spontaneously with no apparent cause. Surgery will be required to replace the implant, if desired.  As a patient of Dr. Simon’s, after the initial few postoperative visits you will be followed annually.

Mammographic examinations are performed regularly on women with breast implants.  There are several additional views that are required, however most breast imaging centers today are quite familiar with dealing with patients with implants. 

Long Term Results

Except in the event of implant deflation requiring surgical replacement with a new implant, the results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. However, gravity and the effects of aging will continue to affect the breasts and may alter their size, shape, and position. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast "lifting" to restore their more youthful contour.