Breast Augmentation

Enhancing the size and shape of breasts with implants is a fabulous procedure that can improve a woman’s appearance and self-confidence. The techniques and implants have been refined considerably over the past few years and now provide predictable and usually problem free results.

We almost invariably use saline filled implants but, however, use silicone filled implants in patients with significantly different size breasts, ptosis (drooping breasts), or severe rippling from previous saline implants.

The implants are usually introduced through small incisions placed in the lower part of the nipple which results in a very inconspicuous scar. Incisions can also be placed in the lower breast crease or in the armpit. The implants are either placed above or below the chest muscle depending on the patient’s breast size and anatomy.

The anesthesia can be general or with IV sedation depending on the patient’s and anesthesiologist’s preference, and the complete operation is usually under an hour. After recovering for about 1 1/2 hours, the patient is able to go home.

Moderate soreness that is controlled with pain medication usually resolves over the next several days, and the sutures are removed after about seven days. The results can be dramatic but the final result can take several months as the swelling resolves and the implants settle into their new position.