Time, weight loss, pregnancy and nursing may decrease the volume, shape and symmetry of the breasts. Many women find that making the breasts larger – technically known as augmentation mammoplasty – can help create a more comfortable, more flattering, more balanced look. This is a commonly performed procedure that enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breasts by inserting an implant behind each breast mound and chest (pectoralis) muscle.
If you are dissatisfied with your breast size, augmentation surgery is a choice to consider. Breast augmentation can:
Candidates include women who have small, underdeveloped breasts, suffer from a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or have breasts of different sizes. The procedure involves an incision in the crease under the breasts, or sometimes around the areola. Dr. Sholar then creates a “pocket” behind the pectoral muscles for the implant to sit. When the breasts are very droopy, a breast-lift might be combined with the augmentation to create a more pleasing appearance to the breasts. Silicone or Saline implants can be used for breast augmentation. This is performed under IV or general anesthesia in an outpatient setting and normally takes 1-2 hours.
Breast augmentation does not correct normal anatomical asymmetries such as differences in nipple position, uneven inframammary creases, and unequal ribcage widths. The two sides of your chest and breasts will never be mirror images. Assymetry is a normal part of being human.
Also, implant placement alone will never correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation. Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Dr. Sholar will assist you in making this decision.
Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.
Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if:
The success and safety of your breast augmentation procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss why you want the surgery, use of current medications, previous surgeries, family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies.
See your results simulated in 3D before surgery!
VECTRA® 3D is an advanced imaging technique that allows both patient and surgeon to preview the results of a breast augmentation procedure before surgery is performed, bringing patient consultations to a whole new level.
VECTRA® 3D imaging ensures:
|
This is an interactive 3D image
|
|
|
|
« To enhance the cup sizes, move the button vertically to the different “cup” options. |
|
Please move the “rotate” button from left to right to see the image at all angles.
|
|
Using Sculptor™ software, the patient is able to view the prospective results of their procedure from all angles, allowing for a thorough analysis of their simulated post-surgery body. The simulation of the procedure can be fully customized by the surgeon using this technology, ensuring that the patient will be satisfied after surgery.
First, 3D images of the targeted body area are photographed with the Vectra 3D camera. It’s just like taking a normal photograph. Then Sculptor software allows the surgeon to simulate the expected results of procedures such as breast augmentation, body contouring, rhinoplasty, cleft lip and palate surgery and more.
 |
||
|
Breast Augmentation Sculpturing
|
||
At Sholar Center, we are proud to offer the most advanced 3D imaging technology currently available as a beneficial service to all of our patients. We understand the hesitation many patients experience before deciding to undergo plastic surgery, as they worry about the outcome of their procedure. Now, you can accurately visualize the results of your procedure before making your final decision.
- Click here to watch patient testimonial video
If you are thinking about plastic surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation so that you can visualize the results of your procedure with Vectra 3D.
Dr. Sholar may also:
Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
The most common problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal or “scoring” of the scar tissue, or perhaps removal or replacement of the implant.
As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding continues, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated blood.
A small percentage of women develop an infection around an implant. This may occur at any time, but is most often seen within a week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.
Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of your breast and implant, causing the man-made shell to leak.
While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your physician to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of breast augmentation.
Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but more importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type. Saline implants are FDA approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older. Silicone implants are FDA approved for augmentation in women age 22 and older. Saline or silicone implants may be recommended at a younger age if used for reconstruction purposes.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed by the body.
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel will remain within the implant shell. A ruptured implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. If you choose these implants, an ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.
See www.breastimplantsafety.org for current information.
