Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation (BAM) is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. It involves inserting an implant behind the breast that results in a larger, more projected breast. Since there are many available techniques and numerous types and sizes of implants, careful planning with your surgeon is required to obtain a result that will satisfy you. Breast augmentation can sometimes be called breast implant surgery, breast enlargement surgery, and breast augmentation mammoplasty.
What is the Mentor Warranty and the Mentor Enhanced Warranty for the implants?
Dr. Movagharnia uses the Mentor implants for breasts augmentation, exclusively. The Mentor company is committed to your long-term well-being. It is the first implant company to offer you a an Enhanced Warranty on both breast implants if one ruptures, which means that they guarantee the implants for your lifetime. If you experience a rupture during the first 10 years, not only will you receive two implants for free, but they will also pay up to $3500 as financial assistance to cover the cost of another operation, and this is provided for you at no charge. However, the Enhanced Warranty will also cover late-forming seroma, double capsule and also capsular contracture III and IV Baker grading with an enrollment fee of $300 to be paid within 45 days from implantation. You will then receive up to $3500 for another operation and replacement of both implants during the first 10 years also. Please visit Mentor's website www.loveyourlook.com for details about warranty enrollment options and updates.
More information can be obtained by calling my office at 770-951-7595.
How long is a breast augmentation surgery & what type of anesthesia is used?
Breast augmentation surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. This varies from person to person. The length of surgery can vary based on the breast incision location either around the areola (dark area around the nipple), axilla (armpit), infra-mammary fold (the crease under the breast), or TUBA (through the navel), as well as the breast implant type, resting location of the breast implant, and bleeding that may occur in the breast tissues or chest wall during surgery.
You will be asleep during your breast augmentation surgery because it is done under a general anesthetic. Dr. Movagharnia uses board-certified anesthesiologists (doctors) at the hospital to perform the anesthesia to keep you asleep during your breast surgery. Other plastic surgeons may use nurse-anesthetists (nurses) rather than actual anesthesiologists. This is purely up to your surgeon. The location of the surgery with Dr. Movagharnia is always at the hospital and is never performed in the office.
Can I get silicone for my first breast augmentation?
Yes, but you must be at least 22 years old. If you are under 22 years old you can only use the saline-filled implants.
What size implants should I get?
Dr. Movagharnia will help you decide the size that is proportional to your chest dimension and to achieve the cup size that you desire. Most surgeons have different-sized implants in their office which allows patients to try them on by putting them in their bra in order to see what they would look like post operatively. Of course, these implants are outside the breast tissue in the bra during the consultation. Once they are placed surgically behind your breasts, they may look a little smaller. Many patients get overwhelmed on the day of their consultation and may choose a size that will make them smaller than they wanted. Therefore Dr. Movagharnia recommends that you should always to try on a larger implant size than you like and be open-minded because after you have had the surgery and all of the swelling has disappeared, your breasts will look closer to the size the you initially envisioned having. This basically means that you should always choose one size larger.
Is there an overnight stay required?
No, breast augmentation surgery is usually performed as an outpatient (same day) procedure. If there are complications which arise with the surgery, a hospital admission would be considered, which is extremely rare. The answer to this question might be different if the breast procedure was combined with other surgeries such as liposuction for body contouring, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). If the surgeries take a long time, and there's a risk of post-operative blood loss, there may be a hospital stay involved.
What are the side effects of breast augmentation cosmetic surgery?
The possible side effects of breast augmentation surgery include, but are not limited to: temporary breast soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
What are the risks of breast augmentation plastic surgery?
The risks include, but are not limited to: bleeding, infection, capsular contracture (the formation of scar tissue around the implant), increased or decreased sensitivity of nipples or skin. It may be necessary to use a different technique during mammography. There may be a need to surgically remove or replace the implants to treat problems such as deflation and capsular contracture. There are also the risks of anesthesia. These risks are best discussed in person with your plastic surgeon. Each person's risks vary and not everyone is suited for breast implants. Also of importance is the possibility of uneven breasts after breast augmentation surgery. Realistically, breasts are not even to begin with. Therefore, technically speaking the human body isn't perfectly symmetrical. Perfectly symmetrical breasts are usually an unrealistic goal of breast augmentation/contouring surgeries.
Will breast implants change my risk for breast cancer?
Breast implants will not change your risk for breast cancer. The implants may change the feel of breast lumps during an examination. Sometimes breast implants may even make breast lumps easier to detect by "pushing" the breast lumps closer to the skin surface. We recommend continued surveillance for breast cancer with annual mammograms for those over 35 and routine physical examinations.
How long will it take the scars to fade from a breast augmentation cosmetic surgery?
It may take several months to a year or more. There are many different locations for the scars to be placed; an incision will need to be placed on the skin but the locations vary. This is of course a good question to ask Dr. Movagharnia so that you can discuss your preferences.
What is the duration of the results of breast augmentation plastic surgery?
The duration of the results varies from person to person. Implants may require removal or replacement. Some last a lifetime. Others will leak and require replacement. Others may shift. There are many things that could happen. Dr. Movagharnia can discuss with you ways to protect your breast implants to make them last as long as possible. The manufacturers of implants
(Dr. Movagharnia only uses Mentor) all offer some sort of warranty program.
How long will I be off work after mammoplasty surgery?
For about one week after your breast augmentation surgery. However, if your job involves heavy activity you may need even longer off work. This may also vary depending on your health.
Will I have to massage my breasts after breast augmentation?
Yes. Dr. Movagharnia will show you how to massage your breasts. These are simple exercises that you will have to do daily to prevent the formation of scar tissue.
How long after breast cosmetic surgery can I resume exercise?
After breast augmentation surgery you will not be able to jog or run for about six weeks. If the implant is placed under the muscle you will be able to do isolated extremity exercises except bench presses. If the implants are placed in the subglandular position (above the muscle), the only exercise restrictions are jogging and running for six weeks (subglandular means over the chest muscle (pectoralis major muscle), but under the breast tissue).
How long after breast plastic surgery can I have sex?
It is preferable to wait about one month after breast augmentation surgery before engaging in sexual activity. The breasts may be sore and sensitive to touch for few weeks.
Will I have drains after mammoplasty surgery?
It is rare to have drains with breast augmentation surgery. If you do have drains placed, there is no set time for the drains to be in place. Patients that have drains placed during surgery must track the amount of fluid put out by the drain. When the amount of fluid put out by the drain falls below 30cc over a 24-hour period for two consecutive days, then the drains will be removed.
How long after breast augmentation cosmetic surgery can I drive?
After surgery, you can drive as soon as you can do it comfortably, providing you are no longer taking pain medication and can turn your head fully to the side. It is always best to have someone go with you when you first return to driving.
Will my insurance pay for breast augmentation surgery?
No, insurance does not pay for breast augmentation surgery. Reconstruction for breast cancer, on the other hand is usually paid for by insurance companies.
How long after breast augmentation surgery can I go swimming and get in the hot tub?
You will need to refrain from swimming or using a hot tub for four weeks after your breast augmentation surgery or until your incisions are completely healed.
What are breast implants made of?
Saline implants are made of a silicone shell which is filled with normal saline or sterile salt water (the substance that makes more than 90 % of our bodies). The silicone used for the shell is similar to that used in artificial hips, knees and intravenous catheters that are used in the hospital every day. Silicone implants made by Mentor are made with a cohesive gel (otherwise known as Memory Gel) that are much different and improved in comparison to the old silicone implants. Both saline and silicone implants come in different sizes and shapes.
Are breast implants permanent?
No. Implants do require replacement after 10-15 years or when there is a problem such as leakage. If you decide to have implants removed permanently, this can be accomplished but will require additional surgery to tighten the skin and breast tissue which has stretched to accommodate the implants. This procedure is called breast lift or mastopexy. There is no certain time when an implant needs to be replaced. Implants could last a lifetime. There are minor differences in failure rates between manufacturers and type (gel or saline).
What kind of scars will I have from a breast enlargement surgery?
The scars that occur from having a breast augmentation (enlargement) can vary. There are three common incisions used to perform this procedure. The most common incision is the periareola (nipple) incision. The periareolar incision works well if there is a distinct color change between the areola and skin to camouflage the scar, which can make it nearly invisible. The second most common placement is under the breast at the crease using a 2.5 to 3 cm (about an inch) incision for saline implants and about a 4 cm for silicone implants. The third location used is the axillary (arm pit) incision which is used for saline implants because they are empty and will be filled after insertion in the pocket. This scar is located away from the breast but is most visible to the public in sleeveless clothes. The choice depends on your preference, your anatomy, and the final implant size.
If I get a breast reduction and lift, will I be able to breastfeed my future children?
A breast lift and a breast reduction are different procedures. A breast lift rejuvenates a droopy breast and reverses the effects of weight loss, pregnancy, or developmental shape. A lift makes your breasts "perky." Often an implant can be added with breast lifting to restore volume loss. A breast reduction reduces breasts in women whose breast are too large and uncomfortable. There are different "styles" for these procedures. They each have different effects on breast feeding and on the final shape of your breast. Most breast lift patients will be able to breastfeed but most breast reduction patients may not be able to.
Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation cosmetic surgery?
The ideal candidates are women who are either thin, normal body weight or slightly overweight. You must also be over the age of 18, since hormonal changes in the teenage years can affect breast size. Most commonly it is performed to increase the size of breasts that are too small. It can also be done to correct a reduction in breast volume that occurs after pregnancy, to balance a difference in size between the two breasts, and as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery. Women with breasts that are very droopy (ptosis) are not good candidates for breast augmentation unless a breast lift (mastopexy) is also performed.
Why is breast augmentation cosmetic surgery done?
Breast Augmentation or mammoplasty is one the most common cosmetic procedures done annually. Breast implants are not a one-SIZE-fits-all or even a one-TYPE-fits-all proposition. This is a safe, effective procedure designed to enhance the size of breasts for under-developed or asymmetrical breasts, or from changes occurring after pregnancy or breastfeeding by implanting specially designed saline or silicone implants that are placed beneath the breast tissue or under the chest wall muscle.
There are three factors that help determine the proper cup size for the patient: chest width, skin elasticity and, most importantly, patient preference.
How long does the breast augmentation surgery recovery take?
After your surgery, you will be discharged from the hospital in a bra and wrapped to minimize swelling and discomfort. The next day you will be seen in the office so you can be instructed on how to massage your breasts. You will then return in two weeks. You will be stiff and sore for 3-5 days, and pain medications can be taken during those times. Your breasts will be tight and sensitive to touch for few weeks. You must wear a good supportive bra until otherwise instructed. You must not wear an underwire bra for 3 months.
Planning your breast implant cosmetic surgery
In your initial consultation, Dr. Movagharnia will begin by evaluating your health. Be sure to tell him if you smoke and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs. Dr. Movagharnia will then explain which surgical technique and type of implant is most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging, he may also recommend a breast lift. You and he will determine what size implant is best for you by trying different implants placed in your bra. In general, the larger the implant, the more unnatural it will appear. Some women, however, desire an "augmented" look and are good candidates for large implants. The breast implant can be placed using a number of different small incisions. You and your surgeon will choose the incision that will give you the best result and also meet your expectations.
For more information about breast augmentation surgery, call our office at 770-951-7595 to make a personal appointment to meet Dr. Movagharnia for a thorough consultation. Our motto is "see the rest and then come to see the best." What do you have to lose?