Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures done in the United States. Every year the number of women having the surgery increases. There are several options and features about breast enhancement that may be confusing because each woman has personal expectations and all procedures are not the same. When you consult our Beverly Hills specialist you can ask your questions and learn about your options to have the figure you want. It is important that you understand your motives for breast augmentation and are making a decision based on your expectations and not because someone else is pressuring you to change your appearance.
Know Your Options
The results you want will require you to make certain decisions before the surgery can begin. Our specialist will help you make the best choices for you to achieve you to be satisfied with the results. The main choices are:
• Saline, silicone, or Gummy Bear
• Size
• Type of incision
• Shape
• The texture of the implant surface
Saline, Silicone, or Gummy Bear
Saline and silicone are the two types of breast implants. Saline implants contain salt water that our surgeon fills after the shell has been placed. This method allows our surgeon to place the shell in the exact position to achieve the outcome you want. The incision for saline implants is slightly smaller than what is required for silicone implants.
Silicone implants use a silicone gel to fill the shell. The gel has been created to closely resemble how human fat feels. Many people think silicone implants look more natural than saline, but there is no research done on this. The implant is already filled when it is placed in the body.
Another type of implant is new. It is called a cohesive-gel implant and filled with a gel that is thicker than conventional silicone implants. The shell and gel were designed to mimic the shape and slope of a natural breast. Also called Gummy Bear Implants because of the resemblance to the candy, these are used more often for people who want larger breasts. The gel maintains its shape better and feels firmer than silicone or saline implants, but it requires a larger incision.
Size
Many women choose breast augmentation in Beverly Hills because they want a larger breast size. They prefer to get the enhanced appearance without looking unnatural. Breast implants are measured from 200cc to 600cc. The size you choose may depend on your anatomy, height, and the degree of naturalness you desire.
To help you choose the best size for your figure we have different implant sizes that you can try on. This will give you an idea of how you will look for different sizes. We will also show you several before and after photos of people with a similar build as you. The aim is to have larger breasts without looking unnaturally large.
Type of Incision
We offer the four types of incisions for breast augmentation.
Transaxillary – this incision is made in the armpit and leaves a very small scar that is virtually impossible to see. We may or may not use an endoscope during the surgery. The incision is made in the fold of the armpit and the implant is worked into place. This procedure takes longer than the others and is only used for saline implants because the access to the breast is so narrow, a pre-filled implant will not fit.
Inframammary – this incision is made at the bottom of the breast where it connects with the chest wall. The implant can be inserted through the cut below or above the muscle. This incision allows for the easiest positioning of the implant. The scar is under the breast and not easy to see.
Peri-areolar – the incision is cut at the lower side of the areolar, the area around the nipple. This helps hide the scar. It is the most common incision requested. It allows the implant to be placed above or below the pectoral muscles and is suitable for both saline and silicone implants. When the implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle, it may look more natural because it is covered by both the muscle and breast tissue.
Trans-umbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) – this incision is made at the navel. The implant is then moved from the navel to the proper position. There is no scar near the breasts. This method is only used for saline implants because the shell is unfilled and easier to position. In this incision, and the transaxillary the cigar-shaped shell is filled with saline solution after it is put in place.
Shape
You have two options for shape. Anatomical most resembles the natural breast shape and round implants that have a symmetrical shape. There is a myth that round implants look unnatural and only anatomical implants look natural. This is a false conception as the round implants take on the natural shape of the breast once they are positioned. We will help you select the best shape for your anatomy and that works with the type of incision you choose.
Anatomical breast implants also called contoured breast implants were designed for breast reconstruction after breast removal surgery or an injury. They have an oval appearance when seen from the front and appear bottom heavy when seen from the side. If by any chance, the implant shifts position, anatomical breast implants may look asymmetrical. But, Anatomical breast implants are textured and have a lower risk of shifting than smooth implants. They were designed to help prevent capsular contracture, a condition that develops in some women. Scar tissue forms around the implant and may squeeze it out of shape.
The Texture of the Implant Surface
Breast implants may have a smooth surface or a textured surface. Smooth implants may be more prone to displacement and textured implants may hold their position better. However, smooth implants may last longer. The shell of textured implants is a bit thicker than the smooth ones, so they tend to feel firmer.
What to Expect
Once you have learned your options for breast augmentation in Beverly Hills, you can begin to prepare for the surgery. Our surgeon will evaluate your overall health and make sure you have realistic expectations for the outcome. You should have good overall health and be at a stable, healthy weight. We will complete the required lab tests and any other diagnostic test needed.
You need to wait for three to six months after breastfeeding because your breasts change during that time and they need a few months to relax into a stable position before the surgeon can determine how best to reshape them.
You need to have an empty stomach for the surgery so don’t eat anything for at least eight hours before the procedure. We will give detailed instructions on how to prepare before the surgery.
Our specialist will give you detailed instructions regarding any medications you are taking including herbal medications and dietary supplements. You will need to stop drinking alcohol for one week before the surgery, and if you smoke you must stop all nicotine products for two to four weeks before and after the surgery. Smoking inhibits tissue healing and can have a very damaging effect on your recovery as well as increase the risk of infection. This may be a good time to quit altogether.
If you take any blood thinners such as ibuprofen or aspirin or supplements that include Omega-3, fish oil, vitamin E or garlic, you need to stop at least two weeks before the surgery.
After the surgery, we will help you every step of the way through your recovery period. You will need to request time off work if applicable and spend your recovery time relaxing. Someone should drive you to and from the surgery and stay with you for at least the first 48 hours including overnight. We recommend that you prepare meals in advance if there is no one to cook for you and take care of other household work before the surgery because you will not be doing it afterward. If you have young children or pets that need regular walking, you will need someone to help because you cannot lift a child, dog or anything else over five to 10 pounds for a few weeks.
We also recommend you buy some soft sports bras that do not have wires and have a recliner or bed with pillows where you are comfortable. You will need your phone, medications, remote control for the TV or music, tissues, water and a wastebasket close to your bed.
There are many reasons why women want breast augmentation in Beverly Hills. They may not like the size or shape of their breasts or they may have had several children and need to redefine their breasts. Injury or surgery may have damaged their breasts and they need reconstruction. Whatever your reasons for wanting breast augmentation, visit our specialist at Kadz Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills to learn your options and get your questions answered. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!
