Breast augmentation is not only a medical decision, it is a personal one. Many women find great personal satisfaction with breast augmentation as it balances the proportion of one’s body shape. There are many options available today with respect to the type of implant as well as the placement of the incisions to provide well concealed scars and natural-looking breasts.
If you are considering breast augmentation, we want you to be thoroughly informed about the procedure. Below is some helpful information. A personal consultation with Dr. Newen is the best way to obtain the additional information you will need.
Choosing Breast Implant Size: A Matter of Aesthetics By Dr. Peter Newen
Surgical breast enlargement enables a woman to choose the breast size that she feels will enhance her body image and self-confidence.
Even though implant size usually is best determined by measurement of the breasts, patients who are actively involved in the decision about implant size may be more likely to be satisfied with the results of surgery. How can breast augmentation patients explore their options for implant size before undergoing surgery? Here’s some advice from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS):
Be frank and open in discussing size so that there is clear communication, from the beginning, between you and your plastic surgeon.
Select several photographs from magazines illustrating ideal proportions, and show these to your plastic surgeon as a way to begin the communication process. The examples should be of individuals with a similar body type to yours.
Don’t define your desired breast size only in terms of bra-cup size. Cup size can vary significantly among bra styles and manufacturers.
Plastic surgeons sometimes have implants in the office that are used for patients to ‘try on’ different sizes by stuffing them inside their bra. Do the same thing at home, using plastic bags filled with oatmeal, and see how various sizes look in different types of clothing.
Maintain realistic objectives and don’t assume that bigger is always better. Implants that are too large not only will upset the aesthetic balance of your figure, they also may be more prone to sagging and ultimately give you a “matronly” look. The best approach is to select implants thatwill look like a natural part of your body.
According to ASAPS, patients who select the implant size that will give them a well-proportioned and natural-appearing body contour are making the best possible choice.
Dr. Peter Newen is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His proven expertise in the artistry and nuances of plastic surgery has led to his being a featured guest on television and radio, and showcased in numerous print articles. For more information on cosmetic surgery, call The Image Center at 714.230.2400.
Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation can achieve many different goals; enlargement of the breast, reshaping of the breasts, or balancing breasts of different sizes or shapes. You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you want to want to enlarge your breasts for one or more of the following reasons:
Your personal consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about the results you expect to achieve from breast augmentation. This will help Dr. Newen to understand your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically achieved.
How will Dr. Newen evaluate me for breast augmentation?
You should be prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries, any breathing problems you may have, and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.
How is breast augmentation performed?
Breast implants can be saline or silicone, and come in many shapes and sizes. Options include round, teardrop, smooth, contoured or textured implants, and sizes can range from 150 cc – 800 cc. Your options will be discussed with you so you can decide which is best for you.
Breast implants are surgically implanted using one of four incisions. The inframammary incision is made in the fold below the breast. Using this technique, the breast tissue is minimally disturbed and the remaining incision scar is generally concealed within the fold of the skin under the breast. The periareolar incision is made along the edge of the colored area of the nipple. This generally will enable the incision scar to be nearly invisible. The transaxillary incision is made in the armpit area, creating a small scar outside the breast area. The transumbilical, known as “TUBA” incision is hidden in the belly button so there are no visible incisions on your breasts. Breast implants may be placed subglandular, which is between the chest muscle and the breast tissue, or submuscular, which is below the chest muscle. Because every woman is different, the same procedure may not be right for everyone. Dr. Newen will discuss which technique will be best for you.
Understanding risks
Significant complications from breast augmentation are very rare. Dr. Newen has performed thousands of breast augmentations, and his patients generally do not experience any major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks. The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis during your consultation with Dr. Newen. After surgery, there may be a temporary feeling of numbness, pain, swelling, and bruising. The types of symptoms experienced and the duration of the symptoms vary in patients. Patients who undergo breast augmentation should understand that there is a small risk of developing capsular contracture, which is hardening of the breast. This is caused by thick scar tissue that develops after surgery in the breast capsule.
Your surgical experience
Our goal is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible. If you’re a smoker, you will 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. You will be provided with complete preoperative and postoperative instructions. Most patients can go back to work 5 days after surgery.
Breast augmentation is performed at Huntington Surgery Center, our outpatient surgery facility located within The Image Center. Please be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
For more information
For more information on breast augmentation or to schedule a consultation, please call our office at (714) 230-2430.
The services provided have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The material on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any therapy program, aesthetic treatments, plastic surgery, and other services that the Image Center provides. Any designations or references to therapies are for marketing purposes only.