Breast Augmentation Surgery
Procedure
Breast augmentation or breast implant
surgery is one of the most commonly performed
cosmetic surgical procedures in the United
States. The popularity of breast augmentation
or breast enlargement surgery is due to
tremendous satisfaction the patient receives
after they have had this surgery done.
It will enhance patient's self esteem
and allows women to have more self confidence.
This procedure is performed on an outpatient
basis using a general anesthesia. The
procedure usually takes about one hour.
Dr. Tavoussi's technique requires an incision
under the lower portion of the areola
(the darker area around your nipple).
After the incision is made, a pocket is
created under the breast tissue or beneath
the chest wall muscle. Majority of patients
request the breast implants to be placed
under the muscle and this is Dr. Tavoussi's
preferred technique as it produces a more
natural look and a smooth transition from
shoulders to the nipple area. Sizers are
next placed to assess the shape and expand
the pockets. The implant is securely positioned
in the pocket, and small sutures are used
to close the incision. All sutures are
dissolved and therefore there is no need
for suture removal.
Step 1 - Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your
comfort during breast augmentation surgery.
The choices include intravenous sedation
and general anesthesia. Your doctor will
recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 - The incision
Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas
to minimize visible scarring. You and
your plastic surgeon will discuss which
incision options are appropriate for your
desired outcome.
ncisions vary based on the type of implant,
degree of enlargement desired, your particular
anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference.
Step 3 - Implant choice: Silicone breast
implants or saline breast implants?
Breast size and shape are important, so
be honest and open about your expectations
when talking with your surgeon.
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.
Options for Breast Implants
Saline breast 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 breast implant will
collapse and the saline will be absorbed
and naturally expelled by the body.
Silicone breast implants:
Are filled with an elastic gel. The gel
feels and moves much like natural breast
tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel
may remain within the implant shell, or
may escape into the breast implant pocket.
A leaking implant filled with silicone
gel may not collapse. If you choose these
implants, you may need to visit your plastic
surgeon regularly to make sure the implants
are functioning properly. An ultrasound
or MRI screening can assess the condition
of breast implants.
Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce
new styles and types of implants, so there
may be additional options available.
Currently Saline breast implants are FDA-approved
for augmentation in women 18 years of
age and older.
Currently Silicone breast implants are
FDA-approved for augmentation in women
22 years of age and older.
Saline or silicone implants may be recommended
at a younger age if used for reconstruction
purposes.
Step 4 - Inserting and placing
the breast implant
After the incision is made, a breast
implant is inserted into a pocket either:
The method for inserting and positioning
implants depends on the type of implant,
degree of enlargement desired, your body
type, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
Step 5 - Closing the incisions
Incisions are closed with layered sutures
in the breast tissue and with sutures,
skin adhesive or surgical tape to close
the skin. Over time the incision lines
will fade.
