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THE 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.
Initial Consultation:
During the initial consultation, DR. Tavoussi will determine what type of breast procedure is best for you. He will discuss the type of implants that are available and the differences between them and postoperative expectations. You will be given a bra to wear and different size implants will be tried so that you can decide what size would best fit your body and fulfill your expectations. The sizing is very important aspect of the consultation as one of the most frequent reason patients undergo second surgery is that they are not happy with size of the breasts after the initial surgery. We have had a number of patients that had breast augmentation done in other places, who had their implants replaced with a larger size implants. These patients had their surgeon determine their sizes. Although, we as surgeons can evaluate your body and determine the best breast implants size for you, it seems that majority of patients may have a different opinion about the size that they expect or desire to be. We, therefore, allow patients to determine their sizes by placing different sizers in their bra until they are fully satisfied with their choice BUT Dr. Tavoussi will inform you of the consequence of your choice if it is well above what your body can handle. These will include eventual droopiness of the breasts as well as neck and shoulder pain.
Before and After Photographs:
You will also be able to see the before and after photographs of Dr. Tavoussi's patients. These will be patients who have had breast augmentation with saline or silicone at least 6-12 months before. Long term results will also be included that is about 5 years out. There will be patients who have become pregnant after breast augmentation as well as those that have breast fed after implantation. Even though, the result may differ for different patients depending on their body type or breast anatomy, it will give you more information so that you will be able to make a wiser choice.
The risks, benefits and alternative treatments as well as the differences between saline and silicone gel implants will be discussed.
Mammograms and Preoperative Tests:
Once, you decide to have surgery and have chosen the breast implant size, preoperative laboratory studies are done. This usually entails a mammogram and a simple blood test if you do not have underlying medical conditions. Although we recommend a preoperative mammogram, but you will have the final decision as whether obtain one or not. We strongly recommend a mammogram if you have a positive history of breast cancer in a close relative regardless of your age. A booklet from the manufacturer giving a more detail descriptions and statistics as well as all the consent forms, preoperative and post operative instructions are given to you to take home and read. You will have an ample opportunity to ask further questions until the day of surgery. Your preoperative pictures are taken. You will have to bring some of the paper work back with you and again these will be discussed with you by Dr. Tavoussi and the final size is confirmed with you. You will meet the anesthesiologist and the operating room nurse as well. The surgery will take any were from 1-1.5 hours. You will have a breast band over the top of breasts for a week and after that you will be given a special bra to wear. You are not allowed to wear a bra with under wire for three months. We will ask you to perform gentle arm raising exercises on the night of surgery which will help you recover faster. Dr. Tavoussi will usually see you the next day as well as one week, one month, 3 months, 6 month and one year after your operation.
Medications:
You will be given adequate pain medication as well as antibiotics and sleep medications. You will be asked to take multivitamin, vitamin C, Zinc supplement and Arnica Montana X 30 which is a homeopathic product that is believed to reduce swelling and bruising, at least one week prior to your surgery and to continue one week after. You may choose to have a pain pump which is an external device filled with numbing medicine such as lidocain or Marcain. This will deliver the medication continuously through a fine catheter into the wound and therefore patient will be virtually pain- free or needs less pain medication for the first 3 to 4 days after surgery
Post Operative Period:
The post operative period is usually smooth and varies from patient to patient. Generally, the most uncomfortable period is the first day after surgery which requires more pain medication than subsequent days. Majority of patients go back to work one week after breast implant surgery. This of course, depends on the type of work the patient performs. Those with strenuous activities may need to take more time off of work.
If you have any questions and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tavoussi, please call 866-503-3223
Good luck and have a happy outcome
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