Many women would love to have fuller, firmer breasts, because they weren't born with the breast size or shape to compliment their body type. Having breasts that give a full, feminine curve to a woman's body can boost self confidence, and eliminate anxiety about body image. For some of our patients, Breast Augmentation provides breast volume and shape that has never been present, while for others it restores fullness and balance to their feminine figure that has been lost during weight changes or after pregnancy. 

Through an informative process we will assist you in selecting an implant that provides a natural result that fits your body and enhances your overall beauty. We have found that education is the critical underpinning to a successful outcome. Our patients' experiences are less stressful and more predictable as they become aware of the options and choices available to them and arrive at a decision under the thoughtful guidance of one of our doctors. As physicians, we feel strongly that cosmetic surgery is a doctor- patient relationship, not a business transaction, and we are certain you will appreciate this difference from your initial consultation through your final recovery.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants were first popularized in the 1960's. Controversy in the early 1990's led to widespread fear about the possibility of silicone breast implants causing autoimmune diseases in women. Extensive studies since then have showed no evidence that silicone breast implants have any relationship to breast cancer, autoimmune disease or any other systemic illnesses in patients. Specifically, patients with breast implants have no higher incidence of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma or lupus, in comparison with the general population. 

Positioning of the Breast Implant

Implants can be placed beneath the pectoral muscle of the chest wall or directly behind the breast tissue. Most patients will have their implants placed behind the chest muscle unless there are anatomic considerations that warrant the implants being placed directly behind the breast tissue. Some studies have suggested that implants placed behind your chest muscle have a lower risk of forming capsular contracture (scar tissue that hardens around the implant) and interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle does lead to more muscular discomfort in the initial days after surgery than placement directly under the breast. Drainage tubes are almost never necessary during Breast Augmentation. All incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and a water tight dressing is placed over the incision, enabling you to shower the next day. The total surgery time is approximately 1 hour.

Breast Implant Placement

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty Risk.

Breast Augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

Capsular contracture, or scarring around the implant pocket, occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways and sometimes requires either removal or "scoring" of the scar tissue or perhaps removal or replacement of the implant.

As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding continues, another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated blood. A small percentage of women develop an infection around an implant. This may occur at any time, but is most often seen within 1 week after surgery. In some cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can then be inserted.

Some women report that their nipples become oversensitive, under sensitive or even numb. You may also notice small patches of numbness near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear within time, but may be permanent in some patients. There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility, pregnancy or your ability to nurse. If however, you have nursed a baby within the year before augmentation, you may produce milk for a few days after surgery. This may cause some discomfort, but can be treated with medication prescribed by your doctor.