BREAST AUGMENTATION / BREAST IMPLANTS (BREAST ENLARGEMENT)
Breast augmentation is performed to enhance the size of the breasts. Women’s breasts may be congenitally small or asymmetric, or they may have changed following pregnancy or weight loss. Breast augmentation can produce a more feminine shape to the breasts while maintaining a natural look and feel. Most women report increased self-confidence and an improved self-image following breast augmentation surgery.
As of November 17, 2006, both silicone and saline implants are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in cosmetic surgery. Silicone implants are made of a thick cohesive gel, and are filled by the manufacturer prior to implantation in the operating room. Although silicone implants received a significant amount of negative press in the early 1990’s, numerous well-designed studies since that time have failed to show any increased risk of breast cancer or connective tissue disease. Saline implants consist of a silicone shell and are filled with a salt-water solution. These are not filled until after they have been placed in the breast during surgery. As a result, saline implants are sometimes a better choice for women with asymmetric breasts, as the volume can be adjusted precisely during surgery. Although Dr. Naidu uses both types of implants in her practice, most of her patients have opted for silicone implants since their re-approval in 2006.
Both silicone and saline implants come in different sizes, shapes, and textures. Dr. Naidu typically uses smooth round implants for cosmetic breast augmentation in order to produce a natural shape. Textured implants and teardrop-shaped implants are generally used in patients undergoing reconstructive breast surgery following mastectomy. The implant profile refers to how much projection from the breast wall the implant will give you. Both of the major manufacturers of breast implants in the United States make implants which have low, medium, and high projection. The choice of implant projection is determined by both your wishes as a patient and your anatomy. For example, implants with a high profile have a smaller diameter, and therefore these are well-suited for a woman with a small breast width who desires large breasts with fullness at the superior aspect of the breast.
Initial Consultation for Breast Augmentation Procedure
During your initial consultation with Dr. Naidu, she will discuss with you your desires and expectations from surgery. You should feel free to bring any magazine or personal photos of other women with a similar body frame who have a breast size and shape which you like. At the time of your visit Dr. Naidu will perform This will also involve a complete medical history and an examination of the skin and soft tissue of the breasts. The most important measurements are the base width of your breast and the amount of existing breast tissue, as these factors will determine the optimal size and location for your implants. The risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed with you, and Dr. Naidu’s assistant will provide you with financial information. Our office participates with CareCredit, a medical financing program.
Before Breast Augmentation Surgery
A second consultation is scheduled once a patient has decided to undergo surgery. At this time the implant size is selected by allowing patients to try on various sizers. Dr. Naidu spends a significant amount of time working with you to determine the best shape and size for your body frame while respecting your desires as to your cosmetic results. At this visit the necessary paperwork for surgery is also completed, and preoperative photographs are taken. These photographs are an important part of your surgical planning, and are considered a part of your medical record. They are never shown to other patients without your written permission. Women over the age of 35 years are requested to undergo a screening mammogram prior to breast augmentation surgery.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
During surgery, the incision for placement of the implant may be made at the edge of the nipple-areolar complex on the breast, within the underarm hair, or beneath the breast in the inframammary crease. Dr. Naidu most frequently uses the inframammary and peri-areolar incisions as these provide excellent access to the breast tissue and tend to heal very well. The implants are placed either behind the pectoralis muscle on the chest (subpectoral), or behind the breast tissue (subglandular). Patients with very little native breast tissue generally will have their implants placed in the subpectoral position to provide a natural shape with camouflage of the implant edges. Those with more breast tissue or drooping of the breasts usually have the implants placed in the subglandular position.
The procedure takes two hours and is performed on an outpatient basis in the hospital or in an ambulatory surgery center.
Post Breast Augmentation Surgery
Immediately following surgery you will be placed into a support bra. A soft bra without an underwire may be worn after one week. Your breasts may initially appear full and firm. Most swelling will resolve within several days, and the breasts will achieve their final shape and size within six weeks. You should remain out of work for 5-7 days. Light activity including walking is permitted and encouraged immediately following surgery. Heavy exercise, lifting, and sexual activity should be avoided for three weeks. You may return to chest exercises six weeks after surgery.
Before & After Photographs
View Dr. Nina Naidu's Before & After Photographs.
How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Naidu and her staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation with Dr. Naidu in our Manhattan, New York office or you can simply Schedule an appointment online.
