 |
To ensure optimal results, the breast implant may be inserted directly under the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscles. |
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses implants to refine the shape and size of the breasts. Recently, the FDA has lifted the restriction on the use of silicone implants allowing patients the choice between silicone and saline breast augmentation. To read more about silicone implants, please click here. Breast augmentation has seen a dramatic increase in popularity over the past three years, a testimony to the high satisfaction rate that most women give to the results.
There is considerable controversy among surgeons over breast implants, particularly those related to decisions about size and shape. The size and shape are decisions that are mostly subjective and are governed by prevailing taste. Adding to the confusion is the fact that nobody really agrees about what the appropriate size of the ideal breast actually is.
To resolve these issues in my office, we first perform detailed measurements and estimate a reasonable implant volume, based upon the tissue characteristics that we measure. This size becomes our starting point for the next step of our process.
To help our patients better visualize the suggested volume, we have them use "sizer" bras with different sized sizer implants to demonstrate the effects on them. By standing in front of a mirror with these sizers in their own clothes, patients can more appropriately appreciate what is ideal for them. Within reason, we let our patients pick their own size implants. If the patient's choice differs dramatically from what I think tissues will accept, we then try to compromise. It is paternalistic of me to choose the "correct" implant size for a patient. What I think is the right size may have nothing to do with what women think is the right size. It is far more important to please the patient's body image than my sense of beauty.
By combining the biodimensional measurements with the patient trial sizers, we are now able to have uniformly happy patients and have greatly reduced implant size exchanges.
Recovery time depends on the type of procedure and ranges from two days to one week. The discomfort ranges from mild, when the implant is placed above the muscle, to moderate, when the implant is placed below the muscle.
Breast augmentation cost ranges from approximately $5000 to $7200.
For information about payment options, click here.
To return to the main procedures page, click here.