Breast Implants
Breast Augmentation: Is It Right For You?
At Pacific Lipo, we understand that many women are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts. Breast augmentation surgery allows a woman to have a more youthful, balanced look. You may be a candidate for breast augmentation surgery if you have one of the following issues:
You feel that your breasts are too small.
You want a more attractive proportion.
You have difficulty “filling out” standard clothing sizes.
Your breasts have become smaller or droopy after significant weight loss.
You no longer have the firm, full look that you had prior to breastfeeding.
Your breasts are unequal in size.
You want to restore a more youthful appearance to your breasts and body.
One or both breasts have an odd shape.
Your breasts have sagged over time and now appear droopy or deflated.
You had earlier breast implants that you are unhappy with within size or shape.
Types of Breast Implants: Silicone or Saline?
Both silicone and saline implants are manufactured with an outer silicone shell. The “feel” of each type is slightly different. The saline version is filled with sterile salt water. The implant procedure is slightly different, as the implants are filled after placement. Silicone implants are pre-filled with a special silicone gel that was developed to mimic the natural feel of human fat. Generally, silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue. When you meet with our professional team, we will answer any of your questions and concerns so that you can make an educated decision. We are fully confident in the implant products we use at Pacific Lipo.
Natrelle® and Mentor® Implants
At Pacific Lipo, we use Natrelle® and Mentor® saline and silicone gel-filled breast implants because of the added safety these products bring our patients. Natrelle® and Mentor® silicone gel-filled breast implants are among the most studied, FDA-approved medical devices in existence. There have been hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and published reports involving silicone gel implants, including extensive epidemiological studies supporting their use. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (IOM) concluded in its landmark report in 1999 that “a review of the toxicology studies of silicones and other substances known to be in breast implants does not provide a basis for health concerns.”
Implants, whether silicone gel or saline, come in a range of shapes and sizes. Natrelle® and Mentor® implants are unique in that they come in the highest number of sizes and shapes so that the perfect shape can be selected for your body type to achieve balance and beauty. The artistry of your plastic surgeon is critical. Our plastic surgeons carefully choose the correct size, shape, type, and the best placement of your implants for a youthful, full, and natural-looking result.
Look & Feel
You probably have a preference for how you want your breasts to look and feel. Explore the three characteristics that will help you choose the right Mentor or Natrelle implant for you.
Projection
Projection is the distance between the chest side and the outer-facing side of the implant. “High profile” indicates more projection from the chest, while “low profile” indicates less projection.
Fullness
Fullness varies depending on the implant type. Round implants show more fullness above the nipple while teardrop implants have a gradual increase in fullness and projection from top to bottom.
Firmness
Firmness determines how natural the breast feels to the touch. Saline delivers the firmest feel while gel implants feel like natural breast tissue.
Your Incision Site
Explore three common incision site options for breast implant surgery. Your choices depend on the type of implant, degree of enlargement, your particular body, and your surgeon's preference.
Inframammary Fold Incision
Most common, below the breast fold
Most concealed, around the nipple or areolar edge
Transaxillary Incision
Primarily for saline, under the arm
Your Implant Placement
You'll choose from two common placement options for your breast augmentation.
Submammary/Subglandular Placement
The implant is placed above the pectoral muscle and behind the breast tissue.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Surgery and recovery may be shorter
Recovery may be less painful
May provide easier access for re-operation
Submuscular Placement
The implant is placed partially or wholly below the pectoral muscle.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Surgery and recovery may be longer
Recovery may be more painful
Re-operation may be more difficult
Breast Augmentation Recovery
From the moment you opt for the procedure to your surgery day, breast augmentation is a journey. Goals must be assessed, implant type selected, and the details of your surgery outlined. Recovering from your procedure is no different. Some bruising, pain, and swelling are expected, but taking the proper post-surgery steps will ease your breast augmentation recovery. At Pacific Lipo, we make it a point to guide you through this process, ensuring that your treatment and recovery are as comfortable as possible.
Adhere to Your Breast Augmentation Recovery Plan
While you are recovering from a breast augmentation at home, you must follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon for the best results. You should attend your scheduled post-operative appointments so that your recovery can be closely monitored.
Avoid any activities outlined by the surgeon. Taking time off from work and avoiding strenuous exercise or heavy lifting is also recommended. You should be able to return to your normal activities within a couple of weeks.
Seeking Medical Help
It’s important that you contact your surgeon as soon as possible if you experience excessive pain or any unexpected symptoms. Potential warning signs may include the following: Aching, Excessive pain in your breasts, High fever, Intense burning in your breasts, A discharge from your wounds
Surgery Results
Results can be seen immediately, as added fullness, proportion, and symmetry of your breasts is evident following the procedure. As the breast augmentation recovery process continues, swelling will subside and the visual results will progressively improve. Eventually, your breasts will begin to feel and look more natural. The breast tissue and muscles will stretch to provide support for the implants to sit comfortably on your chest. We’re Here to Guide you Through Your Breast Augmentation Recovery By understanding the recovery process, you will know what to expect after your surgery and how to deal with the new changes in your body. Your experienced plastic surgeons take the time to understand your goals and customize your treatment accordingly. Schedule your consultation and we will help guide you through the breast augmentation recovery process, as well as inform you on the best available treatment options.
Call today for a FREE consultation!
San Diego: (858) 427-8899
Los Angeles: (424) 421-2250
Orange County: (888) 575-8898
(See Before & After images)
