Breast augmentation is the popular name for augmentation mammaplasty, which is a procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to increase the size of breasts. With the advancements in surgical techniques and approvals by the FDA for saline and silicone implants, breast augmentation has emerged as a highly sought after procedure.
Each year nearly 300,000 breast implant procedures are performed in the U.S. Dr. Eugene Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon providing breast augmentation surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby locations.
Why is Breast Augmentation Needed?
The cosmetic surgeon may recommend breast augmentation to a patient due to one or more of the following reasons:
- The patient’s breast size is naturally small.
- The breasts are of uneven size.
- Breast volume has been lost following a pregnancy or weight loss.
- Breast reconstruction is required after a mastectomy.
As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Kim will examine the patient’s condition carefully and evaluate her aesthetic goals before recommending breast augmentation. Patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding areas may consult with Dr. Kim for this procedure.
Types of Breast Implants
One of the most important decisions in breast augmentation procedure is the right choice of breast implants. Both saline and silicone gel based implants have been approved by the FDA. The sizes of implants range from 120cc to 960cc, their shapes may be round or teardrop and the surface may be plain or textured. The choice of the implant type will have a bearing on the final outcome of the surgery. Therefore, patients should make this decision in close consultation with the surgeon.
Implant Procedure
Breast augmentation procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The surgeon may use general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The procedure begins with the surgeon placing the incision at a pre-decided location. A breast cavity is created through the incision to place the implants in the breast tissue. The implants may be placed underneath the chest muscle or between the breast tissue and chest muscle.
The location of the incision can be underneath the breast crease, around the lower half of the areola, in the underarm, or encircling the navel. The entire procedure may be completed within one to two hours, depending on a particular case. Sometimes the surgeon may perform breast augmentation in conjunction with breast lift to achieve more effective results.
Recovery Process
The patient should have someone to driver her back home after the surgery, and preferably stay over with her for the first 24 hours. Mild to moderate pain will be experienced in treated area for the first few days, which can be managed with pain medications as per the surgeon’s guidance.
Most patients will be ready to go back to work within a week to 10 days after the surgery. Full effects of the surgery will appear over several months as bruising and swelling resolves completely. Results with breast augmentation procedure are usually long lasting, but most patients may need to repeat the surgery at least once in their lifetime.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
