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Things to Consider Prior to Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed throughout the world. The procedure not only enhances or increases the size of the breasts—typically with the use of breast implants—but it also improves breast shape and projection. With more options available than ever before, breast augmentation is a safe and effective choice to enhance your figure and boost your confidence.

Even though breast augmentation is a very common procedure, many women still have concerns about the safety of breast implants. Due to many recent controversies regarding the safety of breast implants highlighted throughout the media, it is important that all patients are properly informed prior to deciding if this surgery is right for them.

With many breast procedures and augmentation options available, learning how you can accomplish your aesthetic goals safely through breast augmentation can be overwhelming.

If you are considering a breast augmentation to enhance the appearance of your breasts and overall figure, it’s important to seek advice from a trusted expert. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis can help you determine which breast procedure will address your concerns and rejuvenate the appearance of your breasts. First, Dr. Davis will help you navigate some important factors you should know prior to your breast augmentation surgery.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that is an effective method of enhancing the size of your breasts by adding volume. Women frequently choose breast augmentation to address breast asymmetry, disproportionately small breasts, the aftereffects of weight loss or pregnancy, or to improve their self-confidence.

During your consultation, Dr. Davis will help you determine the most suitable breast augmentation options based on your anatomy and overall aesthetic preferences. Breast augmentation can be achieved with breast implants or fat transfer.

Whether you choose breast implants or fat transfer, an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Davis can help you safely and effectively achieve your ideal figure and reclaim your feminine curves with long-lasting results from breast augmentation. Here is more information about both options.

Breast Implants

In short, there are 2 types of breast implants available, including:

·       Saline-filled breast implants

·       Silicone gel-filled breast implants

While saline implants have their benefits, many surgeons and patients believe silicone implants tend to create a more natural shape, feel, and appearance to the breast. Both saline and silicone implants are available in different sizes and shapes to fit all body types.

Women between the ages of 18 to 21 may be fitted with saline-filled implants per FDA regulations. To choose saline implants, women must be over the age of 22. There is no upper age limit for breast augmentation with implants; however, patients should be in good overall health before considering the procedure.

Some of the most common benefits of breast implants include:

·       Added volume and curves

·       More symmetrical breasts

·       Improved breast shape and projection

·       Better overall proportions

·       Long-lasting results

Fat Transfer to Breast

Fat transfer to breast is a surgical procedure that involves harvesting fat from adipose areas of the body to transfer to the breasts. Some patients prefer fat transfer over the use of implants as it utilizes their own tissue and avoids the concerns associated with breast implants.

During fat transfer to breast, fat is harvested via liposuction from the abdomen, back, or thighs. The fat is processed to ensure only healthy fat is reintroduced to the breast. As some of the fat is resorbed into the body, some patients may require 2 to 3 sessions to achieve their desired enhancement.

Rather than the dramatic effects of breast implants, fat transfer creates subtle, natural-looking results for a shapelier bustline. Patients also receive the bonus of more contoured overall figure by reducing fat in the donor areas.

Fat transfer to the breast is a less-invasive procedure that can help you increase your breast size as well as reduce stubborn fat. Following a fat transfer to breast surgery, you will notice:

·       Subtle enhancement, usually one cup size

·       Body contouring in donor locations

·       Less downtime than breast augmentation with implants

·       No implant complications

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Generally, patients who are in reasonably good mental and physical health are candidates for breast augmentation. These candidates are looking to enhance the appearance of their breasts by addressing small size, asymmetry, or lack of fullness of their breasts.

Dr. Davis recommends that candidates should:

·       Live a healthy lifestyle

·       Be non-smokers, or willing to quit prior to the procedure

·       Not be pregnant or breastfeeding

·       Have realistic expectations

·       Be mentally prepared to have surgery

·       Understand the risks of a surgical procedure

·       Be able to communicate what they want

For candidates considering breast augmentation with fat transfer, it’s important to have enough excess fat available to create their desired breast size. It’s important to remember that a percentage of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed by the body, so Dr. Davis will recommend that it is better to “over-enhance” initially to account for later losses. Some people may require multiple fat grafting sessions before accomplishing their desired size.

Factors to Consider Prior to Your Breast Augmentation

While most women who have breast implants are generally happy with their results and will never experience any problems with their implants, it is important to be well-informed prior to deciding on any surgical procedure. It is also important that you are completely comfortable with your surgeon, that they are listening to your concerns, answering all your questions thoroughly, being realistic with outcomes and expectations, and most importantly that you trust that they are providing you with the best care possible.

How Long Will My Breast Augmentation Results Last?

Breast augmentation provides long-lasting results, at least 10 to 15 years, so it’s important that women carefully consider their reasons why they want the procedure, their end results, and how breast augmentation will change their appearance over several years. It’s important to approach breast augmentation with realistic expectations and to only consider breast augmentation surgery as their own decision without any outside pressures.

It is important to note that breast implants are not lifetime devices and require monitoring. Based on your plastic surgeon’s recommendation, your breast implants should be replaced in 10 to 15 years after your breast augmentation.

How Can a Breast Implant Be Placed?

A breast implant can be placed from an incision in the inferior fold (the underside) of the breast, around the nipple-areolar complex, or in the axillary (under arm) area. Most physicians prefer an incision in the inferior fold of the breast as it allows for better visualization and has lower rates of complications.

Where Can a Breast Implant Be Positioned?

A breast implant can be placed under the pectoralis major muscle or above the pectoralis major muscle. Placing the implant under the muscle can offer a layer of support and protection for the implant and results in less visible rippling. However, placement under the muscle can also create animation deformity. Animation deformity occurs when the pectoralis muscle contracts, usually with upper body exercises, and the outline of the implant becomes visible.

During your consultation with Dr. Davis, she will examine your anatomy to help you determine the best positioning for your breast implants.

What Size Implants Are Right for Me?

Factors to consider when choosing the size of a breast implant are your underlying body physique, the diameter of your chest wall, and the amount of breast tissue you have to accommodate the breast implant. Larger implants can lead to faster drooping of the breast tissue due to the weight of the breast implants.

When considering the potential size of implants, be sure to factor in your lifestyle and style choices. The size of your implants is a very personal, and sometimes emotional, choice.

The shape and size of your ideal breast implants should be based on the following:

·       The size, feel, and look you desire

·       Your active lifestyle and personal aesthetic

·       Anatomy of your natural breasts and body frame

·       The quality of your skin elasticity and how it will support the implant

What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is a process that happens when scar tissue forms around the breast implant and contracts, which can distort the shape of the breasts and cause pain. The treatment for capsular contracture is removing the scar tissue and replacing the implant in a procedure called a breast revision.

When Should I Consider a Breast Lift with Breast Implants?

A breast lift intends to restore youthful breast contours and fullness by removing lax skin, tightening breast tissues, and raising the breast position on the chest wall. However, a breast lift typically keeps the breasts at a similar size.

You may want to consider a breast lift with implants if your nipples have dropped to the inferior portion of your breasts and you also want to increase or restore the fullness of your breasts. As the nipple typically drops with age, fluctuations in weight, and after pregnancy and/or breast feeding, a breast lift with implants can return the nipple to a youthful, more anatomical location.

Can I Breastfeed After Having Breast Implants?

Most women can breastfeed normally with breast implants. However, if you are planning to become pregnant or breastfeed soon, Dr. Davis recommends waiting until after your pregnancy and breastfeeding journey is complete, as your breasts may change significantly following these events.

What is Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)?

ALCL is a VERY RARE lymphoma that has been associated with certain types of breast implants, usually those with a textured surface. The exact cause of this lymphoma is currently not clear; however, the breast implants that have been associated with a higher risk have been removed from the market.

What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?

Breast implant illness is a term used to define the various systemic symptoms that some women present and believe began after receiving breast implants. BII has been reported by women who have received both saline and silicone breast implants. While BII is not a medical diagnosis to date, there have not been any proven studies that demonstrate causative factors.

Some women report improvement of symptoms following the removal of their implants; however, there are no specific studies that demonstrate that symptoms will or will not improve after implant removal. There are ongoing studies that continue to evaluate this condition.

Choosing a Highly Qualified Surgeon for Your Breast Augmentation

Another misconception many people have about breast augmentation is that all plastic surgeons are the same. To ensure you receive the highest quality surgical care, be sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who is very experienced with modern breast augmentation and fat transfer to breast techniques. Always be sure to review your surgeon’s before and after patient results portfolio to determine the results your surgeon can produce. It is especially important to view those photos of patients who previously had the same concerns you are looking to correct to see your surgeon’s results.

You can give yourself peace of mind by choosing an experienced plastic surgeon who performs breast augmentation procedures often, allowing you to relax knowing that you will receive proper care before, during, and after your procedure.

Choosing Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis for Your Beverly Hills Breast Augmentation

With extensive training and unsurpassed education, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis works with you to determine the appropriate breast augmentation procedure to ensure you achieve the quality results you desire. With a simple and direct approach, Dr. Davis understands how high-quality plastic surgery results can enrich and enhance her patients’ lives. With dedication to her patients and their exceptional results, Dr. Davis is your choice as one of the best breast augmentation surgeons in Beverly Hills.

Get ready to partner with one of Beverly Hill’s leading female plastic surgeons—Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis. Contact us today or call (310) 614-5898 to learn more about one of the best fat transfer to breast procedures in Beverly Hills!