Breast Augmentation
- Introduction to Breast Augmentation
- Is Breast Augmentation Right For Me?
- Breast Augmentation Procedure Overview
- What Types of Implants are Available?
- Silicone-Gel Filled Breast Implants or Saline Filled Breast Implants?
- What are my Options for Breast Augmentation Incision Types and Implant Placement?
- Breast Augmentation Pre-Operative Overview
- Breast Augmentation Surgery
- Breast Augmentation Recovery
Introduction to Breast Augmentation
Are you satisfied with your overall appearance, but find yourself interested in changing just one aspect of your body, like your breasts? Breast enhancement procedures can help to improve upon the physique while simultaneously boosting self-esteem and confidence. Each patient has a personal set of reasons for considering breast enhancement procedures.Some women are dissatisfied with the shape, size or symmetry of their breasts while other women may have experienced a change in breast volume following childbirth. Upon meeting during your initial consultation, Dr. Ditesheim will address your individual needs to determine which breast enhancement procedure would best accomplish your desired results.When designing your customized plan, our goal is to provide you with a predictable recovery in a private state-of-the-art medical setting.
Is Breast Augmentation Right For Me?
1. You are looking to increase the “fullness” or “projection” of your breasts.
2. You would like to enhance the size of your breasts to balance your figure after pregnancy or massive weight loss.
3. Your breast size and/or shape contribute to feelings of low self-esteem and confidence.
4. You are in a good overall state of health and have realistic expectations as it relates to breast augmentation surgery.
“Very natural looking. Dr. Ditesheim knew what he was doing! I waited my whole life to become a woman and now I am!!!” - L.C Greenville, South Carolina
“Bravo! Bravo! Marvelous Work! They are natural and even bounce!” - A.S Charlotte, North Carolina
Breast Augmentation Procedure Overview
Breast augmentation procedures have safely been used for decades to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Depending upon the combination of your physical characteristics and your concerns, Dr. Ditesheim will suggest a variety of options for breast enhancement surgery that include: whether or not the implant should be placed on top of - or underneath the breast muscle, the location of the incision, the size of the implant and the type of implant to be used. It is not practical to select an exact “cup size” as a goal of surgery. It is more important to create the best aesthetic shape taking into consideration chest dimensions as well as overall height and weight. To provide Dr. Ditesheim with a better idea of your personal goals, we encourage you to come to your consultation with a favored bra size, or photo. Breast augmentation may also be an excellent compliment to a breast lift.
What Types of Implants are Available?
Breast implant manufacturers have created a variety of implants such as surfaces that are either smooth or textured, shape-based implants that are round or tear-dropped, and silicone or saline filled implants in an effort to best match your body type.During your consultation, you will be able to physically hold and inspect each type of implant. We will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each and determine the best fit for you based on your surgical goals.
Silicone-Gel Filled Breast Implants or Saline Filled Breast Implants?
Both silicone-gel and saline filled breast implants are surrounded by a shell made of silicone.The difference between the two types of breast implants is the filler material which is discussed in more detail below.
Silicone Filled Breast Implants
On November 16, 2006, the FDA approved the use of silicone breast implants for breast enhancement. Patients using the silicone gel-filled implants have reported a more natural look and feel.
Advantages:
- Pre-filled unlike saline
- More natural feel to touch
- No rippling or leaking
- Women 22 and over
Disadvantages:
- Need for larger incision
- Women 22 and over
Saline Filled Breast Implants
Saline implants have a silicone rubber shell and are adjustable in size with saline. Saline implants allow for smaller incisions due to the fact that they are empty before being surgically inserted. The use of saline implants behind the breast muscle can achieve a natural look.
Advantages:
- Smaller incision
- Filled during surgery to make adjustments
- Less expensive
- Rupture is almost immediately evident
Disadvantages:
- Firmer to the touch
- Less natural in appearance
- More likely to cause visible rippling
What are my Options for Breast Augmentation Incision Types and Implant Placement?
We perform a variety of types of breast implant incisions including inframammary, transaxillary, and periareolar. Implants can be placed either in front of or behind the pectoral muscle, depending on the individual physical characteristics and safety concerns.
The Inframammary Incision
- This incision is placed under the breast in the inframammary fold (crease under the breast) and is designed to minimize scarring
- Used when the areola is too small or a larger incision is needed
- Most common incisions performed today in breast augmentation procedures
This is an example of an inframamammary incision, patient is two years post op:
The Areolar Incision
- Placed around the colored portion of the nipple
- This incision also works well for women of color
- Well- hidden scar
The Axillar Incision
- Placed in the folds of the armpit skin and allows for a scarless breast
- Placement of implants more difficult
- Slightly more post operative pain
- Scar may be more visible depending on clothing
During your consultation, once we have established your realistic goals for breast enhancement, then we will provide recommendations for breast implant incisions and placement in order to achieve the best results. Please contact our dedicated staff for more information and to schedule your consultation, (704) 754-8351.
Breast Augmentation Pre-Operative Overview
We customize a plan for each individual patient in order to take you through the entire surgical process. Dr. Ditesheim has hand-selected each individual who participates in your care; from the nursing staff to the anesthesiologist. With over 25 years of experience, we strive to provide the highest standards of safety and care. We believe that preparation is the key to a successful surgery and recovery. Pre-operative suggestions such as: dietary recommendations, quitting smoking, and prescription advice (current and future) to reduce post-surgical swelling and bruising will provided. You will have ample opportunity to address any questions or concerns, as we are always readily available and approachable.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation procedures generally take about 2 hours to complete and are most often performed on an outpatient basis. Breast augmentation procedures may be performed in partner hospitals near the Charlotte, North Carolina, or in our own AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) accredited surgical suite. Breast augmentation procedures require general anesthesia. Our commitment to patient safety is a top priority and thus, all general anesthesia is administered by a board certified anesthesiologist; that is a medical doctor specializing in general anesthesia care, as opposed to a nurse. In addition, we have a complete pain management program in place to ensure a more comfortable recovery process.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Once you have had your breast augmentation procedure, your recovery is an important part of the final outcome. Dr. Ditesheim will provide you with a prescription for pain medication to ease any discomfort following surgery.At the Ditesheim Surgical Center, we want you to feel as prepared and comfortable as possible during the post-surgical healing process. We will be checking in on you regularly as we are firm believers in being proactive in your recovery.
Following the surgery, normal activities such as: working, driving, and socializing may be resumed within a week.You are encouraged to start walking as soon as possible; however the excessive use of your arms should be restricted for at least 5-7 days. It is also important to wait 6-8 weeks before returning to an exercise program as vigorous exercise performed too soon after a breast augmentation could cause the implants to shift.
We hope that this information regarding breast augmentation surgery at my Charlotte, NC practice has been helpful in preparing you for this decision.We encourage you to call our office if you have any other questions that we have not addressed and to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Ditesheim, (704) 754-8351.
