Breast Augmentation

Breast enlargement, also called augmentation mammaplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. This enhancement will improve your self image as well as give greater choices with fashion. Dr Vu can assist you in choosing the most appropriate implants to achieve the results you desire.

If you have the following conditions you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:

  • you feel that your breasts are too small
  • you have loss breast volume and shape due to weight loss
  • following childbirth and/or breast feeding, your breasts have lost fullness and firmness
  • your breasts are asymmetric

If you have severe breast sagginess and volume loss, a combination of implants and breast lift might be needed to restore fullness and projection of your breasts. Dr Vu during a personalized consultation will help you decide which option is best for you. If you are interested in breast augmentation, please call Dr. Vu for a consultation.

To view Dr. Vu’s Breast Augmentation photo gallery, click here

Choosing Breast Augmentation

If you are considering breast augmentation, your breast development must be complete, good physical health, understand your own motivation, and have realistic expectations. During a personal consultation, Dr Vu will listen to your concerns and discuss the procedure in detail including risks. Dr Vu will also carefully examine and measure your breasts in accessing shape, size, skin laxity, and nipple/areolar placement.. He will go over the different options you have for your breast augmentation and arrived at the best option depending on your expectation and exam.

The Procedure

Breast augmentation is performed either under IV sedation or general anesthesia in our AAAASF certified facility. It generally takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Following surgery you will be taken to the recovery room to be monitored for 30-45 minutes prior to being discharged with a driver.

  • Incision

    There are three commonly used incisions which are placed in inconspicuous locations to minimize visibility. Dr Vu will help you choose which incision is most appropriate. There are advantages and disadvantages to each incision so Dr Vu will discuss them with you.

    1. Inframammary incision (left). Located directly underneath your breast.
    2. Transaxillary incision (middle). Located in a crease in your armpit.
    3. Periareolar incision (right). Located at the lower border of your areola.

  • Implant Choice

    There are several different types of implants depending on shape, profile, size, and surface. Dr. Vu during your consultation will assist you in choosing the best fit for you based on your expectations and his experience Choosing an implant is based on anatomy, skin elasticity, and body type. Dr. Vu will work with you to help make the best decision for you and your body.

    There are two types of implant fill:

    Saline implants: Silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater (saline) solution which is the same as your IV fluid infusion. Implants are filled intraoperatively after insertion into the pocket thus allowing adjustment in volume between breasts improving any asymmetry. In case of an implant failure, the saline will be completely absorbed by the body thus causing no harm. Within hours you will notice deflation of affected breast by the collapsed of the implant.

    Silicone implants: Unlike saline, implants are pre-filled with a soft silicone gel. The new generation of implants has cohesive or highly cohesive gel mimicking the feel of natural breast. This allows for easier management in case of failure compared to the older generation liquid silicone gel. The gel will not absorb but generally remained within the capsule. Radiological exams are needed to confirm implant failure.

    Implant Placement

    There are two locations that the implant can be inserted: under the pectoral muscle (left) and directly behind the breast tissue (right). Determination of locations depends upon your breast volume, desired size, and implant type. Dr Vu will assist you in choosing the best method for you.

Your Recovery

Breast augmentation is done on an outpatient basis. You should be up and around within 24-48 hours after surgery. Dr Vu will give you specific instructions on how to care for your breast during recovery period. For the first several days you can expect discomfort and swelling. Medications will alleviate most of the discomfort. Typically most patients will return to work within a week. Strenuous exercises should be restrained for 3-4 weeks. Breast implant results will last for several years; however, implants are not lifetime devices as such might need replacement in the future. In addition, future changes are depended upon weight changes, gravity and aging. You might need a breast lift to restore a more youthful breast contour and shape. Dr Vu can assist you with future needs if necessary.

Useful Resources

www.plasticsurgery.org
www.surgery.org
www.loveyourlook.com
www.breastimplantsUSA.com