Breast augmentation is a common cosmetic operation performed in the U.S., and is a procedure with which California Skin Institute surgeons have extensive experience. When it comes to breast augmentation, many of our patients have benefited from the breadth of options and the level of expertise offered by our doctors in this cosmetic area. We offer a number of augmentation strategies based on your aesthetic goals, and our proven methodologies help achieve long-lasting outcomes that look natural.

Understanding Breast Augmentation Procedure

At California Skin Institute, we believe that one of the most important considerations with breast augmentation is that the outcome looks natural. What this means is that the size of the implants should be appropriate for your physical frame and that implants should complement your proportions. This is very important because when the procedure is finished, and your body has healed, you want the results to look as natural as possible, to avoid any self consciousness.

To attain this appearance, it’s vital to understand that the size of an implant involves both width and volume. Selecting the wrong size can lead to a result that appears unnatural. This is why we take great care here at California Skin Institute to extensively work with our patients before the procedure to ensure that the optimal size is selected. After discussing all of your options with you, one of our breast augmentation surgeons will help you select the implant width to naturally fit the width of your breast, after which an implant model is chosen to achieve the desired volume.

During actual surgery, two of the biggest considerations are proper positioning of the implant and carefully adjusting the pocket that holds the implant in place. The importance of this cannot be overstated, because even well-chosen, high quality implants can appear fake if they are not placed and adjusted with the greatest care and precision.

In most circumstances, we place the implant partially underneath the muscle, as opposed to just underneath the breast. This creates an appearance that is more likely to remain soft, and the overlying muscle pads the implant in the cleavage area; giving a more natural transition to help prevent implant show with a low neckline. However, the implant may be placed above the muscle as well.

Three types of incisions are available for the placement of implants: inframammary (breast crease), peri-areolar (around the nipple), and trans-axillary (armpit). Often, the choice of the incision is determined by body type, skin type, and patient anatomy. During your consultation, we will discuss the risks and benefits of each incision, and will help you select the approach that best fits your aesthetic goals.

Saline or Silicone?

Patients may choose between saline and silicone implants, and our doctors will discuss in detail the pros and cons of each type of implant during your consultation. Every patient’s physiology is unique, and the decision of saline vs. silicone is a very personal one.

Day of Surgery Expectations

The operation typically takes between 1 to 2 hours to perform, depending on the patient. Usually, the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. However, keep in mind that although you can go home the same day, it’s important to have a family member or friend stay with you for a few days after the procedure.

The breast augmentation recovery period may take several days or weeks, depending on your unique situation. All aftercare instructions should be followed after the procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Women may elect to undergo breast augmentation for many reasons. Some want to increase the size or shape of their breasts from their natural proportions, while others may be self-conscious following pregnancy, breast feeding, or massive weight loss. Breast augmentation can dramatically change a woman’s appearance and improve self esteem by adjusting the size and shape of the breasts to give a fuller or a more youthful appearance.

Disclaimer

Treatment results will vary, talk to a practitioner to see if this treatment or procedure is right for you.