Breast Augmentation New York City

Introduction:

Also known as “augmentation mammoplasty”, this surgery involves using implants to enlarge the breasts for women unhappy with small or unequal breast size or shape-regardless of whether it has occurred naturally or as a result of weight loss or pregnancy. Implants also may be used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy for cancer. Breast augmentation can increase the fullness and projection of your breasts, improve the balance of your figure and enhance your self-image and self-confidence. Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If sagging is significant, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be done in conjunction with breast augmentation.

At your consultation Dr. Simone will review your entire medical history including any family history of breast cancer and results of any a mammograms or previous biopsies. He will listen to your concerns and what you feel is your desired result. He will examine your breasts thoroughly to assess your breasts for any sign of tumors or masses and take detailed measurements of their size and shape. Following this he will discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment, size and type of implants, likely outcome of Surgery and any risks or potential complications. He will also discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast augmentation procedure

Before Surgery, you may be asked to get routine baseline lab tests including pregnancy test. Certain individuals may be requested to obtain a baseline mammogram as well, especially if there is a family history of breast cancer or physical signs from the breast exam. Photos will be taken and pre-op instructions given.

Surgery

Surgery is on ambulatory/same day basis and is performed at Dr. Simone’s accredited Park Plastic Surgery Center or the ambulatory center at Lenox Hill Hospital. It is usually done with full monitoring under local anesthesia with sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following.

Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring and are usually 1 ½ inches in length. Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference. You and your plastic surgeon will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome and the pros and cons of each. Incision options include:

• submammary [in the natural fold under the breast]
• peri-areolar [around the nipple]
• axillary [in the armpit area]

Implant choice: Silicone or saline?

Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type as well. Implants are either saline or silicone. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of fluid which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel and are fixed in size. Both types come in a variety of shapes such as round or teardrop shape, high or low profile, smooth or textured. The best implant choice will be determined by Dr. Simone after your physical examination.

Inserting and placing the breast implant

After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:

• Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or
• Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/ subglandular placement)

The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and your surgeon’s recommendations. Breast implants do not interfere with mammography nor routine screenings for breast cancer. Moreover, there is no association of cancer or autoimmune diseases with the presence of breast implants.

Though uncommon in most cases, the risks of breast implants and complications after breast augmentation may include but not restricted to:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation (temporary or permanent)
• Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant with saline implants

Although there potentially may be complications with breast implants, they do not impair breast health. Careful review of scientific research has found no proven link between silicone breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade.

The results of breast augmentation surgery are immediately visible giving a balanced, natural result that is in harmony with your body. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for fuller breasts. It improves a woman’s sense of self and femininity and may well positively impact her satisfaction in intimate personal relations.