Breast Augmentation 101

Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States, with more than 375,000 women undergoing breast augmentation in 2014. The average age of the women who have a breast augmentation procedure are between the ages of 30 and 39, however more and more women over the age of 40 are opting to have breast augmentation as well.

Amazing Facts about Breast Augmentation

• Despite what many people believe, most breast implants do not interfere with breastfeeding, and one clinical study showed higher levels of silicone in canned formulas than in the breast milk of women with silicone implants.
• Breast augmentation has been approved by the FDA
• Saline implants from women over 18
• Silicone implants for women over 22
• China currently has the highest number of breast augmentation procedures, even topping the United States, Brazil, and India.
• Breast implants have been in use for more than half a century.
  
  

Silicone vs. Saline

Those who have done their research and believe a breast augmentation procedure is right for them will want to consider the differences between saline implants and silicone implants. Saline implants were introduced in 1965 as an alternative to silicone implants.

At the time of the procedure, an implant is filled with saline, allowing a much smaller incision. Saline implants cost less than silicone implants and offer a greater variability in size, but are firmer so may not feel as natural. More than 72 percent of women who undergo breast augmentation choose silicone implants which are softer and tend to feel more natural.

Silicone implants have a slightly lower rate of deflation, however they do not “ripple” as a saline implant can. The disadvantages to silicone implants are they require a longer incision and cost more than saline implants, however silicone implants are now considered much safer than in the past.

The Different Procedures for Breast Augmentation

Women who decide on a breast augmentation procedure are advised to discuss all aspects of the procedure with their plastic surgeon. One important question will be the type of procedural incision which will be used. An incision made under the breast fold is known as an inframammry incision, while an incision made around the areolar is known as a periareolar incision. Finally, an incision made under the armpit is known as a transaxillary incision.

When an inframammry procedure is used, the implant is inserted in the area where a woman’s breast connects to the wall of her chest. There is minimal impact to milk production with this particular technique, because the glandular tissues are not impacted and there is little or no nerve damage.

If minimizing scarring is the primary goal for a woman undergoing breast augmentation, the transaxillary technique may be used. The incision is made near the armpit, which makes it largely invisible. Again, because the glandular tissues and nerves are mostly undisturbed, the impact on milk production is minimal.

If a periareolar breast augmentation technique is used, the incision is made around the areola of the breast. This may be recommended for women who do not plan to become pregnant in the future, as this technique can carry a slight risk to milk production as the incision penetrates through more breast tissue.

Recovery Following Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure which can often provide women with higher self-esteem as well as a much-needed boost in self-confidence. It is important that anyone considering breast augmentation have all the facts regarding the procedure in order to understand what will happen before, during and after the surgery, and importantly, during the recovery period.

Following the breast augmentation procedure, the patient will be taken to a recovery room and closely monitored. The breasts will be encased in gauze dressings and elastic bandages which helps reduce swelling. Once vital signs are stable, the patient can go home, but will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon. Any bleeding, fever, redness, warmth, extreme pain or oozing around the incision sites should be taken seriously, as infection may be present.

Contact Pasadena Breast Augmentation Specialists

If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon carefully. There is a reason so many Pasadena women choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their breast augmentation surgery. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure.

If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation or any plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.