Today, there are a large variety of breast implants to choose from. From silicone to saline and round to anatomically shaped tear-drop implants, board certified plastic surgeon, Gregory Park, M.D. will help guide you through the various choices of breast implants to help you to achieve your goals with breast augmentation surgery.
Breast implants will achieve your goals of larger, fuller breasts. In addition, there are many implant options that will provide you with a look and feel that fits your desires. Breast augmentation surgery can also result in improvements in proportion and balance to your figure, and increase your self-esteem and confidence. This surgery is one of the most popular performed by our board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Park. He understands that women seek breast enlargement surgery with different goals in mind, as well as for different reasons. His approach to breast augmentation is based on the unique physical and personal characteristics of each of his patients. He is focused on natural results and the long term safety of his patients. Patients ultimately choose Dr. Park because of his results, years of experience performing breast surgery, and sincere concern for their long term well-being.
View our Before & After Breast Augmentation photos here.
We understand that your decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is personal and important to you. Your initial consultation consists of much more than figuring out your implant size. Our first goal is to determine if you are good candidate for surgery. If you have small breasts from lack of development, or due to deflation after breast feeding or weight loss, more than likely you would be a good candidate for breast augmentation. However, if your breasts droop or sag, an implant alone may not provide severely deflated and ptotic breasts with enough volume for lift and tightening of loose skin. In this case a breast lift in combination with an augmentation would be recommended. A comprehensive exam, discussion of your goals and expectations, and a detailed explanation of the best options for surgery will help ensure that you are well informed and confident when making your decision to schedule surgery with us.
Your choice of implant (saline or silicone), implant size, shape, profile and texture will be decided upon based on a number of factors including, your breast anatomy, body type and size goals. Your lifestyle, expectations, personal preferences, as well Dr. Park’s recommendations and sound surgical judgment are also important determining factors. Implant manufacturers in the U.S. offer various styles and types of breast implants. Therefore, there may be several options available to you.
Breast implants are medical devices with a solid silicone rubber outer shell that may be filled with either saline solution (sterile salt water) or soft, elastic silicone gel. Silicone implants are now available with cohesive or highly cohesive (“Gummy Bear”) silicone gel. Both saline and silicone gel breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Breast implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (cc’s) based on the amount of the saline or silicone filler within the implant. Implants will vary both by filler and volume, but there are other features to consider:
Adult women can benefit significantly from the improvements provided by breast implant surgery. However, it is recommended that a woman’s breasts be fully developed before the placement of breast implants. The FDA has approved saline implants for augmentation in women age 18 years and older. Silicone implants are approved for augmentation in women 22 years of age and older. Saline or silicone implants may be considered at a younger age when used for breast reconstruction.
Regular examinations to evaluate your breast health and the condition of your implants are important whether you have chosen saline or silicone breast implants. Just like other medical devices such as artificial joints, pacemakers, etc., breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace your implant(s). Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may also influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime necessitating possible revision surgery as well.
Before your surgery, Dr. Park and his nurses will see you at your preoperative appointment. During this appointment you will get another opportunity to ask any additional questions you may have with regard to surgery and review all the details of surgery again. We will also ensure that you have chosen the right implant to achieve your goals.
In some cases, a preoperative mammogram may be recommended if there is strong family history of breast cancer, a clinical concern, or for patients 40 years of age or more.
You will be provided with prescriptions for medications required after surgery. You will also be provided with instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on drinking, eating, smoking, and avoiding certain medications or supplements.
While preparing for surgery, make sure to make arrangements to have a family member or friend drive you home after surgery. You may also want to have someone help you for a couple of days while you recover.
Breast implants can be placed under general anesthesia, or with local anesthesia combined with sedatives and pain medications.
The incisions for the placement of your breast implants can be made along the lower crease of the breast, around the lower aspect of the areola, or in the armpit. Our goal is to minimize as much visible scarring and create results that appear natural.
After making the incision, a pocket or space for the implants is created either above or below the pectoralis (chest) muscle. How the breasts appear, feel, and move after surgery can depend on the placement of your implants. There are three pocket options from which to choose.
After the implants are placed within the decided space and the incisions are closed. Surgery generally takes about one hour to be completed.
Dr. Park uses the Keller Funnel™ to insert your silicone breast implants during your augmentation surgery. This innovative device allows for the use of smaller incisions, and a gentle, quick insertion of all types of silicone gel implants. Using the traditional finger push method to insert a 400 cc silicone implant through a 3.5 cm incision requires over 27 pounds of force. The Keller Funnel™ only requires 0.64 pounds, which is a 95% reduction of force. The funnel dramatically reduces pressure and the chance of damaging your silicone implants from the finger push method. The Keller Funnel™ also employs a No-Touch technique for placement of the silicone implants into your breast pocket. The funnel provides a barrier between the implant and skin reducing the risk of bacterial contamination which can lead to infection or capsular contracture.
It is normal to have some degree of discomfort and fatigue for a couple days after surgery. Prescriptions for pain control will be provided. Depending on your job, some patients are able to return to work within a few days to a week. You will be able to shower the day after surgery. You will be instructed to wear a bra to reduce swelling and support your breasts while healing. Regular exercise and breast contact may be resumed once the discomfort has improved and the incisions are well healed, usually about 4 weeks following surgery. It is important to continue self-breast exams every month. For age appropriate patients, mammograms are continued 6 to 12 months after breast implant surgery. When scheduling your mammogram, inform the radiology department that you have had surgery to ensure an accurate screening exam.
Family and friends can offer opinions, but the choice to undergo breast augmentation is a decision that should be made by you alone. The most important factor is how you feel about your choice. We want to make sure that we meet or exceed your expectations and goals, and that you are completely happy with your new look.
To find out if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery, call us at 760.655.1414 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Gregory Park. We look forward to helping you in achieving your goals.
More information about Gummy Bear Breast Implants and Silicone Breast Implants can be found in Dr. Park’s Blogs.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Oceanside, California, Dr. Gregory Park provides a full range of plastic and reconstructive services at North Coast Plastic Surgery including cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, eyes, and nose, breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast reconstruction, revision cosmetic breast surgery, arm lifts, liposuction, tummy tuck, Botox, Fillers, and more...
Dr. Park was the Plastic Surgeon at my hospital. I was lucky to have such a wonderful and caring doctor. You hear people say how one person changed their life. I now understand because Dr. Park did that for me. It's a wonderful feeling when you meet a doctor who truly cares.