Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgical treatments women receive each year. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that well over 300,000 procedures were performed in 2016. Over 2.5 million breast augmentation, enhancement or boob job surgeries have been performed across the US alone since 2000. The reasons given for this surgery are apparent: A boost in self-esteem and confidence.

Breast Augmentation – Video Introduction

Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sadi Erfani provides an introductory narrative about breast augmentation in La Jolla with the aid of an animated chart and dramatic results from some of his before and after clients.

Before & After Photos

Implant Types

There are several options for breast augmentation that Dr. Sadi Erfani Plastic Surgery performs:

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants are the most widely used choice for enhancement. They are made with a soft rubberized shell that contains a viscous gel made of silicone. The implants vary in pre-filled sizes, shape, texture, thickness, and volume. They have a softened and naturalistic feel as well as have a lower tendency to ripple or wrinkle when compared to saline implants.

A relatively newer choice in silicone implants that have been getting much attention over the last few years is a cohesive gel implant, sometimes called the Gummy Bear implant.

Gummy Bear implants, as they are often referred to, are reported to have an extremely realistic appearance and feel.

The gel inside the shell will continue to hold shape in the unlikely event that rupturing occurs. The only drawback noted with silicone is that these types of implants require a bigger incision along the breast tissue and that if rupturing occurs the results are not immediately noticeable.

The FDA recommends that patients who receive silicone implants receive MRIs over the years following their implant placement to detect if a leak is present.

Silica will not pose a health threat if a leak does occur. In the rare case that a silent rupture takes place, the silica will be extracted from the patient’s body and the patient will receive a new implant.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants also use a softened rubberized shell that is filled with saline (salt water) instead of a gel. Similar to silicone implants, they come in different sizes, shapes, and textures. Only a small incision is required. Once inserted, saline implants are filled with the solution. The implant’s size can be adjusted by inserting a syringe and then increasing or decreasing fluid to get a customizable volume.

Saline implants are less expensive than silicone.

The downside to saline implants is that they do not feel as realistic to silicone implants. The presence of a ripple or a wrinkle effect is also visible. However, if an implant rupture should occur within the body it will simply be absorbed without harm.

Fat Transfer Breast Enhancement

Breast enhancement through fat transfer takes fat from other parts of the body like the stomach or butt via liposuction and injects purified fat back into the breasts. This procedure has grown in popularity because it does not incorporate manufactured implants. A fat transfer breast enhancement achieves natural looking and feeling breasts. Doctors consider this type of augmentation a preferable choice when an implant is not necessary.

Not only does fat transfer accomplish natural-feeling breasts, because the fat is your own, but it also has the added benefit of slimming down another area of the body. To perform fat grafting, Dr. Erfani first performs liposuction to collect your fat for transfer. Liposuction is a minimally-invasive procedure that will enable Dr. Erfani to safely extract fat from the body while exerting minimal strain on the body. Common donation sites include the abdomen, hips, or thighs. Even though a smaller degree of breast augmentation is usually achieved with fat transfer, the added volume is often complimented and offset by the loss of volume elsewhere on the body.

However, the reported downside with fat transfer breast augmentation is that results are not as long-lasting or as dramatic like silicone or saline implants.

Implant Shape, Size & Profile

Patients have two options for implant shape: teardrop or rounded.

Teardrop

Teardrop implants are large at the bottom and tapered at the top. These achieve the look of natural breast tissue. Teardrop implants are a good option for patients with minimal breast tissue.

Rounded

Rounded implants fill the breast circumferentially. Many women love the full look and breast volume they achieve with rounded implants.

Size

Implants are available in a wide range of sizes and profiles to help our patients achieve their ideal, beautiful augmentation results. Whether you are seeking a small improvement or a dramatic change, we will help you find the option that is just right for you! The breast implant size and projection you receive will depend on your desired look, your chest diameter, and your existing breast tissue.

Profile

Implants profiles are available in Moderate Profile, Moderate Profile Plus, High Profile, and Ultra High Profile, as well as Moderate Plus Profile Xtra and High Profile Xtra. Moderate Profile implants will be wider in the breast and have the least projection from the body, while Ultra High Profile implants will have the most narrow width but the greatest breast projection.

Dr. Erfani will help you find the implant size and projection that will achieve your desired cup size and preferred amount of cleavage.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation involves the insertion of the implant under the breast or under the breast and chest muscle. The surgeon chooses from five different types of incisions; under the breast along the natural breast fold, at the edge of the areola (periareolar), in the armpit, within the areola, or through the umbilical area. The choice is based on factors such as body anatomy, type of implant, and patient and doctor preference.

Once the incision is made, the silicone or saline implant is then inserted. After proper positioning of the implant, small sutures are used to close the incision. To provide comfort during the operation, a general sedative is administered.

If patients decide to augment their breasts with fat transfer, Dr. Erfani will first perform liposuction to gather fat from the patient’s chosen donation site. The fat will be processed through a centrifuge to purify it before Dr. Erfani carefully injects the fat into the breast. He will take time to distribute the fat throughout the breast to achieve your preferred breast shape and size. The only incisions which will be made are the few small incisions used to perform liposuction!

Breast Augmentation Recovery Time

The length of recovery differs from person to person and is also influenced by the placement of the implant within the patient. Implants inserted above the chest muscle heal faster than those that are placed under the chest muscle.

Generally, during the first 24 to 48 hours after the operation, it is usual for patients to feel discomfort, pain or fatigue. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed by the surgeon to provide comfort and avoid infection. After several days, gauze dressings on the breasts will be removed and a special bra is put in its place. If the stitches need removal, this will be performed within 7 to 10 days after surgery. The breasts will be extremely sensitive for the first few weeks.

Swelling will also occur and last for up to five weeks. As your swelling subsides, you will begin the see the final results of your breast augmentation.

Your breasts will be fuller, more symmetrical, and more flattering overall.

Results of your breast augmentation will continue to improve for up to six months as your body accepts the changes made during your procedure. Following the tips to complete breast augmentation recovery as given by the operating plastic surgeon are imperative.

Breast Augmentation Consultation

If you are considering breast augmentation in La Jolla, an initial consultation with expert staff and skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Sadi Erfani can help answer your questions. Dr. Erfani will listen to your desired goals for augmentation and recommend the best breast augmentation options for your body.

FAQ

How much does breast augmentation cost?

Dr. Erfani custom-tailors every breast augmentation surgery to his patient’s unique body and personal goals. The price of your surgery will depend on the details of your personalized treatment. Once you have agreed upon the steps of your surgery and have selected your implant type, you will receive your appropriate cost breakdown.

Are saline or silicone implants best?

Both saline and silicone implants achieve soft, natural-looking breast volume. Silicone implants achieve a more natural breast feel than saline, but silicone leads to the risk of silent rupture. Saline implants, if they leak, are less of an inconvenience for the patient. The implant you select will be a matter of personal preference.

How long do breast implants last?

Doctors recommend that patients refresh their breast implants with new implants every 10 to 14 years.