Whether you are seeking to enlarge naturally underdeveloped breasts, restore the volume that was lost following childbirth, or simply enhance your feminine form, breast augmentation can help you attain the size and shape of your preference.
In addition to sizes and shapes of implants, there are several locations in which they can be placed. Depending on your personal anatomy, and the type of implant chosen, the implant may be placed above or beneath the pectoral muscles. The location of incisions may vary as well; while the transumbilical (endoscopic, through-the-navel insertion) method of entry is preferred for some patients, other techniques that Dr. Farzaneh offers include:
The recovery period following breast augmentation is tolerated very well by most patients, and involves a strict regimen regarding your sleep, activities, and medications. Generally, most patients can enjoy normal daily activities within 3-7 days. In order to heal properly and enjoy your new figure more quickly, adherence to the post operative instructions is imperative.
Dr. Farzaneh takes the mystery out of this popular procedure and answers frequently asked questions about Breast Augmentation:
Breast augmentation is among the top procedures performed by cosmetic surgeons nationally. Patients request this procedure for multiple reasons. Some have never developed natural breast tissue of the size or shape that is proportional to their body type. In others, contributing events such as pregnancy, breast feeding or even weight loss have caused their breasts to flatten or droop. Even cases of asymmetry where there are noticeable unevenness in breast size or shape can be helped with breast augmentation.
The procedure can be simplified in a few surgical steps, however, it requires special planning, as each patient is built differently and has unique desires regarding the shape and size they find appealing. Therefore there are many questions that need to be discussed with your surgeon to help ensure that you are happy with your results.
What are the different ways to place an implant?
The implants can be placed through several incision sites including the inframammary (fold below the breast), peri-areolar (at the border of the areola), the axilla (arm pit), or the umbilicus (belly button).
Dr. Farzaneh performs all above approaches and chooses the most appropriate option based on the patient’s choice and their anatomy.
Although about 80% of the saline implants are performed through the belly button, there are times when combining a breast lift with augmentation makes other incision sites more desirable. Silicone implants are primarily placed through an inframammary or peri-areolar incision.
What are the advantages of the belly button approach?
There are many advantages to this approach in the appropriate candidate. The procedure is virtually scarless. There is only one incision needed and is well hidden deep in the depth of the belly button. Additionally, there is minimal sharp cutting involved which lessens the risk of bleeding and numbness to the nipple. The procedure is not routinely performed by many surgeons as there is a steep learning curve, but when mastered it offers a great alternative to the traditional ways.
What is the difference between the silicone and saline implants?
Both saline and silicone implants are made of a silicone shell. The saline implants are inflated after placement with saline (salt water), and the silicone implants come pre-filled with silicone gel.
Which is better? Silicone or saline?
It really depends on your desires, priorities and your natural breast anatomy. The main advantage of silicone implants is their natural feel and less likelihood of visible rippling secondary to the foldings in the implant shell. The disadvantages include need for a longer incision, and difficulty in evaluating possible leakage. It is now recommended for patients with silicone implants to have an imaging study called M.R.I to check for possible deflation of the implant. Additionally, there is an extra cost placed by the manufacturer for these implants.
How are the new FDA approved silicone implants different?
These implants are of the cohesive gel technology, with consistency similar to a very soft gummy bear candy. This allows the implant to maintain their shape and for the silicone gel to be confined to the proximity of the implant in case of a leak.
Below or above the muscle?
The majority of breast implants are placed under the pectoralis major muscle.
Placing an implant below the chest muscle can offer an added padding to the implant on the top and towards the middle of the chest. This added benefit can vary depending on the shape and the level of drooping of the breast. It may also make the mammogram a bit easier to evaluate. This being said, there are times that placing an implant above the muscle is preferable. This decision should be made after an examination during your consultation.
Do breast implants cause breast cancer?
There is absolutely no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer. There are reports that at times implants may even make the self breast exam easier by providing a platform to feel any potential worrisome areas. We recommend a routine screening mammogram before surgery for all patients and require it for those over 35 years old.
Final thought:
Breast augmentation is a popular procedure with significantly high satisfaction rates among patients. The added level of confidence, femininity and proportionality that this procedure offers cannot be simplified as just having larger breasts. As with any other procedure, I encourage patients to come in for a complementary consultation to evaluate their options, review some of the before and after photos and together make the best choice. All of our surgeries are performed at an accredited surgery center or the hospital operating room under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. My patients have 24-hour access to me, so they can be at ease and know that we are always there for them.
Dr.Farzaneh performs breast augmentation on teens 18 years and older. Teenagers are a unique and special subset of the patients seeking cosmetic surgery and especially breast augmentation. It is important to realize that any elective surgery should not be taken lightly, as it takes maturity and preparation to undergo not just the surgery but also the requirement of immediate and long-term post surgical care.
Specific to breast augmentation , the choice is primarily limited to saline implants, as the
FDA has not approved silicone breast implants in women under the age of 22 years for cosmetic breast augmentation. The FDA has approved saline-filled breast implants for augmentation in women ages 18 and older. Usually teenage breasts are not affected with the affects of pregnancy and breast feeding, and therefore drooping is not a concern and a lift procedure is not necessary. With the belly button breast augmentation, also known as the transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), Dr. Farzaneh can achieve a great result with no scars on the breast, while decreasing the chance that a patient will not to be able to breast feed.
Aside from an increased possibility of scarring, there is no additional risk for black women who wish to undergo breast augmentation. However, scars are a legitimate concern and may certainly play a role in a patient’s decision to undergo breast enhancement.
Darker skin has a tendency to scar more noticeably. Keloid scars, which are a firmer, more raised scar, are the most common risk. However, there are some precautions you can take to decrease your risk of developing Keloid scars.
For example, the transumbilical technique, which is already employed by Dr. Farzaneh, will significantly reduce any risk of scars on the breasts – as there are no incisions made on the breasts.
No matter if it is enlargement, elevation, or a combination of the two, breast enhancement is performed with safety and precision by Dr. Farzaneh. In addition to a beautiful, sensuous outcome, women receive outstanding professional care during treatment for the following procedures:
For more information on cosmetic surgery procedures, please schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Babak Farzaneh at Farzaneh Cosmetic Surgery of Chino/Chino Hills in Southern California. Please contact us onlineor call 909-590-2299