Breast
Breast Augmentation
San Francisco Breast Augmentation
Dr. Sieber is a double board certified San Francisco plastic surgeon who believes that every woman should have breasts that make her happy and confident. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Maybe you were born with breasts that are smaller than you’d like. Maybe they’ve lost breast volume due to pregnancy and breast feeding, or are sagging with age. Whatever the reason, breast augmentation surgery can quickly and effectively change the size, shape, and appearance of your breasts. Our goal with any breast enlargement procedure is to not just deliver your desired outcome, but to find the ideal implant for your individual body. Why? Because no two women are alike, which means your best results require a unique approach.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery technique that uses cosmetic breast implants to enhance and enlarge the breast size, breast shape, and projection. This is accomplished through precise incisions and placement techniques, where an implant is inserted within a pocket in the breast tissue to increase the breast size. This procedure is one of the most popular plastic surgery options from year to year, and is commonly referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, breast implant surgery, or even a boob job. There are many reasons for breast augmentation, but many women opt for this procedure and fuller breasts San Francisco breast augmentation expert, Dr. Sieber, because it produces great results and carries one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction.
Breast augmentation surgery is ideal for improving:*
- Hypomastia (small breasts)
- Breast asymmetry (one breast larger than the other)
- Loss of volume in breasts
- Congenital breast shape deformities
- Underdeveloped breasts
Quick Facts
- Length: 1 hour
- Anesthesia: General
- Inpt/Outpt: Outpatient
- Side effects: bruising, swelling, numbness, hypersensitivity
- Recovery: Most patients will be back to activities of daily living within 24 hours.
Breast augmentation surgery is often performed as a part of another procedure such as the Mommy Makeover, a Breast Lift, and surgery for correction of breast asymmetries to improve breast aesthetics. Breast enhancement can sometimes be performed with fat transfer breast augmentation techniques (sometimes called natural breast augmentation), which use liposuction to reshape the body and breasts.
Breast Augmentation Consultation
During your initial consultation, San Francisco breast augmentation expert, Dr. David Sieber, will discuss your goals, assess your anatomy, and take you through the various implant considerations such as size, shape, fill, type, and placement. He will also discuss factors that make patients good candidates for breast augmentation. Dr. Sieber is double board certified and utilizes cutting-edge 3D-imaging software during consultations so that you are able to see what your breasts will look like with various sizes, styles, and, projections of our available breast implants. Be sure to check out Dr. Sieber’s breast augmentation before and after gallery so you know what results you can expect. As you schedule your consultation, here are some factors to consider for your ideal results.
Breast Augmentation Implants and Incisions
During your consultation, double board certified San Francisco plastic surgeon, Dr. Sieber will review the different types of breast implant options that are designed to add volume, form, and symmetry to the chest, and will help you decide which type of implant would be best for you. Breast implants fall into one of two major categories, saline or silicone. Each has its pros and cons:
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Saline breast implants
Saline breast implants are filled with saline at the time of surgery, which means that the incision is smaller because the silicone shell can be placed while empty. They cost less than silicone implants, but tend to feel slightly firmer to the touch than their silicone counterpart and may show more rippling on the sides of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, breast volume will immediately diminish, so see Dr. Sieber immediately if you notice any breast deflation. Overall, saline implants can produce a natural-looking round breast.
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Silicone breast implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with a silicone gel that is soft and feels very natural to the touch. They tend not to ripple as much as saline implants. In the very unlikely event of implant rupture, there will be no apparent change in the size of the breast because the newest implant technologies utilize a cohesive material that does not migrate, like gummy bear candy. Silicone gel implants are the preferred implant for most breast augmentation candidates due to their more natural feel and decreased incidence of rippling.*
Breast Surgery Incisions
There are different types of incisions and implant placement used for breast augmentation surgery:
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Inframammary Fold Incision:
This technique includes an incision in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary), which sits in or near the skin fold and is hardly perceptible once healed. This incision can be used to place the implant either above or below the chest (pectoralis) muscle, and is the preferred incision type for all breast augmentations.
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Transaxillary Incision:
This incision is made in the axilla, or armpit. The implant is then placed through this incision into a pocket created beneath the breast. A transaxillary incision can be used to place the implant either above or below the chest muscles.
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Periareolar Incision:
This incision is made around the lower border of the areola at the junction of the areola and the skin. Because the incision goes through the breast ducts and glands, a periareolar incision may result in a higher rate of implant infection and capsular contracture.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
As with any major surgery, all medications and supplements which cause an increased risk of bleeding should be stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery. Please see our list of medications and supplements to avoid. As always, make sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications. These and other steps supplied by Dr. Sieber can help you mitigate any potential risks of breast implant surgery.
Breast Augmentation Techniques
Dr. Sieber believes that your breast augmentation recovery should be as quick and painless as possible, which is why he uses the latest advanced surgical techniques that he developed while training with some of the top leaders in breast augmentation surgery. The Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation technique minimizes trauma to the breast tissue, thereby reducing pain and bruising, and allows most patients to return to activities of daily living in 24 hours; most patients are even comfortable enough to go out for dinner the night after their surgery!*
During the operation, Dr. Sieber will make a small incision, typically in the inframammary location under the breast. Through this incision, he creates a precise pocket for your breast implant. Before placing the final implant, the pocket is irrigated with a specific antibiotic solution which helps prevent post-operative infection, and reduces the risk of capsular contracture. All of your incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures.
Preparing for Breast Augmentation Surgery
As with any major surgery, all medications and supplements which cause an increased risk of bleeding should be stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery. Please see our list of medications and supplements to avoid. As always, make sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Most women feel sore for the first few days after surgery due to pressure on the pectoral muscles from the implants, but this and other physical affects of breast implant surgery will improve with time. It is normal to experience some numbness or hypersensitivity of the nipple, areola or skin around the breast following surgery, which should improve over time.* This is due to the fact that some of the nerves will be stretched during surgery. It is also normal to feel pressure in both your armpits and along your sternum. This tight sensation will decrease as your muscles and skin relax to accommodate the new implants.
If you notice any sudden swelling in one of your breasts with increased pain, notify Dr. Sieber immediately.
Most women choose to take about 3 to 5 days away from work for their breast surgery aftercare. After surgery, you will need to refrain from any rigorous activity for the first 2 weeks, and avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs. You may begin to perform light exercise 2 weeks after your surgery, but should avoid chest exercises such as push-ups. You may begin more intense exercise at 4 weeks, and will be released to full activities at 6 weeks post op. You will be started on a scar therapy program 1 week after surgery to ensure that you heal with the best possible scar.*
FAQs
Q: My breasts are far apart in the middle and I want them closer together after surgery.
A: Breast augmentation aims to enhance the size and shape of the breasts with the use of implants. Your pre-existing anatomy determines the location of your chest muscles, under which the implants are placed. Therefore, there is a limitation to how closely the implants will be able to be placed in the middle. Dr. Sieber can give you the best assessment for your intended results during a consultation.
Q: How do I know what size and shape of breast implant is the best for me?
A: Dr. Sieber will take multiple measurements of your breasts during your consultation. These measurements along with your 3D images are used to determine which size implant will fit your breast tissue, and give you the most natural looking breast augmentation surgery results.* Although coming with a cup size in mind can be a good way to communicate the size of your intended results, implants follow a different sizing method and may not be an exact match.
Q: What should I wear after surgery?
A: Bring comfortable clothes with you on the day of surgery. This should include something soft with a front zipper or fastening method. After surgery, you will be placed in a surgical bra for your own comfort. San Francisco Breast Augmentation Expert, Dr. Sieber, has his breast augmentation patients refrain from wearing an underwire bra for the first 6 weeks after surgery. During this time, patients often choose to wear a comfortable, soft athletic bra.
Q: What activities should I avoid after breast augmentation?
A: Although the Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation allows patients to resume their general daily activities, there are a few activities that should be avoided for several weeks. Patients should avoid getting their heart rate over 100 beats per minute for the first 2 weeks after surgery. After 2 weeks you may begin easing back into cardiovascular exercise. After 4 weeks, you may slowly resume lower body weight lifting activities. After 6 weeks, you may begin arm and chest exercises and yoga. We also advise patients to avoid pools and lakes for the first 4 weeks to avoid risking an infection. After 6 weeks, patients are usually fully cleared for all activities and exercises, and we encourage patients to use their bodies as a guide to ease back into their normal routines.
Q: What makes a rapid recovery breast augmentation different?
A: A typical breast augmentation surgery usually requires anywhere from several days to over one week of recovery time with the use of prescription pain narcotics and time away from work. However, with the Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation, patients will generally be able to resume their normal daily activities within 24 hours after surgery. This is possible because San Francisco Breast Augmentation specialist, Dr. Sieber, utilizes several specific surgical techniques to reduce tissue trauma, which minimizes post-operative pain and shortens the recovery time. Most patients are on over-the-counter pain medications and feel comfortable walking around, washing their hair, and sometimes even going out to dinner within a day or two of their surgery. Patients are instructed to complete special arm stretches several times a day and receive specific instructions to help expedite the healing process. In short, the benefit of breast enlargement using the rapid recovery technique is that it allows you to get back to your normal life sooner!
Q: What is the recommended sleeping position after breast augmentation?
A: Patients are advised to sleep on their backs with their heads elevated on at least two pillows for the first 24 hours. Most patients find that it is the most comfortable to sleep on their backs or sides for the first few weeks. When we sleep at night, our bodies are aware if something is causing pain and will adjust accordingly. Patients are encouraged to pay attention to how their bodies are feeling and sleep in the most comfortable position.
Q: How long after a breast augmentation can I swim?
A: There is a lot of harmful bacteria lurking in lakes and pools, so it’s best to avoid swimming or soaking the incision for the first four weeks. Additionally, exercise that increases the heart rate over 100 beats per minute should be avoided for the first two weeks, and chest exercises should be avoided for the first 6 weeks to fully allow the muscles and incisions to heal properly. Patients are, however, allowed to wade in water. Do apply sunscreen, as this can protect against increased scarring.
Q: How can I reduce swelling after breast augmentation surgery?
A: There should be minimal swelling after surgery. Time, as well as wearing a surgical bra, will help with swelling the most. Icing will help as well, but take caution immediately after surgery as some skin may be numb and prolonged icing can cause damage. We encourage you to be patient with the final aesthetic outcome of your breasts, as it can take at least 6 weeks for the breast implants to settle and soften. In due time, however, the breast implants will feel as though they are simply a part of the body.
Q: How much are breast implants and what does breast augmentation cost?
A: Breast augmentation prices can depend on many different factors, like the cost of materials, appointments, facilities, surgeon’s costs, and the implants themselves. The cost of the individual implants can vary by manufacturer, but many carry warranties. Prices range from $8500-$9500 depending on the type of breast implants used. Double board certified San Francisco breast augmentation expert, Dr. Sieber, will ensure you leave your consultation with an exact estimate of your costs for the procedure.
Q: What should I keep in mind when looking for breast augmentation near me?
A: You should look for plastic surgeons who specialize in breast surgery and have a long history of experience in producing excellent results. You should always ask for credentials and breast augmentation before and after photos to make sure you know the quality of results you can expect. Always look for your chosen plastic surgeon on their board’s website to verify their qualification and experience.
Q: How does breast augmentation affect breast feeding?
A: Every woman is different, but breast augmentation can be performed without too much affect on the ability of the woman to breast feed afterwards. Complications, if any, usually arise due to trauma to the surrounding breast tissue rather than the implant itself, so be sure to let San Francisco plastic surgeon, Dr. Sieber, know of your future plans for breast feeding after augmentation so that he can take the appropriate precautions.
Q: How old should a breast augmentation candidate be?
A: There is no ideal age for breast enhancement since many women of all ages opt for this procedure. However, candidates should have breasts that are fully developed in order to achieve the best, long-term results. Breast augmentations are not typically performed on patients younger than 18 years of age.
References
Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 37, Issue 4, 1 April 2017, Pages 421–427, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjw221
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.
