Also Offering Breast Augmentation in Lyndhurst & Westlake, OH
- Breast Augmentation Candidacy
- Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift
- Saline vs. Silicone Implants
- Breast Augmentation Procedure Details
- Breast Implant Placement Options
- Breast Augmentation Recovery
Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that is performed to increase breast fullness, increase breast projection, and improve breast symmetry. Dr. Ali Totonchi takes pride in helping his patients exude self-confidence and look their best. The procedure involves the insertion of a silicone or saline implant inside the patient’s breast, resulting in a fuller appearance and a younger breast profile.
Patients who have lost breast volume due to drastic weight changes, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can restore the fullness of their breasts and even achieve larger breast size with breast augmentation. Patients with naturally small breasts can also benefit to achieve their ideal breast size. Performing the Rice Test can help you determine what size you may want your breasts to be.
Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift
Patients who are looking to lift and enhance breast size should consider breast augmentation in combination with a mastopexy (breast lift), to ensure optimal results. An exam will be done to determine if a breast lift is needed in conjunction with your augmentation. Implants alone can correct mild ptosis, or dropping, but the nipple must be in good position. A breast lift is generally needed if the drooping is severe and the nipple is pointing downward or in poor position. Nipple sensation can be altered due to breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries. All breast surgeries disrupt the nerves and blood vessels that surround the nipples. Generally speaking, the effects are temporary and only last a few months while the nerves and blood vessels heal and restore. If you have plans to breast feed in the future, please inform Dr Totonchi so he chooses the best approach to maximize the potential to be able to breastfeed after surgery.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants
Dr. Ali Totonchi counsels his patients in making the important decision regarding which type of breast implant to select for the breast augmentation procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Totonchi discusses and reviews the risks and benefits of available options so that the patient may make a well-informed and educated decision prior to selecting their breast augmentation procedure.
Patients are given a choice between saline breast implants and silicone-filled breast implants for their breast augmentation. Saline breast implants can be filled with sterile salt water to a range during the breast augmentation procedure to allow your surgeon to make small changes as he sees fit for symmetry. Silicone-filled breast implants are filled with an elastic silicone gel that is soft and mimics the same texture of a patient’s breast. These are pre-filled, and patients who opt for this type of implant will have a slightly longer incision under the breast for the implant insertion.
Breast implants, both saline and silicone generally need to be replaced or revised in 10-20 years. Some need revisions sooner, and others may never need a revision.
Breast Augmentation Procedure Details
Breast augmentation procedures are done on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia. An incision is usually made under the breast to create a pocket. The patient’s preferred implants are then inserted into the pocket and positioned by Dr. Ali Totonchi to achieve ideal symmetry between the two breasts.
Breast Implant Placement Options
The placement of the implant over or under the muscle will be decided on your consultation day. The pectoralis major is he large chest muscle which implants are often placed under to soften the look of the upper edge of the implant. The down side to the submuscular, or “under the muscle” approach is that the implant moves or animates with the contraction of the muscle.
The subglandular, or “over the muscle” approach avoids movement or animation of the implant with muscle contraction and enhances the shape of the natural breast when choosing a silicone implant. Generally there is less pain involved post operatively with the subglandular or “over the muscle” approach. The results of the breast augmentation can be appreciated almost immediately after the procedure. The results of the breast augmentation can be appreciated almost immediately after the procedure.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
You will be given a prescription for pain medication. Pain is variable from patient to patient. The maximum pain will be in the first 48-72 hours. Most people tolerate breast augmentation surgery well and feel good 4-5 days post op, and return to work after the first week. Wearing a good support bra/sports bra post op is important. You may return to your regular exercise routine 6-8 weeks after surgery. Instructions about post-operative care are provided to each patient and can also be printed from Dr Totonchi’s website.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
What are the surgical approaches (incision options) for breast augmentation?
Most of the breast enhancement procedures that Dr. Totonchi performs utilize incisions on the lower crease of the breast where scarring is easy to hide. This is called an inframammary incision. However, some patients may prefer or be better candidates for a periareolar incision, which places the incision around the perimeter of the areola (or dark circle of pigmentation around the nipple). Others may opt for a transaxillary incision, which is placed inside the armpit.
How much does breast augmentation cost?
The price for breast augmentation is determined by a few factors including the type and size of the implant and the techniques used to perform surgery. Dr. Totonchi provides a quote to his patients during their consultation, which reflects the customized surgical plan he and the patient have decided on. Because breast enhancement is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. Financing options are available to our patients through CareCredit.
Is it possible to have breast implants that look natural?
Absolutely. Some people immediately picture unnaturally oversized breasts when they think of breast augmentation, but the truth is that most women prefer a more natural look. Dr. Totonchi can make several suggestions during the consultation phase that can best achieve the patient’s preference to look natural. The main factor is selecting implants that are proportional (or slightly larger) to the frame of the patient’s body. Another factor is that silicone implants tend to move and feel more like real breast tissue. Furthermore, form stable implants have a sloping shape that resembles natural, youthful contours, unlike round implants. Dr. Totonchi’s goal is to create a breast profile that makes you feel happy, confident, and beautiful.
Is it a good idea to delay breast augmentation until after having children?
Many women have breast augmentation prior to having children and find that their implants do not pose a significant obstacle to breastfeeding. For mothers who believe they may want to nurse one day, Dr. Totonchi generally recommends a submuscular implant placement since it interferes less with the milk glands. The only time Dr. Totonchi would suggest delaying breast augmentation is if a woman is imminently planning to start a family. Since the breasts often change shape and size while producing milk, it often makes sense to wait to recontour the breasts once weaning the child.
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants can safely remain in a patient’s chest for one to two decades, sometimes longer. Implants can eventually be removed and replaced, or simply removed if the patient no longer wants larger breasts. In rare cases, a breast implant may rupture or shift out of place and require breast revision sooner.
Can patients exercise after having breast augmentation?
Dr. Totonchi recommends that his patients postpone strenuous exercise for about six weeks since physical activity can jostle the breasts while they are still healing. (Walking is always acceptable and can promote blood circulation which accelerates your recovery.) He will clear you for full workouts during a follow-up appointment.
Give us a call today at (440) 461-7999 for more information or click here to schedule an appointment.
