Best Oakland California (CA) Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Nearly 365,000 women underwent breast augmentation in the United States in 2005! Breast implants can serve one or more of a number of purposes; breast cancer victims can use breast implants for reconstructive purposes after mastectomy, or women with disproportionately small breasts as well as those with asymmetry may use implants to provide balance, proportion and harmony.

One advantage of a saline-filled implant is related to placement in an unfilled state, often requiring a small/ one inch skin incision. The incision can be made underneath the breast crease, around the lower or upper edge of the areola, the armpit and the umbilicus. I usually prefer the upper border of the areola which has a lower tendency to scar, injure breast tissue and nerves or change nipple projection.

Breast implant options include smooth-round, textured round, contoured/tear drop-textured and for each of these implants: low/moderate and high profile widths are available and finally either saline or ‘gummy bear-elastic’ silicone fill.

Some of the potential complications include changes in nipple or breast sensation or a scar capsule which may sometimes tighten and compress the implant, causing a sense of firmness, narrow /elevated distortion and even discomfort. In such cases, surgery may be needed to modify or remove the scar tissue, or perhaps remove or replace the implant. This complication is called ‘capsular contracture’ and occurs typically in one breast of 12.5% of women after breast augmentation in the United States.

Placement of the implant with the upper pole sitting under the pectoral muscle provides a more gentle superior take off point, generally appearing more natural. The greater separation of this pocket from breast tissue as compared to the ‘over the muscle’ appears to have a protective influence in reducing capsular contracture.

The availability of FDA-approved silicone gel implants in November of 2006 has created new options for women considering breast surgery for the first time and for those who have had previous surgeries but are seeking new replacements or revision. Now, all women over 22 years of age who are seeking cosmetic breast augmentation and women seeking breast reconstruction, will be able to select silicone implants. Because silicone implants are pre-filled, a longer incision may be required. However, many women find there is a softer and less folded ‘rippling’ tendency of silicone implants. Rippling is particularly common in thinner chest walled patients and is most noticeable in the lateral or lower breast poles.

Breast Implants, Enhancement, Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery, Implant Pictures and More

Some women with silicone breast implants have previously reported problems including certain connective tissue and immune-related diseases. Women without implants also have these disorders, so the key question is whether breast implants increase the risk of developing these conditions. Several large studies have been completed that provide reassurance that women with breast implants do not have a significantly increased risk for these diseases.

Breast implants are not purported by the manufacturers to be lifetime devices and most likely cannot be expected to last forever. If a saline-filled implant breaks, a portion of it’s contents is harmlessly absorbed within the body and a definite change in the size of the breast is clearly noticable. Rupture can occur as a result of trauma to the chest wall, but more commonly ( about 12.5% of women after bilateral augmentation ) occurs spontaneously. Surgery is required to replace the implant, the cost of which is usually provided by the manufacturer. Mammographic examinations should be conducted every 1-2 years after the age of 40. It will be important for you to select a Center which is experienced in techniques specific to augmented breasts. Additional views may be required or other types of examinations such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. It is possible that the presence of breast implants may impact early detection of breast cancer.

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Breast Augmentation

Moulton-Barrett is an Oakland California (CA) Breast Augmentation Surgeon office. Our main offerings include: liposuction doctors and tummy tuck cosmetic surgeries.