Breast Augmentation

Everyone is unique in her body form. With the extensive range of breast implants available, it is possible for each person to choose an implant that is ideal for their breast enhancement goals. In addition to silicone and saline , implant options are based upon breast width, and profile.

The PROFILE of an implant refers to how much it projects forward (sticks out) off your chest when you are standing. The question becomes: how much do you want your breasts to stand out?

Implants of the same volume (described in cc’s or cubic centimeters) that differ in base width (diameter) will give a different projection from the chest wall; the narrower the base width for a given volume, the greater the projection. In general, a low profile implant is flat and wide. A medium profile implant of the same volume will have a smaller base width, but project farther out from your body. A high profile implant has the narrowest base width, and projects forward the most.

• Low Profile: Wide implants, with minimal projection from the chest. Low profile implants are more flattering for women with wider chests.
• Moderate Profile: Universally flattering implants that project from the chest more than low profile implants, but not as much as high profile implants. Moderate profile implants do not create excessive width on the side and are therefore appropriate for women with smaller, narrower chests.
• High Profile: Implants with a narrow base width for maximum projection. High profile implants give rounded fullness on top of the breasts. This effect creates the most bubbly, prominent cleavage of the various profile options and is ideal for petite women who have a very narrow chest wall.

During your pre-operative Breast Augmentation consultation, Dr Zadeh will measure your breasts and chest to determine the maximum width and projection of breast implant that will fit your current proportions (or figure). These measurements will then be used to recommend the right implant to fit your existing proportions, a method known as Dimensional Breast Augmentation. You will also be given an opportunity to look at, feel and try on samples of the various implants available to you (known as breast implant sizers). This is the most effective way to determine which implant is best for you and what you will look like after your augmentation surgery.

As well, Dr. Zadeh will consider both the existing size and shape of your body and breasts, and the look that you desire. Some women ask for ultra-high profile implants because they desire a bubbly, push-up bra look . Other women wish to have the very subtle enlargement of a lower profile implant (the Natural Look).

The most common and important question is: “what size should I choose?”. However, choosing a breast implant size is often also the most difficult decision for a patient. It is not unusual for women to spend a lot of time alternating their decision between various sizes, especially since implant sizes do not correspond to traditional bra cup sizes. Breast implant size is instead measured based on volume in cubic centimeters (often referred to as cc’s); the larger the implant, the greater both the volume of cc’s and the projection from the chest wall (for a given implant diameter).

During the consultation, Dr Zadeh will show you the breast implant volume sizing charts; and by trying on various sizers (or samples) you will have in-person visualization of how different implant sizes will affect your shape. When making your decision it is important to consider that larger implant sizes typically give a push up look that may be problematic for women having a more active lifestyle (e.g., participating in sports, jogging and yoga), and are associated with a greater risk of complications, such as bottoming out (an unfavorable downward movement of the implant). Dr. Zadeh will also evaluate your existing breast tissue to determine if you have sufficient tissue to cover and hide your chosen implant size. If the size you have chosen is too big, the implant edges may become visible following your surgery.

The breast augmentation procedure in itself lasts approximately an hour, but the surgery may be longer if combined with other procedures.

• Don’t Wear an Underwire Bra nor a Sports Bra
• Don’t Sleep On Your Stomach
• Don’t Take Aspirin.
• Don’t Take Medications Unless Prescribed.
• Don’t Shower (Preferable to wait 2 days after surgery)
• Don’t Swim
• Don’t Sit in the Sun ( Will have an impact on the scarring healing process)
• Don’t Engage in Strenuous Activities.

It is not uncommon to have some sensory changes after breast augmentation, especially if there is a larger implant. Most of the time, sensation does return, especially if placed below the muscle, therefore, one should wait 3-6 months for the sensation to return. However, it is acceptable to have some nipple sensation loss with breast augmentation. The risk of sensory loss from breast augmentation is 5-10% with the inframammary fold incision having the lowest risk of nipple sensation loss.

Infection

Breast implants are unlikely to get infected. You will receive antibiotics during surgery. As well, Dr Zadeh will use a “no touch technique” to insert the implants.

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is a tightening of the scar tissue around an implant which may occur in certain patients. Normally, our bodies react to the presence of a foreign body by forming a pocket of scar tissue around it. Ideally, the cavity is large enough to allow for tiny movements resulting from the body changing positions, as with natural breasts. In the case of excessive scarring, the pocket could contract, becoming too tight and preventing the implant from moving. This results in the breast becoming firmer. Its shape may change and, in extreme cases, it may become painful.

An infection or hematoma (accumulation of blood around the implant) increases tissue inflammation around the implant, stimulating the scarring process which is a risk factor associated with the development of capsular contracture.

These risk factors must be decreased in order to prevent capsular contracture. To do so, Dr. Zadeh will use antibiotics. He will follow up with you after your operation to make sure you are healing well and to check on the outcome of the surgery. An additional surgery may be recommended in exceptional cases, such as if the patient develops painful capsular contracture (which is rare).

Implant rupture/deflation

A breast implant cannot be guaranteed for your entire life. Although a ruptured implant may sound like a big deal, it is not a medical emergency and does not represent a risk to your health. When a saline implant deflates, your body absorbs the sterile fluid which drains from it. As a result of this benign process, the breast’s volume gradually decreases. A deflated saline implant can be removed or replaced by a new saline or silicone gel implant at any time, at your discretion.

Contrary to the saline solution, which is absorbed by the body, silicone is inert and waterproof. When a silicone gel implant leaks,, the gel is thick and remains in the pocket of the implant. This could also occur as a result of a major trauma to the breast, such as a high-speed car accident. An ultrasound or MRI can be used to assess the integrity of the implant’s shell and to detect any silicone gel which may be leaking out of it. If a silicone implant breaks, it is recommended that it be removed or replaced, but it is not necessarily a medical emergency and the implant’s removal or replacement can be planned at your discretion.

The incision made for a breast augmentation creates a small and fine linear scar which is hidden in the crease beneath the breast. If a breast lift is performed at the same time as the augmentation, additional incisions will be necessary, but they will not be visible when wearing a bra or bikini top.

Dr. Zadeh will be giving you prior to the surgery, a prescription for pain medication to take home with you. That way, the medication will be at your disposal once you arrive home from the surgery.

Note: Make sure Dr. Zadeh knows about pain medications that have caused you problems in the past.

Full activities including exercise can be resumed at 6 weeks following surgery.

Over the course of your life, you will probably need at least one additional surgery for your implants, be it to replace them, or to adjust their volume according to your needs and personal preferences. Note that it is not necessary to change your implants regularly. Dr. Zadeh will follow up with you over the long term to make sure that you look and feel as good in the years following your surgery. There is no reason to undergo any further surgeries unless there is a problem or you would like to have an additional surgery.

The final cost of your treatments will be calculated on an individual basis in accordance with your needs. The cost of a breast augmentation with cohesive gel implants is $9,500. The cost of a breast augmentation with saline implants is $ 8,450. When combined with a breast lift, the operation can cost between $15,900 and $16,500. Additional charges may apply if the patient has a particular condition, or if different surgeries are combined.