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Breast Augmentation Overview

Cosmetic breast enhancement continues to be one of the most popular procedures requested by patients here in beautiful southern California. The sunny weather and warm breezes lend themselves to people wanting to look and feel their best. The latest statistics gathered by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons ranks breast augmention as the #1 most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in 2010 with nearly 296,000 cases performed nationally, which is up 2% from 2009. With the well-documented safety record of the newer generation of breast implants and the high satisfaction rating among patients, more and more women are looking to breast augmentation to give themselves a nice aesthetic enhancement and to boost their self-confidence.

Breast augmentation has traditionally been performed by placing a prosthetic implant underneath the breast to provide increased projection and improved contour. The implants come in variable sizes to reflect the different desires of their recipients. The implant shells are all made of silicone but they come filled with either saline solution or silicone gel. Although there was a moratorium on silicone implants in the past regarding concerns over a possible link with autoimmune disorders, multiple studies have confirmed that this was never the case and silicone gel implants have now been approved for use since 2006. Not only are they as safe and effective as saline implants, but there are the added benefits of less rippling and a much more natural feel to the breast. Here in Newport Beach, the popularity of silicone implants exceeds that of the saline implants 3 to 1.

The implants are typically placed under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgery center and can be placed either over or under the pectoralis major muscle. The latter method is usually recommended due to the benefits of a more natural appearance, less rippling, and a significantly decreased risk of capsular contracture, ie. scar tissue formation around the implant. Several incisions can be used for access including the inframammary fold, periareolar, and axillary approaches. Occasionally the breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift or other cosmetic surgeries as indicated. It is essential to note that breast implants, like all prosthetic devices, do not last forever and typically will need to be replaced with new implants every 10-15 years. Interestingly, I have seen patients who have kept their implants for over 30 years, but this is not recommended.

Patients who have undergone breast augmentation are among the happiest of all cosmetic patients. It is important to have a full consultation and candid discussion with a fully-trained and knowledgeable Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon affiliated with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). There are many self-reported cosmetic surgeons these days with little or no training and unfortunately there are no governmental regulations limiting their practice. I encourage you to explore and evaluate the credentials and training background for every physician you encounter. Your choice of a well-educated plastic surgeon along with a thorough communication of your interests and goals are critical in achieving an excellent outcome.

Parviz H. Goshtasby MD

Newport Plastic Surgery, Inc.

www.newportplasticsurgery.com