BREAST AUGMENTATION (Breast Implants)

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Breast augmentation results in more volume and fullness to the breast. It is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed. Both saline (salt-water) and silicone gel breast implants are available. Orange County breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Jazayeri will discuss both options with you during your complimentary consultation.

Breast augmentation is a procedure designed to enhance the volume of the breast. It is recommended for patients who have no sagging of nipple or breast skin. In this case, a breast lift may be required in addition to the augmentation. Breast augmentation was originally performed in the 1960’s, with a 40 year track record for safety.

Currently, there are two types of breast implant available: saline (salt-water) and silicone filled. Saline implants are empty and the saline is added to the implant through special tubing. Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel, and the volume cannot be altered. The main advantage of saline implant is volume control. This is especially true in patients who have markedly asymmetrical breast pre-operatively. With saline implants, there is a higher chance of achieving better symmetry, since the volume of each implant can be adjusted individually. Silicone implants, on the other hand, do feel more natural than saline implants, and are the best choice if the patient has very thin skin.

Breast augmentation can be performed through incisions made around the areola (peri-areolar), underneath the breast fold (inframmamary approach), through the arm pit (trans-axillary), or around the belly button (trans-umbilical or TUBA). The implant can also be placed above or below the pectoralis muscle (the muscle underneath the breast tissue). Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages. During the consultation, Dr. Jazayeri will recommend the best and safest approach for the patient’s desired needs.

There are also different styles of implant available: smooth and round, textured and round, textured anatomical (tear-drop shape). Within each category there are different types of implant: low, moderate, and high profile. As one can see, the combination of factors to consider can become very challenging. It is our responsibility to clarify and simplify the decision making so the patient can obtain the best result possible.

It is important to realize breast implants are not permanent, and eventually need to be replaced. Fortunately, the risk of implant leak is low, but it does increase with the age of the implant. Mentor and Allergan are currently the only FDA approved companies providing implants in the U.S. Both companies have a life-time warranty should an implant leak. In case of saline implants, a leak will be noticeable as the saline will be absorbed by the body, resulting in a change and feel of the affected breast. With silicone implant, the gel cannot be absorbed. In some cases, therefore, the implant may have leaked without any noticeable change or feel in the breast. Silicone is not dangerous and is not harmful to the body. If you are concerned about a silicone implant leak, the best method of diagnosis is an MRI.

Our philosophy is to make cosmetic surgery results look as natural as possible. For more information on breast augmentation please contact the office of Orange County breast implants expert Dr. Michael Jazayeri.