Breast Augmentation San Jose

Information on breast augmentation in Palo Alto and San Jose. Read about saline and silicone breast implants, incision site, placement of implant, recovery process, cost and more.

My major concern in breast augmentation and all surgery I do is safety, a pleasing natural result, and a happy patient. Breast augmentation or breast enlargement has been a known surgical procedure offered by plastic surgeons since the late 1950's. Today the procedure is better than ever as both techniques and implants have vastly improved. Results are now pleasing to both patients and doctors. The results appear and feel natural. The goal is a natural, nonsurgical appearing breast that is a natural shape and size that pleases the patient.

Implants made of silicone gel or saline filled shells are available and both work nicely. I feel that the silicone gel implants give the most natural feel and appearance. Both the silicone gel implants and saline filled implants are safe. The FDA re-released the silicone gel implants about 2 years ago after extensive research verified their safety and efficacy. The patient's preference for gel or saline is honored. During the consultation, all aspects are discussed regarding implant choice.

The incision to insert the implant can be periareolar, inframammary, or axillary. I prefer the periareolar incision because it defies detection and allows ideal implant positioning. The inframammary (under the breast) incision is also okay but there is risk of a visible scar. The axillary (arm pit) approach is okay but I feel it is more difficult to attain an ideal cleavage and lateral drift is a threat. The umbilical (belly button) approach is mentioned only to be condemned. This approach allows only saline implants, only above the muscle placement, has a risk of lung puncture, and is not done at either Stanford or at UCSF Medical Centers. Many companies that insure doctors often exclude this risky complication prone procedure (belly button approach) from coverage. Nipple sensation remains normal. Full feeling of the breast returns in 4 to 6 months or sooner.

Implant placement is either under or above the pectoralis (chest) muscle. The under the muscle approach is more natural and firmness occurs less frequently. I prefer the submuscular placement but the new gel implants are excellent and seem to rarely cause firmness even above the muscle. This is discussed further during consultation.

Implant size is discussed at consultation and methods to help patients select the best implant size. I am flexible about this. For each patient, there is a range of sizes that will result in an attractive outcome. The round, mid profile, and smooth surface implants are the best choice for 90% of the patients. This produces the nature nonsurgical appearing breast.

Breast augmentation must be done in a safe, certified operating facility and done under general anesthesia. In some cases, a local (awake) procedure can be considered. This is discussed at consultation. M.D. anesthesiologists are in the operating room caring for you 100% of the time. I do 100% of the procedure myself in all of my surgeries.

Recovery varies with full activity at 2 weeks. A return to work and light physical activity is possible at 5 to 7 days. Pain medicine is usually required during the first 3 or 4 days. Sutures are simple pull out type that are removed by 10 days. In some patients, absorbable sutures can be considered.

During the consultation, all details, options, potential complications, and all of your questions will be fully addressed. This very common and popular procedure is pleasing for both the patient and plastic surgeon. We offer this with safety and pride.

Information on breast augmentation in Palo Alto and San Jose. Read about saline and silicone breast implants, incision site, placement of implant, recovery process, cost and more.