Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed procedures by Dr. Leonard Hochstein, affectionately known as “The Boob God“. During an initial consultation, he will discuss the various factors involved with this breast enhancement procedure and determine which options will provide the best results possible. Together, Miami breast augmentation specialist Dr. Hochstein and the patient will decide on:

• Type of breast implant
• Implant size and shape Location of the incision
• The texture of the implant shell
• Placement of the implant above or below the chest muscles

A highly skilled and reputable Florida plastic surgeon, Dr. Hochstein puts special attention into minimizing scarring in order to give patients the most natural look possible.

Ideal Candidates

Every patient is different and requires an evaluation by the trained eye of top surgeon Dr. Hochstein. A highly individualized procedure, breast augmentation may be the right choice if you:

	Are physically and psychologically healthy
	Have realistic expectations
	Have breasts that are fully developed
	Are unhappy with having naturally underdeveloped breasts
	Have lost shape and/or volume following pregnancy, weight loss, or as a result from aging
	Have breasts that are asymmetrical

Types Of Implants: Saline and Silicone Gel

Implant Size and Shape

	Size Choosing a suitable breast implant size is a critical step in planning the patient’s breast augmentation procedure. Dr. Hochstein will carefully examine the patient and her goals in order to determine the appropriate size. An implant that is too small or too large usually produces an unsatisfactory result. Therefore, Dr. Hochstein believes that the best and most natural results are achieved by selecting an implant that is proportional to a woman’s anatomic features.
	Implant Shapes Breast implants come in more than one shape, which is selected based on the patient’s goals and Dr. Hochstein’s suggestion. Patients considering breast augmentation will be individually evaluated regarding the implant shape that is best for them – round or anatomical.
	Anatomical Breast Implants Anatomical breast implants (style 410), which are also known as “teardrop or gummy bear” breast implants, are fuller in the lower half. They are designed to look as natural as possible. Less then a 1% rippling, low rate of rotation 2.9% and a 69% lower rate of capsular contraction.  Yet while this shape may work well for a select group of patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery, the anatomical implant is used sparingly. Because this design has a distinct vertical orientation, appearance may become distorted should the implant rotate. Patients that require a lift are not considered good candidates for this implant.
	Round Breast Implants Round breast implants are the leading style used for breast augmentation. They are known to create a fuller look throughout the breast. An advantage of this design, as compared to anatomical breast implants, is that there is generally no adverse consequence should the implant rotate. Because it is round, there is no vertical or horizontal orientation. Due to gravity alone, the bottom portion of the breast will look fuller once the filler settles in. This creates contour similar to that of the anatomic breast implant, but avoids the risk of possible distortion.

Location of Incision and Placement

Location of the Incision Saline breast implants can be inserted via every incision location because they are empty upon insertion, including the edge of the nipple (periareolar), under the armpit (transaxillary), the belly button (transumbilical), and at the breast crease (inframammary). Silicone gel implants are usually limited to the inframammary incision location because they come pre-filled. Although this incision location is preferred by surgeons when inserting silicone gel implants, Dr. Hochstein prefers to extend the areola (nipple) incision rather than using the lower breast fold, using absolvable sutures to prevent leaving unwanted scarring.

Location of Implant Placement There is more than one location for implant placement. Implants can be placed under the breast tissue (subglandular), under the pectoralis muscle (submuscular), or under both the breast tissue and the pectoralis muscle (partial submuscular). The vast majority of patients who undergo breast augmentation today have implants placed under the muscle, because it provides a more natural-looking result by having more tissue cover the implant and a lower rate of complications.

Potential Complications

As with any surgery, complications can develop following breast augmentation. Fortunately complications are unusual when performed in the care of a qualified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Hochstein. Some of these potential complications are: bleeding, infection, capsular contracture, deflation, poor healing of incisions, unfavorable scarring, and reaction to anesthesia. Dr. Hochstein will discuss these with you in further detail during your consultation.

Recovery

Recovering from breast augmentation, as with any surgery, is a gradual process. Some patients recover quicker than others. The typical patient will experience some pain and discomfort and use pain medication for 2 to 3 days following surgery, but in general, the recovery period is not unbearable. Depending upon the patient’s occupation, most patients will return to work 4 to 5 days after surgery. After 1 to 2 weeks, patients can resume non-impact lower body exercise. Four weeks after surgery, they can resume impact exercises, and 6 weeks following surgery they can resume upper body exercise.

Results

Results are immediately apparent after surgery. However, it is normal for swelling to persist the first week following the procedure. The implants will also appear high, and nipples may point downwards (all very normal). Over the course of several weeks the swelling will subside and the tissue will stretch to accommodate the implant, creating a more natural-looking appearance.

Dr. Hochstein and his staff are committed to his patients’ care and well-being. Dr. Hochstein follows his patient’s progress for an extended period, and will help ease any concerns and answer questions that may arise.