Breast Implant Procedure Description:

One of the most commonly performed surgical procedures, breast augmentation surgery has the goal of creating larger but at the same time soft, proportionate and naturally appearing breasts.

Dr Klainer always performs breast augmentation surgery in a hospital setting with the patient under general anesthesia. The three most common incisions used for breast implant placement are the periareolar (under the nipple), the inframammary (under the breast) and the transaxillary (under the arm). Dr. Klainer believes that the periareolar breast augmentation approach is superior for the following reasons:

Firstly, this type of breast augmentation surgery is central to the breast allowing symmetric development of the breast pocket where the implant will be placed. Secondly, it is the least obvious and relatively best healing of the three possible incisions. Lastly, in the rare case of poor scar formation ,the scar is always hidden in any type of clothing including strapless, sleeveless and bathing apparel. Incisions are normally closed with two layers of sutures. The first set of sutures removed at your one week visit and the second set at your two week visit. Over time the breast implant incision lines will fade.

The main choice of breast implants is between silicone and saline. Dr. Klainer will discuss the pros and cons of each with you at your breast augmentation surgery pre-op consultation. Silicone breast implants have now been approved by the FDA and aresafe for use. The new silicone breast implants have a greatly improved shell allowing for minimal migration of the internal silicone particles. This makes the incidence of capsule formation significantly less than the older version. The cohesive gel also prevents liquid silicone from traveling in the case of leakage or rupture. Saline (salt-water) breast implants are inherently safe, as approximately 70% of your body is salt water. If the saline solution leaks, the saline is simply absorbed without risk to the patient.

The results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. You will find it easier to wear certain styles of clothing and swimwear. Like many women who have had Breast Augmentation surgery, you may also notice a boost in your self-confidence.

For real world results, Dr. Klainer offer breast augmentation before and after photos to help you make the best decision for you.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Downtime & Discomfort:

Before breast augmentation surgery and for your safety, you may be required to undergo lab tests or medical evaluation. Certain medications may need to be introduced or an adjustment of your current medications. All breast augmentation surgery patients are asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Dr. Klainer will discuss these matters with you at your breast augmentation surgery pre-op consultation.

After breast augmentation surgery normal activities will be curtailed for approximately one week. Sometime during the second week Dr. Klainer will remove the sutures at which time activities such as driving can be resumed. The downtime time frame for breast augmentation surgery varies, but most normal activities including vigorous exercise can be gradually resumed four weeks after surgery. At the one month point scarring will still be noticeable, but over the following months and years it will gradually fade to its permanent appearance.

Discomfort levels resulting from breast augmentation surgery can be significant but they are very manageable with medications and sensible post-op care. After a post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at the direction of Dr. Klainer.

Over time, post-surgical swelling will decrease and breast implant incision lines will fade. You will be given specific post-op instructions that include how to care for your breast implants following surgery, medications to apply or oral medications to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, plus when to follow-up with Dr. Klainer.

Following Dr. Kainer's instructions is key to the success of your breast augmentation surgery. When you go home, if you experience any symptoms that concern you, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Klainer immediately.

Breast Implants FAQ:

Q: What happens if the breast implant leaks?

A: The body will absorb the saline and the breast implant will deflate leaving that breast smaller. A new breast implant can be placed through the previous incision with minimal discomfort and time off from work. There is no risk to the patient if the saline leaks.

In the case of silicone, as it is a cohesive gel, the material stays close to the breast implant. There have been no proven side effects from contact with the cohesive gel matrix. If a leak is identified, the breast implant can be replaced through the previous incision with minimal discomfort and time off from work.

Q: What is a capsule?

A: A capsule is the body’s natural protection mechanism against foreign objects (i.e., the breast implant). This only becomes a problem if the capsule begins to shrink, thicken, or tighten resulting in hardening and/or visible changes in breast shape. With breast implants this occurs in approximately 5-10% of patients. If this happens it usually requires a second surgery to correct the problem. You will be taught techniques of massaging the implants after surgery that will help in preventing capsule occurrence.

Q: Why place the breast implant under the muscle?

A: Although the implant can safely be placed either above or below the chest wall muscle, Dr. Klainer believes below the muscle has many advantages:

• the muscle gives support to the breast implant
• it makes the breast implant feel and look more natural
• it makes mammography easier to interpret

Q: Can I lose nipple sensation?

A: Yes, but this is very rare. Many women will experience a transient change in nipple sensation but this usually returns to normal within 6 months following surgery.

Q: Can I breast feed?

A: Most women have no problems with breast-feeding after breast augmentation surgery and it is safe for the child.

Q: What type of anesthesia is used?

A: General anesthesia is recommended to allow complete relaxation of the chest wall muscle.

Q: Where is the procedure performed?

A: The procedure is performed at Fair Oaks Hospital in .

Q: How can I find out more about breast augmentation surgery?

A: Dr. Klainer is available to answer your questions surrounding breast augmentation surgery. Schedule your free consultation today at 703-421-6000.