Breast Augmentation Orange County

A breast augmentation (aka augmentation mammoplasty or breast implant surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure that uses saline or silicone breast implants to increase breast volume. For many patients, breast augmentation is simply a way to enhance their image and confidence. Other times, it comes on the coattails of a mastectomy due to breast cancer.

In either case, Dr. Esmailian is sensitive to his patients’ needs and will deliver natural, elegant results tailored to your wishes. Dr. Esmailian is a double board-certified breast enhancement authority whose artistic skill, precision, caring demeanor, and dedication to his craft have placed him as one of the top breast surgeons serving Orange County.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Women with naturally small breasts and those who have lost volume in their breasts due to breastfeeding, pregnancy, and weight loss sometimes feel self-conscious about their appearances. An augmentation mammoplasty is used to increase the size and projection of the patient’s breasts, beautifully enhancing the physique while boosting self-image. Women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy may also choose to undergo breast implant surgery as a way of revitalizing the upper body. Regardless of the reason you are seeking breast enhancement surgery, Dr. Esmailian creates a personalized treatment plan that strategically resolves your core concerns.

His caring demeanor, artistic vision, skill, and experience combine to deliver superior breast augmentation results customized to your unique aesthetic goals. During the planning phase of breast augmentation, there are certain factors to consider and several choices to make. While some of these depend upon the natural anatomy of your body, others depend upon your personal preference. Dr. Esmailian will carefully consider each factor, consulting with you thoroughly to ensure a total understanding between doctor and patient. Under Dr. Esmailian’s guidance, you will walk away with among the most exceptional breast augmentation outcomes Orange County has available.

Why do Women Choose Breast Augmentation?

Women who are unhappy with their upper-body appearance may pursue breast augmentation to:

Improve their self-confidence
Make their breasts fuller and increase their projection
Enhance their self-image
Improve the proportions of their body to balance their figure
Reconstruct their breasts following an injury or mastectomy
Rejuvenate the body after pregnancy and breastfeeding
Combat the physical signs of aging
Increase their wardrobe options

How is the Procedure Performed?

Breast augmentation usually takes one hour. Patients who are having additional procedures such as a breast lift or mommy makeover should expect to remain within the surgical area longer. Once the patient has been properly and safely sedated by our board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Esmailian will begin the procedure. It starts with an incision placed in your chosen location. This incision has been fully discussed beforehand, so the patient understands the shape of the scar as well as the expected recovery time. With the incision made, Dr. Esmailian creates a pocket for the implant. This pocket will be slightly larger than the implant size. This is because the implant should have some space to move around, contributing to a natural look and feel. Once the pocket is created, Dr. Esmailian inserts the implant using a device called a Keller Funnel, which minimizes friction and strain between the implant and the incision, lending further safety to the procedure. At this point, Dr. Esmailian will close the breast tissue leading to the pocket as well as the outer incision. He does this using precise suture techniques to minimize scarring. Once this is done, the breast augmentation is complete.

Before & After

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Breast Augmentation Procedure Steps at a Glance:

Dr. Esmailian visits the patient in pre-op – Dr. Esmailian will visit the patient while she is still in the pre-op area. He will make various markings on her chest and breasts. These markings are used as a guide throughout the procedure. In addition, patients can ask any remaining questions at this time.

The anesthesiologist administers anesthesia – Once the patient is sedated, the breast augmentation procedure can begin.

Dr. Esmailian creates the incisions – Dr. Esmailian follows the treatment plan, making incisions in the agreed-upon locations.

Dr. Esmailian creates the implant pocket – After creating the incision, Dr. Esmailian will make the pocket in which the implant will sit. The pocket needs to be slightly bigger than the implant. This additional space allows the implant to move around a bit, which provides the patient with a result that looks and feels natural.

Dr. Esmailian utilizes the Keller Funnel procedure method – Here, Dr. Esmailian inserts the breast implant into its pocket using a special device that is referred to as a Keller Funnel. By using this innovative device, the friction that occurs between the incision and the implant during placement is greatly reduced. In addition, the incision can be made smaller, and there is less manipulation of the implant.

Dr. Esmailian closes the incisions – Once Dr. Esmailian is satisfied with the location of the implant(s), he will close the outer incision using specific suture techniques that are designed to minimize scarring.

Dr. Esmailian will provide the patient with a support bra – This support bra must be worn for the first week or two following a breast augmentation in Orange County. After that, most patients can begin wearing a loose-fitting sports bra. At two weeks post-op, clients can wear their normal bras and swimsuit tops. However, patients should avoid push-up bras (such as those with wire) until cleared by Dr. Esmailian.

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How can I Select the Right Implant Size?

One of the first questions that many patients ask Dr. Esmailian at his Orange County office is: “What size implant should I choose?” When choosing your breast implant size, Dr. Esmailian will need to take into account your height, body frame, weight, hip-width, current breast volume, and shoulder-width into consideration. He will measure your chest, nipple-areola complex (its size and position on the breast), the level of your breast droop (if any), and your natural breast size. Each of these factors helps determine which implant size will provide you with the results you desire.

What is the Relationship Between Cup Size and Implant Size?

If you want natural-looking results, you need to think about shape and proportion as opposed to cup size. The cup size for breast augmentation patients is subjective because bra manufacturer sizes and the way bras are worn vary.

While some believe that the volume of an implant is comparable to a particular cup size, this is a misconception. Implant size is based on the amount of gel or fluid (measured in cubic centimeters (cc)) within the implant itself. Keep in mind that as implant volume increases, it will affect your overall body proportions. Therefore, an individual who is 5’1” tall and petite needs a smaller implant size than an individual with broad hips and shoulders who stands 5’8” tall.

What is the Relationship Between cup size and Cleavage?

One issue that causes much confusion is cleavage. Many patients believe that increasing their breast size will give them more cleavage. However, the amount of cleavage you have is determined by the width and shape of your chest as well as by how close your breasts are to one another. If you have a narrow chest and your breasts are close together, even a small implant can give you great cleavage. On the other hand, if you have a wide chest and there is a substantial space between your breasts, you will enjoy fuller breasts, but additional cleavage will be more difficult to obtain. In certain cases, additional shaping can be performed, and an appropriate implant diameter can be chosen to help amplify cleavage. Following your breast augmentation, you can purchase a bra designed to give you even greater cleavage if desired.

Steps To Help Determine The Best Implant Size

The Picture Test

Look at the before and after breast augmentation photos on Dr. Esmailian’s website. Find a before photo of a patient who has breast characteristics and physical traits that are similar to yours. Although the implant size that you desire cannot actually be determined by viewing photos of someone else, you can find a photo that resembles the look you desire. This gives Dr. Esmailian insight into what you would like him to accomplish with your breast augmentation.

The Rice Test

You can “try on” various breast sizes at home by performing the Rice Test. This process allows you to determine what looks too big and what seems too small for you. Although Dr. Esmailian does have various implant sizers that you can try on in his Orange County office, the Rice Test is a great starting point. In addition, the Rice Test is performed at home, allowing you to take your time and ponder your options.

You will need:

At least one pair of knee-high nylons
Dry rice
Measuring cups (1 cup and 1/4 cup)
A sports bra (without padding or an underwire)
Various types of clothing (formal dress, cocktail dress, form-fitting t-shirts,
favorite tops, etc.)
A mirror that allows you to see your entire figure

1. Take a pair of knee-high nylons (you should avoid using nylons that offer additional support as well as knee-highs that have a reinforced toe) and fill each nylon with 1 ½ cups of rice.

2. Tie a knot on the top of each nylon, approximately 3 inches above the rice.

3. Shape the rice-filled nylons into patties. They must be as even as possible in projection and as large as your natural breast circumferential base.

4. Put the sports bra on and insert the pre-formed rice patties.

5. Try on the different outfits and tops you have gathered.

6. If you are not sure about a size, take a photo of yourself. After taking several photos of yourself in various-sized rice patties, you can compare them to one another. Ideally, take each photo wearing the same clothing item. This will make comparing the sizes easier.

7. You can add or remove the rice by ¼ cup at a time and then try the clothing on again until you are happy with the way your breasts look.

8. Once you determine which sized rice patties you think look the best, bring them with you to your next appointment with Dr. Esmailian at his office in Orange County. He can use these to help determine your implant size. Understand that the “look” of the rice will not resemble your final breast shape, but it does give a good indication for volume.

What is the Mentor Volume Sizing System?

During your consultation, which is generally two weeks before the scheduled surgery, Dr. Esmailian will review the photos you bring in, as well as the results of the Rice Test. At this point, the Mentor Volume Sizing System is used to solidify your implant volume and to finalize the look you are striving for. Patients are very content after this visit with Dr. Esmailian and feel that they have made the correct choice with their breast implant sizing.

What are Some Other Factors to Consider when Determining Breast Implant Size?

Consider how you would like to be perceived. Some women prefer larger breasts than would be expected for their frames. Still others prefer a more natural-looking breast augmentation result. If you are an athlete or you enjoy running, make sure that the breast implants you choose will not interfere with your regular fitness routine.

Avoid choosing an implant size based on someone else’s input. For example, if a friend of yours had a breast augmentation procedure and chose an implant size of 350cc, even if her body frame is similar to yours, it is important to be open to the various implant options you have available. By considering all of the options, chances are you will find the breast implant size that is perfect for you.

Although Dr. Esmailian may make recommendations, the final decision as to the implant size you receive is yours alone. The most important factor is not what size implant you end up with, but how happy you are with the way that you look after your breast augmentation procedure with Orange County’s top plastic surgeon Dr. Esmailian.

What are the Different Implant Profiles, and how do they Affect my Choices?

Every manufacturer has their own nomenclature for the implant profiles. An implant profile determines how much projection is obtained but also how wide or narrow the implant is. Let us take the arbitrary implant size of 400 cc. A 400 cc implant in a high profile will be narrower than a moderate plus profile implant; however, the high profile implant will be more projecting.

The projection will determine how much fullness the patient will have in the upper part of the breast (upper pole). Again, depending on the implant company, they will name their implants differently, for example: Extra full = Ultra High, Full = High, Moderate = Moderate Plus, and so forth. Dr. Esmailian will carefully guide you through the intricacies of different implant profiles to determine the best fit for your body.

How Big can I Go?

Sizing is obviously an important aspect in deciding what works best and determining your ideal look. We perform measurements, evaluate the skin envelope elasticity, look at photos, look at what you came up with during the Rice Test, look at diagrams, and finally use the Mentor Volume Sizing System.

We obviously listen and discuss exactly what you want and don’t want so that we can deliver the expected results. Your best path to determine what size works and how big you can go would be to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Make certain the surgeon you choose has a great deal of experience in breast implant surgeries.

If you reside in or around Orange County and you want to learn more about the procedures we offer, please contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Farbod Esmailian. If you prefer, we also have an online contact form to request a consultation.

What are the Different Types of Breast Implants to Choose from?

There are multiple types of implants to choose from, which is why today’s breast augmentation procedure can be highly tailored to your precise wishes and goals. Dr. Esmailian will help you to decide the best implant type based on your lifestyle, anatomy, and aesthetic tastes.

Silicone Implants

A silicone implant consists of an inert polymer gel encased within a silicone shell. These implants are available in varying degrees of cohesiveness. Silicone implants are a popular option because they reduce the risk of post-operative problems, such as rippling and implant palpability. Furthermore, since silicone is gelatinous, it typically creates a breast that looks and feels more natural than its saline counterpart.

Saline implants

Saline implants consist of a silicone shell that is filled with a saltwater solution. Since the implant’s shell is inserted empty, a smaller incision can be used. A saline implant provides patients with a firmer, rounder breast. In the event of a rupture, the body will absorb the solution, which is harmless. However, the breast will be deflated, and a replacement will be necessary sooner than later.

Gummy Bear Implants

Gummy bear implants are made with form-stable cohesive silicone gel, which allows them to retain their firm, attractive shape, even when the patient has a highly active lifestyle. These implants have an aesthetically pleasing teardrop shape that is organic and elegant, making them a popular choice for many image-conscious women.

Textured Implants

A textured implant’s surface feels similar to sandpaper. The textured surface helps the implant adhere to the tissue surrounding it. Once adhered, the implant will remain firmly in place. Texturing is mandatory with the use of anatomical implants.

Ideal breast implants

The Ideal breast implant is a saline breast implant that is designed to bridge the gap between traditional saline implants and silicone implants. It decreases the rippling that can happen with saline implants and “sloshing”. The Ideal implant has a silicone shell like the traditional saline and silicone gel implants, but it differs on the inside. There are multiple baffles that help slow down the movement of the saline and also give the outside shell support and integrity. The Ideal breast implant is a nice alternative to the traditional saline implant and helps improve the feel. However, the Ideal breast implant is not considered an alternative to silicone gel implants.

Smooth Implants

An implant with a smooth surface can move more freely within its pocket than a textured implant can.

What are the Different Incision Options?

There are four types of incisions used when placing breast implants. The incision Dr. Esmailian uses depends greatly on the type of implant being placed and, when there is more than one incision option, the patient’s preference.

Periareolar

This incision is created along the lower portion of the areola (the darkened skin that surrounds each nipple.) While creating this incision, Dr. Esmailian closely follows the outer edge of the areola. Precision is the key to providing the patient with the least visible scarring possible. For this reason, choosing an experienced, board-certified breast augmentation surgeon is critical. When the periareolar incision is used, the chance of losing nipple sensation is greatly reduced.

Inframammary

Dr. Esmailian creates this incision along the fold at the base of the breast. This incision location is ideal for women who want to significantly increase the size of their breasts using silicone breast implants. With the use of the Keller Implant Funnel, the incision used can be the same size as the periareolar incision. The resulting scar remains well hidden within the fold of the breast.

Transaxillary

This incision is created in the armpit and is ideal for women who are having saline breast implants placed. Once the incision is made, the empty silicone breast implant shell is inserted and then filled with a saltwater solution.

Periumbilical

This incision is rarely used and is only practical when placing saline breast implants. The periumbilical incision is created within the navel (belly button), and once the implant is inserted, it is placed above the pectoral muscle.

What are the Different Implant Placement Choices?

Dr. Farbod Esmailian will create a pocket in which to place the breast implant. This pocket can be created above the pectoral muscle or beneath it. The patient’s physical characteristics can affect which location Dr. Esmailian recommends.

Implant placement behind the muscles is referred to as submuscular or subpectoral, and implant placement in front of the muscles is referred to as subglandular. The placement of subglandular implants was very popular in the 1980’s. However, we have realized that the one advantage of having implants in front of the muscle – the natural appearance – is heavily outweighed by the negative issues that arise. These issues include capsular contracture, rippling, implant palpability, and premature stretching and aging of the breast tissue and skin.

Therefore, the standard now is to place the implants in a subpectoral position to avoid all the issues that come along with subglandular implants. The implant is not completely placed behind the muscle, however, but follows a dual-plane approach, with the lower part of the muscle released. This results in the implant being partially subglandular in the lower third, combining the benefits of subglandular placement (the natural look) with the benefits of having the implants behind the muscle. There is one drawback of subpectoral breast implants, and that is animation deformity. This is a temporary phenomenon that occurs when the pectoralis muscle is flexed. This will cause the implant to move/displace while the muscle is contracted and then return to position after the muscle is no longer contracted. This one drawback is minimal and is heavily outweighed by all the benefits.

Implant Placement Choices at a Glance

Subglandular Placement

With this placement option, the pocket is created beneath the breast tissue but above the pectoral muscle. With subglandular placement, patients enjoy a rounder, higher breast projection. In addition, when compared to its submuscular counterpart, patients experience less pain following their Orange County breast augmentation. This placement option is not meant for women who have very little natural breast tissue due to an increase in the potential for implant visibility (e.g., implant edges and/or rippling).

Submuscular Placement

Dr. Esmailian creates the implant’s pocket beneath both the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle. This placement option provides the patient with a more natural-looking breast projection. In addition, submuscular placement decreases the likelihood of implant rippling and capsular contracture. Although this option may have a slightly longer recovery, the decrease in risks and complications outweighs placement of implants in the subglandular position.

Dual-plane Placement

Here, the upper two-thirds of the implant is situated beneath the pec muscle, while the lower third is placed over the pec muscle. As a combination of both subglandular and submuscular approaches, the dual-plane method offers the best of both options in terms of its benefits.

What are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

Boosts self-esteem, which can have a positive effect in other areas of life
Increases satisfaction during intimacy due to feeling more comfortable with one’s appearance
Makes the breasts fuller and increases their projection
Makes clothes fit more comfortably and look more appealing
Increases wardrobe options
Balances the body proportions to enhance the figure
Reconstructs the breast(s) or portions of the breast(s) following an injury, a lumpectomy, or the partial or total removal of the breast(s) due to cancer (i.e., a mastectomy)

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Typically, by the time a woman decides to make an appointment with Dr. Esmailian, she has already been considering an augmentation mammoplasty for quite some time. However, since breast enhancement procedures are highly personal, it is important that a woman chooses to undergo breast augmentation for herself and not as a way to make someone else happy.

Healthy individuals with breasts that appear deflated, uneven, or undeveloped are good candidates for breast implant surgery.

Dr. Esmailian likes his patients to be fully aware of every aspect associated with the procedures they are going to have. Therefore, he encourages his patients to ask questions.

Good candidates for breast augmentation:

Have realistic expectations related to their results
Are unhappy with the shape, size and/or volume of their breasts
Have breasts that look uneven
Have breasts with upper poles that appear empty
Have breasts that have completed the growth phase
Have breasts that neglected to develop properly
Are mentally and physically healthy
Are free from significant medical concerns
Are non-smokers
Are willing to follow Dr. Esmailian’s instructions

Once you make the decision that an Orange County breast augmentation with Dr. Esmailian is for you, contact his office at 562.999.3472 to make an appointment.

What can I expect from my recovery?

Immediately following your surgery, the first step is to relax in our recovery room. You can remain there until you are fully awake, at which point you will be released to go home. Transportation should be arranged beforehand, as you will not be permitted to drive for 24 hours following the surgery. While Dr. Esmailian recommends waiting a full week before returning to work, some patients are able to do it in 5 or 6 days, provided the work does not require physical strain.

The first week is also accompanied by a special supportive bra, and after this time, it may be replaced by a sports bra. About two weeks after your breast implant surgery, you can resume wearing your normal bras and bikini tops.

Exercise and any sort of strenuous activity are prohibited for the first five days following surgery. Light exercise may be resumed at this point, but more vigorous physical activity should not take place until three weeks after surgery.

Your relationship with our friendly Orange County office is not over once the breast implants procedure is complete. For the weeks and months following the surgery, we are at your disposal, and you are more than welcome to call whenever you like with any questions or concerns. Additionally, there will be several follow-up appointments with Dr. Esmailian to make sure the healing process is going as planned. All in all, your care after the procedure is just as thorough as it was during the procedure.

Dr. Esmailian

Why choose Dr. Esmailian?

Dr. Farbod Esmailian is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Orange County who is renowned for his ability to provide beautiful, natural-looking breast enhancements. He listens carefully to his patients’ goals, concerns, and wishes, delivering customized results that restore aesthetic harmony and peace of mind.
Dr. Esmailian obtained his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine before going on to complete a General Surgery Residency Program at the world-renowned University of Southern California. During his training, he was honored as an Outstanding Resident of the Year, Outstanding Resident Teacher of the Year, and Administrative Chief Resident. Dr. Esmailian subsequently pursued an elite Plastic Surgery Residency at the Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis, further solidifying his status as a highly-skilled, meticulously detailed authority in aesthetic surgery.

What can I Expect from my Consultation?

Dr. Esmailian will take as much time as necessary to discuss any questions or concerns you have about the surgery during your initial consultation. He will outline a detailed and personalized plan during the visit and discuss all your implant options: saline vs. silicone, anatomic vs. round, smooth vs. textured. Some topics you should be prepared to discuss during your visit include:

1. The reasons you would like to have a breast augmentation, your expectations, and your desired outcome.
2. Any current medical conditions and previous medical treatments you have had.
3. Your current medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins.
4. The results of previous mammograms or biopsies you have had.
5. Your family history of breast cancer, if any.

Dr. Esmailian will want to examine and measure your breasts during the consultation. He will take detailed notes on their size and shape, also assessing your skin quality and nipple and areola placement.

Photographs are usually taken during your pre-op visit, as the breast implant sizing takes place then as well.

A great deal of time is spent during the preoperative visit to ensure that you make the right decision about your implant size. Dr. Esmailian will guide you through this process and make certain that you go down the right path.

Breast Augmentation FAQ's

Are silicone breast implants safe?

How do I know if I am a good candidate for breast augmentation?

How long does it take for the incisions to heal?

How long will it take for the scars to fade after breast implant surgery?

Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery?

When will I be able to return to work?

How long before I can exercise?

Is there any way I can finance my breast augmentation with Dr. Esmailian?

Can a breast augmentation in Orange County fix droopy breasts?

Can breast augmentation be combined with any other procedures?

How long is the surgery?

Do I need to replace the implants every 10 years?

What are the potential risks with breast augmentation?

When will I see results?

Is breastfeeding possible following a breast augmentation?

Will my breast and/or nipple sensation change after a breast augmentation?

How popular is breast augmentation?

Are silicone breast implants safe?

Yes, the silicone breast implants we use today are safe. Technological advancements have led to rapid changes in silicone breast implant manufacturing, which has made these implants more stable than ever before. However, this question is understandable considering that in 1992 the FDA removed silicone implants from the market due to concerns related to their safety. Since that time, the ban was lifted because the concerns turned out to be unfounded. Today, the silicone implants Dr. Esmailian uses are FDA-approved as effective and safe.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for breast augmentation?

If you are healthy and you have breasts that look deflated, undeveloped, or uneven, then you are likely a good candidate for a breast augmentation with Dr. Esmailian. In addition, you should understand the benefits, risk factors, and specifics related to recovering from breast implant surgery.

How long does it take for the incisions to heal?

The incisions made during your breast augmentation will close within 48 hours. However, it takes from 4 to 6 weeks for the incisions to heal completely.

How long will it take for the scars to fade after breast implant surgery?

Post-surgical scarring typically depends on the location of the incision and the technique that is used. While each patient’s results vary, scars usually reach their final appearance within 10 to 12 months of the procedure.

Will I be in a lot of pain after surgery?

As with any surgery, you should expect to feel uncomfortable; however, most of Dr. Esmailian’s breast augmentation patients do not require any medications. Prescription painkillers and muscle relaxants will be provided in case of need, as patients’ pain thresholds vary.

When will I be able to return to work?

When you are able to return to work depends on your personal recovery as well as the type of work you do. The majority of Dr. Esmailian’s patients feel well enough to return to work within 3 to 5 days of their surgery. However, Dr. Esmailian prefers that his patients wait 4 weeks before resuming vigorous exercise.

How long before I can exercise?

Patients are allowed to resume full activity when they are 4 weeks out. At that point, all the restrictions are removed. Patients are allowed to go back to the gym or any other exercise routine that they performed prior to their surgery.

Is there any way I can finance my breast augmentation with Dr. Esmailian?

At Dr. Esmailian's office in Orange County, we are dedicated to helping you achieve the cosmetic results you desire. Therefore, we offer a variety of payment options. You can use your Visa, Mastercard, or a Cashier’s Check to pay for your procedure. In addition, at Dr. Esmailian’s Orange County office you can quickly and easily apply for CareCredit and other financing options. Applications are submitted immediately and approval takes several minutes.

Can a breast augmentation in Orange County fix droopy breasts?

Inserting breast implants cannot correct drooping breasts. However, Dr. Esmailian can perform a breast augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift during the same surgical session. This combination procedure can comprehensively improve the appearance of the chest, combating both volume loss and breast ptosis.

Can breast augmentation be combined with any other procedures?

Breast augmentation is a very effective standalone procedure but may also be combined with other treatments for total beautification. Options include a mommy makeover, liposuction, a tummy tuck, and an upper arm lift.

How long is the surgery?

A breast augmentation procedure without a lift generally will take 1 hour. The procedure is performed at an outpatient surgery center. It is done under general anesthesia and will require about 45 minutes in the recovery room before the patient is allowed to go home.

Do I need to replace the implants every 10 years?

This is a very common question, and the short answer is no. If you have saline implants, there is no kind of follow-up needed. If the implant needs to be replaced, you will know. This is because if there is a break or tear in the shell, the saline (saltwater) will leak out of the implant and be absorbed by the body. You will either gradually or suddenly, depending on how big the leak is, see a decrease in the size of your breast.

With silicone implants, if there is a break in the shell, the patient will not know unless an MRI is performed. For this reason, the FDA recommends an MRI 3 years after the initial procedure and then every 2 years after that. The Plastic Surgery Society felt the FDA recommendations were too frequent and could lead to unnecessary surgeries with false-positive tests. They also felt that given the silicone gel rupture rate of 0.8% per year, an MRI should be obtained within 7-10 years from the initial procedure.

What are the potential risks with breast augmentation?

As with all procedures, risks and complications are possible. One of the best ways to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a problem is to choose a highly skilled, board-certified breast enhancement specialist like Dr. Esmailian to perform your procedure. Breast augmentation surgery can be a very fulfilling experience if properly carried out and performed by a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon.

When will I see results?

Although you will be able to see some changes immediately, your true results will not be visible until the inflammation decreases, and the implants settle within their breast pockets. This typically takes about 4 months, sometimes longer.

Is breastfeeding possible following a breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation will not affect your ability to breastfeed; however, women should wait at least 6 months after their procedure to become pregnant. The incision type – periareolar vs. inframammary – usually does not make a difference in a woman’s ability to breastfeed after their treatment.

Will my breast and/or nipple sensation change after a breast augmentation?

The percentage of women who experience a temporary change in nipple sensation is likely less than 5%. In these cases, the complete return of sensation may take up to 1 year. Incision type – periareolar vs. inframammary – does not change the risk of loss of nipple sensation. Large implants, however, do increase the risk of nipple/areola loss of sensation.

How popular is breast augmentation?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, breast augmentation procedures continue to place within the top five most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, with nearly 314,000 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2018. In 88% of these procedures, patients chose silicone breast implants, and the remaining 12 percent chose saline. Over a 20-year period, breast implant surgery has consistently ranked within the top five cosmetic surgery procedures. One of the reasons for this is the surgery’s extremely high satisfaction rate.