Breast Augmentation Overview
Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a "breast aug" or "boob job" by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of your breasts. Breast augmentation is also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty. When fat from another part of the patient's body is used to create improved breast volume, the procedure is referred to as fat transfer breast augmentation. This procedure can also restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, achieve a more rounded breast shape, or improve natural breast size asymmetry. Breast implants may also be used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or injury. Dr. Michael K. Kim uses the most state-of-the-art implants and techniques to enhance and complement each patient’s overall figure.
Types of Breast Augmentation
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse, and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.
Structured implants are filled with sterile salt water, and contain an inner structure which aims to make the implant feel more natural.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse.
If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants. Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Form-stable implants are sometimes referred to as gummy bear breast implants because they maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken.
The consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. These implants are also firmer than traditional implants.
Shaped gummy bear breast implants have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. If a shaped implant rotates, it may lead to an unusual appearance of the breast that requires a separate procedure to correct. Placement of gummy bear implants requires a slightly longer incision in the skin.
Breast Augmentation Differences
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Dr. Michael K. Kim tailors his results to deliver as natural a result as possible, therefore there are many considerations and decisions to make when considering breast implant surgery. The type of look you desire, the type of implant to use, its size and shape as well as the location of your surgical incision, pocket location and placement. It is important that these choices are determined on a patient-by-patient basis and Dr. Kim can guide you and facilitate this so that your choice results in exactly the appearance you are looking for.
There has been a trend towards smaller more natural implants over the years. The consultation with Dr. Michael K. Kim will discuss all these considerations.
Prior to surgery, during your breast augmentation consultation, be prepared to discuss:
- Why you want breast augmentation surgery, your expectations and the desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and previous medical treatments
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
- Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies
- Evaluation of your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Examination and detailed measurements of the size and shape of your breasts, and the skin quality and placement of your nipples and areolas
- Discuss likely outcomes of breast augmentation and any risks or potential complications
Breast augmentation takes about one hour and is performed as an outpatient under light general anesthesia. Dr. Kim prefers no paralysis during anesthesia to keep the operation short and safe. He performs the procedure in an AAAHC outpatient surgical center.
Silicone-filled implants are most commonly used in Dr. Kim’s practice. They feel softer and more natural. Implants can be placed through incisions made either under the breast just above the crease, around the lower edge of the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) or through an incision in the armpit (saline only).
Once the incision is made, Dr. Kim creates a pocket into which the implant will be inserted, usually under the muscle. The pocket is made directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall. The implants are inserted, centered and the incisions are closed.
Breast Augmentation Options
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast implant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is usually a one hour or less outpatient procedure. There is minimal pain after the procedure and this is controlled with simple analgesia.
During your breast augmentation recovery, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings and an elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. Immediately after surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area for close monitoring. You may be permitted to go home when you are stable for discharge, typically after an hour or so.
Before leaving, you will be given specific postoperative instructions for your breast implant recovery and a follow-up appointment with Dr. Michael K. Kim. Most people can return to a level of daily duties the next day but this can vary on an individual basis so when planning for this surgery we would suggest you plan to have:
- A few days off work for office-based jobs
- Bruising and swelling will disappear gradually. Any discomfort can be controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon.
- Sutures are usually under the skin and do not have to be removed. Scars are minimal and fade gradually over time.
- A sports bra is generally worn around the clock, post operatively for about a month. The implants gradually drop into position within 3 months.
- No Exercise or working out for 4 weeks.
Before & After Breast Augmentation
Breast Procedures
Dr. Michael K. Kim
Dr. Michael K. Kim is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years in practice and 10 years of additonal extensive specialized surgical training. Dr. Michael K. Kim has the experience, training, and accreditation you should seek when choosing a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.
