Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants) in San Diego, California
Is Breast Augmentation Right For You?
Breast augmentation not only enlarges the size of breasts, but also gives many women the body contours that are traditionally identified as "feminine." This procedure improves appearance and enhances self-confidence.
Breast Augmentation Photos
These breast augmentation photos were taken of patients in San Diego who received breast enlargement at Changes Plastic Surgery. Please visit our complete photo gallery of breast augmentations in San Diego.
BEFORE
AFTER
Breast implants consist of a silicone elastomer (rubber) shell filled with either a silicone gel (silicone implant) or a saline solution (salt water). In November 2006, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved the release of silicone implants for use in breast augmentation. The safety of these devices has now been established in well documented studies.
Breast Implants - Your Options
Most saline-filled breast implants share some standard features, like a silicone rubber shell and a valve for filling with saline solution. However, to better meet each individual woman’s needs, breast implants come in varying shapes and sizes. Some implants are round, and some are anatomical (tear-drop shaped). The look and contour you prefer will determine the best shape of your implant.
Anatomical implants are more likely to give you a gentle slope, similar to the shape of a natural breast. These implants tend to provide more lower breast fullness.
Round implants are more likely to give you a round curve in the upper part of your breasts.
Breast Implant Size
Many women tend to think of their breasts in terms of bra cup size. For instance, if you're a 34 A now, you may know you would like to be about a 34 C after your augmentation. At the same time, you have concerns about breast shape and proportions that bra cup size alone can't describe. You may prefer a certain amount of cleavage, or more of an "hourglass" figure. Discuss your personal preferences with your surgeon, so that he can take them into account when choosing the right implant and shape for you.
Dimensions like breast width, height, and projection describe breast shape, and may help both you and your surgeon think more specifically about the individual results that you want. For this reason, implant size can also be chosen based on dimensions.
An implant will add volume to your total breast tissue. For this reason, the larger you want your cup size to be, the larger the volume (measured in "cc’s") of the implant your surgeon will consider. However cup size may not be your only consideration.
Breast width is an especially important dimension, because it determines how much cleavage there is between your breasts. Breast width also affects the outside curve of your breasts, which you may want to increase to better balance your hips.
Facility Options
Breast augmentation is generally done on an outpatient basis in our adjacent surgical center. The surgery itself usually takes between one and two hours.
The Changes surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons, and the procedures are performed in the Del Mar Surgery Center, a state licensed and Medicare certified surgical center, along with skilled anesthesiologists. These credentials help ensure the highest standards of care and your utmost safety.
Procedure Description
The breast implant is placed either under your breast tissue (subglandular position) or under your pectoralis muscle (submuscular position), which is the major muscle that lies beneath the breast.
Saline implants are usually inserted empty, and then filled once in place. One advantage to this type of implant is that it can usually be placed through a small incision.
The incision is made as inconspicuously as possible, either in the breast fold, under the arm, or around the nipple.
Our surgeon will explain more about each type of incision and placement options and help you decide which are best for you.
Potential Complications
Undergoing any invasive surgical procedure means running the risk of complications like the effects of anesthesia, infection, swelling, bleeding, pain, and delayed healing. In addition, there are potential complications specific to breast implants.
These complications may include:
- Deflation of the implant
- Interference with mammography
- Contraction of the scar tissue capsule around the implant (capsular contracture)
- Replacement or revision surgeries
- Calcium deposits in the tissue capsule around the implant
- Changes in nipple and breast sensation
- Shifting of the implant
Separate concerns have been raised about the unknown risk of breast implants and cancer. There is no scientific evidence that women with silicone or saline breast implants are more susceptible to cancer than other women.
Recovery
You'll probably feel somewhat tired and sore for several days following the operation, and your breasts may remain swollen and sensitive to physical contact for as long as a month. You may also experience a feeling of tightness in the breast area as your skin adjusts to your new breast size. These effects are temporary, however until your breast tissue and muscle adjusts.
If the implant is placed submuscularly, you may feel more discomfort for several days longer than if it is placed in the subglandular position. You may also have difficulty raising your arms above your head until you heal, and your surgeon may direct you to restrict your arm motion. Postoperative care is quite simple, usually involving use of a postoperative bra or a sport’s bra for extra support and positioning while you heal.
At your surgeon’s recommendation, you will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, although you should avoid any strenuous activities that could raise your pulse and blood pressure for a week or two.
Your surgeon will tell you more about the general recovery process, and may have other specific recommendations based on your individual case.
Your New Look
Studies show that most patients are very highly satisfied with their results. By clearly explaining your desired shape and preferred look, you and your surgeon can best determine how breast augmentation can help you look and feel your best.
Go to our breast augmentation photo gallery.
Patient Testimonials
"I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing my surgery and for doing such a great job! I honestly have to tell you that I was at the end of my rope. I was real glad that an opening came up and I had my surgery when I did. I truly did not believe I could last another day. I will forever be grateful for you, your expertise in this area and for your sensitivity to women who get sick with silicone. It does happen although most doctors do not recognize it. I’d also like to thank your staff for their help, their support, for listening to me and for accommodating me in your schedule sooner. I really needed that! Dr. Lee, Please continue doing the great job that you do! I have not enough words to thank you!
-Sincerely, Patricia"
"I don’t know if you remember me or not, I know you have a lot of patients, but you did breast implants for me, a face peel on my Mum, and lots of work on my Aunt. Anyway, it has been almost two years since my surgery, and I still couldn’t be happier. I watch that show Dr. 90210 and I see all the horror stories, and I am just so thankful for you and what a wonderful doctor you were to work with. So thank you again for making a difference in my life. You are the best and I have referred all my friends to you. -Sincerely, Samantha"