Breast Augmentation

In the United States in 2006, 329,000 women had breast augmentation, according to a 2007 report from The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Technically know as augmentation mammoplasty, this procedure enhances the size and shape of breasts.

One woman may think that her breasts are too small. Another wants reconstruction following breast cancer. Dr. Aguilar does many breast enlargement surgeries every year, and in most cases, people want to increase their bust by one or more bra sizes.

WHAT TYPES OF IMPLANTS ARE USED?
There are many kinds of breast implants, from anatomic or round to textured or smooth. Primarily, Dr. Aguilar uses two types of saline and silicone-filled implants -- Inamed and Mentor. Most women choose implants in the range of 330-400 cc.

HOW DOES DR. AGUILAR DECIDE ON IMPLANT SIZE?
He will discuss this matter with you because it's your choice. Be prepared to share with him your thoughts on cup size or the particular breast "look" you want. Some patients even bring in photos clipped from magazines that show breasts the size they would like to have. Others simply ask for a specific cup size.

WHAT ABOUT COMPLICATIONS?
Breast augmentation is widely considered a very straightforward operation, but you must bear in mind that all surgical procedures have the possibility of risks and complications. A problem called capsular contracture can occur if the scar around the implant starts to tighten and the breast feels hard. Dr. Aguilar treats capsule contracture by removing the implants or "scoring" the scar tissue.

IS NUMBNESS OFTEN A PROBLEM?
Numbness in and around the nipples can be a temporary problem. However, in some cases, it is permanent.

CAN I BREASTFEED?
Breast implants shouldn't affect your ability to nurse a baby, nor should your future fertility be affected.

WHAT IF MY IMPLANTS DEFLATE OR BREAK?
Sometimes, breast implants break when you are injured--or even as a result of normal compression. If a saline-filled implant leaks, it will deflate and the saltwater will be absorbed. A deflated implant can be replaced with a new one.

WHERE ARE INCISIONS MADE?
Dr. Aguilar can make your incision in the crease under the breast, under the arm, or in the areola (dark skin around the nipple). Scars are very inconspicuous. Through this incision, Dr. Aguilar lifts tissue and skin to create a pocket either behind the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle.

WHAT KIND OF ANESTHESIA AND OPERATING ROOM ARE USED?
Dr. Aguilar's anesthesiologist will use a general anesthesia combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You can have your surgery done in Dr. Aguilar's surgical facility in his office. Be sure to follow pre-op instructions regarding food and beverages, smoking, and medications. You will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER SURGERY?
Dr. Aguilar will use stitches to close the incisions, and you will be bandaged. When the anesthesia wears off, you will feel tired and sore. Use pain medications the first 24 to 48 hours to handle discomfort. In a few days, Dr. Aguilar will remove the dressings.

WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO WORK AND RESUME WORKOUTS?
Most patients return to work a few days after breast enlargement surgery, although it may take several weeks for all of the swelling to subside. Your breasts will immediately look fuller. Scars will fade in time. Avoid direct physical contact for a few weeks. Dr. Aguilar will tell you when you can resume workouts. In most cases, patients can workout in about 3 - 4 weeks after surgery.

WHAT ABOUT MAMMOGRAMS?
Follow your gynecologist's guidelines on mammograms. Inform the tech that you have implants, and she will take extra views for a thorough screening.

HOW DOES PAYMENT WORK?
You pay a down payment of half the cost of surgery when you schedule your surgery. The other half is due at your pre-operative appointment.