Breast augmentation is the one of most common and desired plastic surgery procedures today. Also known as breast enhancement or getting a ‘boob job,’ breast augmentation surgery is available to consenting, healthy adults longing for an improvement in their bodies and figures.

While most patients opt to get some type of breast implants during breast augmentation surgeries, the development of fat grafting techniques (retrieving fat from one part of the body and moving it to the breasts) has given women an alternative method when it comes to a desire to increase breast size. In general, fat grafting involves more surgery (the addition of liposuction in order to retrieve the fat), is more expensive, and yields smaller gains and benefits after complete healing. For these reasons, the use of silicone implants is still considered the ‘Gold Standard’ in breast augmentation surgery.

The Philosophy of Rapid Recovery

Every patient undergoing breast augmentation wants to experience the greatest benefits from surgery with the shortest amount of time spent recovering from the procedure. Over the last 15 years, advances in technology and surgical technique have given plastic surgeons great insight into the best methods of producing these desired results. In his Beverly Hills plastic surgery office, Dr. Minniti is proud to utilize the latest in plastic surgery technique and scientific findings to provide his patients with the Rapid Recovery philosophy. By approaching plastic surgery procedures with the Rapid Recovery Philosophy, Dr. Minniti tries to provide breast augmentation procedures that combine the most sought-after results with possibly the lowest risk of complications and re-operation.

The Rapid Recovery philosophy takes into account every phase of breast augmentation surgery. It includes:

• Performing detailed patient education and generating informed consent
• Taking accurate and detailed measurement’s of the patients breasts and general anatomy
• Matching patients with the best implants based on their unique desires and measurements
• Making incisions along patients’ natural and existing skin creases below the breasts
• A ‘no touch’ method of implant delivery without the prior use of sizers
• Careful closure

After surgery, the patient may not need narcotic pain medication and may not need tight or painful wraps or bands (only a snug bra). While full recovery from plastic surgery and breast augmentation can take a longer amount of time, utilizing Rapid Recovery methods may possibly allow most patients to return to normal daily activities within 48 hours.

Breast Implant Types

Choosing the best type of breast is an importance decision for any patient undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Today, American patients have more choices in breast implants than in any other time in history. Most patients choose some variation of the silicone gel filled implant that is made by one of the three major manufacturers: Mentor, Natrelle, or Sientra. Additionally, there is a new silicone gel filled device available: the highly cohesive, form stable silicone gel implants that has acquired the name ‘gummy bear breast implants’. While many plastic surgeons have not yet recognized its amazing benefits, are showing promise to be the implant with the least risk of complications overall.

Incisions

There are four potential incisions:

• Inframammary
• Peri-Areolar
• Axillary or Armpit
• Umbilical

Inframammary Incision

The traditional incision is an inframammary incision, which means an incision is made along the natural crease of the skin created underneath the breast.  Despite having a negative reputation in some parts of the West, its cosmetic result can be excellent and it is Dr. Minniti’s preferred incision as well as the most common incision used worldwide.

Peri-Areolar Incision

The peri-areolar incision is most popular procedure for breast augmentation in the West. It has enjoyed a positive reputation of being a superior incision based on its cosmetic results. However, based on Dr. Minniti’s vast experience involving evaluating thousands of breast augmentation patients, there tends to be a tendency for complications, including:

• Scar spread
• Discoloration
• Tethering

Further, advances in scientific research have showed that this method of breast augmentation puts patents at a high risk of experiencing capsular contracture, or a hardening of the breast due to scar tissue formation. Capsular contracture is the most common complications of breast augmentation surgeries.

Axillary (Armpit) Incision

The axillary incision (or ‘armpit incision’) is another viable method for those seeking breast augmentation. Some patients desire this remote location for a scar, while others would never want a scar there. In general, when placed correctly, this scar can end up looking like a natural crease in the armpit and can be unnoticeable.

Umbilical Incision

The umbilical incision involves entering the body through the belly button and can leave little-if-any detectable scar. However, this particular plastic surgery procedure has not gained any sort of widespread popularity as numerous complications often occur, and it can only be performed with saline implants. As a result of its limitations and frequent complications, most thoughtful surgeons, including Dr. Minniti, have abandoned this procedure.

Implant Position

Implants can be positioned in three places:

• Above the pectoralis muscle
• Above the muscle but below the outer fascia of the muscle
• Below the pectoralis muscle.

Most data indicate better implant coverage with a lower risk of capsular contracture when the implant is placed below the pectoralis muscle. The one potential complication with sub-pectoral placement is implant movement and/or implant deformity with muscular contraction.*

*Individual results may vary

Preparation For Surgery

During your preoperative visit, a list of medications and supplements will be provided that detail what should not be taken within a two week period prior to surgery. Other than that, eating and sleeping well prior to surgery will help optimize your body. Smoking and drinking within a two week period prior to surgery is not advisable and puts you at substantial risk for complications.

Recovery

You may awake in recovery with minimal pressure and stiffness. You may be able to have a bra on which fits you in a gentle snug fashion. Once home, you may take a Motrin and begin passive stretching exercises to relax your muscles every hour during the first day. Many people can feel well enough to go out to dinner the first night. we ask that you follow up in my office the next day for a quick check, and then again the following week. Showering is permissible the day after surgery. You can possibly feel comfortable resuming all normal daily activities within 72 hours, including driving.

Tape will be applied to your incisions, which can possibly be changed one week after surgery. It is important to keep incisions covered with paper tape for the first 6 weeks for scar management. Some may also use silicone tape for added benefit.

Over the next few weeks, exercise may possibly be incorporated back into your daily activities. Full recovery should not be expected for possibly 3 months.

See Dr. Minniti's Before & After Breast Augmentation Photos Here

Contact Us to discuss your plans for a Breast Augmentation.