Breast Augmentation
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Breast Augmentation
A woman’s relationship with her body is a source of confidence, self-possession, and femininity. Breast augmentation is a way for women to achieve their ideal feminine form, and has become one of Dr. Kim’s most popular cosmetic surgeries. Dr. Kim uses breast implants to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Reasons for breast augmentation are as complex and varied as women themselves: Many women seek breast implants to enhance small breasts that are out of proportion to the rest of their body, or to improve the symmetry of uneven breasts. Other women may simply lose breast volume and shape over time due to the natural stages of life, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight changes.
Candidates
In order to be a good candidate for breast implant surgery, patients should be in good health and not breastfeeding for at least six months. The best candidates for breast implant surgery have fully mature breasts that they consider too small. Some patients simply want to increase fullness and improve shape over the central cleavage without making a drastic change in breast size. Other patients choose implants to repair the loss of breast tissue in the upper or superior part of the breast.
Procedure
Breast augmentation is performed while the patient is under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The most common incisions for breast implant surgery are inframammary (in the breast crease), periareolar (around the nipple) and axillary (armpit). Dr. Kim generally performs most of his breast augmentation surgeries using an inframammary incision because the incision is well hidden, off the breast, and associated with the least number of complications. The breast implants are placed either underneath or above the pectoral chest muscle, depending on the patient’s needs. The location of the implant is determined by factors such as natural breast size and shape, skin quality, and type of implant. Dr. Kim will discuss these factors with you during your consultation, in order to meet each patient’s individual needs and desires.
Recovery
Breast augmentation has a short recovery time. Within three to seven days, patients can return to light activity or work which requires little physical activity. Most patients are able to resume exercise within two weeks. Within six weeks, patients can return to exercise using arms and chest muscles and an active, uninhibited lifestyle.
Which Implant is Right For Me?
A woman seeking breast augmentation may find herself overwhelmed by the many types of breast implants available to her. She may find herself asking questions: What are the differences between saline and silicone implants? Which implants are best for me? Dr. Kim is experienced with all types of breast implants and will answer any questions you might have. During your consultation, he will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant, so that you can make an informed decision on the implant best suited to your needs.
SILICONE
SALINE
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with a saltwater intravenous fluid. They are frequently used in breast augmentation surgery and have been available for decades. The advantages of saline implants include a smaller incision when placing the implant and no need for long-term follow up or medical monitoring. When saline implants leak, the sterile salt water is absorbed by the body. A leak in a saline implant will be obvious to the patient, as the affected breast will become smaller over a few days, so she will know to have her implants reevaluated by Dr. Kim. The disadvantages of saline implants include a firmer feel and increased rippling.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are very popular implants for cosmetic breast augmentation, and there are many types available. The most common types of silicone implants used in cosmetic breast surgery are smooth, round implants. The type of silicone gel within your implant can vary in consistency, based on the patient’s needs and preferences. Each type of silicone gel has advantages and disadvantages, which Dr. Kim will discuss with you. Traditional silicone implants have a thinner, softer gel while cohesive gel implants, commonly known as gummy bear implants, contain a more stable silicone. Gummy bear implants are firmer than traditional silicone gel implants, and this firmness allows for less rippling. Some gummy bear implants are round, while others are teardrop-shaped to give the breast a more natural appearance. However, some women find that the teardrop-shaped implants provide less cleavage and upper fullness than is desired. In addition, shaped implants require texturing on the surface of the implant that does not allow them to move inside the breast pocket as much as smooth implants.
Frequently asked questions
If you have small or uneven breasts, have mild or minimal breast drooping, and want to improve your body proportions then you may be a great candidate!
Breast implants should not affect your ability to breastfeed. Research has shown that neither size nor location of the implant or incision will influence or inhibit nursing success.
Patients may require pain medication for a few days after the surgery. Most patients can resume driving and sedentary work at one week.
Patients can resume lower body exercise at two weeks after surgery, and can return to unrestricted upper body exercises at six weeks.
Implants increase in volume and size as the number of cc’s increases. However, cup size does not correlate with a certain number of cc’s. Implant size is decided according to a patient’s anatomy, quantity of existing breast tissue, and unique aesthetic goals.
"Since I could remember I have always wanted bigger boobs. I just never developed anything. I finally made my decision to get my breast augmentation. I'm very excited to see some cleavage. Dr. Kim did an amazing job!"
27 year old, NY
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for a Breast Augmentation
To schedule a private consultation with Dr. CS Kim please call the office or request an appointment online. We welcome your visit.