Dr. Ivan Thomas, MD, FACS
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Breast Augmentation

Society today regards the well developed female breast as the most significant symbol of femininity. To have normal size breast and to be able to wear normal clothing without the use of padded bras is highly desirable for most women. Small breast are usually either developmental or do to tissue lost and deflation following pregnancy and excessive weight loss.
Augmentation Mammaplasty, more commonly know asbreast augmentation, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size, shape or contour of a woman's breasts. This may be for enlargement, size balancing or reshaping. Implant size for any patient is decided based on the patient's aesthetic goals in conjunction with accurate measurements of the chest and breast parameters, as well as assessment of skin and breast tissue quality. Patient's can choose either saline filled or silicone implants. My policy is to discuss the pros and cons of both types of implants so that the patient can chose the most appropriate one for herself. I prefer the periareolar submuscular technique; because I believe the results are more natural both in feel and shape. In addition, the periareolar incision allows maximum accuracy for the placement of the implants compared to other approaches, thus creating the best possible shape with scars that are rarely visible.

Another advantage of placing implants under the chest muscles is the significantly lesser chance of capsular contracture, which can result in hardening of the breasts. In addition, the chest muscle acts as a barrier between the implants and breast tissues allowing more accurate reading of mammography x-rays by radiologists.

The ages of patients who undergo this procedure range from 18 to over 60 years old. Since naturally the size, shape and symmetry of breasts vary from person to person, I utilize my surgical judgment and experience to personalize each patient's surgery. This may include certain modifications such as lifting, repositioning, or using two different size implants. Breasts with a narrow base and tubular shape will require additional modifications to the surgical procedure to obtain the best possible and most natural looking result. For additional information on Tubular Breasts, please refer to the featured article on our website.

Pregnancy, weight loss or aging often results in sagginess, which cannot be corrected by breast implants alone. In very mild cases of sagging, breast implants are capable of filling the extra skin and therefore correcting the sag. In severe cases, a breast lift operation is necessary. Since breast lift procedures may result in scars which can be objectionable, patients with moderate sagging will benefit from my own unique breast lifting procedure which I perform during breast implantation using the same small incision with no additional scars. The procedure, which I call Internal Mastopexy, lifts the breasts and repositions the nipples to a higher and more natural position. Therefore, women with mild to moderate sagging do not need to undergo the conventional mastopexy during augmentation and accept the risk of possible scarring. For additional information regarding the Internal Mastopexy operation please refer to our website article.

Breast Augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. The recovery time is 7 to 10 days. Since all suturing is under the skin, patients do not have to worry about suture removal. Heavy lifting and upper body exercises are discouraged during the first 6 weeks. A tight fitting sport bra should be worn for the first few weeks after which it can be switched to a support bra. Post operative discomfort lasts just a few days and is adequately controlled with prescribed pain medication.

Click Here for Before and After Photos of Breast Augmentation


Procedures
Face
Nose Surgery
Exoderm Peel & Lift
Face Lift
Eyelids
Ears
Botox / Filler Injection


Body
Tummy Tuck
Body Sculpting
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Arm Lift
Labiaplasty

Breast
Breast Augmentation
Breast Lift
Breast Reduction
Nipple Size Reduction / Inverted Nipple Correction

 

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