Frequently Asked Questions

Where do they place the implants?

The implants can be placed either partially under the pectoralis major muscle, also referred to as submuscular breast augmentation or over the muscle and under the breast glands also referred to as subglandular breast augmentation. These choices are based on several factors such as current size of your breasts, and the ability to adequately cover the breast implant. The recovery process varies largely on choice for placement also.

By inserting an implant behind each breast, Dr. Karlin is able to increase a woman's breast size, by one or more bra cup sizes. If you're considering breast augmentation, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure.

Implants used in a breast augmentation are either saline or silicone filled. Both types of implants come in a variety of sizes and projection to give you the desired result.

What is the texture of the implants?

The implant shell may be either smooth or textured

What is the shape of the implant?

The implant may have a round profile or one that is anatomic (teardrop or tapered shape)

What is the profile of the implant?

The implant may have a low, medium or high projection (the depth of the implant from the base to the highest point of the implant curve)

Diameter: the width of the implant measured across it's base (the side of the implant that will be positioned over the chest wall)

What Types Of Incisions Are Made?

The choice includes four different options:

Periareolar which extends along the bottom half of the colored areola and is the most camouflaged of all the incisions.

Inframammary this incision is one to two inches long and made in the fold in the shadow under the breast.

Transaxillary or armpit incision is placed in the natural folds of skin under the arm.

Transumbilical breast augmentation or TUBA, incision is made at the rim of the belly button and with the use of an endoscope the implant is channeled through the subcutaneous fat beneath the skin to the tissue behind the breast.

What Happens At My Consultation?

At your complimentary consultation you will be introduced to our Plastic Surgery Nurse or Patient Coordinator and she will explain the different breast augmentation options for you in detail. She will also take a complete medical history in order to evaluate your general health. Cosmetic surgery is an elective surgery and Dr. Karlin wants to ensure that you are in the best health to undergo anesthesia and the recovery process of such surgery. Dr. Karlin requires a complete history and physical performed by your family physician that includes lab tests to ensure that you are medically cleared to undergo anesthesia and the breast augmentation surgery.

Pre-operatively

You will meet with Dr. Karlin to discuss your many options for Breast Augmentation; he will perform a thorough exam and measurements to determine his recommendations for placement, size, and incision site. He will discuss at length the possible risks and complications associated with Breast Augmentation. Dr. Karlin will also have recommendations for your diet and general health prior to having surgery and this will include the elimination of certain drugs, and/or anti-inflammatory medications to minimize the possibility of excessive bleeding or bruising. You will be started on a four-week regimen of vitamins, amino acids and homeopathic medications that begin two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after surgery.

What Happens On Surgery Day?

On the day of surgery Dr. Karlin will perform the breast augmentation surgery in an outpatient surgery center usually under general anesthesia. The procedure generally lasts one to two hours and you will go home the same day. You will require a responsible adult to drive you to and from the surgery center and stay with you the first 24 hours.

What Happens After The Surgery?

Postoperatively you will go home with a surgical bra and tightly wrapped ace bandage to help prevent bleeding in the immediate post-op period. You will be given two surgical bras and wear only one of these for a month to ensure proper healing of placement of the implants. You will be discharged from the outpatient surgery center and it is recommended that you rest and apply cold compresses for the first 24 hours. You will be seen by Dr. Karlin the following day to remove the compression ace wrap and carefully examined for any post-op complications. You can gradually resume normal activities over the next two weeks but driving, excessive use of arms and any lifting is prohibited for the first week after surgery. Most patients feel some slight discomfort which is relieved by prescribed pain medications and cold compresses. Sutures are removed in a week and you may be instructed to massage the implants.

How is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?

Based on your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Karlin will place small incisions in one of the several different potential access sites , (areolar border, breast crease, belly button or ampit). Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Working through the incision, Dr. Karlin will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples. After checking for symmetry, fine sutures will be used to close the incision and you will be placed into a supportive bra to begin your recovery. Breast augmentation typically takes 90 minutes to perform.

What are the risks of having Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Any surgical procedure involves the risk of complications such as the effects of anesthesia, infection, bleeding, swelling and pain. There are other risks associated with the implants themselves such as scarring and leakage. These and other complications rarely occur. Thousands of women undergo breast augmentation successfully every year and are very satisfied with their outcome. Dr. Karlin will thoroughly discuss the risks with you during your consultation.

How long is the recovery period?

Most of Dr. Karlin’s patients return to light activity work in 4 days, and more strenuous activity by 10 days. Each person varies, but we have found these general rules apply.

How long does breast augmentation surgery take?

Breast augmentation surgery takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. This time can vary from patient to patient and sometimes even varies based on the breast incision location (TUBA, umbilicus, areola, axilla - armpit, inframammary fold,), type of breast implant, and bleeding that may occur during the surgery.

Will I need to stay in a hospital overnight after my breast augmentation?

No, breast augmentation surgery is usually an outpatient (same day surgery) procedure. There are some cases in which breast augmentation is paired with liposuction or an Abdominoplasty in which overnight care may be necessary. In most cases overnight hospitalization isn’t necessary.

How long will I be out of work after my breast surgery?

Most patient need about 1 week away from work, if your job entails heavy lifting you may need to take more time off or restrict your activities. Most patients are able to resume daily activities with care within 1-2 weeks post operatively.

How long until I can wear an underwire bra after my breast augmentation?

You will need to wear the sports bra or compression bra for one month after your breast augmentation. There are other garments that can be purchased to help shape the breast in this continual healing process in addition to the sports bra or compression bra. You may wear an underwire bra one month after surgery.

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