Breast augmentation is credited with having improved self-regard and sex appeal for thousands of women. Patients who have undergone breast augmentation report that they feel more feminine, more confident and more attractive. Our team of highly trained surgeons help patients achieve their desired breast profile and help them understand their cosmetic options. We put emphasis on patient safety while meeting their cosmetic needs without compromising on costs and guaranteed results. Each of our medical staff is very dedicated in helping you throughout the entire procedure until you achieve your goals.

The procedure is appropriate for women from all walks of life who are able to meet the basic requirements. In general, ideal candidates for breast augmentation are:

• Women at least 18 years old

• Those with no history of bleeding or clotting disorders, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other medical conditions that may affect the outcome of the procedure.

• Those who have realistic and positive expectations about the procedure.

• Those who seek to improve their underdeveloped or small breasts

• Non-smoker (if a smoker, you are willing to stop few weeks before the procedure and during your recovery period)

• Those who had their breasts removed surgically and want to restore breast volume.

To best prepare breast augmentation patients, they should be aware of the potential risks associated with the procedure. They should consult with one of our board certified plastic surgeons regarding desired breast size and recommended steps to having a successful operation. Certain medical conditions can impact one’s ability to obtain breast implant and may affect the outcome of the surgery. For instance, the procedure is not suitable for those with an immune disorder or who have cancer. Having breast implants surgery is not appropriate for someone who is being pressured to change their appearance. Instead they should do it to make them happy and not to satisfy someone else’s desires.

Our surgeons will provide before and after photos that demonstrate the remarkable difference that breast implants can make for our patients. Your plastic surgeon will assess, measure and photograph your breasts for your medical record. There are things that your plastic surgeon needs to consider:

• Desired breast size and shape

• If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may be performed together with breast augmentation

• Skin quality

• The amount of your breast tissue.

• The current size and shape of your breasts.

• The placement of your nipples and areolas.

If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight or to get pregnant in the future, discuss this with your surgeon as these factors can alter the results of the procedure in the long run.

One of the most important things to consider when preparing for the procedure, is choosing the right implants. There are two basic shapes of implants: round and teardrop. Round implants provide fuller cleavage, however teardrop implants appear more natural and realistic/ Teardrop implants are textured, thus preventing rotation or slippage after the surgery. Breast implants have two types of fill: silicone or saline. Silicone implants are filled prior to the surgery and may require a larger incision. Saline-filled implants can be smooth or textured, round or teardrop-shaped. Our surgeons will guide you in this process until you came up with the right size, shape, and fill material of the breast implant.

Several important factors may influence the outcome of the procedure. These factors should be well discussed during the initial consultation. It is important to keep in mind that the procedure is not a one-time surgery as patients may need to have additional surgery in the future such as a breast lift or removal of the implants.

After you have signed a written consent, the procedure will now commence. A certified anesthesiologist will put you to sleep using general anesthesia. The surgeon will now start to create an incision for the implants. It can either be done on the armpit, areola, navel or the natural crease of the breast. The chosen implant will now be placed either under the chest muscles (submuscular placement) or above the chest muscles (subglandular placement). After proper placement is verified by your surgeon, the surgical wound will be now closed using absorbable sutures. A surgical drain and sterile dressings will be placed and you will be brought to the recovery room for observation.

In general, costs depend on the following factors:

• Anesthesia used

• Hospital facility

• Preoperative and postoperative medications

• Surgeon’s fee (highly experienced surgeons charge more)

• Type of implant used

Health insurances like Medicare will not cover any cost of the procedure. Be sure to discuss this with your health insurance agency and review their policy regarding cosmetic procedures.