Breast Augmentation in Jacksonville, Florida
Gummy Bear, Gel and Saline Breast Implants
Understanding Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance and adjust the size, shape and symmetry of a woman’s breasts for a number of reasons:
- To enhance the body contour of a woman who feels her breast size is too large or too small.
- To replace breast volume after pregnancy.
- To balance or create symmetry in breasts that are different in size or shape.
- To reconstruct breast(s).
Generally speaking, patients will consult with Dr. Csikai about how they feel about their breasts and their goals. Based on the patient and their goals, Dr. Csikai will suggest a type of implant that will achieve those goals. During the initial consultation, Dr. Csikai will address all concerns and questions about the breast augmentation procedure and a surgery date is scheduled. The breast augmentation procedure is usually a two hour procedure and patients are generally up and about with limited activity with a day or two and can return to work after within two to three days. Recover is most often fully complete in three to four weeks.
If you’re considering breast augmentation in Jacksonville, the following offers more detailed information. It is important to remember that we are all different and your physical size, weight and shape must all be considered. Thank you for visiting us online and we hope the following information is helpful. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call us at (904) 730-5052 or use our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
The Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, however, it is a cosmetic alteration to the body you were born with and should be carefully considered.
The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are interested in improving their appearance. Most anyone who is physically healthy and who has realistic goals and expectations is a good candidate for breast augmentation.
Types of Breast Implants
Depending on your goals, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of different types of breast implants. A breast implant is comprised of a silicone shell filled with either silicone shaped gel, (Gummy Bear Breast Implants) liquid gel or a salt water solution known as saline. These variations are also available with a smooth surface which tends to produce a more natural appearance, or a textured surface which helps implants that are positioned “above the muscle” to be less likely to move or reposition.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
Breast augmentation procedures are relatively straightforward. But as with any surgery, there are associated risks and specific possible complications associated with a breast augmentation procedure.
The most common problem side affect patients experience is capsular contracture. This condition occurs if the scar tissue or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires either removal or “scoring” of the scar tissue, or perhaps replacement of the implant.
Some women report that their nipples become more sensitive while others report reduced nipple sensitivity, or even numbness. You may also notice small patches of numbness near your incisions. These symptoms usually disappear over time time, but can be permanent in some patients.
Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of your breast and implant, causing the shell to rupture and leak. If a saline, (salt water solution) implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water will be harmlessly absorbed by the body.
If a break occurs in a gel-filled breast implant, however, one of two things may occur. If the shell breaks but the scar capsule around the implant does not, you may not detect any change. If the scar also breaks or tears, especially following extreme pressure, silicone gel may move into surrounding tissue. The gel may collect in the breast and cause a new scar to form around it, or it may migrate to another area of the body. There may be a change in the shape or firmness of the breast. Both types of breaks usually require a second operation to remove or replace the leaking implant. In some cases, it may not be possible to remove all of the silicone gel in the breast tissue if a rupture should occur.
While there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer, they may change the way mammography is done to detect cancer. When you request a routine mammogram, be sure to go to a radiology center where technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get a reliable x-ray of a breast with an implant. Additional views will be required. Ultrasound examinations may be of benefit in some women with implants to detect breast lumps or to evaluate the implant.
The vast majority of women who have breast implants do not experience any of these complications. However, if you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with Dr. Csikai during your initial consultation.
Planning your Breast Augmentation Surgery
In your initial consultation, Dr. Csikai will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you based on your goals and anatomy.
Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with Dr. Csikai. He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. You may want to ask Dr. Csikai for a copy of the manufacturer’s insert that comes with the implant he will use – just so you are fully informed about the implants. And, be sure to tell Dr. Csikai if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Dr. Csikai will also explain the type of anesthesia to be used, and the costs involved. Because most insurance companies do not consider breast augmentation to be medically necessary, carriers generally do not cover the cost of breast augmentation.
Preparing for your Breast Augmentation Surgery
Dr. Csikai will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your breast augmentation surgery and to help you out for a few days after your surgery.
Where your Breast Augmentation Surgery Will Be Performed
Dr. Csikai performs most breast augmentation procedures at the on-site surgery center at First Coast Plastic Surgery; a state licensed ambulatory surgical center. Occasionally, may undergo surgery as an inpatient, in a hospital. Dr. Csikai will advise you of the best option for your surgery during your consultation.
Types of Anesthesia used for Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation can be performed with a general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep through the entire operation. Dr. Csikai may use a local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy, so you’ll be relaxed but awake, and may feel some discomfort.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and Dr Csikai’s recommendations. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest. This type of incision is referred to as a “Fold Incision”. Another type of incision is the “Areolar Incision”. This incision is made in the center of the breast along the change in skin tone where the Areolar meets the breast tissue tone. This incision location helps hide incision scaring. 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. Csikai 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 breast implants are then centered beneath your nipples and positioned to assure symmetry and balance.
Optionally, your implants can be placed behind your chest muscles commonly referred to as “Under the Muscles”. This placement may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. Drainage tubes may also be used for several days following the surgery if your implants are placed under the muscles. Placement under the muscles may also interfere less with breast examination and mammogram compared to implants is placed “Above the Muscles”, directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle is of course more invasive and thus require more medications for comfort and more recovery time. Be sure to discuss these alternatives with Dr. Csikai before your implant surgery.
The typical implant surgery takes about two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing.
After your Breast Augmentation Surgery
You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by Dr. Csikai.
Within several days, the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed, and you may be prescribed a surgical bra. You should wear it as directed by your surgeon. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades.
Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.
Getting Back to Normal After your Breast Augmentation Surgery
You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.
Follow Dr. Csikai’s advice strictly about when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid most physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.
Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.
Your New Appearance
For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their new fuller appearance.
Regular examination by Dr. Csikai and routine mammograms for those in the appropriate age groups at prescribed intervals will help assure that any complications, if they occur, can be detected early and treated.
Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it and that you’ve achieved your goals.
Other Breast Procedures by Dr. David Csikai
You may also be interested in other breast procedures performed by Dr. Csikai. Some of these procedures may be performed in conjunction with Breast Augmentation. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Csikai at (904) 730-5052 to discuss your goals.