Breast Implants in San Francisco: Augmentation Surgery

Several procedures fall under mammoplasty: augmentation (volume increase with implants), reduction (excision of extra tissue and skin), mastopexy (lift of sagging breasts), reconstruction (after mastectomy) and asymmetry correction. The right method is chosen for each patient according to her wishes and the surgeon's advice.

Complications rarely happen when all recommendations are respected. Possible ones are hematoma or seroma, wound infection, reduced or increased sensitivity of the nipple, capsular contracture, aesthetic asymmetry, wound separation and tissue necrosis.

Mammoplasty results are durable: about 10–15 years following augmentation (until implant replacement) and 5–10 years following a lift or reduction. Weight, pregnancy, aging skin and gravity influence how long the effect lasts. Maintain it by wearing supportive underwear and watching your weight.

Breastfeeding after mammoplasty varies with the type of surgery. Lactation is usually preserved after augmentation through an under-breast or armpit incision with the implant under the muscle, because glandular tissue is not injured. After a lift or reduction there is more risk, since ducts may be cut. Discuss this in advance with your surgeon.

Selecting an implant means weighing material (silicone looks the most natural, saline is less often used), shape (round or anatomical teardrop), surface (smooth or textured), size and profile. The surgeon then chooses the optimal option for your anatomy and wishes.

General anesthesia is used for the surgery itself, so there is no sensation. In the first 1–3 days you may feel moderate discomfort, which painkillers relieve. Pain subsides significantly by day 5–7 and discomfort is gone by weeks 2–3. If pain becomes severe, inform your doctor right away.

Work is possible after 7–14 days, as long as it involves no physical exertion. Take light walks after 1–2 weeks. Fitness and swimming after 4–6 weeks; strength training after 3 months. Pool and sea after 4–6 weeks. Compression garments are worn for 4–6 weeks. Timing depends on your recovery.

There is no scientific basis for saying mammoplasty raises breast cancer risk. Implants do not cause cancer. Post-surgery, maintain regular screening with self-exams, mammography and ultrasound, and always inform the examining doctor that you have implants.

Mammoplasty after a C-section is possible, but your body must fully recover first. Wait at least 6–12 months after giving birth and after breastfeeding ends. A surgeon's consultation and check-up are required before surgery.

There are scars after mammoplasty, though a skilled surgeon keeps them minimal. The incisions go in discreet areas, such as under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit. Early on the scars are reddish, but over 6–12 months they fade and are almost unnoticeable.

Some slight asymmetry during the first weeks after surgery is expected, caused by swelling and uneven healing. Should a difference in shape or size persist after 3–6 months, visit your surgeon to be examined and find out why.

After mammoplasty, nipple and breast sensitivity may change temporarily — decrease or increase. The cause is irritation of nerve endings. In most cases sensitivity returns within 3–12 months. If there is no improvement after a year, see your surgeon.

Hormonal medicines (contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy) do not directly affect implants but may trigger swelling or changes in breast tissue volume, which temporarily affects appearance. You must tell your surgeon about such drugs before the operation.