Breast Augmentation


Introduction

Dr. Soto has had extensive advanced training in breast procedures as compared with most other plastic and cosmetic surgeons in the Orlando area. He will work with you to select the proper size and position of your implants so that you look well proportioned for your height and weight, with the increased fullness and the shape you desire.


Ideal Candidates

A breast augmentation can be performed on adult women who are 18 or older. Dr. Soto has set this age limit because women under the age of 18 are still developing, which can affect the ultimate outcome. If you are 35 or older, Dr. Soto requires that you schedule a mammogram before your procedure, so you will have an “original mapping” of your breasts as they appeared before surgery. Of course, if any abnormalities are found on the mammogram, these must be addressed before your procedure. Any healthy woman who desires larger breasts than they currently have is a good candidate for this procedure. Breast augmentation may affect your ability to breast feed in the future, so make sure to discuss this with Dr. Soto if you are planning to have a child soon after surgery.


Types of Implants

As you may know, in November of 2006 silicone implants were released from restrictions on their use by the FDA, giving you two choices for implants: silicone and saline. Based upon your needs and goals, Dr. Soto will help you select the implant most likely to achieve your individual goals. There are various sizes, shapes and textures to choose from.

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water (at the time of insertion) to the desired size, allowing a smaller incision to be used. Because the saline is similar in consistency to water, they may feel firm or less natural, and are more prone to visible rippling or the ability to feel them through the skin. Also, while still uncommon, the saline type implants have a slightly higher tendency to break or rupture compared with silicone. Because this saline is compatible with our bodies however, this fluid is absorbed, the rupture is obvious, and the implants are simply replaced. Silicone breast implants are pre-filled when manufactured, so they require a slightly longer incision to insert. Because silicone forms itself to the adjacent tissues better than saline, and because of its softer consistency, silicone usually looks and feels more like a natural breast that saline. In fact, because they feel so natural, and because when they do rupture all of the silicone stays cohesive (meaning it shouldn’t migrate from the area), it is more difficult to detect when a silicone implant has ruptured. Dr. Soto recommends an annual follow up with silicone implants in order to assure your ongoing satisfaction.


How It's Done

Dr. Soto performs a variety of techniques in placing breast implants. The site of the incision, the size and type of implant (whether silicone or saline) and the position of the implant relative to your chest muscles will be covered at your consultation. Breast augmentation may be performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia is administered, an incision is made and a pocket created for the implant, which is then inserted and the incision is closed. The implant can be placed either above or beneath the muscle, though Dr. Soto prefers placement beneath the muscle, as this results in a more natural appearance and a lower risk of problems after surgery. Breast implants can be inserted through an incision around the areola, under the fold of the breast or under the armpit. Dr. Soto will discuss the appropriate implant method with you at your consultation. Absorbable sutures are used. Occasionally, a drain may be temporarily inserted, but this is usually taken out within 48 hours.


Recovery

After your procedure, you will need to have someone to drive you home, as you will be groggy from the general anesthesia. You will need to wear a special bra 24 hours a day until you are completely healed. This can take approximately 3-6 weeks. You will find that you’ll feel back to normal in about a week and should be fully healed in about 8 weeks. Although you will see results immediately, keep in mind that swelling will make your breasts appear somewhat larger than they will be after the implants settle a bit, which takes about 90 days or so.

After your surgery, you will wish to avoid raising your arms over your head or doing any exercise that uses your chest muscles, as well as avoiding heavy lifting for about 6-8 weeks.

It’s important to keep in mind that breast implants are not permanent. If you receive silicone breast implants, we recommend an MRI about every two to three years, as any damage to a silicone implant will not be evident to you. We suggest that you visit us every year after implant surgery, so we can confirm that your implants are still functioning as they should. If they need to be replaced, it’s generally a simple procedure to do so.









All photos on this site are models or stock photos, not patients.