Breast Augmentation Surgery in Culver City, CA

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the volume or size of the breasts. It’s also used to reshape the breasts, creating a rounder or perkier look. Many patients refer to the procedure as a “boob job” because the goal is to improve the look and feel of the boobs.

Every breast augmentation is different because every patient has their own motivations and expectations. Some want to increase the size of their breasts significantly while others hope to revive sagging or misshapen breasts after losing weight or having children. The reason you want to have plastic surgery is just as important to the outcome as the image you have in your head of the expected final results.

Communication between the surgical team and the patient is critical to ensure the final results are satisfying. The patient should communicate how they want to change their breasts while the surgeon creates an individualized plan to create the desired results.

The Breast Augmentation Process – How It Works

To increase the size of the breasts, a trained surgeon places breast implants underneath the breasts. Implants are shells filled with saline or silicone gel and then sealed so that they won’t leak. Whether the implants are placed on top of or underneath the chest muscles depends on the desired outcome and other factors.

In some cases, patients choose to use fat removed from their bodies instead of artificial breast implants. That procedure starts with liposuction to remove excess fat from the abdomen, hips, or another body area. That fat is then placed in the breasts to create a rounder, more voluminous appearance. This process is referred to as fat grafting.

Fat grafting is an ideal option for patients worried that their bodies might reject implants or that the implants might leak. It’s also a great option for patients who have excess fat in another area of the body that they would like to lose quickly. Mommy makeovers often take advantage of these procedures by slimming and reshaping one part of the body and plumping and reshaping another simultaneously.

Types of Breast Implants Available Today

There are a few types of breast implants currently used in breast augmentation surgeries:

• Saline Breast Implants – Implant shells filled with sterile salt water. These implants are approved by the FDA for patients at least 18 years old. Salt water is a safe solution that is easily absorbed by the body if the implant leaks.
• Silicone Breast Implants – Implant shells filled with silicone gel. These implants are approved by the FDA for patients at least 22 years old. They have a more natural look and feel than saline implants but come with a higher risk because silicone gel doesn’t absorb into the body in the case of a leaking implant.
• Gummy Bear Implants – Implant shells filled with a thicker silicone gel that holds its shape even if the outer shell breaks. The thicker gel creates a firmer feel for the breast, but gummy bear implants require a more substantial incision for safe insertion.

Recovering from Breast Augmentation

There are a variety of factors that influence the recovery time after breast augmentation, including but not limited to:

• Implant size
• Implant type
• Implant location
• Surgeon skill level

Some patients also heal faster than others, due to general health and other personal factors.

In general, most patients can expect a minimum of four weeks to fully recover from a boob job. It’s common for some patients to take six weeks if not a bit longer. Those who have liposuction and transplant their own fat or have other types of plastic surgery at the same time can expect even longer recovery times.

It’s common for patients to experience the following in the first week after breast augmentation surgery:

• Soreness
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Chest tightness
• Chest sensitivity or loss of sensation
• Swelling
• Bruising

These symptoms should gradually relieve themselves over the period of one to two weeks. For the remainder of the recovery period, patients must avoid lifting anything heavy or completing any task that places stress on the chest muscles. It’s a good idea to avoid intense physical labor or long working hours in the first few weeks. The body needs time to heal after plastic surgery.

Boob Job Results – What Can You Expect?

Once the swelling and bruising disappear, you can expect perkier, beautifully rounded breasts that are about the size you discussed with your surgical team. When cared for properly, you can expect your implants to remain firm and visually appealing for at least 10 years. You most likely will need to follow up with your surgeon on a routine basis to check for signs of leaking and other common problems.

Taking the First Steps to Spectacular Boobs

Would perkier, firmer, or larger breasts change how you think about your body or how confident you feel in daily life? If you believe plastic surgery could make a significant difference in your life, schedule your first appointment with Dr. Partovi at the True Jewel Cosmetic Center today. Your initial consultation is your opportunity to learn more about the breast augmentation process and get answers to your questions about plastic surgery.

If you’re an ideal candidate for a boob job and want to proceed with the augmentation, we will schedule your surgery date and help you transform your body. Call (424) 434-6999 if you have questions or need help scheduling your consultation.