Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is changing the shape of the world. Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation has been growing in popularity every year for the past ten years and is now considered the most common cosmetic procedure performed in the United States by plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons. This procedure has become widely accepted and has been shown to positively impact a woman's sense of self. Breast augmentation is not only for women with small breasts, but sought after by women who have lost breast volume due to aging, weight loss or childbirth. Surgical methods and breast-implant technology have improved dramatically in recent years: breast augmentation is less invasive, with more options and better post-surgical results. Dr. Light invests a lot of time discussing the needs and desires of his patients to individualize and customize their breast enhancement options.

Options in Breast Augmentation Surgery:

There are several different kinds of breast implants now available. All implants have a silicone shell, but can be filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt water). They can be high, medium or low profile. They can be smooth or textured. They can be round or 'anatomic' (tear drop).

Breast augmentation may be performed through different incision sites, with the three most common being under the nipple, underneath the breast, and in the armpit. The implant may be placed either underneath the breast tissue itself or underneath the pectoral (chest) muscle. The implants are then centered beneath the nipples and the incisions are closed with very fine sutures placed under the skin to minimize scarring.

Patients appreciate Dr. Light's insights and guidance in helping to make smart decisions regarding which options are best and most appropriate for them.

Breast Enhancement Recovery:

Recovering from breast augmentation traditionally involved two to three weeks of significant pain and stiffness. Dr. Light uses a more gentle, less traumatic technique that expedites their recovery - in many cases patients may resume normal activities in 24 hours. Generally, this patient-oriented technique takes about an hour using just local anesthesia with IV sedation . It involves meticulous advance determination of implant size with a formula of five measurements (rather than the customary trial and error during surgery); near bloodless cutting by electric cautery (because bleeding is the biggest cause of pain); and no traumatic ripping of tissues or touching of the very sensitive ribs with instruments. Ninety-five percent of patients can shower and brush their hair the same day; perform regular activities the next day; and drive in one to four days. This leads to a much gentler experience and a happier, more satisfied patient.

The procedure is performed in the new, on-site surgical facility at TIFM allowing privacy and flexibility in scheduling. Many different financing options are available and the staff will facilitate your approval process. Please browse our (breast augmentation) before and after gallery. Contact us for more information and to schedule you free consultation.