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Aesthetic Accents Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Center
3400 W. Lomita Blvd., Suite 307
Torrance, California 90505
Tel. 310.961.2530
Los Angeles and Beverly Hills Area Breast Lift and Augmentation
Dr. Petti's Approach to Breast Augmentation with Implants
Women who are unhappy with
the size and shape of their breasts can give a boost to the bust line and
improve their self-confidence with breast implants. Breast augmentation from Dr.
Christine Petti, serving the Los
Angeles and Torrance area, can give your breasts fuller volume and a more
contoured, sensual appearance. She approaches every patient uniquely since
individual characteristics such as breast size, skin, tissue, folds,
nipples/areolas, possible stretch marks, and state of droopiness of the breast
can significantly differ among patients and even among breasts in the same
patient. Dr. Petti takes careful
measurements of all aspects of the breasts and records them for each patient in
preparation of the individual surgical plan. Every breast enhancement surgery
that Dr. Petti plans is a customized operation designed exclusively for each
patient. As Dr. Petti explains,
"There is no one way to perform a breast augmentation; the operation must be
varied to fit every patient and from one breast to the other in the same patient."
Whatever your reasons for desiring breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Petti has a wealth of experience in an array of breast
enhancement procedures and will work
with you to achieve your goals with results that look and feel natural and
beautiful.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast enlargement, or augmentation, is a procedure which adds volume to the breasts with the placement of implants. Breast augmentation also serves to make the bust line more proportionate to your body frame. Women who have breast enhancement are often those who are:
- Not happy with the size of their breasts
- Afflicted with asymmetrical breasts
- In need of correcting a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss
If you are
considering breast augmentation, Dr. Christine Petti can give you a visual
image of what your breasts can look like before you even have the procedure.
With state-of-the-art computer imaging at Aesthetic Accents, you'll be able to
see the likely outcome of the procedure and get an idea of how breast
enlargement can significantly improve the appearance of your breasts.
Please contact Dr. Petti's breast augmentation practice in the Los Angeles and Torrance area to schedule a consultation.
Types of Breast Implants
At your
initial breast enlargement consultation, Dr. Christine Petti will discuss the
many various types of implants that can be used to meet your goals. Breast
implants are composed of either saline or silicone gel, and come in a variety of shapes and
sizes. We have provided below
several points of consideration for breast augmentation candidates. Important to bear in mind however, is
that this information is no substitute for a private consultation with Dr. Petti
where she will explain all aspects of the implants to you, and describe the
advantages and disadvantages in accordance with your own unique need.
Saline Implants:
- feel less natural in a thin, small breasted patient with little to "cover" the implant, even if placed subpectoral (below the muscle)
- feel more natural if placed behind a breast with more substance which "buries" the implant behind the breast tissue making it difficult to tell if the implant is saline or silicone gel
- have a higher rupture rate, but can be self-detected since the breast deflates when the implant deflates. This makes notifying the plastic surgeon much easier for the patient who can then have the implant replaced
- tend to wrinkle more which can be a very big factor in a thin patient with small breasts
- can feel stiffer and less natural than gel, no matter if it is under the muscle or on top of the muscle
- can settle down in the lower breast if a large size is used in a patient with a tight breast
Silicone Implants:
- have a natural feel whether on top of below the muscle
- do not have many problems with wrinkles like silicone implants have in very thin patients
- do not lend to easy detection of implant rupture. Known as "silent" or "occult" silicone gel implant rupture, the FDA recommends that patients with silicone gel implant get an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) study of the breasts at 3 years and then every 2 years thereafter to specifically look for breast implant rupture
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure
is typically performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made either
around the areola (the dark-skinned area surrounding the nipple), or in the
crease of the breast, making any residual scarring very discreet and virtually
invisible. The breast pocket or space for the
implant whether under the muscle (sub-pectoral) or on top of the muscle/under
the breast (sub-mammary) must be created carefully and precisely. This is because the breast pocket will
determine the breast shape, central cleavage, lateral (outer) breast
projection, and anterior (front) breast projection. Dr. Petti takes a
meticulous non-hurried approach when dissecting the implant pocket to ensure a
natural looking symmetrical result for each patient. The implants are then
placed beneath the chest muscle or directly behind the breast tissue, and the
incisions are then closed. Breast
enlargement procedures typically take about one to two hours to complete.
Dr. Christine Petti can combine breast implant procedures with other options, including liposuction, tummy tuck, or facial plastic surgery for a more complete aesthetic makeover.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
You can expect some degree
of discomfort for a few days following breast surgery. Any pain can be managed
with medication. Some side effects of the procedure include swelling, bruising,
and a sensation of numbness in the nipples; however, these effects should
dissipate in the first few weeks of recovery.
You should avoid strenuous activities and stimulation to the breasts for about three to four weeks after surgery. Normal daily routines can typically resume within one week. Patients should be advised that too much activity following surgery can jeopardize the results. Dr. Petti and her experienced staff will be very diligent about following you after surgery to be certain post-operative instructions are followed.
To give your breasts the youthful, perky, sensual contours you've been dreaming of, breast augmentation with implants may be what's right for you. Dr. Christine Petti emphasizes a customized approach to achieve natural-looking results in all of her breast procedures, so nobody will have to know that you've "had work done." For more information on breast augmentation with implants from Dr. Petti, please contact Aesthetic Accents Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center.