Breast augmentation is a procedure where an implant is placed in the breast to help increase the size of the breast and improve its overall shape. Implants are generally saline or silicone implants and can be placed through a variety of incision which include around the areola, underneath the breast, in the axilla (armpit) or through the umbilicus (belly button).

	Why Choose Dr. Michael J. Lee for Breast Augmentation? There are many decisions that need to be made regarding augmentation, Dr. Lee spends the time to help you make these decisions and guides your decision to help create the best shape and size for you.

There are many decisions that are made regarding an augmentation including size, type of implant, and incision location. Dr. Michael J. Lee dedicates time to your consultation to review these decisions and often meets patients more than once to help make their decisions.

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?

Those individuals who have small breasts, loose skin from weight loss or pregnancy, dropping breasts and asymmetry can all have improvement in the shape with a breast augmentation.

As with any surgery, individuals who have little to no medical problems are unlikely to have major complications.

What are the risks of implant placement?

Saline and silicone implants are both approved by the FDA for breast augmentation. Both implants have been studied for long term complications and the effects of silicone and saline in the body. The results of these studies have not shown any increased risk for breast cancer or autimmune diseases.

There are some risks to having implants such as risks of infection, deflation for saline implants, capsular contraction or scar forming around the implant. There are also risks for placing the implants which include decreased or increased nipple sensation, bleeding, asymmetry and need for further surgeries.

Should implants be placed underneath or above the muscle?

For the last several years, implants have been placed underneath the muscle to minimize the risks of capsular contraction (scar forming around the implant) and to minimize the rounded appearance at the top of the chest.

With newer implants and silicone implants, the shape of the breast can be natural with placement above the muscle. For breasts that have dropped in position with age or pregnancy, placement above the muscle can provide a better shape.

Dr. Lee will discuss with you whether placement above the muscle or below the muscle is better. The recovery above the muscle is shorter and is usually associated with less pain.

How do I determine size of implant?

The size of implant is usually determined by the breast width or diameter. There can be some variation and selection based on your desire to be closer to a “B’,”C”, or “D” cup.

To help determine your size, you can use a bag of rice to find the right volume in a sports bra and then measure that amount in a cup. The rice volume (measured in cups) can then be estimated in Dr. Lee’s office to correlate with cc’s in saline or silicone implants.

Do implants affect mammogram and cancer detection?

Mammograms need to be performed using a different technique when you have implants. There are no current studies which show that women with implants present with more advanced or delayed diagnosis of breast cancer.

When do I need to change my implants?

Many plastic surgeons are advising the removal and replacement of implants every fifteen years but this is not absolute. Dr. Lee recommends evaluation of the implants and the position and shape at fifteen years. If there are some changes that are unacceptable, then this is a good time to replace them.

What if I need a lift as well as an augmentation?

Sometimes from weight loss or after pregnancy, the breast loses volume and the nipple drops lower than the breast. Sometimes, an implant is good enough to lift the breast tissue and the nipple position. In some cases the breast may need to be lifted and the augmentation needs to be performed. If the amount of lift is significant, it may be better to do the procedures separately.

Dr. Lee will perform an evaluation to determine if an implant is able to lift the breasts alone or whether additional surgery needs to be performed to help lift the nipples.