1. How long are the incisions used for breast augmentation?

The incision length for breast augmentation depends on the type of breast implant used. Saline (which is just salt water) breast implants are usually inserted through a small incision about 1 inch or smaller. I prefer to place this incision under the breast because I think it is the most hidden and inconspicuous location. The saline implants are empty when they re inserted and then inflated once inside, so I can use a small incision to accommodate the empty implant. Silicone gel implants are already completely filled with silicone gel before they re inserted so they require a larger incision, usually about 1 1/2 inches long, depending on their size.


2. How can I "care" for incision after the surgery, so that it heals as nicely as possible?

Everybody scars differently, depending on genetics, skin types, smoking, etc. In order to minimize scarring, the first thing I do is apply surgical tape to the incisions for several weeks following surgery. Then, I teach my patients how to massage and moisturize the scar to help it heal and fade as quickly as possible. It is best to avoid sun exposure and tanning for six months after surgery to avoid darkening of the scar. Then, I monitor my patients closely after surgery to follow the progress of the scar and make adjustments to the treatment as necessary.


3. Can I get silicone implants for my first breast augmentation?

Yes, you can. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) used to restrict the use of silicone gel implants to women who were getting breast reconstruction, women who had previous implants, or women who needed a breast lift. But now, anybody can get silicone gel implants and they are becoming more popular.


4. Can silicone gel move outside the pocket, or scar capsule?

The new generation of silicone gel implants are different from the older silicone gel implants. The newer silicone gel is firmer than the old type of silicone gel (think of it as having the consistency of jello, whereas the old silicone gel s consistency was more like maple syrup). When the older generation silicone gel implants leak, it is possible for the gel to move outside of the capsule. Because the new gel is thicker, the new silicone gel implants should not leak the way the old implants did, so it should be less likely that they will leak outside of the capsule.


5. Will I get stretch marks when I have my breast augmentation? Can I prevent them?

Some women are more prone to develop stretch marks than others, and this has to do with their skin quality, genetics, etc. It also has to do with the size of the implants that you chose. If you chose an implant that is too large for your frame and too large for the amount of breast skin you currently have, then you will be more likely to develop stretch marks. So the best way to prevent them is to choose an implant that best matches your frame.


6. Will I have to massage my implants (smooth and textured)?

I advise all of my patients to massage their implants. Massaging the implants is a great way to help keep them as soft as possible. Massage also helps the muscle relax which will help the implants to settle as quickly as possible (implants usually appear a little high after surgery, and the massaging helps them to settle ). Also, I advise all of my patients regardless of what kind of surgery they had to massage their scars. Massaging scars helps the scars to heal and fade faster.


7. Will smoking affect my recovery?

Yes, it does. Smoking is unhealthy for us in many ways. In regards to surgery, smoking can delay and impair wound healing. I advise my patients to quit smoking for at least four weeks before and after surgery to try to decrease the chance of a smoking related complication.