Breast Augmentation with Implants

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation can enhance and improve the shape of a woman’s breasts through the surgical placement of breast implants. The procedure can also be used to correct congenital breast asymmetries, a condition in which women may develop one breast larger than the other making it difficult to wear certain clothing styles. Breast augmentation surgery can also restore the fullness and firmness lost during pregnancy or weight loss.

A breast size that is in proportion to a woman’s body can increase fashion choices as well as self confidence and improved body image. It is currently the number one cosmetic surgical procedure performed by plastic surgeons.

Who are the Ideal Candidates?

Breast augmentation is a very individualized surgical procedure. First a thorough pre-operative evaluation is performed in order to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the operation. If you are determined to be a good candidate, then a detailed “question and answer session” takes place to determine your wishes and develop a plan that will achieve your goals for the surgery.

Breast augmentation is an important personal decision. We are committed to educating our patients using the latest information available on aesthetic plastic surgery. During your personal consultation we will provide you with a thorough explanation of the surgery and perform detailed breast measurements to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. You will be shown videos, photos, and given literature describing the surgery to further enhance your education on breast augmentation. Dr. Stamatiou has performed over two thousand breast augmentations over the 25 years in private practice and is well versed in all the different techniques and implants currently used for breast augmentation.

About the Procedure

There are multiple techniques performed for Breast Augmentation as are described by Plastic Surgeons in various websites and magazine articles which vary by type of implant used (anatomic or round, textured or smooth, saline or silicone), where the implant is placed ( sub muscular, sub glandular, or biplane) and where the skin incision is made ( under the breast, around the nipple or in the armpit). Therefore when speaking to the Plastic Surgeon in consultation not only should the various techniques be discussed, however also the pros and cons of each that lead the surgeon to use the technique that he prefers for the patient.

	ΟΙ ΤΟΜΕΣ ΤΟΠΟΘΕΤΟΥΝΤΑΙ ΣΤΗΝ ΥΠΟΜΑΣΤΙΑ ΠΤΥΧΗ, ΓΘΡΩ ΣΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΘΗΛΗ Η ΣΤΗΝ ΜΑΣΧΑΛΗ
	ΤΑ ΕΝΘΕΜΑΤΑ ΤΟΠΟΗΕΤΟΥΝΤΑΙ ΠΙΣΩ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΑΔΕΝΑ Η ΠΙΣΩ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ ΜΥ
	ΤΟ ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΜΕΓΑΛΥΤΕΡΟ ΣΤΗΘΟΣ ΣΕ ΚΑΛΥΤΕΡΗ ΑΝΑΛΟΓΙΑ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΥΠΟΛΟΙΠΟ ΣΩΜΑ

 

BREAST AUGMENTATION CHOICES

Dr. Stamatiou specializes in breast augmentation techniques using the most modern silicone gel implants. With over 25 years experience in USA and Greece, Dr. Stamatiou can enhance your figure with a straightforward and predictable outpatient procedure. The key to Dr. Stamatiou's success is that he is able to achieve natural results, harmonious to your body in which the implants not detected or able to be felt on palpation and are long lasting without an "expiration date".

We hope the information that follows will help you to understand the decisions that need to be made to achieve the results you want in the way you want them achieved. Breast enlargement is a personal choice. Dr. Stamatiou is proud to be able to use many different approaches to achieve the goals desired, while considering your own unique circumstances.

Another factor to be considered, while guided to your decision by Dr. Stamatiou, is that a woman's breast changes throughout her life due to age, pregnancies,breast feeding, weight loss/gain and menopause there may be a need to revise the breast augmentation. Therefore the technique that will be utilized needs to be versatile to any changes that may be desired in the future.

Each individual woman has an aesthetic goal and it is that goal through a safe, careful and custom-designed surgical procedure that Dr. Stamatiou aims to achieve.

LOCATION OF SCAR

The first decision to make is where to perform the incision through which the breast implant is placed: breast fold, nipple areola and axilla

Breast fold
By far the most common incision is placed within the fold of the breast. The scar is well-hidden and fades over time. Typically our patients find the scar to be of no significance whatsoever.
Through this incision, Dr. Stamatiou is given the maximal visibility to control, the postoperative result. In addition, any desired touch-up surgery in the future can typically be performed through this scar and, therefore, no additional scars would be necessary. is able to have completely cover the implant by the muscle,underneath at the breast fold, and therefore the result is that the implant is not able to be felt under the skin. Another advantage of the"complete muscle coverage" technique, is that as the years pass the implant doesn't "bottom out" due to gravity and the cleavage remains full. If the muscle is not closed or reattached at the lower margin of the implant, in other words at the breast fold, and there is only skin over the implant, then the implant is able to be detected on palpation, in other words felt. This "variable" is one that can not be seen nor judged by before and after photos or even simply looking at the augmented breast without actually touching.

Nipple-Areola
An alternative incision is placed around the lower portion of the areola (the dark area around the nipple). This is an appropriate choice for those women who do not want the incision performed in the breast fold, but who have adequate areolar diameter to allow for careful implant positioning. There are some concerns with this approach that will be discussed during your visit with Dr. Stamatiou. There is a slightly increased risk of loss of sensation or change to the shape of the nipple and areola, and an increased risk of contracture in periareolar surgery.. These are often deciding factors in women who elect not to use this approach.

Axilla-(armpit)
For many years, breast implants have been placed through axillary (armpit) incisions. In a significant percentage with this armpit incision there is some loss of control in implant positioning, which may to lead uneven
height of the implants at the breast fold, and any future surgery may not be able to be performed through the old scar. An additional scar therefore may become necessary at the breast fold. It is for these reasons that the
armpit approach is not suavely recommended by Dr. Stamatiou.

BREAST IMPLANT LOCATION

The next decision to make is one of implant location. In nearly all cases, Dr. Stamatiou favors placing the implant beneath the pectoralis (chest) muscle. If the breast that is to be enlarged is very small Dr. Stamatiou chooses to have complete coverage of the implant by the muscle,underneath at the breast fold, thus the implant is not felt under the skin. Another advantage of the"complete muscle coverage" technique, is that as the years pass the implant doesn't "bottom out" due to gravity and the cleavage remains full. If the muscle is not closed or reattached at the lower margin of the implant, in other words at the breast fold, and there is only skin over the implant, then the implant is able to be detected on palpation, in other words felt. This "variable" is one that can not be seen nor judged by before and after photos or even simply looking at the augmented breast without actually touching. In cases of ptotic breasts (sagging breasts without downward facing nipples) a breast augmentation procedure will not only give an increase in breast volume but also a will also achieve a partial "breast lift" by bringing the breast forward and upward. This can be performed through the small breast augmentation breast fold incisions therefore avoiding the more complex breast lift incisions. In order to accomplish this "lift" the implants are placed either under muscle or under the fascia without while the lower and the lower outer portion of the implant is not covered by muscle or fascia.

There are some very limited circumstances where placing the implant above the muscle (subglandular) or under the fascia of the muscle (subfascial) might be appropriate.If your unique circumstances warrant this, then rest assured that Dr. Stamatiou will advise you accordingly and will place the implant in these positions. Nearly all of our breast enlargement patients undergo implant placement below the muscle with complete (true submuscular) or partial muscle coverage(dual plane).

It is important to note that after over 50 years use of silicone implants, they have been proven to not be carcinogenic and are not linked to any medical illnesses. Also mammography or MRI's for Breast Cancer detection can be performed without difficulty.

BREAST IMPLANT TYPES

The third decision to make is what type of implant. While there are teardrop-shaped, textured implants available, and while Dr. Stamatiou certainly has extensive experience in using them, he favors the use of smooth, symmetrical, round implants to achieve the most attractive, natural result. Round implants both look and feel more natural and have the lowest risk of post-operative difficulties.

Although the tear drop implant sounds appealing, the drawback of these implants is that occasionally they may "flip upside down" and need reoperation; in order to avoid that, if they are chosen to be used, then they are placed in a tighter pocket to avoid flipping thereby also limiting their movement.

The textured implants, in comparison, to the round implants are immobile while the round implants have movement under the breast and therefore look and feel more natural upon palpation and also in changes of body position i.e. lying down.

All the implants that are being used by Dr. Stamatiou are FDA approved, made in USA and they carry a life time warranty.

ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

Once you have decided to proceed with breast augmentation, the process is relatively straightforward. Your surgery will be done at a fully accredited outpatient surgery center under light general anesthesia. Prior to the surgery, you will meet with our US board certified Anesthesiologist, specializing in outpatient anesthesia, and have preoperative testing and preoperative instructions given to you. Your surgery will take approximately one and a half hours and you will then be on your way home typically within two hours after surgery. It should be noted that the discomfort is minimal due to the fact that drainage tubes are never placed for this procedure.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?

In our experience, recuperating from breast augmentation involves only a day or two of any significant discomfort. The day after surgery, you will visit to Dr. Stamatiou's office to replace your dressings with a soft cotton bra. You will wear the bra for as long as it provides comfort to you. In many cases, patients may actually be able to return to nearly all day-to-day activities and non-strenous work as soon as three to four days postoperatively.

In general, any upper body exercises should be avoided for at least three, or preferably, four weeks postoperatively. The most strenuous activities involving the muscles of your chest should be avoided for at least six (preferably 8) weeks after surgery. You will also be monitored closely over the course of your initial post-op period, and our office staff and Dr. Stamatiou will remain available to answer questions that may arise during or after your recuperation.

COMBINE MULTIPLE PROCEDURES

Breast augmentation can be combined with other procedures. If combined with a breast lift, augmentation can enhance the size and shape of the breast, while the natural sag and looseness that develops over time can be addressed with breast lift technique. Breast augmentation can be combined, as well, with tummy-tuck (abdominoplasty), liposuction, mommy make-over or another body contouring procedure.

 

Photographs! It is very important to see before and after photographs of breast augmentation cases, performed by the surgeon, that the breast before surgery are similar to yours. that are similar to you. However, beyond the appearance in the photos, it is important to discuss how the breast will feel when palpated, i.e. soft, natural and without feeling the edges of the implant.

These are the most important questions to be discussed in detail with at the time of consultation with the Plastic Surgeon.

At Excel Medi Spa, Dr. Stamatiou who specializes in breast augmentation and revision of the procedure performs all breast augmentation cases as an outpatient.