Breast Augmentation in La Jolla California

Also known as breast enlargement or breast enhancement in La Jolla, breast augmentation is among the most popular procedures in our practice. The numbers of augmentation surgery done annually has increased steadily in the past few years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2003, more than 250,000 women had breast augmentation. Dr. Rechnic has been performing the surgery for over 20 years. View breast augmentation before and after photos.

Breast augmentation and breast implants have been extensively studied and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Silicone gel implants are still considered for "investigational" use for reconstruction, and other limited applications as of January 2005. We recommend that all patients read the FDA Breast Implant Consumer Handbook, available on line at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/indexbip.html

About The Surgery

Saline breast implants can be inserted through a number of different approaches, such as with an incision along the outer edge of the nipple, under the breast, under the arm, or through the navel. Dr. Rechnic has had an interest in minimally invasive, small incision and endoscopic surgery for about 10 years. He studied the endoscopic breast implant technique with and assisted the inventor of the procedure in surgery. Insertion through an incision in the navel is also known as either "trans-umbilical" or "endoscopic" breast augmentation. The technique can also be used with a limited incision under the breast. All options are available. Speak with Dr. Rechnic to decide which option is best suited for your individual needs.

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About Implant Size

Consultation will include a discussion of the right size implant for your preferences. Implant selection is based on how much breast tissue you have to start with, what size your body is (around the chest), and what size you want to be. It helps if you know what cup size you are and what you want to have.

Breast Implant Replacement

There are a number of reasons why implants may need to be replaced. They include the desire to change size or leakage of the implant. The saline that is released if an implant breaks is not dangerous, but a deflated implant will be noticeable to you. Sometimes, the implant can be replaced through the trans-umbilical approach; sometimes another incision may be needed.

Implants come with a "manufacturer’s warranty" which covers lifetime replacement of the implant. All implants are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty which includes financial reimbursement of up to $1200 for the first 10 years should an implant deflate. A warranty "upgrade" for up to $2400 reimbursement (also for 10 years) can also be purchased directly from the manufacturer for a one-time charge of $100 within 30 days of the implant surgery. The warranty covers incidents that arise from leakage due to "natural wear and tear" of the product. The upgrade has other potential benefits, which are described in their brochure. Please read the warranty details, provided to all women who have breast implant surgery.

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"Over or Under the Muscle?"

Breast implants can be placed under the breast and in front of the pectoral muscle, or under the muscle. A good (or unfavorable) outcome can result with either method, but some body types and breast shapes will generally do better with "over" than "under". For example, women with "sagging" breasts may be better off with an implant in front of the muscle, so the implant will "settle" into the breast, rather than remain in a too high position. This can happen if the muscle holds the implant tighter and higher than the loose skin can handle. Repositioning of the implant or a "lift" procedure may be needed.

Much has been said about under the muscle position and lowering the chances of getting a "capsular contracture" or "hardening" of the implant. (In fact it is scar tissue around the implant that tightens around the implant making it feel hard. It is the same principle by which a can of soda, if closed and under pressure, feels "hard", even though the can is not rigid, and the contents are liquid). There are two camps in the debate. My own conclusion is that, if there is a difference in contracture rates, it is small. Contracture can occur with an implant over or under the muscle, and I have treated both. With modern saline implants, the contracture rate has been very low.

If surgery is needed to release the scar, the implant usually does not have to be replaced unless it breaks during the surgery.

Read the consent forms and be sure to ask about anything you don’t understand or want to have reviewed.

What You Will Need After Surgery

• You must have a responsible adult with for the first day.
• Bring a sport or running bra with you to the surgery center on the day of the surgery. It should be elastic and loose enough to accommodate your new size yet give some stabilizing support.
• Prescription for pain pills will be given in advance.

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