Breast Augmentation

If you are displeased with the size, shape, and/or position of your breasts, which may be due to any number of factors such as underdevelopment, pregnancy, extreme weight loss, heredity, trauma, and/or breast cancer, breast augmentation may be an ideal procedure for you.

Also known as "augmentation mammaplasty," breast augmentation is a surgical procedure routinely performed by Dr. Livingston, in which the breasts can be enhanced to:

• Increase volume and fullness
• Correct congenital deformities, trauma, or mastectomy results
• Provide a more proportionate figure
• Potentially improve confidence and self-image

Utilizing either saline and silicone gel filled breast implants, Dr. Livingston can help patients achieve the shapelier breasts they desire after fully evaluating their concerns.

Procedural Steps:

Following the consultation, Dr. Livingston and the patient will make the final decisions regarding implant type (saline or silicone, anatomic or round, textured or smooth) and size that will be best suited to reach the patient's aesthetic objective.

Following general anesthesia, Dr. Livingston creates small incisions where the breast implants will be inserted. He offers patients numerous incision choices that include: under the arm ("transaxillary"), under the breast ("inframammary"), or around the areola ("periareolar"); scars typically reside in inconspicuous places, allowing for natural-looking results.

Following the creation of a pocket either behind the breast tissue ("subglandular") or behind the pectoral muscle ("submuscular"), Dr. Livingston will position the breast implants for symmetry and to complement your figure. Afterward, the incisions will be closed with sutures and each breast wrapped in a compression bandage.

The Results:

By increasing breast size by one or more cup sizes, breast augmentation results will be noticeable immediately following surgery. Discomfort may be experienced within the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery, and pain medication may be required.

Although patients can go back to work after a few days following the removal of the dressings, swelling from the procedure will usually subside within two to four weeks or longer following surgery. Physical activity (exercise) may also be resumed three to four weeks after surgery, and scars from the procedure can take up to one year to fade.

In time, breast implants may need to be replaced due to age, fluctuations in weight, capsular contracture, hormonal factors, and/or implant failure. If needed, Dr. Livingston will be able to utilize breast lift surgery ("mastopexy") or implant revision surgery to provide you with a rejuvenated breast appearance.