Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Delaware provides breast augmentation with breast implants for fuller, better shaped breasts. Sagging breasts can be enhanced with a breast lift either with or without implants. We use only FDA approved breast implants for maximum patient safety.
What happens at my consultation?
At your consultation, you will meet with Dr. deLeeuw to discuss your concerns. He will examine you and take some specific measurements of your breasts to assist in selecting implant size. He will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you might have. You will have an opportunity to view before and after photos and meet with Dawn or Marietta, our patient care coordinators, who will assist you with financing and scheduling.
Why should I expect such a quick recovery?
Something Dr. deLeeuw does that really makes his technique superior is utilizing electrocautery dissection to create the space for the implant. This technique is very tissue friendly and therefore reduces postoperative pain dramatically. Most of our patients are able to have this procedure on a Friday and return to work on Monday assuming their job is not physically demanding. The saline is transferred from the sterile bag into the implant through a special "closed tubing system" to ensure complete sterility. These implants have been approved for use by the FDA.
Where are the implants placed?
Generally, the implants are placed underneath the muscle (submuscular) rather than immediately underneath the breast tissue (subglandular). This provides more coverage over the implant and makes it less likely that you will see or feel the borders of the implant, thus creating a more natural, softer feeling breast.
What are the implants filled with?
Implants are inflated after they are inserted into the body and are filled with sterile salt water (saline). The saline is transferred from the sterile bag into the implant through a special "closed tubing system" to ensure complete sterility. These implants have been approved for use by the FDA.
Can I still get a mammogram?
Patients are encouraged to continue to do routine monthly breast self-exams and receive routine mammogram's, just as they did prior to getting implants.
What type of implants are used?
For most patients, smooth round implants are used. They provide a natural appearance and move more naturally, like a real breast. Textured anatomical implants are available and may be indicated in some instances.
Are gel implants available?
Dr. deLeeuw is a primary clinical investigator in the ongoing silicone gel implant studies. Gel implants are available to patients who meet the criteria to participate in the clinical trials.
Where are the incisions placed?
There are four incisions that may be used to place the implants: in the crease under the breast, through the areola (at the border of the colored part around the nipple), through the armpit, or through the belly button. All patients are not candidates for every incision. During your personal consultation, Dr. deLeeuw will recommend the approach that will give you the most natural result. While it is impossible to guarantee scarring, most patients will form excellent scars regardless of which incision site is selected. We generally do not recommend use of any 'scar fading creams' as most patients are so pleased with the quality of their scars that it is unnecessary.
How do I select my implant size?
You will select your implant size at your preop appointment, about 2 weeks prior to your procedure. Using your objectives and the measurements taken at your consultation, a nurse will recommend an implant size. You will have the opportunity to try on various size implants. We will assist you in placing the sizers in a bra (which we provide), and you'll look in the mirror to get an idea of how you'll look with a particular implant size. You should bring a form fitted shirt to this appointment as you'll want to try your shirt on with the implants in your bra.
How long does the surgery take?
Breast augmentation surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours and is generally performed in our fully accredited on site surgical suite under general anesthesia. In some instances the procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. A breast lift will take 2 -3 hours. After surgery, you will have a small paper tape and Tegaderm (clear adhesive dressing) over your incisions and a good support bra. After a short recovery, you are discharged and must have a caretaker to take you home and stay overnight with you. If you do not have a caretaker, we would be happy to provide one for a small extra charge.
What can I expect after surgery?
Most patients are pleasantly surprised at the minimal discomfort they experience after surgery. We prescribe an anti-inflammatory, like Ibuprofen, and a narcotic pain reliever to all patients routinely. However, some patients find that they do not need narcotics and are comfortable taking only the anti-inflammatory. Most patients are able to return to driving, work, and caring for their children after just a weekend recovery. You will not have any bandages except the small tapes over your incisions and will wear a regular support bra home from the office and for the first week following surgery. Breast augmentation patients are permitted to shower the day after surgery, but cannot immerse in the bathtub or a swimming pool for about 10 days after surgery. It will take a bit longer until patients having a lift will be permitted to immerse themselves in water. You can resume exercise and all other activities, just keeping in mind that if something hurts, don't do it.
If I need a lift, can it be done at the same time?
Breast lift can be performed alone or in conjunction with an augmentation. A lift repositions sagging breast tissue into the upper portion of the breast and lifts the nipple and areolar complex. The nipple and areola remains attached to the breast throughout the procedure. If indicated, the size of the areola (the colored part around the nipple) is reduced. If only a small degree of lift is needed, the incision used to lift the breast can be limited to just around the areola. If more lift is needed, the incision around the areola will be extended straight down in the shape of a lollipop. In most cases, an incision is not needed in the crease under the breast.
Does Dr. deLeeuw perform the T.U.B.A. procedure?
Dr. deLeeuw does perform Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation (T.U.B.A.). This procedure eliminates any scars on the breast by inserting the implants through a small incision in the bellybutton. Implants can still be placed under the muscle using this technique. Because this is a more remote incision, recovery time may be a bit longer than other incision techniques. |
