Breast Augmentation -Mammoplasty - Breast Enlargement - Breast Enhancement

What is Breast Augmentation?

Of all the operations that Dr. Corey performs, this is the one that probably has the highest satisfaction and lowest complication rate of any breast surgical procedure! Breast augmentation mammoplasty is a procedure to increase the size and enhance the shape of a woman's breasts and is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed.  It is designed to balance breasts of differing sizes, correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy or enhance the bust line of a woman who personally feels her breast size is too small. Most women undergo breast enlargement to add balance or proportion to their bodies. Many have difficulty getting clothing to fit the way they would like. The vast majority of patients are thrilled by the results of breast augmentation, but the decision to undergo surgery is extremely personal. The best candidates for this procedure have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that while surgery can improve your appearance, there is no such thing as a "perfect" body.

 What Types of Implants does Dr. Corey use?

Breast implants are sealed silicone bags filled with one of two materials: sterile saline or silicone gel. The implants can have a textured "fuzzy" outer shell or they can be smooth. They come in a round shape or they can have a teardrop shape. Breast Implants also come in different profiles, meaning differing widths in relation to the amount of projection. Saline breast implants are inserted deflated into the body and then filled once in place. Silicone breast implants come pre-filled from the manufacturer and because of this, may require a larger incision for insertion. Always keep in mind that the size and type of implant that looks great on a friend or on the Internet may not be the right implant for you!!! Determining the implant that is best for you is part of the preoperative planning process. For more information on the types of implants Dr. Corey uses, refer to Pros and Cons of Silicone and Saline.

How do I know what type and size of Breast Implant to pick?

This will be a very deliberate process between you and Dr. Corey. It will be determined by using his experience in thousands of women and by listening to your desires and goals. Discussions of lifestyle, physical exam with measurements, before and after pictures and even the “Rice Test” are all ways to help in choosing the right breast implant for you. And as stated above, be very careful in letting your friends or relatives pick your implant size. They really will try and help. But sometimes, it doesn’t help. Some patients worry themselves sick by analyzing every little millimeter difference between the different breast implants…Remember, breast enhancement is more of a look rather than a measurement…

How do I prepare for surgery?

Pre-operatively, Dr. Corey will provide you with specific instructions regarding diet, smoking and medications, and you will be given any necessary prescriptions. Most women approaching 40 or with a family history of breast cancer usually obtain a pre-operative screening mammogram to allow for comparison in the future, and check for any abnormalities and Dr. Corey's staff can help you arrange that. You will need to provide someone to drive you home after the surgery and you may also want to ask someone to be available as a "helping hand" during the first few days of your recuperation. Your exercise regimen can be done as usual.

How is surgery performed?

Your breast surgery will be performed under general anesthesia (meaning you will be asleep throughout the procedure) at an outpatient surgical facility, so you will go home the same day of the surgery. You and Dr. Corey will determine the option of placing the implant above or below the pectoral muscle based on your anatomy, your desires and other considerations. The incision placement most used by Dr. Corey is in the armpit, but it could also be in the crease underneath the breast or peri-areolar or around the areola (the darker-colored skin surrounding the nipple).

Scottsdale breast surgeon, Dr. Corey is very conscious of scarring and will make every effort to place incisions where scars will be the least noticeable. A pocket is created either behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle (the muscle in your chest wall), and the implant is placed into that pocket and centered behind the nipple. You and Dr. Corey will discuss the option of placing the implant underneath the pectoral muscle and make the final determination. Most of the time, Dr. Corey uses the breast endoscope to create the pocket for the implant. Your incisions will be closed with stitches that absorb. Surgical tape, gauze and a Velcro strap or Breast Band may be added to provide greater support and encourage healing. The surgery usually takes around sixty to ninety minutes.

How does Dr. Corey achieve that Natural look with Breast Augmentation?

Most of Dr. Corey’s breast enlargement patients are fairly conservative or at least they start out that way!!! Their biggest fear is walking into a room and having everyone turn and say, “Look at those fake breasts”. They want balance, proportion and a very natural looking breast. Dr. Corey feels that control of the infra-mammary fold or bottom of the breast by accurate release of the pectoralis muscle, and choosing the right size and type breast implant for the patient are the two biggest factors in achieving a natural breast augmentation result. 

What is Post-Operative Care like?

Post-operatively, you should be up and around within 24 to 36 hours following your surgery, but you will most likely feel somewhat tired and sore for a few days following breast augmentation. Dr. Corey will prescribe pain medications (and good ones!)  to help control your discomfort. The day after surgery, you can remove your gauze dressings, shower and you will begin wearing a sports bra, which has been provided by his office. Dr. Corey will give you instructions on how and when to wear the sports bra. Your stitches will dissolve on their own and are hidden underneath your skin. Right after surgery, your breasts will appear very firm and a bit high riding. This is normal. Over the next one to four months, they should soften and settle to a more natural position. Dr. Corey will instruct you on breast massage exercises to help this process along. Actual breast swelling may take up to two to four weeks to dissipate.

After breast augmentation, most of our patients were able to return to work after a few days. Dr. Corey feels that resuming normal activity as soon as you can is a good thing and will advise you on how to resume exercises and other activities. Most of the time there should be no bouncing type of exercise for two weeks following Breast Enlargement. Direct physical contact with your breasts will probably cause discomfort for three to four weeks following surgery. Dr. Corey will follow your progress closely over the next six months and schedule you for a yearly visit thereafter. If you are in the appropriate age group, you should continue getting routine mammograms. A special technique is used for women with breast implants, so remember to inform the mammogram technician to ensure that you get a reliable reading.

I want to consider getting breast implants. What should I do next?

Most of Dr. Corey’s patients have been thinking about breast enlargement or breast augmentation for some time. At his Scottsdale office, Dr. Corey offers three types of breast augmentation consultations: an individual consultation which costs $75, a group consultation (10 to 20 people) which is free, or an online consultation which is also free. Before your consultation, think of any questions or concerns you have and make sure to bring them up during your appointment. The consultation is your next step.  Contact us today to set up your breast augmentation consultation.  We happily welcome patients from Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Tempe, Arizona.

To see first hand how breast implants can change your appearance, click here to see breast augmentation before and after photos.

Also consider what is the best age for breast augmentation?