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You may be considering breast augmentation surgery or know someone who underwent this procedure.  We hope this information helps you feel more comfortable with your decision.  According to the most recent statistics compiled  from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2005, an estimated 364,610 women have had breast augmentation in the United States. Dr. Laufer,  Dr. Ross  and Dr. Buck  are among the Qualified Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who perform this procedure everyday.  They have a combined experience of over 8,000 breast augmentations.  If you are seriously considering having this procedure done, you need to understand the various options regarding the type of implant, the incision site, and the placement of the implant.  With our assistance you can select an implant that provides the profile best suited for you.  Your choice to have breast augmentation is a personal one; make sure you get the facts.  

STEP ONE--Select your surgeon

You have selected your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  Dr. Laufer,  Dr. Ross and Dr. Buck  are here to assist you in any way possible.  

STEP TWO--Schedule a consultation with your Surgeon

We can make your appointment over the telephone by calling (727)789-5711 or internet.  Nothing takes the place of a personal visit with your surgeon.  

STEP THREE--The consultation

THE INCISION

Your first concern, like most women, may be scarring.  therefore, hiding the scar is one of the most common requirements of patient's seeking breast augmentation.  Consider the following incision areas:

1. Inframammary-where the breast meets the chest.
2. Periareolar-around the areola.
3. Transaxillary-the armpit area. 

Pictured here is a well healed left axilla.  The scar can not be seen. No incision location is always best.  Each location has advantages and tradeoffs.  You will be able to wash this area and apply deodorant a few days after the procedure.  Shaving should be delayed for at least one week.

ABOVE OR BELOW THE MUSCLE

During the surgery, we will create a pocket.  The implant will be rolled and inserted into one of two areas for placement:  the Subglandular- between the glandular layer and the chest muscle which is usually for women who have a fair amount of shrinking or drooping (ptosis), or the submuscular-below the chest wall muscle.  The submuscular approach has various advantages.  We believe this approach achieves a more natural look.

BREAST IMPLANTS

Breast implants are available in either round or contoured shapes with either smooth or textured surfaces and can be filled with saline or silicone.  Round implants provide a much fuller shape to the breast, whereas contoured implants are designed to give a more anatomical profile.  Smooth implants have a softer shell and are less likely to be felt through the skin and tissue.

SALINE VS SILICONE

This has been a very controversial issue in the media for quite some time.  Saline implants are the main breast implant available in the United States, while silicone implants are only available to certain patients or to patients who wish to participate in a silicone gel implant clinical study.  Saline implants are filled by injected salt water (saline) from a syringe into the tubing connected to the implant.  

SIZE

The implants are available in cubic centimeters (cc) and range from 125 to over 700.  Your surgeon will interview you and obtain measurements at your consultation.  It would be helpful if you bring in photo's showing an individual with your approximate body type and frame demonstrating your desired breast size.    Please be aware that your body type and tissue characteristics may dictate the appropriate implant type and size. 

We will show you various implants during your consultation.

STEP FOUR--The surgery

Breast augmentation procedures can be done in our facility.  The procedure take 1-3 hours depending on the exact type of procedure done.  Anesthesia is provided by a specially selected group of highly trained professionals.  

STEP FIVE--The recovery Process

You can expect to be sore after any surgical procedure and breast augmentation is no exception.  No matter which approach is used, there are a few days of discomfort and recovery needed.  We provide you with sufficient analgesics and suggestions to make the postoperative process tolerable.  You can expect some swelling and possibly a bruise on the chest wall.  The implants may ride up on the chest wall for several weeks until the chest wall muscle has accommodated the implant.  You should avoid exercise for several weeks and start to massage the breasts as tolerated and directed by your surgeon.  As always before surgery, there are several medications and over the counter pills that should be stopped.  Consult with your surgeon and office nursing staff for specific instructions.

STEP SIX--The Follow-up Visits

We see our patients in our facility during the first week after surgery.  We will schedule more visits at specific intervals for progress assessments. We will see you several times in follow up after your procedure.  Are you ready to get started? 

 ©1996-2008 PHPSC   Palm Harbor Plastic Surgery Centre   35080 US 19 N Palm Harbor, FL  34684  ( 727)-789-5711.
Palm Harbor  |  Tampa |  St. Petersburg  |  Clearwater  |   Trinity
 Erel Laufer, MD, FACS l Jay H. Ross, MD, FACS l Jennifer Buck, MD, FACS
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