Staged Breast Augmentation

Breast enlargement can at times be performed in stages. This is either done as a planned two stage procedure or can occur as a second thought later after the first surgery has been performed. In either case, staged breast enlargement occurs because the skin is too tight and the natural breast volume too small to be able to put in an implant and have it expand the breast to a certain size and still look natural. Rather, a smaller implant is put in that matches the breast and chest/rib width. This is allowed to heal in place and obtain the natural shape and slope and curves to the breast. Once the skin and tissue have stretched, then a larger implant can be inserted that has the same base dimensions and provide an enlargement that is and bigger and natural, but not too wide or too far down on the abdomen. The results are very beautiful, natural, and proportioned.

THE BREAST IMPLANTS

• Saline or silicone implants may be used.  Your anatomy, concerns and priorities will help us determine which implants are best suited for you.
• The latest in technologies are utilized including all shapes (anatomic, teardrop, or round) and textures (smooth or fuzzy). These allow the doctor to customize your surgery.
• The many new type implant fillers such as soybean are still experimental, not yet approved by the FDA.

THE PREOPERATIVE FEATURES

• The desire to have large or very large breasts in the situation where your tissues will not allow this.
• The desire for breasts with a lot of projection where you have a very narrow chest.
• The desire for larger implants after you have had a successful surgery but just want a fuller look.
• Problems with a previous surgery that you want revised, and at the same time, desire larger implants.
• Also see the sections on breast augmentation, revision of breast implants, and breast asymmetry.
• Focusing on a larger breast size but really want this to look natural.
• Desire for better fit in clothing or more sensual body image.

THE THEORY BEHIND STAGED SURGERY

• Once you have had an initial surgery, your tissues have expanded and unfolded over a new implant. Your base dimensions of the implant are still the same.
• A larger implant can be placed into the original pocket and should not go further up or down or side-to-side, but it goes outward, giving you bigger size and more projection. This is a more natural look.
• Since I am not making new incisions or dissecting new spaces, pain and recovery are much less.

THE PROCEDURE

• Local or general anesthesia can be used and it takes about two hours.
• Incisions can be placed exactly in the location of your previous one.
• This does not make them any more unsightly, and often makes them less noticeable.
• The space created for your original implants is utilized and can be modified if needed to accommodate a larger size.
• A larger implant will have a tendency to stretch and thin the tissues more.
• A larger implant will have a tendency to make your breast sag more, just from gravity.
• The only dressing is a surgical bra.
• No drains are needed.
• This can be combined with other surgeries.

THE RECOVERY

• You can go home after several hours.
• You can shower on the second day after surgery.
• Mild pain for the first two days that is mostly gone by the third day and easily controlled by medications.
• You will feel very groggy for the first two days and weak for about ten days.
• Swelling is mild and rapidly disappears.
• Breasts look very natural right away and don’t have the "high" look as in the first surgery.
• Usually no bruising.
• Resume many activities within the first week, and most by at least three weeks.
• No stitches to remove. They are all dissolvable.
• Off of work for five to seven days, often less.

THE RESULT

• Much quicker healing.
• Much more natural looking result.
• Enlarged, full, balanced breasts.
• Very natural result that just gets better in time.
• Softness and natural bounce that persists

For before and after images of this procedure click here

Please call or contact the office for any further information or to schedule an appointment.