Photo Credit: Shutterstock
One of my most popular and favorite procedures to perform is breast augmentation. The subtle nuances between patients is infinite and working with patients to understand their desires and achieving their goals is one of the most satisfying parts of profession. I have developed an unusual method of performing the procedure which has made it virtually painless. Many of my patients will go out for dinner that night and have no need for narcotics or muscle relaxers. The majority of my cases utilize the inframammary, or under the breast approach. This approach allows for the greatest visualization and the most meticulous placement of the implant which is key for the desired outcome.
The best patients for the breast augmentation are between the ages of 19 and all the way up to the 60’s. An added benefit of breast augmentation is that it naturally creates a certain amount of lift. I explain this by comparing the breast to a water balloon, if you have a balloon with very little water in it, it will appear saggy and deflated, with the addition of water, (volume) the breast becomes more full and the position of the nipple/areola complex is elevated.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Contrary to many of my colleagues I encourage my patients to wear an underwire bra starting the day after surgery, I instruct them to keep the underwire snug while keeping the shoulder straps loose, this allows the breast to “fall” into an natural position while maintaining the correct anatomic shape.
The vast majority of patients are back in the gym within 2 weeks training everything except their chest which I restrict for 3 months.
60% of all the implants I do are patients that have never had surgery before and the remaining 40% are revisions from previous implants where something went wrong or the patients were just not happy with the outcome. Obviously revision surgery is much more challenging and it is crucial that one always seek a board certified plastic surgeon with a vast experience in aesthetic surgery of the breast.
For more information, visit Dr. Gil Altman's social media:
