Breast Augmentation

I. (c) Expansion breast augmentations.

Dr. Hilton Becker first designed the implant originally as a reconstructive device; it has now gained popularity and is being used by many plastic surgeons for breast augmentation. Although Breast Augmentation is more expensive when using this implant, it has become a wonderful tool for patients who are uncertain or apprehensive about the size they want to be.

Before expansion breast augmentation procedure.

After expansion breast augmentation procedure.

During your consultation you will let Dr. Mendieta know the size you desire, we have found it best to bring a photo of the breast size you like. (Remember the photo is to help in deeming the size you want to be and not the shape of the breast since we cannot get you someone elses shape). This gives Dr. Mendieta an idea of what implant size to use. The implant that will be inserted has a range of fluid volume that can be placed in the implant (from a suggested minimum to a suggested maximum). The implant is connected to a fill tube that is connected to a small reservoir. This small reservoir is maintained near the incision under the skin. The implant is then inserted either under or over the muscle and is inflated to the approximate breast size you and Dr. Mendieta had discussed. We then allow the healing process to take place, and at about 3-4 weeks the expansion begins.

The way it works, is that, the reservoir, which is connected to the implant via the fill tube, allows us access to inflate the implant with sterile saline in the office. The inflation process, which is done under sterile conditions and is not painful, can be repeated several times until you are happy with the final implant size.

Dr.Mendieta has developed a reputation for natural looking breast augmentations. This can be accomplished with the traditional implants or the post-operatively adjustable implants. The advantages of this implant is that you have an active role in determining your final size, and it allows us to adjust, to some degree, any size discrepancy that may exist between one breast and the other. (Remember everyone has one breast that is different than the other, so they will never be exactly the same, however, the differences can be somewhat improved.)

Perhaps the biggest advantage of this implant is when a breast lift is needed at the same time as your breast augmentation. Many times when you are performing a breast lift the patient desires a size that may not be attained either because it may risk the circulation of the nipple, or, you may not have enough skin to stretch. Well, the beauty of this implant is that it allows you to incrementally increase the size of the breast and this way you can minimize and overcome these risks.

A few things about the port:

The port can be felt if you rub your fingers over it, and sometimes it can be seen especially when you raise your arms above your head (Thank God you don't walk around like this most of the time). This does not trouble many patients, since it usually is not that obvious. The port will need to be removed at about 3-6 months after your augmentation, when you are happy with your final breast size. This is done under local anesthesia and is painless. The reservoir could remain in as long as you would like. However it is usually removed at about 3-6 months.

The results are absolutely outstanding due to the fact that the breasts look incredibly natural.

Please visit our FAQ section for general information on potential risks and complications after the breast surgery.