San Francisco & Walnut Creek Breast Augmentation & Breast Implants with natural results

Breast Augmentation, or the placement of Breast Implants, is a surgical
procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. The ultimate goal of
this procedure is to give the best and most natural results to the shape of the
breasts while providing the breasts with the desired form, size and firmness. This
procedure may be performed for a number of reasons. The most common
indication is to enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons,
feels her breast size is too small. Some women have reduction in breast volume
following pregnancy; others may wish to balance a difference in breast size.
Finally, breast augmentation with breast implants may be performed as a
reconstructive technique to improve the balance and shape of the breasts.

By placing an implant behind each breast, the bustline can be increased by one or
more bra cup sizes. If you are considering breast augmentation, exploring this
section of our website will give you detailed information about the procedure, how
it is performed, and what to expect from the procedure. During your consultation,
Dr. Behmand will specifically discuss with you the details of your concerns and
give recommendations tailored to you for the best outcome in breast
augmentation surgery.

                                   Common Questions:

1. Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation and breast implants?
Women who choose to have breast augmentation surgery, do so to improve their
self image. Some feel dissatisfied because their breasts never developed to a size
that meets their expectations. Others want to bring balance to a breast that is
somewhat smaller than the other. Often, women will want the procedure to restore
their natural breast volume, which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy,
weight loss or aging.

Any of the following conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for the
placement of breast implants and breast augmentation: 1. You are bothered by
the feeling that your breasts are too small; 2. Weight loss has changed the size and
shape of your breasts; 3. After having children, your breasts have become smaller
and have lost their firmness; 4. Dresses that fit well around your hips are often too
large around your bustline; 5. One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the
other; 6. You feel self- conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top.   If you
are a young patient, it is important that your natural breast development be
complete prior to considering surgical breast augmentation.

2. What are the different breast implant types?
A breast implant is a silicone rubber shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-
water solution known as saline. Because of concerns regarding insufficiency of
information demonstrating the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants, the
Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that new gel-filled implants, at
the present time, should be available only to women participating in approved
studies. Some women requiring replacement of the breast implants may also be
eligible to participate in the studies. There are no restrictions on the use of saline-
filled breast implants. Both saline and silicone gel filled breast implants come
in various shapes, textures and contours. During your consultation, Dr. Behmand
will discuss the different breast implants with you and will also recommend the
implants with the best likelihood to achieve the specific results you desire.

3. How is breast augmentation performed?
The incision for the placement of the breast implant is small and can be made in
one of three locations: underneath the breast just above the crease, around the
lower edge of the areola, or within the armpit. Once the incision is made, a pocket
will be created into which the breast implant is inserted. This pocket is made
either directly behind the breast tissue, or beneath the pectoral muscle located
beneath the breast tissue and above the chest wall. During your consultation, Dr.
Behmand will discuss these three options with you and give you more details of
both the advantages and the disadvantages of each approach. The final decision will
be yours, based on this information.

4. What can I expect from my consultation for breast implants ?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Behmand will evaluate your general health and,
based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone, explain which surgical
techniques are most appropriate for you. In some patients, if there is excessive
breast sagging a breast lift may also be recommended. The consultation is an
opportunity to express your expectations frankly. Dr. Behmand will discuss all the
procedures, the alternatives, as well as the risks and limitations of each. Your
general health, medical history, medications and allergies will also be reviewed
during the consultation. Also discussed will be the type of anesthesia to be used,
the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
Once you have made the decision to go forward with breast augmentation
surgery, a sizing session will be arranged for you. You will have an opportunity to
actually "try on" various size breast implants, with clothing cover, to determine
what size best fits your expectations for an ideal outcome.

5. Are breast implants safe?
Most women having breast augmentation surgery today receive saline filled
breast implants. These are silicone rubber shells that are filled with sterile salt
water. In the unlikely event that a saline implant leaks, the salt water is harmlessly
absorbed by the body. Silicone gel implants at this time may only be used in certain
circumstances, as outlined by the FDA, as part of an ongoing FDA approved study.
In general, patients seeking to have breast augmentation for the first time do not
qualify for this study.

Each year, thousands of women undergo breast augmentation surgery and
experience no major complications. However, it is important that you familiarize
yourself with both the risks and benefits of the procedure. As one of the most
important aspects of your consultation, Dr. Behmand will focus on implant safety
and possible complications of breast augmentation surgery. Be sure to raise any
questions or concerns that you may have about the safety of the procedure.
Remember that by carefully following Dr. Behmand's instructions, both before and
after surgery, you can do your part to minimize some of the risks.

6. What can I do to prepare for my breast augmentation surgery?
When the date for your surgery has been set, Dr. Behmand will provide you with
specific instructions for the days immediately before and after your surgery. A
number of points will be covered, including:

♦ avoiding medication that may complicate surgery or recovery
♦ stopping smoking for a period of time before and after surgery
♦ arranging for help or special care following surgery
♦ having a baseline mammogram before surgery, if you have a family history of
breast cancer or if Dr. Behmand feels that it is appropriate in your circumstance.

Prior to your breast augmentation procedure, you will have the opportunity to
"try on" sizer implants. To do so, you will be asked to bring with you to your
preoperative visit a supportive bra, without extra padding, which you would like to
fill following surgery. Then, in our clinic, you will be able to use the various sizer
implants to get an idea of what size implants best meet your expectations.

7. How will I be cared for the day of my breast augmentation surgery?
Your breast augmentation surgery will be performed in an outpatient surgery
center. Most patients are able to go home on the same day. If you are admitted to
the hospital, your stay will be a short one. Medications are administered to keep
you comfortable during the procedure and a general anesthetic is administered so
that you will sleep throughout the entire procedure. When surgery is complete, you
will be taken to a recovery area. Gauze dressings will be placed on your breasts
and covered with a supportive bra. This bra is usually the same bra or one similar
to the one used during your preoperative visit for breast implant sizing. On the day
of surgery, someone should drop you off at the surgical facility and also pick you
up after the procedure. You will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods
of time. Most of the discomfort you feel will be controlled by medications
prescribed for you.

8. How will I look and feel right after breast augmentation surgery?
Within a day or two after surgery, you should be up and around. Most of the
discomfort that you feel can be controlled with medication prescribed for you.
Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will
follow this general time line:

Within the first week:
♦ you will be able to shower after the first 48 hours.
♦ your stitches are usually dissolvable. However, any non-dissolving sutures will
be removed at one week..
♦ you may feel able to return to non-strenuous work after the first week.
♦ after the first week, you can resume sexual relations, as long as the breasts are
treated gently.
♦ you may resume driving after one week, as long as you are not taking narcotic
pain medication.

After several weeks:
♦ most of the swelling will subside and you will start to see you actual final size.
♦ you may discontinue wearing the support bra.
♦ you may resume exercise and vigorous arm movements at four weeks following
the procedure.

After several months:
♦ initially, the breast implants will appear somewhat high in position. Over the
first few months, they will gradually assume a more natural position and shape.

9. What should I know about my breast augmentation results?
If you are like most women who have the breast implant procedure, you will be
very pleased with the results of your breast augmentation. You will no longer
need padded bras or other bust enlarging undergarments. Your new, natural curves
will let you wear a greater variety of fashions, even dresses with low cut necklines
and form fitting tops. Many women find that their new figure gives them greater
self-confidence, whether they are on the beach or in the boardroom. You are likely
to be happy with your results for many years. However, keep in mind that your
breasts are not immune to the effects of weight fluctuations or aging.

10. How long will I continue to see Dr. Behmand after surgery?
Immediately after surgery, you will be seen frequently in our clinic. After the
initial few weeks, you will be seen at three, six and twelve months following
surgery. It is important to keep these appointments so that Dr. Behmand can assess
your long-term results and address any questions or concerns you may have.

11. See Breast Augmentation Photos

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