One of the most popular cosmetic procedures, breast augmentation can produce a more desirable breast size and shape with a natural-looking appearance. Inflatable implants are inserted beneath each breast during the surgery. The type, size, and shape of the implant as well as the location of the initial incisions will be determined during your initial consultation. Although a number of different implant options are available at the present time, the implant that is used nearly universally is made of a silicone rubber shell, filled with a saline (salt-water) solution. The two options for implant shape are anatomical and round. The anatomical implant is narrower and taller, and projects further away from the body. Round implants are wider and less projecting.

Breast augmentation is a “same-day” procedure and generally takes 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours. Generally, our patients return to work within a few days. Physical contact with the breasts can occur 3-4 weeks after the procedure. Complete healing of the scars will depend upon the individual.

Although it is a rare complication, “bottoming out” occurs when breast implants end up sitting too low on the chest wall and the nipples wind up positioned too high on the breast mound. At any time after surgery, a patient’s implants can move upward, downward, left or right; causing the need for a revision to move them back into the correct position. In general, the larger the implant, the greater the chance it will displace downward in time.

Synmastia is the result of excessive or over-dissection in middle portion of the sternum during her initial breast augmentation procedure. This allows the implants to come in close contact with one another, and can create the appearance of a single breast. Dr. Hoefflin performs complex breast revision surgery by performing a combination of capsulotomy and capsulorraphy techniques.

Visible wrinkling or rippling can occur anywhere on the breast after breast augmentation surgery. It can be caused both by the type of breast implant that is used, as well as the choice of where the implant is placed. Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Hoefflin performs breast implant revision surgery by removing and replacing the implants with the newer silicone gel breast implants. In addition, he exchanges the position or plane to a submuscular or “dual-plane” location.

During your consultation, Dr. Hoefflin will discuss all the potential surgical options and associated benefits and risks associated with each. Using his expertise, he will determine the best advanced surgical technique and type of implant necessary to accomplish your aesthetic goals. You will be provided customized literature that discusses the procedure in detail. Lastly, pre- and post-laser photographs of similar patients will be reviewed with you.