Breast Augmentation Surgery
Dr. John S. Lee M.D.
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure Dr. John Lee performs to change the size and shape of a woman’s breast for a number of reasons:
- To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons feels her breast size is too small.
- To correct a reduction of breast volume after pregnancy.
- To balance a difference in breast size.
By inserting an implant behind each breast, Dr. Lee is able to increase a woman’s bust line by one or more bra cup sizes.
The best candidates for breast augmentation surgery are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. Usually this procedure is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation in our fully accredited onsite surgical suite.
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted, Dr. Lee may recommend a breast lift together with implants. A breast lift can be done at the same time as the augmentation if needed or desired.
Breast Implant Choices
Women now have a choice in their type of breast implant. Breast implants have a silicone shell that is filled with either silicone gel or salt-water solutions known as saline. The FDA approved silicone gel implants that are available today and are constructed of a “cohesive” elastic-type of semi-solid gel that feels, looks and moves much like normal breast tissue. Unlike older silicone implants, these “new” silicone implants do not leak throughout the body or deflate if ruptured. Currently, silicone implants are FDA approved for women over age 22. Silicone gel implants have been extensively studied, making them one of the most researched medical devices in history. The overwhelming body of medical literature has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of silicone implants. Both saline and silicone implants can provide natural and long-lasting results.
What is the process for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
To begin the journey you will meet with Dr. Lee for a free consult. His consult days are generally Tuesdays and Thursdays. Allow for about 40 minutes. During the consult Dr. Lee will listen to all your concerns, do a thorough examination, answer your questions and offer you his recommendations. You will also be given a written quote after the consult.
If you decide to move forward with breast augmentation surgery his scheduling staff will find you a surgery day and then a preoperative appointment about two weeks before the surgery date where you will meet with the nurse and go over pre and post op instructions, sign consents, get prescriptions and make your final payment.
Surgery will be done either on premises at our fully accredited surgery center, NW Portland Plastic Surgery Center where you will go under IV sedation, also known as twilight anesthesia or in some cases at CSS (Center for Specialty Surgery) an outside surgery center, under general anesthesia. This will be decided at your consultation at the recommendation of Dr. Lee.
What is the Recovery time for Breast Augmentation surgery?
You will go home the same day and then come back for a two day and then a one week post op appointment. Healing and follow up will continue, Dr. Lee will guide you through the recovery process at your post op appointments. There will be at least 7-10 days of very low activity.
What is the cost for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Dr. Lee does not take medical insurance for this procedure. You will be given a written quote at your consultation appointment which will include the following:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees