Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a common outpatient procedure that enlarges a woman's breasts. Common reasons for seeking breast augmentation are to enlarge naturally small breasts, to regain breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss or to balance asymmetrical breasts. Dr. Ma has an excellent ability to create natural, fuller breasts that enhance and beautifully balance a woman’s body. She will work with you to create beautifully natural looking breasts in keeping with your image of yourself.
During your consultation, you will discuss with Dr. Ma your expectations. We ask that you bring 3-4 images of the breast size you have in mind. The best way to communicate your vision of your new breasts is with images. Dr. Ma will use these images to determine your implant size.
During your consultation, you will also choose the type of implant you wish to have: silicone versus saline. Silicone implants have been approved by the FDA. The silicone implants on the market today are significantly improved compared to those of the past. There are 4 differences between silicone and saline implants:
- Feel: silicone implants feel more natural, and this difference is more obvious in small breasted women.
- Incision size: 2-3 cm for a saline implant, 5-7 cm for a silicone implant.
- Cost: silicone implants cost twice as much as saline implants.
- Monitoring for rupture: if a saline implant ruptures, it is obvious due to deflation. If a silicone implant ruptures, there may be no symptoms or physical findings. The only way to determine if a silicone implant has ruptured is by MRI. If you choose to have a silicone implant, you must be convinced that a ruptured silicone implant will not be harmful.
The breast augmentation procedure
Breast augmentation is done as an outpatient procedure in a surgicenter. The procedure lasts about 1 hour. Typically, the implants are placed behind the pectoralis muscle through a small incision under your breast. You will awaken with a small waterproof dressing over your incision and you will be wearing a bra. You will feel pressure on your chest, but you will not be in significant pain. You will be able to shower at any time after surgery.Typically, pain medication is taken for 5-7 days after surgery. The recovery involves 7-10 days of rest and gentle activity. You are functional around the house, but your overall activity level is lower than normal. You may need assistance with child care and regular daily activities involving lifting. You will need to refrain from lifting for about 2-4 weeks.
Who is not a candidate for breast augmentation:
- Smokers: due to the significantly increased risk of would healing and infection in smokers, this elective procedure is not done on smokers. For smokers who wish to have breast augmentation, we require that you refrain from smoking for 8 weeks prior to and 8 weeks after your procedure.
- Under age 21: breast augmentation can be done when you reach 21 years of age.
Testimonials
"My experience with Dr. Ma was first-rate. She and her staff made me feel welcome and relaxed. I trusted her completely to transform me into the well-proportioned woman I am today. The process was much easier than going to the dentist.""It was a wonderful experience, nothing like I thought at all. The staff at Blue Aspen is awesome and I would recommend them to everybody. In fact, I do. I would tell other women: If you have been considering getting a breast Augmentation, DON'T WAIT. I did it to boost my own self confidence and I really wish I would have done it 10 years sooner."
"I had my breasts done about a year ago and I love them! I wish I would have done it sooner. Dr. Ma is a great plastic surgeon. I've recommend her to all friends."
"When I was searching for a facility for breast implants, we decided to look at a few places, before settling. My first impression of Blue Aspen, was the staff was extremely warm and friendly. I immediately felt comfortable. Dr Ma, was just as inviting and I felt very comfortable with her as well. What I liked most, was she didn't want to know about what cup size or CC's I had in mind, but how I envisioned my new body. She then showed me pictures of other patients, before and after, and gained an even clearer picture of what I wanted. In the end, I got exactly what I wanted. I couldn't be more happy with my body. I recommend Dr Ma and her staff to every one. Dr Ma is not only an excellent doctor, but an artist as well! Thank you, Dr. Ma!" - Holly C.
"My experience with Dr. Ma was excellent. I am so pleased with my surgery and results. I have had mammogram tech's and my gynecologist comment on what an excellent job the Dr. had done. They have even asked for her name, as they get asked about referrals. I requested that Dr. Ma use her discretion as to how big I should go, giving her some parameters. I couldn't be more pleased with my size. They feel so natural now and such a part of me."
"First of all, I wanted to thank the awesome staff at Blue Aspen for making my visits so welcoming! I really appreciated how friendly each staff member was, from the first day to the last. I could have easily chosen a Plastic Surgeon's clinic near my home, but felt more comfortable at Blue Aspen, which was an hour away!"
"I have to say that Dr. Debora Ma did an EXCEPTIONAL job on my breast augmentation, hands down! She had so much patience with me and all my questions during our one-on-one consultations before and after the surgery. I am EXTREMELY satisfied with my new look by ways of silicone implants. Even though the majority of her patients chose saline, I really liked the natural feel and look of silicone. Dr. Ma was very helpful with deciding on which types of implants to choose from and which size we needed in order to achieve the right "look" for me. She was right on! After 8 months, my breasts continue to feel more and more natural, and my self confidence has definitely improved. I am really happy I chose Dr. Ma. I am going to miss her!"
"I am forever grateful to Dr. Debora Ma. She is a brilliant Surgeon!"
