When a woman is dissatisfied with the size, shape or consistency of her breasts it can be difficult to feel attractive and feminine. Pregnancy, the effects of age or even weight loss can leave breasts smaller or less firm than before. For many women, breast augmentation can offer the desired natural looking fullness, which can in turn help them enjoy life with self-assured confidence.
Case Study
After 18 years of having breast implants, Kaneta was noticing some deflating in her right saline implant. Since receiving the original augmentation, she has experienced an active lifestyle, childbirth and the natural loosening of skin that comes with age. According to Dr. Chaffoo of La Jolla Plastic Surgery, this is not that unusual as there is a deflation rate of 1-2% per year for many older implants.
There has been some chatter that early silicone implants were associated with many autoimmune diseases or even breast cancer, but triple board certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richard Chaffoo of La Jolla Plastic Surgery and Dermatology sites that a multitude of credible sources, including the FDA, have not found an association. Based on these findings, silicone implants have been re-released onto the market, but now with better technology. The shells are now sturdier and the material on the inside is not a liquid, rather a gel-like substance that Dr. Chaffoo affectionately calls gummy bears.
Sizing Up
When asked about the process of breast augmentation, Dr. Chaffoo said, “To pick a breast size, I first get a feel for what the patient thinks is attractive. What their concept of beauty is using photos of other women with a similar body type as reference. We also introduce sizers in a bra to try on a larger size and get a feel for what such an increase will be like.”
“Plastic surgery is about details and millimeters, so you are trying to get the best outcome for that patient.”
Choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery is an exciting, but serious decision. It’s important for a woman to feel comfortable and confident about the choice so Dr. Chaffoo suggests looking for a plastic surgeon who not only does breast augmentations but who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, at the very least. He also suggests making sure that the doctor has privileges at local hospitals in the remote event that a complication develops during outpatient surgery.
Great Results
In Kaneta’s case, her replacement surgery went well. She has completely healed and her new implants have given her a renewed sense of confidence!
La Jolla Plastic Surgery
9850 Genesee Avenue, Suite 480
La Jolla, California 92037
(858) 623-6333
drchaffoo.com
Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS, is triple board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He has also served as President of the San Diego Plastic Surgery Society and is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas.
