Breast Augmentationin Newport Beach

Breast Augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a very popular and common procedure that enhances the size and shape of the breast by placing a saline or silicone implant under the muscle.

— Dr. Mark Anton, Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

Watch my video on Who Is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation

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For some women, breast augmentation is a way to enhance self-image and self-confidence. For others, breast augmentation is part of breast reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer or other conditions affecting the breast.

Our Newport Beach Breast Augmentation is performed to increase the current size and volume of a patient's breasts. A good candidate for this procedure has one or more of the following concerns:

  • Dissatisfaction with breast size: Many patients are not satisfied with their breast size starting from a young adult age. Patients range in age from 18 to 70 and on. There is no "right age" to have a breast augmentation. It is dependent on the individual and their personal preference and decision.
  • Change in breast size/volume: Many patients experience a loss in breast volume after having children or they may find their breasts are not as firm as they once were. Also, this can result from a significant weight loss or age.
  • Asymmetry: Having one breast that is larger than the other is common in many women and can be corrected with a breast augmentation to correct breast asymmetry.

These factors can result in sagging breasts that lose their elasticity and firmness, a condition also known as ptosis. Breast augmentation cost can range from $4,000 - $6,000 not including OR and implant fees.

breast augmentation patient model in black lingerie sitting down

During your consultation with Dr. Anton and throughout the pre-operative process you will discuss your preference of the size you would like to achieve. Prior to surgery, you will be provided with instructions and exercises to help you determine what breast size you feel most comfortable with. This is a personal individualized process for each patient.

This procedure takes approximately 2 hours under general anesthesia. A small incision is made on the lower edge of the areola. This is the most optimal area because the incision tends to heal extremely well and fade quickly. The breast implant is placed underneath the pectoralis major muscle. Depending on personal preference, a saline or silicone breast implant can be used.

Breast Augmentation Newport Beach

Choosing a Surgeon

To look your best, choose the best. Dr. Anton is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Castle Connolly Top Doctor and completed a Breast Fellowship before starting his practice in Newport Beach, California.

Newport Beach Breast Augmentation surgeon Dr. Anton

Dr. Anton along with Dr. Hartrampf, father of the modern-day breast reconstruction, created the Star Flap Nipple Reconstruction, which is still considered the most popular and widely used technique in nipple and breast reconstruction surgery today.

Additionally, Dr. Anton was one of thirty-five physicians across the country to participate in a 10-year study to determine the safety of silicone implants. His findings, along with those of his colleagues were reported to the U.S. Institutional Review Board, which in 1997 determined silicone implants to be safe to women's health.

Today, Dr. Anton continues to be on the cutting edge of breast implant safety. He remains confident that smooth silicone gel implants are safe and do not pose any additional risk to women's health. As Dr. Anton explains to his patients, silicone is used in all kinds of medical devices including cheek and chin implants, joint replacements, contraceptive diaphragms, shunts, pumps, and other various medical devices.

Breast Implant Surgery Newport Beach

What to Expect

On the day of your surgery, you will arrive at the surgery center one hour before to prepare for the procedure. Dr. Anton performs his breast augmentation surgeries at an accredited out-patient facility using only Board Certified Anesthesiologists.

Surgery generally takes two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Patients go home the same day of surgery to rest and recover. You will leave the surgery center wearing a breast wrap to help the implants drop into place. No bras of any kind are to be worn without doctor's approval. As with any surgery, it is important to honor the body's healing time and follow the post-operative instructions explained and given to you during your pre-operative appointment one month prior to surgery. For the first two weeks all patients are instructed to abstain from any activity that raises heart rate or blood pressure including

  • exercise of any kind
  • sex
  • stress or anxiety
  • *lifting
  • some daily activities

*Mothers with small children will not be able to lift them for up to three weeks and will require assistance post-surgery. 

At your first post-op visit Dr. Anton will review the Breast Implant Exercises that you will do at home several times a day for the first few weeks post-op (see video) to help the implants drop into position. After 2-3 weeks, patients are instructed to wear a soft support bra for 24 hours a day for up to 6 weeks. Most of our Newport Beach breast augmentation patients return to work within 5-7 days if their job does not require a lot of physical labor or excessive stress. Gradually you may return to your regular exercise routine 4-6 weeks post-op with doctor's approval.

Feeling tired and mild soreness following breast augmentation surgery are common. Pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed to help alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of infection. Dr. Anton suggests Exparel, an intra-operative pain medication that numbs the treated area for up to 4 days post operatively, which dramatically reduces pain and discomfort.

After breast augmentation surgery you may feel a slight burning sensation in your nipples that will fade after about two weeks. It is advised that you remain in a support bra for approximately four to six weeks. Breast swelling may take up to five weeks to subside. Breast augmentation scars usually stay firm and pink for at least six weeks and will begin to fade after several months, taking on a flesh tone by 6 to 9 months post-operatively.

Other Considerations for breast augmentation surgery include:

Breast Augmentation Surgery Orange County

Breast Augmentation Risks

Dr. Anton has performed hundreds of breast augmentation surgeries. His revision rate on native breast surgeries is very low, less than 1%. This is because of his technical surgical skills, and the surgical practices he implements during a breast augmentation procedure.

During your consultation, Dr. Anton will review the complications and risks associated with breast augmentation surgery which include:

  • Capsular contracture (a tightening of the scar tissue which can make the breast feel hard and can distort the shape of the breast implant).
  • Changes in nipple and breast sensation (usually temporary).
  • Breast pain (usually temporary).
  • Rare implant leakage or rupture. If the implant is saline-filled, it deflates and the body harmlessly absorbs the saline solution. If the implant is filled with silicone gel, the gel may alter the shape of the breast, requiring implant replacement. Today's silicone gel implants are safe and come with a 10-year warranty against rupture.

During your consultation with Dr. Anton he will also discusses the risks of breast augmentation and what he does surgically, pre and post operatively to mitigate those risks such as:

  • triple antibiotic implant wash to reduce infection
  • use of keller funnels
  • no drains in surgery
  • no dental work including teeth cleaning 3 months post operatively
  • pre-operative mammogram
  • precise surgical skills and techniques for optimizing tissue function and healing

Consultation for Breast Augmentation in Newport Beach

Breast Augmentation is a popular way to achieve your aesthetic goals for your figure an improve the appearance of your breasts. Patients who want to achieve greater volume in their bust can consider a Breast Augmentation procedure to help achieve more flattering silhouette. At Aesthetics MD in Newport Beach, we offer consultations at our facility to help patients better understand if a Breast Augmentation is the right choice for them. Call us today or contact us online to get started.

Newport Beach Breast Augmentation

Are breast augmentation and breast implants the same thing?

Breast augmentation is a generic term that refers to any procedure that enlarges your breasts. Breast implants are the devices used to produce that enlargement.

A technique known as fat transfer breast augmentation can also achieve breast enlargement. The procedure uses fat taken from another part of your body to enhance your breasts. Fat transfer breast augmentation usually does not produce as dramatic results as implants do, but some women prefer the subtle changes provided by using their own natural tissue.

Newport Beach Breast Augmentation

Truth About Breast Implants

In June, the FDA recalled textured implants citing risk of BIA-ALCL. Any women considering a breast surgery needs to know all the facts about breast implant safety to make a responsible decision. To be clear, the FDA is saying that textured breast implant surfaces are associated with a 0.3%-2.6% current lifetime risk of developing lymphoma of the breast capsule, not breast cancer. When caught early, this type of lymphoma is usually treated by just removing the scar capsule.

breast augmentation patient model in a pink tank top smiling

Years before the recall, Dr. Anton expressed concerns over the use of textured implants to his patients and the implant manufacturing companies. Issues have been substantiated in the recent FDA findings about textured implants causing lymphoma.

For the past twenty years, Dr. Anton has primarily used smooth surfaced silicone gel implants and places them under the muscle in an appropriately large enough pocket for the implant to move freely and naturally. This is why his breast work reflects a very natural appearance and he has a less than 1% revision rate on native breast surgeries. He has not used textured implants except in a very small handful of patients, all of whom he discussed the risks with beforehand.

Women opting for a breast augmentation can rest assured that smooth gel implants are safe and can last many years. Despite a prevalent myth that implants need to be replaced every 10 years, Dr. Anton assures his patients that if they are happy with how their implants look and there are no complications with their implants, then there is no need to replace them.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Orange County

Types of Implants

At Aesthetics MD, our breast implants can be filled with a saline solution or a gel-like synthetic material called silicone. Implants can vary in shape and the type of shells used to surround the contents.

Saline Implants - are filled with sterile salt water. If a leak or rupture occurs, the saline will be absorbed and safely expelled by your body. In addition, structured saline implants contain an inner structure that often makes the implants feel more natural. The FDA has approved saline breast implants for women aged 18 or older. In the past, women had to compromise the natural look and feel of silicone for the safety of saline. Today, the ideal implant is unique in its patented technology that offers the natural look and feel of silicone with the peace of mind of saline.

"Silicone Implants - are filled with a gel that feels more like natural breast tissue. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel usually remains within the implant shell but, in some cases, may escape. Therefore, silicone implants need regular medical follow-ups, including ultrasound or MRI exams, to ensure your implants are intact & functioning properly. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for use by women aged 22 or over. At AestheticsMD, we offer a variety of silicone implants by various manufacturers, including Allergan Natrelle, which provides a warranty against capsular contracture or rupture.

"Round implants - either saline or silicone - are the most commonly preferred shape and do not rotate in your chest. Women who desire more fullness at the top of their breasts often opt for a moderate profile, round implant with a smooth shell.

Benefits of round implants include:

  • Achieve a fuller appearance at the top of the breast
  • Can be filled with either saline or silicone
  • Provide more lift and cleavage
  • Create a natural appearance

Size Matters

When it comes to choosing the right size implant, you are the ultimate expert. That’s why we have created our very own Breast Implant Sizing Guide to help you find your ideal volume.

  1. At home, fill nylon baggies with 100 ml (that’s equal to 100cc) of flax seed. Implants range in size from 140 up to 800cc. Since not all breasts are of equal size, you may find you need more flax seed baggies in one breast than the other.
  2. Fill a bra with the nylon baggies until you reach the desired size. Mark down the total number of ml in each breast. These notes will provide a guideline for your in-office sizing.
  3. Continue to fill your bra until you reach a point that feels too big for your desired outcome.
  4. You will want to try on a tight shirt like a tank top and a loose top with your stuffed bra to see how it looks in clothes.
  5. On the day of your pre-op appointment, please bring in your bra, clothes you used for trying on at home, and any notes from your home flax seed exercise that will assist our Clinical Coordinator with helping you determine your ideal size. You do not need to bring in the nylon baggies filled with flax seed.
  6. Using gel sizers provided by the implant manufacturers, you will fill your bra until you reach the desired size. This is where your notes from the home exercise come in handy because they provide a range. The more you narrow your range, the easier your decision becomes.
  7. The final step is to see how you look and feel in clothes. Sometimes people change their minds about wanting to be bigger or smaller once they see how their new breasts might look in clothes.

It’s important not to get stuck on a number when you are choosing an implant size. There is very little difference, for example, between 300cc and 350cc implants. At the pre-op appointment, we outline a range of sizes to achieve the desired look. This is reinforced by the photos you provide showing what you want your breast volume to be.

In surgery, Dr. Anton uses implant sizers to determine how your anatomy adapts to the implant. Once the sizer is placed, he sits the patient up on the operating table to review the overall volume of the breast. The photos you provide are on the monitor overhead in the OR to guide the process. Once the desired look is achieved, the implant is surgically placed.

It is so important when choosing a size that is the patient’s decision. Other people might want to influence your decision, so think carefully about who you bring with you to your pre-op appointment.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Orange County

Breast Implant Placement

Dr. Anton creates a very natural-looking breast augmentation by employing his signature surgical techniques. The placement of the implant is critical for a natural looking breast augmentation and for reducing the risk of capsular contracture. Dr. Anton prefers and almost always places the implant under the muscle or what is known as the SUB-MUSCULAR IMPLANT PLACEMENT.

In order to place the implant under the muscle, Dr. Anton first releases the muscle just below the lower breast pole in a precise manner that enhances the shape of the breast and the cleavage area.

Then he creates a pocket for the implant large enough for it to move freely and naturally by partially lifting the pectoralis major chest muscle. This also reduces the risk of capsular contracture, double bubble, and rippling. Placing the implant under the muscle can result in more post-operative pain and what some patients have described as feeling like an elephant is sitting on their chest. Dr. Anton combats this by offering his patients an intra-operative pain management medication called Exparel, which numbs the treated area for up to 4 days post-operatively. This allows the patient to recover comfortably and can reduce the amount of pain medication required after surgery.

Many women contemplating breast surgery express concern over the size of their implants being too big or too small after surgery. During your consultation for a breast augmentation Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Dr. Anton will review his Breast Implant Sizing Guide and discuss how he is able to achieve the size you desire and that poses the least amount of post-surgical complication and risk.

Breast Implant Newport Beach

Breast Implant Size Guide

In your consultation with Dr. Mark Anton, you will hear about the three priorities of any breast procedure: 1. Softness 2. Shape 3. Size (in that order). But SIZE is on your mind, and we want to help you find your optimal volume before surgery. This is achieved with some specific and general homework to be completed BEFORE your pre op appointment, where it will be reviewed and further optimized with the clinical coordinator. Homework to complete before your pre op appointment:

General Homework – Creating your Look Book

It is time to start looking for pictures of your ideal breasts! The Look Book is used for you to communicate with Dr. Anton what your ideal breast looks like.

  • Look through photos online or in magazines of naked breasts (try to limit photos of women in bras/swimsuits as they often distort the appearance of volume)
  • Our website www.antonaesthetics.com (under the heading Before & After, Photo Gallery, Bilateral Breast Augmentation) and www.RealSelf.com are great resources for photos.
  • Look for sizes that you like as well as those that you don't like. It may be hard to find people with your exact frame/build so focus on the balance of breast and body on the different photos
  • Decide on 5 photos that are your favorite, as well as 2 that are too small, and 2 that are too big. Either print these photos out and bring to your pre op appointment or send them to danni@antonaesthetics.com before your appointment

Things to bring to pre op appointment:

  • "Just right," "too big," and "too small" flaxseed NUMBERS (you don't need to bring the actual flaxseed baggies)
  • Printed out "look book" (or emailed BEFORE your appointment to danni@antonaesthetics.com )
  • Bra that you want to fit into after surgery
  • Tight shirt

Specific Homework FLAXSEED. **YOU CAN SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU ARE WANTING TO GO SMALLER IN SIZE

Your job is to figure out what breast size is too small, what is too big, and what is just right for you! Follow these simple steps:

  • Go shopping for a new bra! Find a bra that you would like to fit into after surgery. It should be soft and stretchy (not padded or structured)
  • Get flaxseed (or any other small grain to use as a stuffing) and a measuring cup that has milliliters. MLs are the same measurement as CCs which implants are measured in.
  • Fill multiple small zip lock baggies with 100 mls of flaxseed, a couple with 50 mls, and a couple with 25 mls. Implants come in 25 cc increments from 175 cc -800 cc so you are going to simulate these sizes with the flaxseed baggies.
  • Now add two of the 100 ml baggies into your new bra. This will simulate a 200 cc implant in each breast. Try to simulate the shape of a pretty breast with these baggies by adding them to the top, bottom, and sides of the bra.
  • If the 1st two baggies do not feel "too big" start adding more baggies one at a time. Do not stop when you think you have reached "just right" keep adding baggies until you prove to yourself what is "too big." Have a nice laugh about it and then narrow in on the size that is "just right."
  • Write down the numbers you come up with for "just right," "too big," and "too small" and bring this information to your pre op appointment. 

Implant Incision Sites

During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Anton will discuss the pros and cons of each incision site based on the anatomy of your body plus the characteristics of your skin. As with all plastic surgeries, there are constant headline making techniques that gather Internet attention but not what Dr. Anton considers to of sound surgical practice like the Transaxillary Incision (under the arm) and the Transumbilical Incision (belly button). Dr. Anton does not recommend either of these incision sites but does recommends two incision sites: Inframammary Fold and Periareolar:

Inframammary (IMF) Incision

This is the most commonly used incision and the one Dr. Anton most strongly recommends offers the least amount of complications. The IMF incision is made below the breast fold and does not cut through breast tissue and minimizes complications and risks. The length of the incision depends on the size of the implant being used but generally is small and well hidden by the natural curve of the breast. Breast scars tend to heal very quickly and with minimal visibility after healing.

Periareolar Incision

This incision site is typically the most concealed because it is at the outer edge of the areola and follows the curve that separates the darker skin of the nipple from the rest of the breast. Because this incision cuts through breast tissue, it increases the potential for complications which include:

  • Increased Risk of Infection
  • Interference with breast feeding
  • Harder to detect changes in a mammogram
  • More potential for scarring that can contract or distort the shape of the breast 
  • Loss of nipple sensation

Breast Augmentation Surgery Newport

The Recovery

Most patients return to light sedentary work 4 to 5 days after surgery. Your activities will be restricted for a full two-week period including no lifting, bending or straining of any kind. You will be advised during your post-operative appointments regarding these restrictions. The healing process varies from patient to patient and activity level is decided upon on an individual basis.

Patients go home after the surgery wearing a special surgical bra that is to be worn 4 to 6 weeks post-operatively. Pain is moderate but easily managed with prescribed medications. Antibiotics are also prescribed for the first four days after surgery.

Activities are limited for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Exercise typically resumes in 4-6 weeks with doctor approval. As the breasts heal it is not uncommon to experience nerve firings that will subside once healing is complete. Numbness in the breast area is common for up to 6 months following surgery. Most patients report full nipple and breast sensation returning between 4-6 months.

As with any surgery, it is important to honor the body's healing time. Any activity that raises blood pressure and heart rate is prohibited the first two weeks after surgery including: 

  • exercise
  • sex
  • high stress
  • physical labor
  • lifting
  • some daily activities.

We suggest taking a week to two weeks off from work or other daily duties to rest and recover after breast augmentation surgery. Some of our Newport Beach breast augmentation patients, find that they can return to work within 5 days after surgery if their job doesn't entail a lot of physical activity or stress. You'll likely feel pain and soreness around the incisions, which will be red or pink for a few months. You may notice that you feel less sensation in the nipple and areola areas. Sensation loss is usually temporary and may take weeks, months or even more than a year to return to normal. Your breasts may also require some time to assume a more natural shape.

Breast Implant Newport Beach

Recovery Tips

The success of your breast augmentation can only be maximized if you design and diligently follow a comprehensive recovery plan. The time to prepare for a successful recovery is before your surgery. There are a lot of recovery issues to address, including:

Diet

A high-protein diet is essential to promote healing. Eggs, chicken, fish, beef, and pork are excellent protein sources, along with nuts, seeds, and legumes. And don't forget to load up on fruits and vegetables.

Medication

Fill all of your post-surgical prescriptions before your procedure, and organize and place them in easily accessible locations in your home. This will greatly reduce stress and anxiety.

Sleep and rest

You'll be directed to sleep on your back for several weeks to promote optimal healing and protect your incision sites.

Bathing and hygiene

You will likely be able to begin showering 48 hours after your surgery. But you will need to stay out of bathtubs, hot tubs, swimming pools, and steam rooms for at least two weeks or until you get the "green light" from your surgeon.

Support garments and bras

These garments maximize your post-surgical comfort and provide stability for your inserts and improve your circulation. Wear them exactly as directed.

Swelling

You will have significant breast swelling after your surgery, and your breasts may look asymmetrical for a while. This is normal. Your breasts will become more even as your swelling goes down.

Scarring

For about six weeks, your scars will be pink and firm. Be aware that it will take up to six months for your scars to flatten and fade. But remember that Dr. Anton is an expert in minimizing incisions and placing them discreetly. He will also let you know when it's ok to start using scar-reduction products.

Care of incision sites

Two days after your surgery, begin washing with anti-bacterial soap three times a day. Never fail to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your incision sites. Contact your doctor if you notice smelly drainage or excessive redness, warmth, or swelling.

Activity and exercise

After two weeks, you will likely be cleared to resume light exercise—such as slow walking on a treadmill. Wait an additional month before advancing to more vigorous activity. Avoid push-ups or other pectoral exercises for nine months.

Driving

You may resume driving only after you have stopped taking any prescription pain medication, are comfortable behind the wheel, and can perform any motion necessary to ensure safety.

Follow-up visits

It is critically important that you keep all follow-up appointments. Bring a list of questions or concerns. At any point in your recovery, call your doctor immediately if you:

  • Have difficulty breathing
  • Have continuous or heavy bleeding
  • Have fever or chills
  • Have continual nausea or vomiting
  • Have excessive drainage from your incision sites

Careful planning and diligent adherence to this detailed recovery plan will help you avoid complications and optimize your results.

Request a Consultation

Get a private and personalized consultation with Dr. Anton in his beautiful practice in Newport Beach, CA.

20331 Irvine Avenue Suite E6, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Call Today (949) 722-1967

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