Breast Implants & Augmentation
Breast augmentation is the placement of breast implants to increase fullness and projection of the breasts or to improve symmetry of the breasts. Breast augmentation is one of the most
commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in the United States. As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Kaczynski has been performing breast enhancement surgery for over 25 years and has performed breast augmentation surgery thousands of times. Breast augmentation surgery is also known technically as augmentation mammoplasty. The procedure is performed as in our AAASF surgery center as an outpatient surgery and includes the insertion of either silicone or saline breast implants. Breast augmentation sizes are determined by the patient prior to surgery based on the consultation with Dr. Kaczynski.
(916) 925-5522
Sacramento – Roseville – Granite Bay
The Keller Funnel
Dr. Kaczynski is the first certified plastic surgeon in town to incorporate the Keller Funnel. Invented by Dr. Keller, the Keller Funnel which accomplishes several purposes with something that looks like it belongs on the Food Network’s TV show Ace of Cakes.
Dr. Kaczynski on News 10 – Sacramento & Co
First of all, the Keller Funnel allows introduction of the implant with a true no touch technique the implant can be dropped into the funnel and then gently squeezed through like decorating the top of the cake. The surgeon doesn’t touch it and it doesn’t touch the patient’s skin or breast tissue while it is being introduced in the pocket. This eliminates the main source of potential capsular contracture which is residual bacteria on the skin or in the breast tissue of the patient
Secondly, this way of introduction puts less stress on the implant so that is less likely to break during introduction or later due to the stress placed while putting it in
And lastly, this method allows for smaller incisions and faster introduction minimizing scar tissue and lessening the time that the patient is under anesthesia. Since first introducing the Keller Funnel about a year ago, Dr. Kaczynski has not had a single case of capsular contracture reported as a result of his breast augmentation!
Recovery from Breast Augmentation
Patients typically require 7-10 days to recover from the initial breast augmentation. The incisions and scars are completely healed after about 6 weeks, and within several months, they begin to fade noticeably. Cold laser, ointments, and topical medications further assist with the healing process and scarring.
During the recovery period, we advise our breast implant patients to stay away from sunlight, alcohol, strain, swimming, cigarettes, and strenuous exercise. We also provide a thorough examination to ensure that the patient is a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Implants?
Patients who would benefit from breast implants are in two categories: women who have never developed to a breast size they are happy with, and women who have become pregnant, breast fed and lost volume and shape in their breasts. In the latter case, a breast augmentation may be performed as part of a series of procedures often referred to as a “mommy makeover.” In both cases breast augmentation will benefit them. The breast is made larger by an implant. This is a silicone balloon filled with either silicone gel or saline. Implants have been around since the 1960s and the current design is the best and safest ever made. There was an implant scare in the 1990s but those claims were thrown out and labeled as junk science. All implants are now approved by the FDA. Patients have a choice of silicone or saline implants from Mentor and Allergan.
To determine the best breast implants for you it is important to evaluate size, shape and thickness of skin. You can call our office at (916) 925-5522 to schedule a consultation to evaluate these factors. You can also talk to Christine, our patient coordinator, if the live chat on the upper right of this page is green!
During breast augmentation surgery, breast implants can be put under or over the chest muscle. The vast majorities are put under the muscle because this best hides the implant best, gives a more natural shape and decreases the chance of scar tissue forming. The incisions or access points to the space under the breast can vary. There is a choice of periareolar (under the nipple), intramammary (under the breast), axillary (armpits) or umbilical (belly button). Perareolar are the most common in my practice in Sacramento. This usually heals the best and gives the best visual access to the pocket. Intramammary scars can give a good result, but can also ride up and create a very difficult scar to form. They also make subtotal muscular coverage more difficult. Axillary scars are hidden in the armpits, but this incision limits the size of implants and also limit access as well as the amount of muscle release. Umbilical access is only applicable for saline implants. Very few people use this approach and with the return of silicone implants it will be used even less.
Breast augmentation surgery is performed in our AAAHC approved ambulatory surgery center in just a few hours. It is done under general anesthesia to provide the most comfort and muscle relaxation. Recovery is about one hour in the recovery room and then the patient can be taken home to recover completely. Downtime is a day or so and another three to four days at home. Most people can return to an office job within five days. Light exercise in two weeks and full exercise (running or lifting weights) after one month.
(916) 925-5522
Sacramento – Roseville – Granite Bay
