1. 18 years of age or older
2. Not currently pregnant or nursing, and with no immediate plans to become pregnant
3. In good physical health
4. Psychologically stable
5. Wanting to improve their appearance
6. Realistic in their expectations

At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, Dr. Williams spends time to make sure that each patient receives all of the information needed when considering a breast augmentation. In our offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, often we perform silicone or saline breast augmentations. Breast augmentation (mammaplasty), also known as breast enlargement or breast enhancement surgery, is used to enhance the breast contour and breast size for a female who views her current breast size as small for her frame. Breast augmentation can also be used to correct the natural loss in breast fullness which occurs following pregnancy and breast feeding, weight loss, or to balance an asymmetry in breast size.

Some of our patients seeking breast augmentation are young women who have been unhappy with their figures all of their lives, women who feel that their breasts are no longer attractive following changes in weight, changes associated with aging, or changes due to childbearing. This means a relatively wide age range of women seek this procedure for a variety of reasons.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women with little or no sagging, and who have a reasonable amount of breast tissue with which to cover the lower part of the implant. Women who are less than ideal candidates can still get excellent results as Dr. Williams has many techniques to help you improve your appearance.

A breast augmentation (mammoplasty), commonly known as a “boob job”, also known as breast enlargement, breast implant surgery, and breast enhancement, is a surgical procedure to reshape the breast in order to make it larger. Breast augmentation is typically performed to enlarge small breasts, underdeveloped breasts or breasts that have decreased in size after childbirth by surgically inserting an implant behind each breast.

Breast augmentation in the San Francisco Bay Area at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery involves inserting a saline (salt-water) filled or silicone gel-filled breast implant underneath the breast and pectoralis muscle via a hidden short scar underneath each breast. The smooth round saline or silicone gel-filled breast implant permanently resides under your pectoralis major muscle.

This operation does not weaken your chest muscles, future breast feeding is still possible and nipple sensation is preserved. The incisions can be hidden in the fold between your breasts and chest, around the areola or in the armpit. Once faded, the scars are well concealed.

The procedure is performed as outpatient surgery, meaning you will go home the same day of your operation. No drains are required and only absorbable sutures are used, making recovery easier. Most patients are able to return to work within a week or less.

Dr. Steven Williams and the Tri Valley Plastic Surgery team will carefully explain your breast augmentation operation with you at your initial consultation. Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions and information to prepare you for your procedure. This may include:

1. Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
2. Day of surgery instructions and medications
3. Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
4. Post-operative care and follow-up

In addition, you will be asked to sign consent forms stating that you fully understand the procedure you are undergoing, as well as any potential risks, complications and side effects associated with breast augmentation surgery.

Your breast augmentation will be performed in an accredited ambulatory surgical hospital. We only use board certified anesthesiologists, nursing and OR staff trained in cosmetic plastic surgery.

Step 1 – Pre-op

The nursing staff will start an IV. Dr. Williams will answer all last minute questions and perform pre-operative markings on your breasts and chest wall. These markings help us in the operating room.

Step 2 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. Most of our patients don't remember going to sleep or most of their time in the post-op recovery area. Our anesthesiologists use special tools to make sure you are asleep and safe throughout the whole procedure.

Step 3 – The incision

1. An inframammary incision near the crease just under the breast
2. An auxiliary incision in the underarm area
3. A periareolar incision placed at the edge of the areola, the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple
4. Incision patterns vary based on the type of implant chosen, the degree of enlargement desired, and the individual patient's anatomy.

Step 4 – Implant placement

Step 5 - Results

The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will subside and incision lines will gradually refine in appearance. Implants are typically positioned some what high and settle over the first few weeks. Patients see an immediate satisfaction at their results, and experience fulfillment in self-confidence and personal body image.

Once your breast augmentation procedure has been completed, the surgical areas will be covered in dressings and bandages. Your first post-op visit will be scheduled 4-6 days after surgery. After the first visit the dressings are removed and patients may use a supportive sports bra.

Breast augmentation recovery times vary from patient to patient. Initial breast augmentation recovery may include swelling and slight discomfort at the incision sites and in breast tissue overall.

1. How to care for your breasts following surgery. It is important you follow that advice carefully, as this is essential to the success of your final outcome.
2. Medications to apply or to take orally to reduce the risk of infection.
3. Specific changes at the surgical site or in overall health.
4. Scheduling a follow up consultation with Dr. Williams and Tri Valley Plastic Surgery.

You may return to light and normal activity as soon as you feel ready, however in the initial wound healing phase it is important to limit activity as directed. You will be able to return to work and resume normal activity after this time. It is advisable not to engage in any vigorous exercise, activity or heavy lifting within 4 to 6 weeks of your procedure.

Breast augmentation recovery times can take up to several weeks as swelling slowly resolves and implant position settles. Incision lines will gradually fade, although they remain permanent, they are often inconspicuous.

By making the decision to consult with Dr. Williams and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety. Dr. Williams is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, a certification ensuring that your surgeon is a designated expert who is trained in the field of plastic surgery of the face and body.

Breast augmentation side effects:

1. You may feel sick as a result of the general anesthetic.
2. For a few weeks after surgery your breasts will feel sore, swollen and firm, and you may feel a burning sensation in your nipples or along the incisions. Using extra pillows when sleeping can help reduce the swelling around your breasts.
3. You will have scars which will be pink and noticeable at first but should fade gradually.

Breast augmentation complications:

Possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anesthetic, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).

Breast augmentation risks and complications are rare, but can include:

1. An unevenness in size and shape, possibly caused by natural differences highlighted by the surgery.
2. Creasing, crinkling and ripples on the skin over the breast implant (less likely with silicone implants).
3. Infection which may need antibiotic treatment, sometimes requiring the implant to be temporarily removed .
4. Abnormal scar tissue forming around the implant which may cause a firm, sometimes painful swelling called capsular contracture requiring further surgery.
5. Change in skin and nipple sensation which is a rare but potentially permanent condition.
6. Build up of fluid around the implant (seroma) which may require further surgery.
7. Unusual red or raised scars (keloids) which can take years to improve.

It's possible that you still won't be satisfied with your appearance after the operation.

The exact risks are specific to you and will differ for every person. Dr. Williams will explain how these risks apply to you.