Breast Augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures and not just in New York City. I am constantly striving to improve my technique for this procedure. Over the years I have altered my technique to create a “Rapid-Recovery Breast Augmentation” that requires half the recovery, half the bruising and swelling, and half the pain as other breast augmentation methods.
My Rapid-Recovery technique
My Rapid-Recovery technique involves four specific components:
1. Long-acting local anesthetics injected into pain nerves of the breast
2. Injection of Botox into the pectoralis muscle
3. Insertion of the breast implant using a Keller Funnel
4. Post-operative application of LED lights to reduce bruising and swelling
My breast augmentations are performed under general anesthesia – you are completely asleep. However, I also inject long-acting local anesthetics into the nerves of the breast. The medicine is specifically injected into the sensory nerves of the breast. The result is less pain during the first 8 hours after the surgery which is usually when most patients are most uncomfortable. This prevents the buildup of severe pain that can make a recovery difficult.
Breast Implant Placement
The majority of breast implants are placed under the pectoralis muscle. When implants are placed under the muscle, it requires that the surgeon cut the pectoralis muscles in order to place the implant. During the months after the surgery, this cut pectoralis muscle can have painful spasms. This can result in pain that can persist for weeks and months after surgery. Also, the implant can stretch the muscle, causing pain.
More importantly, the implants commonly remain “high” for several months after surgery because they are being held by the pectoralis muscle and need to “drop” into a natural position. This often takes up to 6 months after plastic surgery. The solution for all these things is Botox! I inject Botox into the pectoralis muscle at the time of surgery. This causes paralysis of the muscle for 4 months, decreasing painful spasms as the muscle heals and allows the breast implant to drop into the desired position in just a few weeks instead of 6 months.
Next, I use a special device for insertion of the breast implant. This device, called a Keller Funnel, allows non-traumatic insertion of the implant through a very small incision. Less trauma and a smaller incision equals less pain.
The Final Component
The final component of the “Rapid-Recovery” Breast Augmentation in New York City is the use of LED lights. LED, or Light Emitting Diodes, are colored lights. Studies have shown the red and blue rays of light can decrease inflammation and bruising. My patients are given these hand-held lights to take home and apply it to the breasts several times a day. The use of these lights reduces the bruising, swelling, and pain.
Using this technique, I find that my patients have less pain, less bruising, less swelling, and a faster final result.
Incision Options for Breast Implants
There are three basic options for the incisions used to place breast implants – peri-areolar (around the areola), inframammary (in the breast crease), and trans-axillary (through the underarm). The incision represents how the implant is placed. Each incision has pros and cons. Below is a basic review of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
Peri-Areolar
Advantages: well-hidden incision
Disadvantagous: not possible if areolas are very small, possible disruption of milk ducts which can lead to infection and interference with breast feeding, more technically challenging for the surgeon, higher capsular contracture rate than some other approaches, risk for decreased nipple sensation.
Inframammary
Advantages: well hidden incision, technically easier approach for surgeon, no disruption of milk ducts or breast tissue so virtually no risk for interference with breast feeding, lowest risk of infection and capsular contracture
Disadvantages: scar can be visible on underside of breast.
Trans-Axillary
Advantages: hidden scar, no disruption of ilk ducts or breast gland so virtually no risk for interference with breast feeding.
Disadvantages: challenging approach for the plastic surgeon and usually requires use of endoscopic camera equipment, highest risk for infection and capsular contracture, scar may be irritated when shaving underarms, high rate of implant malposition.
As you can see, there are several different approaches for placement of breast implants. Your surgeon will be able to discuss which approach is best for you. It will depend on your preference, type of implant selected, implant size selected, and your body shape and size.
Contact Our Office
Contact Dr. Schulman’s practice of plastic surgery in New York City to schedule a free consultation and learn more about Dr. Schulman’s Rapid-Recovery Breast Augmentation.