Folsom Doctors

Wait Until After Children for Breast Augmentation?

I am 24 years old and have been contemplating getting a breast augmentation for many years, the only thing holding me back is that i don't have any children yet. Is it recomended to wait until after children? and if not will I still be able to breast feed if I have breast implants?

Hi camgirl

This is a very important and common question you are asking. Studies have shown that most women can successfully nurse or breast feed their children following breast augmentatio. Regarding the timing of the operation, my recommendations are to delay the procedure for those who are planning on having children in the near future. If it would be many years before someone were planning to have children then it would be very reasonable to have the procedure prior to that time. For those patients who are in between, it becomes very personal. The choice depends on how much benefit the changes of breast implants will provide  for self image and lifestyle versus the possibility of needing additional surgery following pregnancy.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Wayne Yamahata, M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD

Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

Breast Lift versus Breast Augmentation

At what point do you know if you need a breast lift vs breast implants (or both)?

Hi SaskGirl

Breast lifts and breast implants perform different functions. Breast implants provide volume and can either enhance or restore the size of the breasts. Breast implants alone do not provide substantial lift to the breasts. If the primary concern is sagging or ptosis to the breast, the better operation is to formally lift he breasts through a mastopexy. Sometimes patients desire both, i.e. increased volume and lift to the breasts. In this situation both operations are performed. As to when a breast lift is "required", one condition is often quoted as a guide. If the nipple position is lower than the inframmary fold, i.e. the crease beneath the breast, then a breast lift is usually recommended.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Wayne Yamahata, M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD

Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

When Does Swelling After Breast Augmentation Begin to Subside?

I had 325cc silicone breast implants 5 days ago. I am 5'1 and 102 pounds. I was hoping to be a C cup, but I am fitting into a D bra. Is this because of the swelling? If so, when will the swelling begin to go down? When will I know exactly what bra size I will wear?

Hi kcali

The amount of swelling following breast augmentation will vary depending on the technique used for the procedure, along with the type and position of the implants. Often, much of what is viewed as "swelling" is temporary malposition of the implant. In any event you will probably not have a good idea of your final size until 4-6 weeks following surgery. Even then you will have subtle changes to you breast and not see the "final" result for as long as six months.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Wayne Yamahata, M.D.,F.A.C.S.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD

Sacramento Plastic Surgeon