If you have the opportunity to consult with Dr. Robert A. Shumway, who specializes in breast augmentation surgeries in San Diego, CA, you will have the chance to address your concerns with one of the leading cosmetic surgeons on the West Coast. Dr. Shumway specializes in breast augmentation, and he has helped renew the confidence of thousands of women by giving them beautiful, new breasts they are proud to show off. He can help you, too.

A woman’s breast size, shape, and proportion play a significant role in how attractive, feminine, and confident she feels. But not every woman is blessed genetically with the breasts she wants naturally. If you’re unhappy with your breasts because they’re too small, underdeveloped, oddly shaped, asymmetrical, or deflated due to aging, pregnancy or weight loss, breast augmentation may be a fit for you. With the help of breast implants or fat grafting, this cosmetic treatment improves breast size and shape. The implants can produce a gorgeous and balanced outcome. Dr. Shumway has more than 20 years of experience and has performed over 3,500 surgeries, including specializing in the saline implant with the TUBA approach, and the silicone gel implant with the use of the Keller Funnel. He takes a personal interest in meeting and consulting with every client so you are sure to get the shape, feel, and look you want. Call to schedule your free consultation today.

The decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is personal. If you are considering this surgery, it is essential you do it for yourself. You should be healthy and at a normal weight with breasts that are formed, and be the right age to receive implants. If you are unhappy with the aesthetics of your chest because they look flat, you could benefit from this surgery. Moreover, if your breasts have changed due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss, this surgery can give them life with increased shape and fullness. It is a welcomed answer if you weight train or have limited native breast mass.

When you are in your consultation with Dr. Shumway, the appropriate implant will be chosen based on your body size and shape, as well as your desired outcome. Breast implants are made in varying shapes, sizes, profiles, and textures — each of which is considered carefully in order to achieve the wanted outcome. Still, the most commonly chosen breast implants are silicone or saline, both widely popular and approved to use per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An important fact is that women considering saline breast implants must be at least 18 years old while patients must be at least 22 years of age in order to undergo surgery with silicone. Two other types of augmentations include a form-stable implant known as a gummy bear implant and an autologous approach through fat grafting. In addition to the type of implant used, there are other notable factors to decide.

Silicone breast implants
Silicone implants are made with an outer silicone shell pre-filled with silicone gel in a range of sizes (based on the amount of gel in the implant). The consistency of the silicone gel results in a look and feel similar to that of the natural breast. Cohesive gel silicone implants are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Saline breast implants 
Saline implants are also made with an outer silicone shell, but they are filled with saline (sterile salt water). This allows for smaller incisions and decreases the likelihood of scarring. Saline implants may be placed over or under the muscle and provide a nice round look to the breast. Dr. Shumway will help you decide which one is suitable for you.

Incision placement, as well as implant location, are factors that will need to be made prior to surgery. During breast augmentation, the chosen incision is created and then the chosen implant will be placed into its position. There are two techniques that may be applied for implant placement. These are either under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue but over the pectoral muscle. Where to insert the breast implant depends on varying factors, including the size and type of implant, plus the expertise of Dr. Shumway. Regardless of incision type, scarring is usually minimal. Placement and location are based upon your implant size, activity level, and body type.

After surgery, you should wear a bra that is a variable cup size, stretch type, without an underwire, and with a clasp or zipper in the front. A sports bra works best. Swelling usually peaks at 72 hours post-surgery and will usually subside in 2 – 3 weeks. However, swelling may continue for several months (up to a year). You will be given special instructions or treatment if swelling persists. You will need to perform daily massages (manipulation) of the breast implants following surgery in order to properly keep the “pocket” open. This involves moving the implants up to the collarbone at least twice a day as instructed post-operatively by Dr. Shumway. This manipulation will be a daily necessity for the life of the implants.

Cosmetic breast surgery is an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. After completing the incision, the chosen implant will be placed through the incision opening and deposited into a surgically created pocket, and then secured into its correct position. Following the placement of the implant, the incision is carefully secured with skin adhesives or sutures. Each patient will be taken into a recovery area and monitored prior to being released. You will be instructed to continue wearing a medical sports bra to help reduce swelling. Several days after surgery, the swelling will begin to dissipate, and the breasts will start to look and feel normal as they get used to their new position. Most patients can resume everyday activities within several days; however, physical exertion, such as exercise, should be delayed for approximately a couple of months. Breast augmentation surgery produces gorgeous outcomes that feel and appear normal. This procedure oftentimes can be a life changer for many individuals, offering them the opportunity to feel more confident.

How much does breast augmentation cost?
The cost of breast augmentation varies, depending on if you desire silicone or saline implants and which payment method you prefer. We are happy to work with you, depending on your budget needs.

Why do I have to stop smoking for implant surgery?
Cigarette smoking and the use of tobacco and/or other smoking products affects the blood supply to your tissues and skin, which in turn contributes to a much slower healing time. Smoking also increases the risk of bleeding, infections, capsular contracture (scar tissue buildup around the implant), and numerous other complications.

Do I have to sleep on my back forever after breast augmentation?
You are able to sleep on your back or either of your sides following surgery, but you must refrain from sleeping on your tummy for four weeks.

Do I need a breast lift or a breast augmentation?
Your plan might include implants, a lift, or both. Breast lift surgery removes loose skin and raises the breasts while implants enhance the shape and size. In your consultation with Dr. Shumway, he will listen to your concerns and goals before discussing your treatment options. An augmentation and lift are usually included in a mommy makeover to revitalize the breasts after breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Should I wait until after I have children to get implants?
You can have your breast augmentation procedure before or after you have children. Keep in mind that your body will change after you have children no matter what. Some women prefer to wait until after they have been pregnant to correct loss of volume and sagging.

Can I breastfeed with implants?
If you might want to breastfeed after augmentation surgery, talk to Dr. Shumway during your consultation. It’s usually possible to breastfeed after augmentation surgery with the right placement and technique. Breastfeeding and pregnancy can affect your results, which is why it is better to wait until your family is complete to get breast surgery.

Can I have my implants removed?
You might decide that you would like to remove or replace your implants. Should this happen, Dr. Shumway offers breast revision surgery. In revision surgery, your old implants will be either replaced with different implants or removed. If you want to have your implants removed, you might need to have a breast lift because larger implants may stretch your skin. For any concerns or questions after your augmentation surgery, schedule a consultation at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery to learn more about your options.

When can I start cardio exercises after implants?
You may return to light exercise after three weeks. Avoid strenuous workouts and sports activities for the first eight weeks. Physical injury to your breasts will affect the healing process and could cause a hematoma to form or excessive bleeding.

Can I take hormone therapy to enlarge my breasts?
Hormone therapy can increase breast size, but it is not recommended for this purpose by Dr. Shumway.

No one wants to go into their breast augmentation surgery with fingers crossed. It’s too important of a procedure to just hope for the best. That’s why it’s vital to choose a cosmetic surgeon who has the skill, experience, and reputation you can count on to give you the beautiful breasts of your dreams. Let Dr. Shumway guide you through this process. He has performed countless breast augmentation surgeries in San Diego, CA and earned a solid reputation in the field of cosmetic surgery. You can count on Dr. Shumway’s keen artistic eye and skilled hand to make your beauty dreams a reality.