If you desire to improve the size, shape or symmetry of your breasts, Breast Augmentation can give you the results you desire. Breast augmentation, also known as Breast Enhancement is performed for women who desire to enhance their breast size due to under-development, size difference or when the breast size has decreased following weight loss or pregnancy-related changes. Or for the patient who simply feels drawn to the look of large, sumptuous breasts.

Dr. Gartner has years of experience giving women the breasts they have always fantasized about. Patient satisfaction with this operation is extremely high. It's a simple procedure that's becoming more popular every year.

Ideal Candidates for Breast Enhancement

• Have small breasts
• Have extra skin with loss of breast volume
• Are in good health
• Have full breast development
• Do not have breast disease

Breast Augmentation Procedure

Through a small inconspicuous incision, breast implants can be placed above or under the pectoralis muscle. Dr. Gartner recommends in most cases, the implant should be placed under especially with saline implants. Under the muscle, gives the benefits of; a more natural appearance, feels more natural and keeps them higher on your chest longer. We will go over all of this as well as what size you would like to be.

Trans-Umbilical-Breast-Augmentation (TUBA)

Click Here for Before and After Photos of TUBA Procedure

If you desire a truly scar-less breast augmentation, that leaves virtually no scars on the chest, then you may be a candidate for the trans-umbilical-breast-augmentation (TUBA). The implant is placed from a very hidden incision, deep in the belly button. This leaves no visible scar anywhere near the breast. (Even the armpit incision can some times be very visible in a bathing suit or strapless.) Recent advances in instrumentation, makes it possible to perform the operation placing the implant either above or below the muscle. As there is no cutting of tissue over the ribs, there is much less pain, quicker recovery even with placement under the muscle. The TUBA procedure requires a higher level of skill that is why most plastic surgeons do not perform it. Dr. Gartner is among the 4% of plastic surgeons in the country who specialize in this procedure. He trained with the inventor of this operation, Dr. Gerald Johnson of Houston Texas.

Try on Session

To find out what size is right for you. We can offer you a Try-On Session. We provide patients with a properly sized bra and t-shirt, and multiple implants of different sizes. These implants are actual saline filled implants that are usually used in breast augmentation, so the look these implants give does reflect the final appearance our patients can expect. By trying on various sizes it is easy for patients to zero-in on the size that they like best. We have found that the Try-On Session gives a very realistic idea of the final result of breast augmentation. It is far superior to computer imaging of the breast and our patients agree that it is a terrific help in their decision to have breast augmentation surgery.

Cohesive gel Silicone Implants now available for Breast Augmentation

Now that silicone implants are FDA approved, patients have more options to get the result they desire. Since Dr. Gartner has participated in an investigational study on silicone breast implants he has years of experience with this medical device. The cohesive gel implants are a tremendous improvement because of the increase cross-linking in the silicone it becomes more resistant to separation. The cohesive gel silicone is considered more of a solid than the liquid silicone that filled the implants years ago. Yet they fell much more like a natural breast. During the consultation Dr. Gartner will discuss the benefits and limitations of saline and silicone implants.

Benefits of Cohesive Gel Silicone Breast Implants:

• Feels much more natural, like a real breast
• Much less rippling, wrinkling than saline
• For the same size, silicone weighs slightly less than saline

Limitations of Cohesive Gel Silicone Breast Implants:

• A larger incision is necessary usually inserted under the breast because the are prefilled, although smaller sizes can be placed trans-axillary
• If it leaks, although it is a cohesive gel, there is a very small possibility the silicone could leak in the breast tissue itself although long term population studies have shown this does not cause any heath risks. Incidence of leakage is approximately 1% per year or less.
• Capsular Contracture can occur at a slightly higher incidence than saline

Benefits of Saline:

• Can be inserted through smaller incisions, and incisions away from the breasts such as; transumbilically (belly button) or Transaxillary (armpit)
• If it leaks your body absorbs the saline. Incidence of leakage is approximately 1% per year or less
• Can make adjustments for asymmetry by adding more fluid to one implant

Breast Augmentation Surgery and Recovery

The surgery itself usually takes less than one hour. Afterwards you will need an adult to accompany you for the first 24 hours. Your breasts will appear larger as a result of swelling, but will decrease in size and drop in position over time. Individual recovery can vary; most patients resume an office job in one week with a gradual resumption of normal activity. Strenuous exercise can be resumed in 4 weeks. A soft cotton bra without an under wire is worn for the first two months to allow the implants to drop into position. During your pre-op consultation Dr. Gartner and his staff will review all these details so you are fully prepared at the time of your surgery.

Patients report a high self esteem and increase confidence with their body image, take a look at some before and after images.