Surgical Technique

Dr. Stevens and Dr. Stoker have the expertise to help you attain the beautiful, natural shape you've been longing for. Both physicians have contributed many hours to advancing the field of plastic surgery. They're known throughout the industry for developing new techniques and conducting research studies, sharing their knowledge by authoring articles in medical journals, teaching students and colleagues, and appearing in the media.

Los Angeles Breast AugmentationSpend some time reading about breast augmentation here, in other resources and in some of the doctors' articles. Check out our Silicone vs. Saline page. Take a few minutes to hear what Los Angeles area Marina Plastic Surgery patients have to say. And know that during your own personal consultation, you'll have the opportunity to share your goals with your surgeon, ask all the questions you have, and prepare yourself for an easy and rewarding procedure.

Incision

The two most common incision sites for breast augmentation are around the lower edge of the areola and in the fold below the breast. These locations work well for the surgeon, allowing direct access to the breast tissue and muscle, and for the patient, who normally finds the resulting scar quite inconspicuous. Women may choose either incision; approximately 75% choose the peri-areolar and 25% choose the fold.

Other incision choices are the armpit and around the edge of the navel, but these are less common. A variety of factors influence scarring, including skin color and areolar size. Dr. Stevens and Dr. Stoker will make suggestions based on these during your consultation.

Implant Location

Once the incision is made, a pocket is created for the implant. This pocket can be either directly behind the breast tissue or behind the tissue and the pectoral muscle.

You'll find both Dr. Stevens and Dr. Stoker usually prefer to place the implant behind the pectoral muscle to give you the most natural look possible. Covering the implant with muscle allows the chest wall to slope naturally and gracefully. This effect avoids an artificial "half grapefruit" look, even for those patients desiring large implants. Occasionally the surgeons will recommend placing the implant on top of the muscle.

Your Breast Enlargement Procedure in Los Angeles

Dr. Stevens and Dr. Stoker perform their breast enhancement surgeries at the Marina Outpatient Surgery Center in the UCLA Medical Building in Marina del Rey. The facility has been designed for your comfort and safety. You'll appreciate the warm, gracious atmosphere and you'll feel at ease knowing the center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. All anesthesiologists are medical doctors board-certified in anesthesiology and trained in cardiac emergencies, and the facility itself is certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities.

When you arrive at the Marina Outpatient Surgery Center on the day of surgery, you'll find Dr. Stevens' and Dr. Stoker's staff ready to help make your day go smoothly. The procedure itself will take between one and two hours. After an additional recovery period during which you'll be monitored, it will be time to go home and relax.

Your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. When you wake up, you'll find your new breasts covered with surgical gauze. Stitches will be internal and won't need to be removed later, and they'll leave no scars.

After Your Surgery

After your recovery period, the Surgery Center staff will make sure you are feeling well, then send you home with a friend or loved one or provide additional assistance if you need more support. They'll ensure your post-op instructions are clear, and they'll remind you what to do if you have any questions in the next several hours.

That's all there is to it. Chances are, you'll be surprised how straightforward the procedure actually is.