Santa Fe Plastic Surgery Blog

Women who are considering breast augmentation surgery are often overwhelmed with the volume of information online. A multitude of patient blogs and other websites reveal widely differing opinions about this surgery. The following is a list of the most commonly asked questions we hear at The Plastic Surgery Center and Dr. Hopkins thoughts on them.

1. Does Dr. Hopkins place the implant under or on top of the muscle?

Dr. Hopkins places the implant under the muscle in most situations (sometimes called submuscular placement.) The rate of long term complications seems to be much lower, the implant stays in place better, mammograms are of better quality and there is a lower chance that rippling of the implant will be visible. He believes that placing the implant under the muscle can give a more natural appearance.

2. What incision does Dr. Hopkins use to place the implant?

Although he prefers the incision in the fold beneath the breast, known as the inframammary fold, he is willing to use any of the three common incisions (armpit, around the nipple or breast fold.) He likes the fold incision because he can see the space for the implant as he creates it. He feels this gives him better control and precision in placing the implant.

3. Does Dr. Hopkins use just saline implants?

No. Dr. Hopkins uses both saline filled and silicone filled implants. He allows you to choose the type of implant and will make specific recommendations based on your individual body type. Roughly half of the patients have chosen saline and half have chosen silicone during the last two years. In general, silicone implants feel more natural but are more expensive.

4. Do I get to choose the size of my implants?

Yes. You will get to "try on" sample implants to help figure out what size creates the look you desire. Dr. Hopkins will examine you and make a measurement of your breast in order to determine which implant fits within the space available. He may limit the size of the implant he will use, but only to avoid unnecessary complications and bad results.

5. Will I be completely asleep during surgery?

Yes. Dr. Hopkins prefers to have patients completely asleep under general anesthesia during this type of surgery. That way, he can be sure you don’t feel any discomfort or wake up during the procedure and, as a result, he can make the space for the implant more accurately.

6. Does Dr. Hopkins use a drain tube after surgery?

No. He has not found them to be useful.

7. How long will I be off from work?

Most people return to a desk job in about five days. If your work requires you to do heavy lifting, the time off work will be longer.

8. What about getting back to the gym or exercising?

Dr. Hopkins wants all of his patients to be up and walking right away after surgery. This helps prevent you from getting a blood clot in your legs. He will allow you to get back to light exercise in about two weeks and resume normal exercise after six weeks. He places a ten pound, upper body weight restriction for six weeks after surgery.

To set up a consultation with Dr. Hopkins, call The Plastic Surgery Center at 505-884-4242.