Modesto Breast Augmentation FAQ by Dr. Tammy Wu, Modesto Plastic Surgeon (Q&A)

Tammy Wu, MD, Plastic Surgeon in Modesto, California. Tummy Tuck, Breast Augmentation, Liposuction Plastic Surgeon Modesto

Dr. Tammy Wu
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Surgical Artistry, Inc.
Modesto, CA

Breast Augmentation Modesto

Why choose Dr. Tammy Wu for breast augmentation surgery?

Her consultations for breast augmentation surgery is very detailed, it can last from 1 hour to 1.5 hours. This is direct one-on-one contact with Dr. Tammy Wu, the Plastic Surgeon.
We do not have any exclusive contracts with any of the breast implant makers (such as Mentor or Allergan/Inamed). She only chooses with our patients what is considered the best breast implant for the patient and her unique goals - without regard to breast implant contracts or quotas.
Dr. Wu is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
She is a top intellectual and extremely skilled with her dexterity, and is a perfectionist. She graduated number one from her medical school (Brown University, Ivy League), scored over 95th percentile on several national tests for plastic surgeons, and graduated from a top Plastic Surgery training program (Southern Illinois University), where graduates have become chairmen at Harvard University Programs and Presidents of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Formerly as a runner, she has won many races in her age group.
She is a gifted communicator. Language skills is her talent. Besides being fluent in English, Chinese, and Taiwanese - Dr. Tammy Wu participated in a national French language competition (before medical school) and she placed 2nd in the United States for speaking French. She has also worked as a reporter for a radio station at Brown University. And currently she has been seen with multiple appearances on Modesto television stations discussing plastic surgery and breast augmentation.
She is a teacher: She is currently on the staff of UC Davis as a Volunteer Assistant Professor. She has also taught several rotating medical students, physician assistant students, and nursing students while working in Modesto. She runs a program called Surgical Artistry Academy which teaches the community about medicine in general and cosmetic surgery.
She is a musician and pianist: She is mainly self taught on the piano. It gives her a chance to improve on her dexterity skills which translate into extreme precision in the operating room when performing breast augmentations. She is an active supporter of the performing arts, especially via the Modesto Symphony and Gallo Center for the Arts.
She is an athlete: Formerly as a runner, she has won many races (mostly 5k's) in her age group. She has run 2 marathons in the past, several 10K's and half marathons. With her interest in athletics, she is well qualified to discuss any changes or concerns in chest muscles function with breast augmentation.
She is an expert with breast surgery. She performs not only breast augmentation surgery and breast augmentation revisions, she also performs breast reductions, breast cancer reconstructions, and nipple reconstructions.
She is experienced. See the next section on profile of Dr. Tammy Wu's practice. Plus she has been an investigator for the new silicone breast implants.
Has been a patient herself. She has been a consumer of plastic surgery procedures.
Patient safety is of highest concern: She operates at hospital affiliated surgery centers and uses board certified anesthesiologists. This way she has access to all the equipment and expertise available to a hospital, rather than have the operation be office based.
Surgeon accessibility: Patients can receive access to Dr. Wu 24/7 via cell phone.
Emphasis on reducing pain: She has ready access to pain reducing techniques. Dr. Lee works in the office and routinely performs pain reducing acupuncture on many other patients. Dr. Wu's brother is an anesthesiologist in Los Angeles, and has given much advice on pain management during and after surgery. And she routinely uses long acting pain medicines (such as marcaine) injected into the surgical sites and at times will use pain pumps.
Many other special features of Surgical Artistry, Inc: Her staff was interviewed as to what they thought made Dr. Wu's practice different. The question posed was: What makes our practice different from others. The answers are shown unchanged. Surgical Artistry, Inc is the name of her Plastic Surgery office.
Her breast augmentation surgeon's fee is competitively priced. Plus she has negotiated lowered rates at the hospital and with anesthesiologists. Her surgeons fee as of 10-23-07 (not including hospital or anesthesia or implants): ranges from $3200 - $4200 (prices will change, please call our office: 209-551-1888, we can give you the ranges of the entire operation with implants included which currently ranges from $5000 to $7500 for saline implants.) There are certain cost advantages to having your surgery done in the Central Valley, California rather than in more expensive coastal areas. She also does not mark up the cost of the breast implants nor does she mark up anesthesia or hospital fees. These are all "pass-thru" costs to her patients.

Dr. Tammy Wu's practice profile 10-23-06 to 10-23-07:

Exact number of new patients seen over the last year: 678
Exact number of patient visits over the last year: 3665
Range in number of new patients seen over one month: 40-80
Range in number of patient visits over one month: 200-450
Range in number of breast surgeries per month: 14-22
Number of years since graduation from medical school (as of 10-23-07): Over 10 years
Number of years in Modesto, CA (as of 10-23-07): Over 5 years
Number of full time employees in Modesto: 5
Total number of employees: 8
Days per week worked: 5-7 days per week.
Surgery days per week: 2-5 days per week.
On-call for hospitals: Yes. Doctors Medical Center, Modesto and Memorial Medical Center, Modesto.
Before and after pictures: Yes. Free viewing in the office. Not on websites for patient privacy. Call our office to make an appointment to see the breast augmentation before and after folder.
Modesto office square feet: 3000+
Modesto Location: 2336 Sylvan Ave. Suite C. Modesto, CA 95355 (driving directions)
Telephone (Modesto): 209-551-1888
Email: staff [at] surgerytoday.com
website: http://www.surgerytoday.com

Modesto Breast Augmentation statistics listed above provided by our EMR Software PrognoCis

View Plastic Surgery Procedures in 3D
Breast Aumentation included

Breast Augmentation FAQ

What is a breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is enhancement of the size of the breasts using inflatable implants filled most often with saline (saline implants). Other substances are also used. The next most common substance used in the implants is silicone (silicone breast implants). Breast augmentation can sometimes be called breast implant surgery, breast enlargement surgery, breast aug, and breast augmentation mammoplasty

How long is breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. This, of course varies from person to person. And sometimes even varies based on the breast incision location (areola, axilla - armpit, inframammary fold, TUBA, umbilicus), breast implant type, resting location of the breast implant, and bleeding that may occur in the breast tissues or chest wall.

Will I be awake during breast surgery? What type of anesthetic is used for breast augmentation surgery? Where is the surgery performed?

You will be asleep during your breast augmentation surgery; it is done under a general anesthetic. We use anesthesiologists (doctors) to perform the anesthesia to keep you asleep during your breast surgery. Other plastic surgeons can use nurse-anesthetists rather than actual anesthesiologists. This is purely up to them and many nurse-anesthetists have provided excellent care in our experience. The location of the surgery is variable. We use hospitals. Some other plastic surgeons can elect to perform the surgery in their own office setting.

Will I have to stay the night in the hospital after breast augmentation surgery?

No, breast augmentation surgery is usually an outpatient (same day surgery) procedure. If there are complications which arise with the surgery, a hospital admission would be considered. The answer to this question might be different if the breast procedure was combined with other surgeries such as liposuction for body contouring, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). If the surgeries take a long time and there's a risk of post operative blood loss. There may be a hospital stay involved. But the general answer to this question is that breast augmentation surgery is usually a same day procedure.

What are the side effects of breast augmentation surgery?

The possible side effects of breast augmentation surgery include, but are not limited to: temporary breast soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.

What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?

The risks of include, but are not limited to: bleeding, infection, capsular contracture (the formation of scar tissue around the implant), increased or decreased sensitivity of nipples or skin, possible different technique needed for mammography, some women have reported symptoms similar to those of immune disorders, there may be a need to surgically remove or replace the implants required to treat problems such as deflation and capsular contracture. There are also the risks of anesthesia. These risks are best discussed in person with your plastic surgeon. Each person's risks vary and not everyone is suited for breast implants. Also of importance is the possibility of uneven breasts after breast augmentation surgery. Realistically, breasts are not even to begin with. Therefore, technically speaking the human body isn't perfectly symmetrical. Perfectly symmetrical breasts is usually an unrealistic goal of breast augmentation / contouring surgeries.

Will breast implants change my risk for breast cancer?

Breast implants will not change your risk for breast cancer. The implants may change the feel of breast lumps during an examination - sometimes, breast implants may even make breast lumps easier to detect, by "pushing" the breast lumps closer to the skin surface. We recommend continued surveillence for breast cancer with annual mammograms for those over 35 and routine physical examinations.

How long will it take the scars to fade from a breast augmentation?

Several months to a year or more. There are many different locations for the scars to be placed, an incision will need to be placed on the skin. But the locations vary. This is of course a good question to ask your surgeon and to discuss your preferences.

What is the duration of the results of breast augmentation surgery?

The duration of the results varies from person to person. Implants may require removal or replacement. Some last a lifetime. Others will leak and require replacement. And other will shift. There are many things that could happen. Your surgeon can discuss with you ways to protect your breast implants to make them last as long as possible. And manufacturers of implants such as Mentor, Inamed, or Allergan (sources of Modesto breast implants) all offer some sort of warrantee and/or insurance program.

How long will I be off work after surgery?

About 1 week after your breast augmentation surgery. But if your job involves heavy activity, you may need even longer time off work. This may also vary depending on your health and your plastic surgeon's preferences.

How long will I have to wear a sports bra after surgery?

You will need to wear you sports bra for about a month. There are also compression garments that can be purchased or given to you by your plastic surgeon. These garments will help to shape your new breasts - contouring of the breasts is a continual process.

After surgery, will I have to massage my breasts?

It depends on the type of implant you have decided upon. Your surgeon will tell you if it is necessary to massage your breasts when you choose your implants. There are exercises that your plastic surgeon can also suggest.

How long after breast surgery, can I resume exercise?

After breast augmentation surgery, you will not be able to jog or run usually for 4 weeks. If the implant is placed under the muscle, you will be able to do isolated extremity exercises except bench presses, right away. If the implants are placed in the subglandular position (above the muscle), the only exercise restrictions are jogging and running for four weeks. Subglandular means over the chest muscle (pectoralis major muscle), but under the breast tissue.

How long after breast surgery, can I have sex?

It's our preferences to have our patients wait about 1 month after breast augmentation to engage in sexual activity. The breasts may be sore and sensitive to touch for about 3 weeks.

Will I have drains after surgery?

It is usually it is not necessary to have drains with breast augmentation surgery. If you do have drains placed, there is no set time for the drains to be in place. Patients that have drains placed during surgery must track the amount of fluid put out by the drain. When the amount of fluid put out by the drain falls below 30cc over a 24-hour period for 2 consecutive days, then the drains will be removed.

How long after breast augmentation surgery can I drive?

After surgery, you can drive as soon as you can do it comfortably, are no longer taking pain medication, and can turn your head fully to the side. It is always best to have someone go with you when you first return to driving.

Will my insurance pay for breast augmentation surgery?

No, insurance does not pay for breast augmentation surgery. Reconstruction for breast cancer, on the other hand is usually paid for by insurance companies.

How long after breast augmentation surgery, can I go swimming/get in the hot tub (recovery time related question)?

You will need to refrain from swimming/”hot tubbing” for 4 week after your breast augmentation surgery.

What are Gummy Bear breast implants?

See the answer here: Surgical Artistry's guide to Gummy Bear Breast Implants. Sometimes Gummy Bear Implants are spelled as Gummi Bear Implants.

Who is Dr. Tammy Wu, Modesto Breast Augmentation Specialist?

Dr. Tammy Wu is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes Breast Augmentation. Her primary office is located in Modesto, California. She is the only woman plastic surgeon from Fresno to Sacramento. She graduated number one from her medical school: Ivy League Brown University. Then she went on to train at Southern Illinois University. She came to Modesto in 2003 and worked with Sutter-Gould, then started her own Plastic Surgery practice in Modesto in 2006. Her practice is named Surgical Artistry, Inc, and includes a full time General Surgeon/Acupuncturist who assists with plastic surgery patient care, and a full time aesthetician on staff.

Pictures of Dr. Tammy Wu's Plastic Surgery Office in Modesto, CA
Where is Modesto? for our many out of town visitors
Modesto Plastic Surgery - Dr. Tammy Wu's main web page
Modesto Skin Care - Website of Dr. Tammy Wu's Esthetician: Christine Landrum
Unique and special features of Dr. Tammy Wu's Breast Augmentation Practice
What is acupuncture? - this page has a recent picture of Dr. Wu on it from 2007

Want a glimpse into the breast augmentation related events happening in our Modesto office?
Click on the links below for details

12/09/07 Current events page at Surgical Artistry, Inc.
12/06/07 KHOP 95.1 Modesto Radio Station Interviewed Dr. Tammy Wu live on the air
11/25/07 Is that normal? Questions that come up right after breast augmentation.
11/21/07 Costs of Modesto Breast Augmentation by Plastic Surgeon Dr. Tammy Wu, Board Certified Modesto Plastic Surgeon, as found on www.askdrwu.com
11/20/07 Another meeting regarding Natrelle Breast Implants for Modesto Plastic Surgeon Dr. Tammy Wu
11/04/07 Created a new web page: Running with breast implants - info for runners.
10/22/07 Meeting with a spa owner from Sacramento to discuss sending Breast Augmentation patients from Sacramento
10/22/07 Meeting with Red Bow Weddings to discuss writing articles on Breast Augmentation
10/22/07 Meeting with Bryan Link of Allergan regarding Natrelle Breast Implants

Any other Links on the web regarding Breast Augmentation that you would recommend to help with my research?

http://www.plasticsurgery.org is a great resource on the web regarding breast augmentation/breast implants and other plastic surgery enhancement procedures for the female form. It is run by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) which designates board certification to plastic surgeons. Dr. Tammy Wu is board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In fact the current president of the ASPS is an alumni of the same university that Dr. Tammy Wu attended. The president of the ASPS is also a female plastic surgeon. She is the first female plastic surgeon to become the president of the ASPS (Dr. Roxanne Guy).

Before and after pictures of breast augmentation are abundant on the web. Be sure that they reflect the doctor's own work. Dr. Tammy Wu has a book of before and after pictures that can viewed privately in her office in Modesto, CA. She has decided not to place these breast augmentation pictures on the web.

There are many other commonly asked questions such as the price for breast augmentation: how much do breast implants costs, how much does it cost for the surgeon's fee, the anesthesiologists fee, and the facility (hospital) fee? Should the breast implants be placed over or under the muscle? These are best answered by your surgeon, as they vary from location to location and from surgeon to surgeon. There are too many variables about breast augmentation to list on this website.

Need more information on Breast Implants and other Plastic Surgical procedures?

Pamphlets with information such as what you found here for breast augmentation can be found in the office of Dr. Tammy Wu, Modesto Breast Augmentation Surgeon. She also specializes in other types of breast surgeries such as breast reduction and breast lift (breast mastopexy).

These pamphlets have been prepared by Dr. Tammy Wu, Dr. Calvin Lee, and Ken Themm (former medical assistant and surgical technician at Memorial Hospital, Modesto, California 95350)

Surgical Artistry, Inc, is the name of her office, and breast surgeries are a specialty of the surgical practice. Dr. Calvin Lee specializes in breast cancer, and Dr. Tammy Wu specializes in breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction.

As mentioned above, the breast augmentation information on this web page does not substitute for advice obtained personally from a plastic surgeon and a professional consultation on breast augmentation. Please consult your physician to verify any of the facts found in this document. If you live in the Modesto area or even the Bay Area of San Francisco, we welcome you into Dr. Tammy Wu's office to talk about breast augmentation. Dr. Tammy Wu is your source for Modesto breast augmentation.

Dr. Wu has seen patients mainly from the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area. Recent patients have been from: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Lodi, Stockton, French Camp, Lathrop, Manteca, Ripon, Riverbank, Oakdale, Tracy, Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, Hayward, Fremont, Milpitas, San Ramon, Danville, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Ceres, Newman, Gustine, Wesley, Hilmar, Delhi, Turlock, Atwater, Merced, Le Grand, Chowchilla, Madera, Visalia, Fresno and of course Modesto the location of our main office.

If you are traveling from out of town, please let us know. We can help with some out of Modesto arrangements.

You can find this web page again by searching: Breast Augmentation Modesto, Modesto Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants Modesto, Modesto Breast Implants, Running with Breast Implants

Looking for breast cancer issues and support groups? Check back soon for updates. We hope that we have helped with your breast augmentation research.

Modesto Breast Augmentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions and Answers about Breast Augmentation
by Modesto Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Tammy Wu

Breast Augmentation Modesto

Why choose Dr. Tammy Wu for breast augmentation surgery?

Dr. Tammy Wu's practice profile 10-23-06 to 10-23-07:

View Plastic Surgery Procedures in 3D
Breast Aumentation included