Breast Augmentation
Also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, Breast Augmentation surgery involves using implants to enhance the size and shape of a natural breast, either to achieve fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost from weight reduction or pregnancy.
Why Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation is a personal decision, and should be done for yourself, not to meet the expectations of others. There are a variety of reasons that women opt to have Breast Augmentation, including improving body image, and increasing self-esteem and self-confidence. Breast Augmentation can:
- Increase fullness and projection of the breasts
- Improve the balance of your figure
- Reconstruct the breast following a mastectomy or injury
Breast Augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you desire a more fuller and more lifted look because of sagging, a Breast Lift would be a more appropriate procedure. Breast Lifts can also be done in conjunction with a Breast Augmentation, during your initial consultation, our highly-skilled surgeons will discuss your long-term goals and discuss which would best meet your needs.
Is Breast Augmentation Right For Me?
If you are considering Breast Augmentation, it is important that it be done for your own reasons, and that you have realistic expectations for the outcome. Breast Augmentation may be a good option for you if:
- You are in good physical health
- You have fully developed breasts
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
- You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
- Your breasts vary in size or shape
- One or both breasts failed to develop normally
During your initial consultation, our highly-skilled surgeons will discuss your expectations, and create a plan that best fits your long-term goals. During your consultation, our surgeons will present the different options you have for your Breast Augmentation, as well as the differences in implant shape, type, and fill, and the differences in incision location
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Incisions
In Breast Augmentation, the incisions are typically small and hidden to minimize any visible scarring. During your initial consultation, our surgeons will discuss which incision options are appropriate for the best possible results. Incision types include:
- Inframammary incision. Located in the crease directly underneath the breast.
- Transaxillary incision. Located in the middle in a crease in the armpit.
- Periareolar incision. Located at the lower border of the areola.
Types of Implants
The type and size of your implants will be determined not just by your desired increase in size but on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Saline implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older.
Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. If you choose these implants, you may need additional follow-up visits to ensure that the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 22 years of age and older.
Placing the Implants
After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:
- Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or
- Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/ subglandular placement)
The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of en-largement desired, and your body type.
Once the implants have been placed, the incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time the incision lines will fade. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast Augmentation is an outpatient procedure, which means that you will be able to go home the day of surgery. You should be able to resume most of your normal daily activities within the first week, with exercise and other strenuous activities approximately 4 weeks after surgery.
Most women are very happy with the results of their Breast Augmentation and find their new figure both flattering and invigorating. They report enjoying a newfound self-confidence in a variety of outfits including business attire, formal wear, casual clothing, as well as swimwear and even lingerie.
Be sure to ask questions: It’s very important to address any concerns you have with our experienced staff. All successful surgeries begin with open and honest communication between doctor and patient. Are you considering plastic surgery? Contact us to schedule a consultation and let us educate you about your options and the procedures available.
