What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses breast implants and/or fat transfer to increase the size and improve the appearance of the breasts. This procedure can provide breast volume that you never had before or restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss. It is one of the cosmetic surgeries with the highest patient satisfaction rates.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation can help you achieve fuller breasts and a more balanced body. Our patients choose this procedure for various personal reasons. Breast augmentation can:
- Increase the size of your breasts.
- Improve the shape of your breasts.
- Enhance your body contours.
- Restore breast volume lost due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.
- Achieve proper breast symmetry.
- Reduce gaps between breasts.
- Provide a more prominent breast cleavage.
- Correct missing or misshapen breasts after surgery or trauma.
- Treat congenital abnormalities.
In addition to its physical benefits, breast augmentation can:
- Improve your body image and self-esteem.
- Boost your confidence.
- Enhance your appearance in clothing and swimsuits.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Nearly anyone who wants to improve the size and shape of their breasts is a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery. No matter what your goals are for the procedure, it’s important to have realistic expectations about what breast augmentation can achieve and how it can affect your life. During the initial consultation, I will explain every aspect of the procedure and evaluate your candidacy.
Generally speaking, ideal candidates for breast augmentation are:
- In good physical health,
- Have enough natural breast tissue to cover the implant,
- Do not smoke,
- Do not have diabetes or other serious medical issues,
- Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your Personalized Breast Augmentation Procedure
Your breast augmentation procedure will be entirely customized to you. Several factors need to be considered when designing your personalized plan, including:
- The type of breast implant placed: We will help you achieve your desired breast type with anatomical or round implants.
- Desired breast size.
- Incision location.
- Implant placement.
In addition to these aspects of your procedure, other considerations that may impact your breast augmentation include:
- Your dimensions and breast tissue: Your body type, natural breast size, and the amount of existing breast tissue will influence the type and size of implant that will best achieve your goals.
- Your lifestyle: If you lead an active, athletic lifestyle, planning for a procedure that aligns with your lifestyle may be beneficial.
- Pregnancy plans: Desiring to have children in the future does not disqualify you as a candidate for breast augmentation.
Types of Breast Implants
There are various breast implant options available. We will determine which option is best suited to your needs and desires. Available options include:
- Saline: These implants are approved for patients at least 18 years of age. They are silicone-coated implants filled with sterile saline (saltwater) solution after placement. In case of rupture, the saline solution is naturally and safely absorbed by your body.
- Silicone: These breast implants are FDA-approved for patients at least 22 years of age. They are pre-filled with a thick silicone gel and cannot be adjusted after placement.
- Fat transfer: This implant alternative uses fat harvested from areas like the abdomen, hips, or thighs. The procedure is safe, effective, and leaves minimal scarring.
Sizing Your Breast Implants
Determining the size of your breast implants is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your breast augmentation surgery. There are several factors to consider when choosing the ideal breast implant size for your goals. These factors include:
- Desired post-surgery breast size.
- Chest, height, and weight measurements.
- Base diameter of the breast tissue.
- Amount of existing natural breast tissue.
- Skin elasticity.
- Level of an active, athletic lifestyle.
Breast Augmentation Incision Options
Your choice of incision for breast augmentation will affect the location and appearance of your scar. The two most commonly used incision options are:
- Inframammary incision: This incision is made in the fold under the breast where the breast tissue meets the chest. The scar will be hidden under the breast and will fade during the healing process.
- Peri-areolar incision: This incision is made around the areola. During the healing process, the scar will fade and will be effectively camouflaged by the natural color of the nipple area.
In addition to these incisions, breast augmentation can also be performed through incisions made under the armpit and around the navel.
Breast Implant Placement Options
There are two different implant placement options for breast augmentation surgery:
- Subglandular placement (under the breast tissue): The breast implant is placed over the chest muscle. This may be a good option for patients with mildly sagging breasts who are not undergoing a breast lift in combination with their augmentation. We can also use subglandular placement for individuals who engage in sports or lead an active lifestyle.
- Submuscular placement (under the muscle): The breast implant is placed behind the chest muscle. This option is ideal for patients with very little natural breast tissue for sufficient implant coverage.
Breast Augmentation Recovery Process
Breast augmentation surgery takes about 1-2 hours under general anesthesia. You will wear a surgical bra for about 1 month, and if necessary, an elastic band will be placed on the upper part of your chest. Immediately after the surgery, you will rest for a while and then be transferred to your room. It is important to have someone accompany you during this period. We recommend that you get out of bed and walk as much as possible on the first night. You can shower after two or three days. You can return to light exercises in two weeks and more intense exercises in four weeks. You may need to wait two months for heavy sports.
We may recommend some breast massage techniques to help soften your breasts and aid in healing. Scarring is usually around 4-5 cm long and barely noticeable once healed. If necessary, scar treatment can be started to facilitate healing.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
While breast implants do not have expiration dates, they are not intended for lifetime use and are not FDA-approved for lifetime use. Modern silicone implants typically last for over 15 to 20 years, while saline implants should be replaced every 10 years.
