Breast procedures are some of the most popular plastic surgeries from year to year because many women have in mind the breast profile they would like to achieve. That’s why we seek to provide the best in breast augmentation techniques with a compassionate and understanding approach that aims to help you achieve the confidence in your body that you deserve.
Breast augmentation is sometimes known as breast enhancement or breast implant surgery. It’s a highly-customizable procedure that aims to improve the size, shape, and projection of the breasts through the placement of FDA-approved implants. Breast augmentation can also be achieved through fat transfer techniques, which is sometimes referred to as natural breast enhancement.
Breast augmentation can be one of the best options for breast rejuvenation, especially when combined with a breast lift procedure. It’s also a common aspect of mommy makeover procedures, as it can successfully restore and enhance the breasts through implants. In order to benefit most from a breast augmentation, you should have breasts that are fully developed so that your results will not be negatively affected. This can also occur because of pregnancy or nursing, so you should assess your future plans for childbearing. Overall, you should be healthy and able to undergo surgery without conditions or medications that can complicate your safety.
If you feel that your breasts are too small for your figure or are asymmetrical, breast augmentation can be one of the best options in creating a new breast profile. There are many different factors to consider when it comes to planning your surgical procedure, and you’ll discuss these different aspects at length during your consultation.
There are three common types of implants that are made with a silicone shell and are categorized by their filling. The first are saline-filled implants, which offer the benefits of smaller incision placement (because they can be filled after placement) and easy detection in case of rupture. The second is silicone gel-filled implants that offer natural feel and less chance or rippling. The third is a specialized type of silicone-filled implant that uses a highly-cohesive gel that is commonly compared to a gummy bear texture. These offer the most customizable feel and less chance of migration in the case of a rupture. All of these implant types come in many different sizes and shapes, meaning you can select the best implant for you and your results with the help of our expert plastic surgeons.
The type of incision used to place your implants will depend on many factors like your implant choice, placement preference, and anatomy. The most common type of incision is the inframammary, or along the fold underneath the breast. Other options are a periareolar incision (around the skin of the areolae) and the transaxillary (within the armpit). All of these options offer effective scar concealment, which can be complemented with our scar rejuvenation techniques and treatments.
Although in both cases a pocket for the implant is formed within the breast tissue, the implant can be placed either on top of the pectoral muscle or underneath it. Each of these placement types offers different benefits— placement underneath the muscle can offer more natural feel with greater discomfort during recovery, while placement on top of the muscle can create greater projection with a greater chance for rippling or rotation. You’ll discuss these options at length during your consultation and decide which one can benefit you most.
Your breast procedure can be performed at our private, accredited surgical facility with the use of general anesthesia. Once you’re comfortable and anesthesia has been administered, a predetermined incision is performed. Then, a pocket is formed within the breast tissue and the implant is placed either on top of or below the pectoral muscle. Once the implant is in place, the incisions are closed. You’ll then be fitted with a surgical bra that will support the new implants over the course of your recovery. After a monitoring period, you’ll be allowed to return home.
Most patients require around two weeks of downtime after surgery, although this can vary based on your procedure and anatomy. During your consultation, you’ll receive detailed instructions on care steps to follow during this time. You should wear your surgical bra until instructed otherwise at a follow-appointment, and refrain from any heavy activity or lifting during your downtime. We supply patients with long-acting pain blockers after their breast surgery to prohibit healing and rest, but you can still expect some pain or discomfort as your body recovers and adjusts. Patients often notice that implants seem to lay high on the chest, which is because the implants will naturally settle throughout the recovery process. It can take a few months for swelling to decrease, after which most patients begin to see final results. Breast augmentation can be a long-term solution, but it can’t stop your breasts from changing over time and from outside factors. In some cases, you may require a revisional surgery to adjust implants or receive new ones.
The first step in your breast enhancement process is a consultation at our St. Joseph office where we can discuss your options. To schedule a consultation, contact us by calling or filling out our online form.
The cost of your procedure can depend on many different things. Although you’ll receive a full estimate of your costs during your consultation, your cost can depend on things like the cost of materials, facilities, surgeon’s fees, appointments, and your individual implants. Like any plastic surgery, your associated costs should not be your first concern, but rather the skills and reputation of your chosen plastic surgeon.
Capsular contracture is a common concern when it comes to implant surgeries. It occurs when excessive scar tissue forms around the implant as a response to foreign material by your body. Although it happens to some degree during recovery, it can become problematic and cause the implant to migrate and the breast to become hard. If this is the case, you may need to have a surgery to remove it. We’ll ensure you know what signs to watch out for during your recovery period.
Breast implants have undergone some of the most extensive study by the FDA out of any medical device. Over nearly two decades of study, the FDA has determined that breast implants themselves do not pose a risk to your health and are not associated with a risk of developing breast cancer. During your consultation, we can ensure you know your options and have the appropriate information to make an informed decision about breast implants. In the hands of a reputable, board certified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation with implants can be a safe and effective way to boost your confidence.
During a breast augmentation procedure, a pocket is created for the implant that does not interrupt the breast’s nursing functions. Implants themselves do not interfere with this ability if placed correctly, but rather complications with breastfeeding sometimes arise as a result of trauma during surgical techniques. Certain incisions can help to ensure against this, so be sure to discuss your future plans for breastfeeding during your consultation.
