Breast Augmentation, also referred to as augmentation mammoplasty or breast enhancement, involves the placement of implants or autologous fat transfer in order to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. This procedure can be beneficial following volume loss after pregnancy or weight loss, asymmetry, or simply to increase breast size.
All breast implants have an outer shell consisting of silicone. The inside of the implants are filled with either saline or silicone gel and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and textures. Dr. Scott will discuss the various implant options with you at your consultation based upon your goals.
Silicone Implants
Since the first silicone implants were implanted, they have undergone many significant changes to improve their quality, appearance and safety. The current generation silicone implants have a much more durable outer shell while providing a more cohesive gel inside. The improved viscosity of the gel has resulted in a more natural look and feel. In addition, they have much less visible and palpable rippling than saline implants. There are many options regarding size, shape and texture. For all of these reasons, silicone implants have become the most popular choice for breast augmentation.
Saline Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell that is filled with sterile salt water in the operating room. The amount of fill volume is determined at your consultation based on your goals and examination. Due to the properties of salt water, these implants may feel firmer than silicone implants. In addition, for women who have a small amount of native breast tissue, there is a higher incidence of palpable or visible rippling. For women between the ages of 18-21 desiring breast implants, saline implants or autologous fat transfer breast augmentation remain the best choices as silicone implants are not approved by the FDA for women under the age of 22.
Autologous Breast Fat Transfer
Another option for women seeking breast augmentation is autologous fat transfer offering an improvement in the shape and fullness of the breasts using your body’s own fat. This option not only offers a natural alternative to breast augmentation, but it also has the dual benefit of removing fat in areas where it is in excess and using it to increase breast volume where it is needed. Fat is most commonly harvested from the abdomen, hips and thighs using liposuction. It is then processed and meticulously transferred to the breasts in order to achieve symmetry and a natural appearance. Our medical team will discuss this option with you during your consultation.
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“My Confidence Level is Way Beyond What I Thought!”
After breast feeding her children, this mother underwent breast augmentation to restore volume which greatly improved her confidence. She also shares her experience with Dr. Scott and his genuine care for her well being.*
LOCATION OF INCISIONS AND PLACEMENT OF BREAST IMPLANTS
The location of the implant is one of the most important aspects of breast augmentation.The implants can be placed in either the subglandular position (above the pectoralis muscle) or in the partial submuscular position (partially behind the pectoralis muscle).
The ideal location for you will depend on some variables, including lifestyle, volume of natural breast tissue, the degree of preexisting droopiness, and sizing expectations. Implants are placed in the partial submuscular pocket more often than the subglandular pocket. Placing implants in the submuscular pocket reduces the risk of capsular contracture.
There are a few locations where incisions can be made for Breast Augmentation. These include underneath the breast (inframammary fold), axilla (in the armpit), periareolar (around the nipple) or the umbilical approach (belly button). The approach with the lowest risk of complications is the inframammary fold. Based on scientific evidence, this location decreases the risk of capsular contracture due to lack of exposure to microscopic biofilm (bacterial organisms).
Dr. Scott will help you make this decision during your consultation.
YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION
At the end of the day, your consultation should be about you. When you speak with a member of our medical team from the plastic surgery center, we will listen to your goals and find the best solutions to help you reach them. We’ll discuss with you all of your treatment options including implant size, style, type, incision options and implant pocket position.
BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY
The entire procedure lasts approximately 1- 2 hours and is done in an outpatient surgical facility under a light general anesthesia.
BREAST AUGMENTATION RECOVERY
Patients may experience mild discomfort and tightness around the breasts following the procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activities of daily living within 3-5 days. The resumption of exercise will be discussed on an individual basis dependent upon the intensity.
CONTACT THE PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER
Despite the many reasons to want breast augmentation surgery, the most important thing is that your procedure leaves you more confident and feeling better about yourself.
Let your dream become a reality!
