Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed. This procedure is implemented to enhance the shape and size of your breasts and is generally accomplished with saline or silicone implants or in some cases, fat transfer. Each procedure is customized to meet the unique needs and desires of every patient. Common reasons to have this surgery include:
- Restoring the fullness of the breasts lost due to pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight loss
- Increasing projection and fullness of the breasts
- Improving confidence and self-image
- Correcting Breast Asymmetry
Once you decide that you are interested in having a breast augmentation, your first step is to consult a Plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) in order to ensure your safety and achieve the best results possible.
At your comprehensive appointment, Dr. Scott will listen to your goals, examine you, review your medical history and discuss the different options available to help you achieve your objective.
The Options for Breast Augmentation
There are different factors involved in order to determine the type, size and profile of implant best suited for your aesthetic goals. Silicone or saline Implants are used in most instances when an increase in more than one cup size is desired. Whereas fat transfer may be used for small enhancement or to correct mild asymmetry.
Both silicone and saline implants have an outer shell composed of silicone. A saline implant is filled with salt water (naturally found in our body). Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that is viscous or gummy-like. This gel-like property of silicone implants allows the implant to feel more natural than that of a saline implant. Rupture of a saline implant is more easily detected than that of a silicone implant because the salt water will leak and be resorbed by the body resulting in deflation. For this reason, it is recommended by the FDA to have MRI screening 3 years after implantation of a silicone implant. Due to the cohesive nature of the current generation silicone implants, rupture does not allow silicone to leak out into the body.
The decision to have an augmentation with a silicone or saline implant is a personal choice. At your consultation the differences between the two types of implants will be explained in greater detail to enable you to make an informed decision.
The size of the implant is based upon your goals as well as your individual anatomy. Precise measurements will be taken of your chest wall by Dr. Scott to determine the optimal size and projection (or style) of implant best suited for you. It is often helpful to look at the many before and after breast augmentation pictures on our website prior to your appointment in order to get an idea of the look you are interested in achieving. When looking at the different sizes and types of implants, it is best to find a picture of someone close in age who has a similar chest wall build, height and weight. The use of sizers over your breast, bags filled with rice and even 3D simulations are not completely accurate in determining the optimal implant cc’s or volume. These methods are unable to take into account the fine nuances of the individual such as your skin elasticity, degree of asymmetry, and your body. This decision is best made by your plastic surgeon based upon your anatomy, goals and concerns.
The Surgery
Your safety is Dr. Scott’s primary concern. Therefore, he performs his surgery in a state-of-the-art JCAH accredited Outpatient Surgery Center. You will be given light general anesthesia by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist to further ensure your safety and comfort. The procedure takes approximately 1½ hours and you will need a responsible adult to pick you up from the surgery center and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
In order to decrease chance of infection, most incisions are now made in the inframammary fold. The vast experience and expertise of Dr. Scott ensures that the scars are well hidden.
He uses a sterile funnel to insert the implant in order to further decrease chance of infection, capsular contracture and minimize the size of the incision.
The Recovery Process
After your procedure, you may experience slight tightness and discomfort. Depending upon your occupation, the majority of patients are able to return to their normal routines and work in a few days. There will be some restrictions afterwards regarding the amount of weight you can lift as well as certain exercises to avoid for a few weeks after surgery. All of this will be reviewed with you at your preoperative appointment prior to your surgery.
Additional Procedures
Often times, a breast lift or mastopexy is performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation. A breast lift is performed to give the breasts a more youthful appearance by removing and tightening excess skin as well as lifting and often decreasing the size of the areola. In addition, body contouring using liposuction or a tummy tuck is often performed at the same time as a breast augmentation. The combination of breast augmentation, body contouring, and tummy tuck is commonly referred to as a mommy makeover. These procedures can also be discussed at your consultation to determine if you are a candidate.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
Breast augmentation surgery has helped improve the confidence and self-image of countless women, and it can help you too. If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, we encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with The Plastic Surgery Center. Dr. Scott’s vast surgical experience, expertise and ability to listen to his patients has produced continual patient satisfaction. At our convenient locations in Bradenton and Sarasota, our caring team of dedicated professionals will be pleased to explain the process to you in greater detail, answer any questions you may have, and help you achieve your dreams. Contact us today to set up your thorough consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
