Breast Augmentation
Boob Job
Are you unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts? You’re not alone - breast augmentation is a common cosmetic procedure that can enhance your bust and improve your proportions. Breast augmentation has a 98% worth it rate, meaning that most people who have done it are happy with the results. If you’re considering breast augmentation, visit our website to find out more about the options and benefits of this life-changing surgery.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a type of cosmetic surgery that aims to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. It involves inserting breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles. The implants can be filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Breast augmentation can help women feel more confident and enhance their appearance. It can also help women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.
There are many reasons why women choose to have breast augmentation. Some may want to correct uneven or small breasts. Some may want to restore their breast shape after mastectomy or injury. Some may want to achieve a more proportionate or feminine figure. Whatever the reason, breast augmentation can help women achieve their personal aesthetic goals.
However, breast augmentation is not a simple or risk-free procedure. It requires a skilled and experienced surgeon, a thorough preparation and recovery process, and a realistic expectation of the results. Therefore, before deciding to have breast augmentation, it is important to do your research, consult with us, and weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Improved self-confidence and body image:
Many women who undergo breast augmentation report feeling more confident and satisfied with their appearance. They may also experience less anxiety, depression, or social inhibition related to their breasts. Breast augmentation can help women feel more feminine, attractive, and comfortable in their own skin.
Enhanced clothing options and fit:
Breast augmentation can make it easier to find clothes that fit well and flatter the figure. Women who have breast augmentation may enjoy wearing more styles and colors of clothing, such as low-cut tops, dresses, swimsuits, and lingerie. Breast augmentation can also help balance the proportions of the body and create a more hourglass shape.
Corrected asymmetry or deformity:
Breast augmentation can help correct congenital or acquired conditions that affect the shape or size of the breasts, such as tuberous breasts, Poland syndrome, micromastia, or breast hypoplasia. Breast augmentation can also help restore the symmetry and volume of the breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging.
Personalized results and choices:
Breast augmentation is a highly customizable procedure that allows women to choose the type, size, shape, and placement of their implants according to their preferences and goals. Women can also decide whether to combine breast augmentation with other procedures, such as breast lift, nipple correction, or fat transfer. Breast augmentation can help women achieve the desired look and feel of their breasts.
Breast augmentation is a safe and effective procedure that can provide many benefits for women who are unhappy with their natural breasts or who want to enhance their appearance. However, breast augmentation is not for everyone and it has some risks and limitations. Therefore, it is important to consult with us. We can evaluate your candidacy, explain the procedure in detail, and answer any questions you may have. Breast augmentation is a personal decision that should be made based on your own needs and expectations.
Types of Breast Implants
Saline breast implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water (saline) and inserted into the breast pocket through a small incision. The size of the implant can be adjusted by adding or removing saline during the surgery. Saline implants are FDA-approved for women aged 18 and older.
Some of the benefits of saline implants are:
- They are less expensive than silicone implants
- They can be inserted through a smaller incision, which may result in less scarring
- They can be easily detected if they rupture, as the saline will be absorbed by the body and the implant will deflate
Some of the drawbacks of saline implants are:
- They may feel less natural than silicone implants, especially for women with thin skin or little breast tissue
- They may ripple or wrinkle more visibly than silicone implants
- They may have a higher risk of capsular contracture, which is a complication where scar tissue forms around the implant and causes pain or distortion
Silicone breast implants
Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They are inserted into the breast pocket through an incision that may be larger than that for saline implants. The size of the implant is predetermined before the surgery. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for women aged 22 and older.
Some of the benefits of silicone implants are:
- They feel more natural than saline implants, especially for women with thin skin or little breast tissue
- They ripple or wrinkle less than saline implants
- They may have a lower risk of capsular contracture than saline implants
Some of the drawbacks of silicone implants are:
- They are more expensive than saline implants
- They require a larger incision, which may result in more scarring
- They may be harder to detect if they rupture, as the silicone gel may stay within the implant shell or leak into the surrounding tissue. This may require regular MRI scans to monitor the implant condition.
Fat transfer breast augmentation
Fat transfer is a procedure that involves harvesting fat from one part of the body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks) and injecting it into the breasts to enhance their size and shape. The fat is processed and purified before being injected into multiple areas of the breast. Fat transfer is not FDA-approved as a primary method of breast augmentation, but it may be used as an adjunct to other procedures or to correct asymmetry or deformity.
Some of the benefits of fat transfer are:
- It uses natural material from the patient's own body, which may reduce the risk of infection or rejection
- It does not require an implant or an incision, which may result in less scarring and faster recovery
- It may improve the appearance and texture of both the donor and recipient sites
Some of the drawbacks of fat transfer are:
- It may not provide a significant increase in breast size, as only a limited amount of fat can be transferred safely
- It may result in unpredictable or uneven results, as some of the fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time
- It may have a higher risk of complications such as fat necrosis (death of fat cells), cysts, calcification, or oil cysts
Breast augmentation is a personal decision that should be made after consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon who can explain the risks and benefits of each type of procedure. The best type of breast augmentation for each patient depends on their anatomy, goals, expectations, and lifestyle. By understanding the different types of breast augmentation available, patients can make an informed choice that suits their needs and desires.
Breast Surgery
Step 1: Anesthesia
Before the surgery begins, you will be given anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety during the procedure. There are two main types of anesthesia that can be used for breast augmentation: intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Intravenous sedation involves injecting a sedative drug into your vein, which will make you feel relaxed and sleepy but not completely unconscious. General anesthesia involves inhaling a gas or receiving an injection that will put you into a deep sleep, where you will not feel any pain or remember anything from the surgery. Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you the best option for your case, depending on your medical history, preferences, and the complexity of the surgery.
Step 2: The incision
The next step is to make an incision in your breast area, where the implant will be inserted. There are different types of incisions that can be used for breast augmentation, depending on the type and size of the implant, the degree of enlargement desired, your anatomy, and your surgeon's recommendation. The most common incision options are:
- Peri-areolar incision: This incision is made along the edge of the areola (the dark circle around the nipple), creating a circular scar that blends well with the natural color and texture of the areola.
- Inframammary fold incision: This incision is made in the crease under the breast (the inframammary fold), creating a horizontal scar that is hidden by the natural shape of the breast and by clothing.
- Axillary incision: This incision is made in the armpit (the axilla), creating a small scar that is concealed by the hair and skin folds in this area.
The goal of any incision is to create a minimal and discreet scar that will heal well over time.
Step 3: Inserting and placing the breast implant
After making the incision, your surgeon will create a pocket or space in your breast tissue or chest muscle, where the implant will be placed. There are two main types of placement for breast implants: submuscular and subglandular.
- Submuscular placement:
This placement involves inserting the implant under the pectoral muscle (the large muscle that covers the chest wall). This placement can provide more coverage and support for the implant, reducing the risk of rippling, capsular contracture (scar tissue formation around the implant), and interference with mammograms. However, this placement can also result in more pain, swelling, and recovery time after surgery.
- Subglandular placement:
This placement involves inserting the implant over the pectoral muscle and under the breast tissue. This placement can provide a more natural look and feel for some women, especially those who have enough breast tissue to cover the implant. This placement can also result in less pain, swelling, and recovery time after surgery. However, this placement can also increase the risk of rippling, capsular contracture, and interference with mammograms.
The type of placement for your breast implant will depend on several factors, such as your anatomy, implant size and shape, desired outcome, and surgeon's recommendation.
Step 4: Closing the incisions
Once the implant is inserted and positioned in your breast pocket, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures (stitches), skin adhesive (glue), or surgical tape. The sutures may be dissolvable or non-dissolvable; if they are non-dissolvable, they will need to be removed by your surgeon after a few days or weeks. The skin adhesive or surgical tape will fall off on their own after some time. Your surgeon may also place a bandage or dressing over your breasts to protect them from infection and help them heal.
Step 5: See the results
You will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored for any complications. You may have some swelling, bruising, pain and discomfort in your breasts, which can be managed with medication and ice packs. You will need to wear a special bra or bandage to support your breasts and prevent implant movement. You will also need to avoid strenuous activities, lifting and sleeping on your stomach for several weeks. You will have follow-up visits with your surgeon to check your healing and progress.
Breast augmentation is a personal decision that should be made after careful research and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. It can improve your self-confidence and satisfaction with your appearance, but it also has risks and limitations that you should be aware of before undergoing surgery.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
The First Week
This is the most critical period of recovery, as the breasts are swollen, bruised, and sore. Patients should rest as much as possible, avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds, and wear a supportive bra or bandage. They should also take pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed by their surgeon. Some patients may be able to return to work and light activities after a few days, but others may need more time off.
After Two Weeks
The swelling and bruising should start to subside, and the incisions should begin to heal. Patients can resume normal activities, except for strenuous exercise and chest-targeting exercises. They should still wear a supportive bra and avoid sleeping on their stomach or side.
After Three Weeks
The breasts should look more natural and symmetrical, and the implants should settle into their final position. Patients can start to massage their breasts gently to prevent capsular contracture, which is a complication that causes hardening and distortion of the implants. They should also follow up with their surgeon to check their progress and remove any stitches or drains.
After Four Weeks
The pain and discomfort should be minimal or gone, and the scars should fade gradually. Patients can resume most physical activities, including moderate exercise and swimming. They should still avoid chest-targeting exercises and wear a sports bra during workouts.
After Three Months
The breasts should have reached their final shape and size, and the scars should be less noticeable. Patients can enjoy the results of their surgery and feel more confident about their appearance. They should still follow up with their surgeon regularly to monitor their implants and address any concerns.
After Six Months
The breasts should be fully healed and stable, and the scars should be barely visible. Patients can resume all activities, including chest-targeting exercises and contact sports. They should still wear a supportive bra and protect their breasts from sun exposure.
After One Year
The breasts should look natural and beautiful, and the implants should last for many years. Patients should still visit their surgeon annually to check their implants for any signs of leakage or rupture.
Breast reduction surgery is a life-changing procedure that can have many positive effects on your physical and emotional well-being. However, it is important to have realistic expectations and understand that it is not a miracle cure for all your problems.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you may consult with us we can assess your suitability for the procedure.
Risks and Complications
Some of the possible risks and complications associated with breast augmentation are:
- Anesthesia risks: As with any surgery, there are risks related to anesthesia, such as allergic reactions, breathing problems, blood clots, or death.
- Infection: Infection can occur at the incision site or around the implant. Infection may require antibiotics, drainage, or implant removal.
- Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during or after surgery, causing hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) or hemorrage (excessive bleeding). Bleeding may require additional surgery, blood transfusion, or implant removal.
- Capsular contracture: Capsular contracture is a condition where scar tissue forms around the implant and squeezes it, causing pain, hardness, distortion, or displacement of the breast. Capsular contracture may require additional surgery to release or remove the scar tissue and/or the implant.
- Implant leakage or rupture: Implant leakage or rupture can occur due to trauma, aging, wear and tear, or defect of the implant. Implant leakage or rupture can cause changes in breast shape or size, pain, inflammation, or silicone migration. Implant leakage or rupture may require additional surgery to remove or replace the implant and/or the silicone gel.
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Changes in nipple or breast sensation can occur due to nerve damage or compression during surgery. Changes in nipple or breast sensation can be temporary or permanent, and can affect sexual arousal or breastfeeding.
- Implant position changes: Implant position changes can occur due to gravity, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, capsular contracture, or implant malposition. Implant position changes can cause asymmetry, sagging, bottoming out, double bubble (a crease below the implant), symmastia (implants touching in the middle), or lateral displacement (implants moving to the sides). Implant position changes may require additional surgery to correct the implant position and/or revise the pocket.
- Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): BIA-ALCL is a rare type of cancer of the immune system that can develop in the scar tissue around the implant. BIA-ALCL is more common with textured implants than smooth implants. BIA-ALCL can cause symptoms such as swelling, pain, lumps, rash, or fluid accumulation around the implant. BIA-ALCL can be treated with surgery to remove the implant and the scar tissue, and sometimes chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Breast implant illness (BII): BII is a term used by some women who experience a variety of systemic symptoms that they attribute to their breast implants. BII is not a medical diagnosis and its exact relationship to breast implants is not clearly understood. Some of the reported symptoms of BII include fatigue, memory loss, skin rash, joint pain, trouble concentrating, and autoimmune disorders. Some women report improvement in their symptoms after removing their implants.
How to minimize risks and complications
The risks and complications of breast augmentation can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. You should also follow your surgeon's instructions before and after surgery regarding medications, smoking cessation, wound care, activity restrictions, bra-wearing, massage techniques, and follow-up visits. You should report any signs of infection, bleeding, capsular contracture, implant leakage or rupture, BIA-ALCL, BII, or any other concerns to your surgeon as soon as possible.
You should also be aware of the long-term care and maintenance of your implants. You should perform regular self-examinations of your breasts and implants for any changes or abnormalities. You should also have periodic mammograms and ultrasounds as recommended by your surgeon and your primary care provider to screen for breast cancer and monitor your implants. You should also keep your implant information card handy in case you need it for future reference.
Breast Augmentation
Before and After
Before and after photos of breast augmentation procedures are a great way to visualize the benefits of the surgery. They can help you decide what size and shape of implants are best for you and how they can enhance your natural curves. By looking at these photos, you can see how breast augmentation can boost your confidence and make you feel more feminine. Check out our gallery of before and after photos to see the amazing results that are possible with breast augmentation.
