Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that increases the size of the breasts, often by using implants. The procedure is considered by women who are concerned about the size, shape, or proportions of their breasts.
Contact Dr. Suarez´s office today to request a consultation for breast augmentation . His experience having placed more than 180 successful implants average per year will be worth the trip to Costa Rica !
ABOUT BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a procedure designed to increase the size of the breasts. There are many reasons why a woman may desire a breast augmentation. Some of these reasons may include that she feels like her body is disproportionate, that she doesn’t feel feminine enough, or her breasts are not symmetrical. Other times women need breast reconstruction surgery in order to recreate the breasts after a mastectomy or a lumpectomy.
There are two methods for increasing breast size available to our clients: breast implants and fat transfer. A fat transfer harvests fat from another part of the body and then injects it into the breasts to add volume. Fat transfers are appealing because they utilize organic material sourced from the patient’s own body. However, the results are much more subtle and will not be as dramatic as the results offered by the other method, implants.
Implants, which are to be discussed in detail below, allow for more striking results. Implants come in either silicone or saline composition. An incision is made in one of four locations and the implant will be inserted into the created breast pocket. The results are immediate and long lasting. However, it is important that women hoping to undergo breast augmentation understand that breast augmentation does not correct ptosis, or breasts that sags significantly. Often, Dr. Suarez will perform a breast augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift in order to offer more comprehensive results.
WHY UNDERGO BREAST AUGMENTATION?
The decision to get a breast augmentation is a personal one, and Dr. Suarez deeply understands this. It can be fueled by many different concerns, but some of the more common reasons why women may choose to get breast implants include:
- Feeling that their breasts are too small or they are not feminine
- Concerned with the proportion of their breasts to the rest of their body
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Major weight loss
- Changes in the breasts after pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Loss of volume due to aging
If a woman, for any reason, is uncomfortable with her breasts, then they may qualify as a candidate for breast augmentation surgery.
Contact OAS Plastic Surgery today in order to discuss your personal goals. Our team will be ready to make this dream come true.
GOOD CANDIDATES
Good candidates for breast augmentation are women who are dissatisfied with the size, shape, or proportion of their breasts and hope to increase their volume. Breasts must be fully developed. In most cases, they should also be at least 22 years old for silicone implants. However, there are some exceptions for patients seeking reconstructive surgery. Candidates should be non-smokers in good health and who do not suffer from an illness that may impact their ability to heal.
IMPLANT OPTIONS
There are many different considerations that Dr. Suarez takes into account when choosing the right implants. Silicone implants are composed of semi-solid silicone that have a gelatinous feeling to them. Although some women believe that silicone implants feel more like natural breasts than saline.
Another decision that patients will need to make is the size of their desired implants. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters and not cup sizes, since cup sizes can vary depending on the authority. Breast implant sizes generally range from 100cc to 900cc.
Finally, breast augmentation patients will have to choose whether they want smooth or textured implants, and round or teardrop shaped implants. The pros and cons of each will be discussed in detail at the consultation.
Dr. Suarez works closely with all patients to make sure they have a full understanding of what decisions they have to make and most importantly that they are confident in their choices.
BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS
BREAST AUGMENTATION TECHNIQUES
In order to insert the implant, Dr. Suarez will make an incision in one of four locations depending on each individual case. The location will be determined by a number of factors, including the patient’s preference and the type of implant that they are getting. The inframammary crease and peri-areolar incisions tend to be the more popular choices.
INFRAMAMMARY CREASE INCISION
This is a horizontal incision that follows the natural crease underneath the breast, where it folds against the ribcage. Some of the benefits of this incision spot is that it gives the doctor great control in placing the implant either in front of or behind the muscle, and the resulting scar is naturally hidden.
PERIAREOLAR INCISION
The periareolar incision is made around the areola, where the darker skin of the areola meets the lighter skin of the breast. This incision also gives a great amount of control to the doctor and leaves a scantily noticeable scar.
TRANSAXILLARY INCISION
A transaxillary incision is made in the fold of the arm pit. A channel is created through which to transport the implant to the breast pocket. This technique is typically utilized with saline implants, since they can be inserted prior to be filled with saline and therefore will not require a very large incision. Women like this incision placement because there is no noticeable scarring on the breast itself. Also, there is very little risk that the incision will have any effect on the mammary gland or the woman’s future ability to breastfeed. However, if the patient needs a replacement implant in the future, a new incision will be necessary and it is not possible to reuse a transaxillary incision location.
RECOVERY
Patients will be provided with individualized recovery plans depending on their surgery. In general, patients will be bandaged and equipped with a surgical bra that aids in healing. They will also be asked to avoid strenuous activity or sleeping on their stomach for some time. However, they will be expected to do a series of low impact exercises and stretches daily.
In order to heal properly after breast augmentation, Dr. Suarez suggests taking a week off of work. The healing is just as important as the actual procedure in order to ensure accurate and long lasting results.
Common side effects may include slight bruising and swelling as the breasts settle into their final form. In order to minimize these side effects, please refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications and sleep with the head elevated. Dr. Suarez will provide patients with pain medication to reduce discomfort.
All patients will be required to return for a follow-up appointment. At this time, Dr. Suarez will remove any stitches if necessary and make sure that everything is healing according to plan.
MAINTAINING RESULTS
After a woman has had her breast implant surgery, there is not much maintenance that needs to be done. For women with silicone implants, it is necessary to get routine MRI checkups to help monitor the integrity of the implants. In general, implants usually need to be replaced every 10 years. Dr. Suarez will give a more clear time frame on an individual cases basis.
If you feel breast augmentation is for you please let our team of experts assist you with your decision. Contact OAS Plastic Surgery and get started right now !