What is a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure involving the utilization of breast implants or fat transfer to enhance breast size. This intervention is commonly sought to address breast volume depletion resulting from weight reduction or pregnancy, attain a harmonious breast contour, or rectify natural breast size discrepancies.
How Does a Breast Augmentation Work?
Breast augmentation is performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are made in discreet areas, such as the areolar edge, breast fold, or armpit to minimize scarring. Depending on the desired outcome, implants are placed under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue. The incision is meticulously closed for optimal healing.
Benefits of a Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation enhances aesthetic appeal and boosts self-confidence. It improves breast form by providing fullness, symmetry, and projection, resulting in a harmonious enhancement. Breast augmentation can restore natural curves to women who have been pregnant or lost weight. Additionally, aging women can achieve lasting results by regaining lost volume, resulting in a youthful and rejuvenated silhouette.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before a Breast Augmentation
During the consultation, you will discuss your preferred breast size, feel, and appearance. The surgeon will discuss various implant options, including smooth or textured, round or teardrop-shaped, and saline or silicone. Additionally, they will discuss surgical technique choices. Certain medications may need adjustment before the surgery, such as avoiding aspirin or other bleeding-increasing medications. If you are a smoker, the surgeon will request that you cease smoking for about four to six weeks before and after the surgery.
What to Expect During a Breast Augmentation
To insert the breast implant, your plastic surgeon will make a single incision in one of three places: under your breast (inframammary), under your arm (axillary), or around your nipple (periareolar). After making the incision, the surgeon will separate your breast tissue from the muscles and connective tissue of your chest. This creates a pocket either behind or in front of the outermost muscle of the chest wall (pectoral muscle). The surgeon will then insert the implant into this pocket, centering it behind your nipple. Saline implants are inserted empty and filled with sterile salt water once in place, while silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. Finally, the surgeon will close the incision, typically using stitches (sutures), and apply skin adhesive and surgical tape for bandaging.
What to Expect After a Breast Augmentation
After your surgery, it is normal to experience soreness, swelling, and possible bruising for a few weeks. Although scars will fade over time, complete disappearance is unlikely.
During the healing process, wearing a compression bandage or sports bra can provide additional support and positioning for the breast implants. Your surgeon may also prescribe pain medication to alleviate discomfort.
If your job doesn’t involve physical exertion, you may be able to return to work within a few weeks. However, strenuous activities that elevate your pulse or blood pressure should be avoided for at least two weeks. Keep in mind that while healing, your breasts will be sensitive to physical contact and sudden movements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right implant size for me?
Under the meticulous scrutiny of thorough examination, leveraging 3D imaging and individual preferences, Dr. Ye approaches implantation with meticulous attention to width, height, projection, and volume, thus ensuring bespoke outcomes that align with everyone’s unique desires.
What is the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline and silicone implants have notable distinctions. Saline implants are a cost-effective option that, if leaked, get absorbed by the body. On the other hand, while saline implants do not contain silicone gel, the implant itself is made from silicone.
Silicone implants offer a more natural feel, which is their primary advantage. However, detecting leaks in silicone implants can be challenging due to the cohesive nature of the silicone gel. However, recent studies have provided reassurance regarding their safety.
Are there risks and complications associated with breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation carries potential risks, such as capsular contracture, resulting in scar tissue distortion of the breast implant, breast pain, infection, alterations in nipple and breast sensation, changes in implant position, and implant leakage or rupture. Addressing these complications may require additional surgical procedures for the removal or replacement of the implants.
How long is the recovery period after breast augmentation?
During the initial healing process, patients may experience swelling and discomfort at thncision sites and in the breast tissue. Discomfort may occur and can be managed with medication. A support bra should be worn consistently for the first one to two weeks. Adhering to the post-operative instructions is for the successful outcome of the procedure. Typically, light activities can be resumed within one to two days after the surgery. Contact with the breasts should be avoided until the healing process is complete, typically within four to six weeks. The healing process will continue for several weeks as the swelling subsides, the implant position stabilizes, and the incision lines further refine. Although the incision lines are permanent, they are discreetly located. Initial wound healing is expected to take approximately five to ten days, and patients may resume work and normal activities, provided they feel comfortable and do not engage in any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
Can I breastfeed after having breast augmentation?
It is possible to breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery. However, the success of breastfeeding depends on a variety of factors, including the type of implants used, the size of the breasts before and after surgery, and the skill and experience of your surgeon.
Will there be visible scars after breast augmentation, and how can they be minimized?
Over time, the incision lines will undergo fading. The quality of the scar is influenced by various factors, such as genetics, exposure of the body to nicotine, and susceptibility to infection.
How long do breast implants typically last, and will I need additional surgeries?
While breast implants are long-lasting, they are not permanent and may require replacement. Your breasts change over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors, and gravity. To restore a more youthful contour, you may consider options like a breast lift or an implant exchange.
What is the cost of breast augmentation, and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies based on the extent of the procedure. Insurance does not cover this surgery as it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
Can I combine breast augmentation with other cosmetic procedures?
Breast lift surgery is frequently combined with breast implants to enhance breast size, as well as lift and reshape them for a more youthful appearance.
How should I prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
For breast augmentation preparation, you may need to:
– Undergo a blood test
– Take specific medications or adjust your current ones
– Quit smoking
– Avoid aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory medications, as they may cause increased bleeding.
Is there an age limit for getting breast augmentation?
The FDA approves breast augmentation for women who are 18 years or older. Moreover, suitable candidates for breast augmentation should be in good health and have realistic expectations regarding the surgical outcome.
Can breast augmentation correct breast asymmetry?
Correcting asymmetric breasts through breast augmentation involves balancing the size and shape. This can be achieved by augmenting one breast to match the other or using implants of different sizes and shapes. To achieve the desired outcome, patients should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Ye, who has experience in performing breast augmentation procedures. During the consultation, patients can discuss their goals and determine what will yield the most aesthetically pleasing result.
What is the difference between above-the-muscle and below-the-muscle implant placement?
The main difference between above-the-muscle and below-the-muscle implant placement is that the breast implants are placed directly beneath the pectoral muscles. This placement can provide better upper pole fullness, more cleavage, and a better aesthetic outcome. Below-the-muscle placement involves positioning the implant behind the muscle rather than in front of it, which may provide a more natural look but less upper pole fullness. Additionally, below-the-muscle implants experience fewer animation deformities (implant movement when muscle flexes).
Are there non-surgical alternatives to breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation has traditionally been viewed as a surgical procedure, but there are now non–surgical options available as well. Non-surgical breast enhancement typically involves the injection of fillers like hyaluronic acid or fat from other parts of the body. Substances are carefully injected into the breast tissue to create a fuller, more shapely appearance. Non-surgical breast augmentation may not provide the same level of dramatic results as traditional surgery, but it can be a safe and effective option for many women.
Can breast augmentation help with post-pregnancy breast changes?
Breast augmentation can help with post-pregnancy breast changes. The procedure can restore the volume and shape of the breasts that may have been lost due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast augmentation can also help to lift the breasts and provide more fullness. Also, implants may be used to fill out any area of deflated or stretched skin resulting from pregnancy.
BREAST AUGMENTATION
BEFORE & AFTERS
Age: 25 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 127 lbs
A 25-year-old woman states her preoperative brassiere size as a 32-34A cup. She has had no pregnancies. She has a mild degree of breast asymmetry. She underwent an augmentation mammoplasty with a 325 cc high-profile implant on her right and a 300 cc high-profile implant on her left. The patient is thrilled with her postoperative result.
Age: 37 | Height: 5’10″ | Weight: 150 lbs
This patient started with a 34 B pre-op bust size. She was looking to increase the fullness of her breasts but was not concerned about a specific size, but was looking for a natural, proportional result. 339cc cohesive gel implants were used with a sub-muscular placement.
Age: 35 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 126 lbs
A 25-year-old woman states her preoperative brassiere size as a 32-34A cup. She has had no pregnancies. She has a mild degree of breast asymmetry. She underwent an augmentation mammoplasty with a 325 cc high-profile implant on her right and a 300 cc high-profile implant on her left. The patient is thrilled with her postoperative result.
A 35-year-old woman with one child who noticed significant post-partum involution following cessation of breastfeeding. Underwent breast augmentation with 325 ccs high-profile implant.
Age: 27 | Height: 5’7″ | Weight: 120 lbs
Patient has one child. She breastfed for 6-7 months. She states her current brassiere size as a 34B and she wishes to be approximately one and a half to two cup sizes larger. Underwent breast augmentation with a 421 cc moderate plus profile gel implant. Patient thrilled with size and shape.
Age: 31 | Height: 5’8″ | Weight: 138 lbs
After two children and breastfeeding, she has lost volume. The preoperative bra size was 34A. The patient wished to be approximately a C cup size. Underwent an augmentation with a 397 cc moderate plus profile gel prosthesis. The patient obtained excellent proportions and is very pleased.
Age: 36 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 141 lbs
A 36-year-old woman who has two children and did breastfeed. She desired approximately a one-and-a-half cup size increase in her breast size following pregnancies and loss of breast volume. The patient underwent bilateral augmentation using a 339 cc moderate plus profile gel implant. The patient subsequently underwent an abdominoplasty and liposuction as well.
Age: 43 | Height: 5’4″ | Weight: 140 lbs
A 43-year-old woman who has had three pregnancies. The preoperative brassiere size is 34C. The patient desires to be approximately a cup to cup and a half size larger and is primarily concerned about regaining some upper pole volume. She is not concerned about mild breast laxity. Underwent an augmentation mammoplasty using a 457 cc moderate plus profile gel prosthesis. The patient reports an outstanding result.
Age: 30 | Height: 5’9″ | Weight: 130 lbs
This 30-year-old police officer desired a fuller bust size. She was hoping to increase her pre-op 34B cup size to a full C or a D. Using 425cc cohesive gel implants placed behind the muscle we were able to achieve her desired results. She has been extremely pleased with her results.
Age: 23
This 23-year-old woman had been considering breast augmentation for some time. Her pre-op size was 34B and she was dealing with some asymmetry in her breasts. She underwent an augmentation procedure where we placed a 375cc implant on the right side and a 400cc implant on the left. She is thrilled with both the enhancement in size as well as the improved symmetry.
Age: 38 | Height: 4’10″ | Weight: 105 lbs
Prior to surgery, this patient had a cup size of approximately 34A. Her desire was to increase her breast size to a full C to D. It was important for her to keep the natural appearance of her breasts. We used 350cc cohesive gel implants to achieve her desired results.
Age: 37 | Height: 5’10″ | Weight: 150 lbs
This patient started with a 34 B pre-op bust size. She was looking to increase the fullness of her breasts but was not concerned about a specific size, but was looking for a natural, proportional result. 339cc cohesive gel implants were used with a sub-muscular placement.
Age: 37 | Height: 5’10″ | Weight: 155 lbs
Prior to surgery, this patient’s bust size was less than an A cup and her left breast was smaller than the right. To improve this we used a 304cc intermediate projecting implant for the right breast and a 350cc high profile implant for the left. Both implants used were cohesive gel. Both symmetry and size were much improved after surgery and the patient is very pleased with her results.
Age: 35 | Height: 5’2″ | Weight: 95 lbs
This 35-year-old mother of 2 came to us looking to regain the fullness she had lost after her pregnancies. We used 280cc cohesive gel implants to achieve these results.
Note: due to the fact that her breasts were very widely spaced, and there was very little breast tissue over the breast bone, it was necessary to place the implants directly centered under the nipple to achieve as natural an appearance as possible.
Age: 38
Pregnancy and nursing led to significant post-partum shrinkage of the breast volume. Along with the loss of volume, this patient also had significant asymmetry of the breasts. Her pre-op size was 34A. To deal with the asymmetry we used 2 different implant sizes (350cc right, 325cc left) and we also performed a lift of the left breast. The patient has been very happy with the results we were able to achieve for her.
Age: 28 | Height: 5’5″ | Weight: 125 lbs
This 28-year-old mother of 2 had been considering breast augmentation for 10 years. She had several friends who were satisfied patients of The Center. Pre-op her bust size was 34B, and she was hoping to achieve approximately a D Cup. Using 400cc cohesive gel implants we were able to achieve her goal and the patient has been thrilled with her results.
Age: 33
After 2 pregnancies this patient was suffering from moderate breast laxity and an inverted nipple on her left breast. The procedure required 304cc moderate plus profile cohesive gel implants, peri-areolar mastopexy, and correction of the inverted nipple. In addition to her breast procedures, she also had a mini-abdominoplasty. She has been very pleased with all procedures.
Age: 36 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 150 lbs
This patient lost breast fullness following 2 pregnancies along with breastfeeding. To correct the asymmetrical condition of her breasts she underwent a breast augmentation along with a circumareolar mastopexy (lift). 375cc right breast 400 cc left breast, cohesive gel implants.
Age: 35 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 125 lbs
Breast Augmentation
Age: 38 | Height: 5’6″ | Weight: 120 lbs
This patient was looking for a fuller bust size and has been very satisfied with her results. Used 325cc High Profile cohesive gel implanted behind the muscle.
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