Breast Augmentation
No two breast augmentations are the same; each is as diverse as a woman’s unique goals and physique, and as different as the surgeon who performs them. As an expert in cosmetic breast surgery, breast revision, and breast reconstruction Dr. Strazar brings vast experience in the science and artistry of breast augmentation. Dr. Strazar believes that while an increase in breast size may be important, the quality of the aesthetic result always prevails over the quantity of the breast implant volume. Achieving a gorgeous, natural and proportional outcome is always the ultimate goal.
Breast augmentation is a wonderful option to help you achieve your desired breast appearance. The procedure can improve the size and shape of your breasts, allowing you to look and feel your best.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a procedure that uses saline or silicone breast implants to increase the size, volume, and contours of the breast. In order to achieve beautiful, natural looking results, Dr. Strazar will evaluate the following factors when planning your breast augmentation:
- Your desired breast size
- Your natural breast size and the amount of natural breast tissue you have
- Your body frame and dimensions
- Whether you experience breast asymmetry
Our Customized Breast Augmentation Procedure
During your consultation, Dr. Strazar will listen carefully to your particular desires regarding your breasts and evaluate your body type. By doing so, it gives Dr. Strazar a clear concept of what you’re looking to achieve, and develop a surgical plan that will help get you there. He will then discuss your options in detail and work closely with you to develop a customized plan that will deliver your desired outcome. The factors that will impact your breast augmentation plan include:
- Breast implant type
- Breast implant material
- Incision location
- Implant placement
- Implant size
It is encouraged that during your consultation, to bring photographs of your desired result and to voice any questions you may have. This way Dr. Strazar can address your questions and desires thoroughly.
Breast Implant Styles
The two types of implants most commonly used are saline and silicone. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and particular goals, the choice of implant may differ.
Silicone implants tend to feel more natural, making them a popular option. Silicone breast implants consist of an outer shell like saline implants, but are filled with a silicone gel. Past silicone implants were filled with liquid silicone, but advancements have led to the use of silicone cohesive gel, which is more of a “gummy bear” texture. The silicone cohesive gel is much more resilient and produces a beautiful, softer look and feel to an enhanced breast.
Saline implants are filled with a saltwater, or saline, solution. Since they are filled after placement they often require smaller incisions. Also if the implant were to leak, which is far less common with the latest generation of saline implants, the solution within is easily absorbed by the body.
Breast Implant Style
You have several options when it comes to breast implant profiles and shapes. Moderate profile implants are standard and often provide the most natural look. Higher profile implants are designed narrower with more outward projection, providing a slightly rounder appearance. These implants work will for women with smaller or narrower frames who desire larger cup sizes than would typically accompany their frame.
Breast Implant Sizing
There are several factors that impact the ideal breast implant size to achieve your desired results:
- Your height, weight and chest dimensions
- Your skin elasticity
- The amount of natural breast tissue you have
- Your desired cup size after surgery
- Whether you lead an active, athletic lifestyle
Where Will The Incisions Be Placed?
The choice of incision site is based upon the type of implant, the quantity of natural tissue and fat on your body, and what will be necessary in the surgical procedure. The various types of incisions are as follows:
Periareolar:
- For some patients, an incision is made around the areola. This incision is appropriate for some patients, and some sizes of implants. The advantage of this site is that the skin’s natural pigment at the nipple will usually conceal the scar and make it very difficult to see.
Inframammary:
- A common incision site is in the fold beneath the breasts. This incision allows for more options to where the implant will be placed. The incision is hidden from view even in bras or bikini tops once healed.
Transaxillary:
- This approach can hide the incision in the axilla or armpit. After a pocket is formed, the implant is slid through an incision hidden in the skin folds under the arm, helping to ensure that scarring is difficult to see. Not all implant types/sizes can be placed via this approach.
Breast Augmentation With A Lift
Breast implants alone do not treat sagging breasts, especially in cases of moderate to severe sagging. Dr. Strazar may recommend breast augmentation with a breast lift for the most effective results.
Additionally, there are two common locations within the breast where the implant can be placed
Breast implants can be placed in either a subglandular or submuscular position. There are risks and benefits to each, which again will be discussed with Dr. Strazar during consultation. In general, the subglandular placement involves positioning the implant under the breast tissue above the pectoralis muscles. This often facilitates a speedier recovery with less downtown and discomfort. During a submuscular placement, the implant is positioned primarily beneath the pectoralis muscles. This tends to result in a lower risk of capsular contracture, as well as a lower incidence of visibility. If saline implants are chosen, a submuscular placement will hide the rippling and bulging, especially in thin patients.
FAQ:
Breast implants may partly obscure mammograms, but special techniques can be used to improve the visibility of breast tissue after breast augmentation. It’s important to work with a screening center that is familiar with breast implants. Studies show that there is no clinically significant impact of breast augmentation on breast cancer detection or breast cancer treatment.
While you may see promotions for creams that increase breast size, these don’t work. One method which uses your natural tissue and does not involve breast implants is a fat transfer breast augmentation. This procedure cannot greatly increase breast size and is appropriate for patients who want a moderate increase in breast size.
Implants will eventually need to be replaced. Most patients with modern implants can expect them to last a long time. One out of five women will require revision after about 10 years, while the others need to do nothing. It all depends on the individual, and whether an issue has developed such as excessive scar tissue affecting breast shape (capsular contracture) or implant malposition.
Recovery Following Breast Augmentation
Patients recovering from breast augmentation can return home the same day. Patients who have non-physical jobs, such as desk/computer activities, can commonly return to work about 5 days following surgery. More strenuous activity or heavy lifting is often limited for at least four weeks. Additional individualized recovery instructions will be given to each patient at the time of their consultation. Patients are able to see beautifully augmented results once the breast implants settle in place. This can take between 2-6 months depending on the type of augmentation.
Can I exercise after a Breast Augmentation?
Light exercise (cardio without impact) may be resumed at five to seven days, and more vigorous physical activity may commence three weeks after your breast augmentation surgery. Strength training that excludes pectoralis muscle contraction (including lower body, core, and biceps/triceps toning with arms held below 45 degrees) may resume after seven days. Modified pectoralis exercises may be resumed at 4 to 6 weeks, and completely unrestricted training begins at 12 weeks.