BREAST AUGMENTATION

Breast augmentation surgery involves using implants, to increase the size of your breasts or restore breast volume that has been lost after weight loss or pregnancy.

CLINICALLY REFERRED TO AS AUGMENTATION MAMMOPLASTY, BREAST AUGMENTATION CAN:

Increase fullness and projection of your breasts

Improve the balance of your figure

Enhance your self-image and self-confidence

Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and lifted after sagging, you’ll want to consider a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation. Additionally, the breast lift can be done at the same time as augmentation, but in some cases may require a separate operation. Once you’ve completed your plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Garza will offer you additional guidance as you proceed with your treatment.

Certainly the most sought after these days, form-stable implants are sometimes referred to as gummy bear breast implants. They earned this nickname for their ability to maintain their shape even when the implant shell breaks. Additionally, the consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants.

Gummy bear breast implants are also more shaped rather than traditional round implants. Specifically, they have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. The shaping of these implants provides more natural-looking results and prevents abnormalities. However, if a shaped implant rotates, it may lead to an unusual appearance of the breast. Keep in mind that the placement of gummy bear implants requires a longer incision in the skin, which leads to a more noticeable scar.

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel. And finally, they are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants. Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.

Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling. These implants can move with the breast implant pocket, which allows for more natural movement and texture. Smooth implants may have some palpable or visible rippling.

After your procedure, you will be taken into a recovery area for monitoring. We call this stage, breast augmentation recovery. Your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings. Alternatively, an elastic bandage or support bra can also minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. After a few hours in recovery, your doctor will evaluate your condition and approve your release.

What Are The Next Steps for Recovery?

Prior to leaving, you’ll be given specific instructions which will include how to care for your breasts as you recover. Specifically, these instructions will include a list of medications to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection. Finally, they will include a suggested follow-up time with Dr. Garza.

Most of the time, we require patients to wear a support bra around the clock for the first week or two after surgery. Meanwhile, the incision sites should be cleaned and applied with ointment as directed. Most importantly, you must follow all your given instructions carefully. Doing so will significantly support your healing process.

Expect some pain and swelling during the post-surgical breast augmentation recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days. After this period, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume depending on the direction of your plastic surgeon.

Am I a good candidate for breast enhancement or breast enlargement?

What will be expected of me to get the best results?

Where and how will you perform my breast augmentation surgery?

What shape, size, surface texturing, incision site and placement site are recommended for me?

How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?

What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?

How are complications handled?

How many additional implant-related operations can I expect over my lifetime?

How will my ability to breastfeed be affected?

How can I expect my implanted breasts to look over time? After pregnancy? After breastfeeding?

What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my implanted breasts?

How will my breasts look if I choose to have the implants removed in the future without replacement?

Do you have breast augmentation before-and-after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?