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What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that involves enhancing the size of the breasts via breast implants. This procedure can also help to restore lost breast volume due to weight loss or pregnancy. While breast augmentation surgery can augment the size of the breasts, this surgery cannot lift the breasts; those who wish to lift the breasts higher or reduce excessively large breast tissue can benefit from a breast lift.
Before & After
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Individuals who wish to increase the fullness or projection of their breasts, improve the overall balance of their breasts or hips, and improve their self-confidence can benefit from a breast augmentation. Candidates should be physically healthy and non-smokers. Also, individuals should ideally undergo this procedure when they are finished having children and are not breastfeeding, as future pregnancies may negatively impact the outcome of the procedure. The best way to determine if this procedure is right for you is through a consultation with Dr. Howland.
Read: Breast Implants vs. Breast Lift
Why Do Patients Choose Breast Augmentation?
There are a variety of reasons for seeking breast augmentation surgery. First, many patients simply wish to increase the size of their breasts based only on cosmetic preference. They may feel that their breasts are out of proportion with the rest of their body, or wish their clothes fit differently, for example.
Some patients also choose breast augmentation because their natural breasts are asymmetrical. It’s incredibly common for one breast to be bigger than the other, but in some cases, this causes complications when finding properly fitting bras or other clothes and can even be visibly noticeable. If the breasts are uneven, using two differently sized breast implants can help create a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
Finally, it’s common for patients to choose breast augmentation as a result of the changes that occur in the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding or after a dramatic weight loss. In each of these instances, the breasts can have a “deflated” appearance due to a rapid change in size. By utilizing breast implants, patients can restore a full and youthful appearance.
Types of Breast Implants
Breast augmentation surgery is done under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. There is a selection of breast implants that can be used to augment the breasts. These include saline implants, silicone implants, or gummy bear implants.
SALINE BREAST IMPLANTS
Saline implants are made with a silicone shell and filled with a sterilized saline solution. These implants are often less costly than silicone gel implants but are said to feel firmer than real breast tissue. However, because they can be filled after placement, they often require a smaller incision to be made. Saline implants are FDA approved for patients 18 years old and older. In case of rupture, the saline will naturally be absorbed by the body, leaving behind only the outer shell, which will require surgical removal and replacement.
SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS
Silicone implants are made with a silicone shell filled with a silicone gel. These implants often cost more than saline implants but are said to feel similar to natural breast tissue. Because they come pre-filled, they may require a larger incision for them to be placed. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for patients who are 21 years old and older. In case of silicone breast implant rupture, both the outer shell and the silicone gel filling remain in place within the breast capsule. Both the shell and filling can then be removed and replaced after a removal breast implant surgery.
GUMMY BEAR IMPLANTS
Gummy bear implants are made with a firmer, cohesive gel than traditional silicone implants. These implants are often the costliest and offer the most natural-looking and feeling results.
During the procedure, several different breast augmentation incisions can be used to place the implants. These include:
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A periareolar incision, which is made around the nipple areolas
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An inframammary incision, which is made in the breast fold.
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A transaxillary incision, which is made in the armpit.
The type of incision used will depend on your individual anatomy and your desired results, and will be discussed when your individualized treatment plan is created for you in conversations with Dr. Howland.
BREAST IMPLANT SHAPES
In addition to different materials, breast augmentation patients and plastic surgeons can choose between different shapes of implants. The primary breast implant shapes are round and teardrop shaped. Deciding between the two will have an influence on the final results of your breast augmentation in terms of the shape and projection of the breasts following your specific breast augmentation procedure.
Dr. Howland will help you choose between round and teardrop-shaped breast implants after discussing your goal results during a thorough consultation.
In addition to different shapes, there are both textured and smooth implant shells, which have their own pros and cons for those who undergo breast augmentation. Smooth shell implants tend to feel softer and more natural, but tend to move more than textured implants. Dr. Howland will recommend the implant shell type that’s best for your unique needs.
Breast Implant Location
Breast implants can either be placed over or under the chest muscle, depending on the aesthetic goal. Here are some of the pros and cons of each technique.
OVER THE MUSCLE (SUB-GLANDULAR PLACEMENT)
Typically, placing breast implants over the muscle involves a simpler and less invasive surgical procedure. Patients can also expect a shorter recovery time after their surgeries.
However, over-the-muscle placement typically results in a “more augmented” look, meaning that results are somewhat less natural-appearing than other placement types. Whether this is a preferable look varies from patient to patient. In addition, over-the-muscle breast implant placement may have a higher risk of capsular contracture.
UNDER THE MUSCLE (SUB-MUSCULAR PLACEMENT)
Placing breast implants under the chest muscle has several benefits. First, this technique reduces the risk of the implant rippling. Results tend to look more natural than above-muscle placement as well.
However, placing breast implants under the muscle necessitates a more invasive, complex surgical procedure. In addition, it is possible that the breast implant can become distorted when the chest muscle is flexed.
Can I Pair Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures?
Many patients do choose to pair their breast augmentation with another procedure. So long as Dr. Howland has determined that it is safe for you to do so, combining surgeries can lead you to your goal results sooner.
For example, breast augmentation is often chosen as part of a mommy makeover. This combination of procedures is designed to address different areas of the body that are affected by pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition to breast augmentation, a mommy makeover may include tummy tuck, liposuction, or labiaplasty.
It’s also common for patients to choose to have a breast lift in combination with their breast augmentation. If you feel that your breasts are sagging or too low in addition to lacking fullness, combining breast augmentation with a breast lift is an option.
Finally, some patients find that combining breast augmentation with a procedure for another area of the body helps to create a more balanced figure overall. One option is the Brazilian butt lift, in which the buttocks are augmented using fat transfer.
Before & After
Results of Breast Augmentation
Following surgery, patients can expect to experience swelling, discoloration, and feeling of tightness during recovery. Any discomfort that occurs can be controlled with pain medication. Patients will also be required to wear a special compression bra to help control swelling and support their new breast contours. Drains may also be in place to encourage proper healing. Most patients can return to a desk job within a week, though recovery time will be discussed with Dr. Howland both before the surgery and through post-operative appointments. It’s important to follow Dr. Howland’s directions closely through the recovery process to ensure your health and safety as well as achieve your best possible results.
While the breasts are noticeably larger immediately after the surgery, they may be higher on the chest than they will be after healing is complete and swelling remains for a few weeks following the procedure. The final results of a breast augmentation are typically visible at about three months after the surgery.
Breast Augmentation Near Salt Lake City, UT
If you are interested in breast augmentation and live in the Salt Lake City or Draper, UT areas, contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation!
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