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 correct sagging 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 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 have more fat tissue than the other. Still, in some cases, this causes complications when finding properly fitting bras or other clothes and can even be visibly noticeable. If the breast size is uneven, using two differently sized breast implants in augmentation mammoplasty 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 breast size. These include traditional implants like saline implants and silicone implants, or shaped implants such as gummy bear implants.

SALINE BREAST IMPLANTS

Saline implants are made with a silicone shell and filled with a sterilized saline solution upon implant insertion. These round breast 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 a breast implant procedure, they often require a smaller incision, making them less invasive surgical procedures. Saline implants are FDA-approved for patients 18 years old and older. In case of a leaking implant, the saline will naturally be absorbed by the breast tissue, leaving behind only the outer shell, which will require reconstructive breast surgery and replacement.

SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS

Silicone implants are made with a silicone shell filled with a silicone gel to form stable implants. A silicone gel implant often costs more than a saline implant but these round implants 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, leaving behind some scar tissue. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for patients who are 21 years old and older. In case of silicone breast implant rupture, the outer shells and viscous silicone gel of these gel-filled implants remain in place within the breast tissue. Both the shell and filling can then be removed and replaced after a removal breast implant surgery.

GUMMY BEAR BREAST IMPLANTS

Gummy bear implants are made with a firmer, more cohesive gel than traditional saline or 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 in the chest wall. These include:

  • A periareolar incision, which is made around the nipple areolas
  • An inframammary fold, which is made in the breast fold.
  • A transaxillary incision, which is made in the armpit.

The type of incision made in the chest muscles will depend on your anatomy and your desired breast size 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 their plastic surgeon can choose between different shapes of implants. The primary breast implant shapes are teardrop-shaped and round implants. 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 pectoral muscle and 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 before your elective cosmetic surgery.

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 breast reconstruction.

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.

Read: Breast Implant Options

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!

FAQs About Breast Augmentation

Are breast implants under warranty?

In the US, there are three FDA-approved breast implants and they each have their own warranty. Mentor and Allergan provide 10 year warranties and Sientra provides a 20 year warranty.

Can breast implants cause pain years later?

When a breast implant is placed in your body, the body knows it isnt YOU, so it forms a scar or capsule around the implant. Over time, this capsule can act like any other scar and get thick, hard, and painful. This is called capsular contracture. It is an uncommon but known risk of breast implants.

Can breast implants last 30 years?

Yes. With newer generation implants, termed gummy bear implants, we are seeing patients with good, soft, natural breast implants up to and beyond 30 years.

Can fat be transferred to breasts?

Absolutely! Fat grafting to the breasts is a great alternative for someone who does not want implants. It also is a great complement to breast augmentation to improve cleavage or upper pole fullness.

Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?

No. This was an old adage for older generation breast implants. Implants today can last much longer. You should still have regular followup with your plastic surgeon on a yearly basis to check your implants.

Does getting breast implants make you gain weight?

Minimal. Even large volume implants weigh no more than 2-3 pounds.

Does insurance cover breast implants?

In cases of breast reconstruction, such as after a mastectomy for breast cancer, insurance will cover breast implants.

How dangerous is breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation is a very safe operation; however, it is still surgery most often performed under a general anesthetic and should only be done by a board-certified and well trained plastic surgeon.

How long do breast implants last?

While breast implants can last many, many years, they are not designed to be lifetime devices; most implants last about 15 years before needing to be replaced. However, if you are not having any problems with your implants, there is no need to replace them “just because”. It is only if capsular contracture, rippling, or other issues become apparent when breast implants should be replaced.

how much does breast augmentation cost?

Price can be affected by regional markets. In Utah, breast augmentation starts at $5000-6000 and can go upward depending on whether a lift is performed, fat grafting, or other procedures.

How will pregnancy affect my breast implants?

Pregnancy can change the shape and size of a woman’s breasts, whether she has implants or not. It is recommended that women postpone pregnancy at least six months after breast augmentation surgery to ensure optimal results. Breastfeeding with implants is possible for some women and is safe for both the baby and mother.

Can Breast Augmentation correct my sagging breasts?

While women with sagging breasts can receive breasts implants, a breast lift may also be necessary, depending on the amount of breast sag. This can be discussed during your consultation appointment.

When can I return to work after breast augmentation surgery?

The amount of downtime required following your breast augmentation procedure will depend on the extent of your procedure. The physical demands of your job will determine when you can return to work. It is important that patients avoid upper arm movements such as reaching for 1-2 weeks and lifting anything over 5 lbs. should be avoided for up to six weeks.

When can I return to driving after breast augmentation surgery?

Most patients can return to driving a car one week after surgery, as long as they are finished taking any pain medications.

Will scars from breast augmentation be noticeable?

Scars from breast augmentation surgery are generally short and well-hidden on the breasts. They can also easily be covered with a bra or bathing suit top, so you will not have to worry about them being noticeable.

If an implant ruptures how long should I wait before having it replaced?

It is best to have a ruptured silicone implant replaced or removed as soon as possible, since silicone can leak and cause more scar tissue to form around the implant.

External References

  1. PlasticSurgery.org
  2. Smart Beauty Guide
  3. WebMD
  4. Medical News Today
  5. Mayo Clinic