What is a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a very popular cosmetic procedure performed to increase the breast size and enhance the shape of the breasts through the placement of silicone breast implants or saline breast implants by a plastic surgeon. The main goal of breast augmentation is to enhance a patient’s natural proportions to create a more symmetrical breast profile. It may also be combined with other types of breast surgery like a breast lift or fat grafting.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Augmentation?
Women may choose to undergo breast augmentation to restore the fullness of their breasts after pregnancy and breast feeding, to achieve a better self image or self confidence, or to add balance to better complement a curvy lower half. It can also be used to correct congenital deformity or breast asymmetry. No matter the reason, breast augmentation patients will be overall healthy, be nonsmoking, and have a positive and realistic outlook on their results. To determine if this procedure is right for you, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEONS
Our mission at Tucson Plastic Surgery is to provide you with an unparalleled experience by taking time to listen and understand your individual needs and concerns. We believe creating a custom-tailored plan based on your goals and unique anatomy is essential to achieving your best possible results.
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Breast Augmentation Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure can be customized to each patient’s aesthetic goals and personal preferences. This is done by choosing the type of breast implant, the implant placement, and the breast enhancement incision. The incision and implant that is right for you will depend on your desired outcomes, your health history, and more. Your plastic surgeon will work with you to create a breast augmentation plan that is personalized to you.
Breast Implant Types
There are two main types of breast implants your plastic surgeon can use for breast augmentation, including saline and silicone. You’ll discuss the right type of breast implant during your consultation.
Saline Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water and tend to feel firmer than natural breast tissue. The implant shell is made of silicone material. In the event of an implant rupture, the saline implant would collapse and the sterile salt water would be naturally absorbed and expelled by the body.
Silicone Implants
These implants are filled with silicone gel, and tend to feel more like natural breast tissue. If these implants were to leak, the gel would remain in the implant shell or leak into the implant pocket. This means it may not be as noticeable as saline implants if there were a leak, which is why regular breast check-ups are important.
Breast Augmentation Incisions
There are also a number of incisions that your plastic surgeon can use during the breast augmentation procedure, including:
Periareolar Incision
This incision is created around the outer edge of the areola. This technique is often used when a mild to moderate breast lift is performed along with an augmentation.
Inframammary Incision
This involves the creation of a short incision in the crease underneath the breast, called the inframammary fold. This incision makes for a larger access point, allowing your plastic surgeon to place larger implants with natural-looking results.
Transaxillary Incision
This incision is created within the armpit, through which the implant will be placed. This leaves a scar within the armpit instead of on the breasts.
I got a BA done on April 22nd, 2021 and my experience from the moment I walked into the door was such a comfortable and welcoming environment. The staff was accommodating, patient, and kind. Their kindness helped put my nerves at ease. They are very thorough with their work and communication. After meeting the whole team I was nowhere as nervous, more excited. The facility was also clean and organized. Thank you so much for such a great experience. Will definitely be going through you guys if I ever have any more work done! -JH”
Breast Implant Placement
There are two different options for breast implant placement, each with its own benefits. Your plastic surgeon can help you select the right option for your goals.
Sub Muscular Placement
Sub muscular placement means the breast implant is placed within the breast tissue but underneath the pectoral muscle (or chest muscle). This can provide a more natural look and feel, especially if you have a low amount of breast tissue to cover the implant.
Sub Glandular Placement
This is the more traditional option where the breast implant is placed inside the breast pocket but on top of the chest muscles. This can provide better projection and breast volume, especially in the breast mound.
Breast Implant Shape and Texture
There are other options available for textured implants (or anatomically shaped implants), but we do not offer these – instead, we offer only smooth implants and round implants. This is because textured and shaped implants are still under extensive study for their association with rare forms of lymphoma. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the risks of breast implants during your consultation.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Following breast augmentation surgery, soreness, bruising, and swelling may occur. A supportive surgical bra may need to be worn to help reduce swelling and to support your new breast implants. Strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for 2-4 weeks. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to best care for your breast implants post-surgery. As swelling slowly subsides you will start to see your final results, and any incision lines will fade over time.
If you are interested in learning about the breast augmentation procedure at Tucson Plastic Surgery, contact us today! Our plastic surgeons will work with you to help achieve the results you desire.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Are breast implants under warranty?
Absolutely! We use almost exclusively Allergan smooth implants as they have the best warranty. Enrollment is free and automatic. Silicone implants are covered against rupture (for the lifetime of both implants) and capsular contracture (for the first 10 years) While rare, these complications can happen and we want to be sure that you are covered. Saline implants are also covered against rupture for the lifetime of the implants. Warranties vary by implant company and implant type, so be sure to ask your surgeon for full details.
Can breast implants cause pain years later?
Rarely, implants can cause pain years after surgery. The most common reason is a capsular contracture where your body produces excessive scar tissue around the implant. This is covered by the warranty in the first 10 years after surgery and occurs in less than 1% of cosmetic breast augmentations.
Can breast implants last 30 years?
Implants do not actually expire, however, they will not likely last you a lifetime. The current gummy bear implants have a rupture rate that is less than 10% at 10 years. By thirty years, that number is likely much higher. The best way to ensure your implants longevity is to work with one of our surgeons and follow all of the postoperative instructions.
Can fat be transferred to breasts?
Fat transfer for breast augmentation essentially uses fat from one part of the body where you dont want it and inject it into your breasts. This option is best for women looking for a relatively small increase in breast size and prefer a natural result. It can also be combined with implants to create even more volume while still maintaining a natural result.
Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?
This is a common myth. Implants only need to be replaced if there is a problem with them. At 10 years, over 90% of implants are intact.
Does getting breast implants make you gain weight?
Obviously, the weight of the implants will add slightly to the number on your scales. After that, there is some temporary weight gain immediately after surgery from swelling and fluid retention. Dont fret, and in fact, dont weigh yourself for a few weeks after surgery as this will quickly resolve.
Does insurance cover breast implants?
Insurance will not cover the cost of cosmetic breast enhancement surgery (augmentation, lift, or a combination of the two). It will cover breast surgery in the setting of previous breast cancer. By law, all insurance companies have to cover both the breast that had cancer and surgery needed on the other breast to make them more symmetric (matching surgery).
How dangerous is breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States. For some women, breast augmentation is a way to feel more confident, while for others it is part of restoring the breast after a cancer diagnosis. While it is relatively safe, if your surgeon answers with an, everything will be fine, response, you should consider that a red flag. There can be complications and it is important to make an informed decision.
Can I move my arms after breast augmentation?
We pride ourselves on minimizing discomfort after surgery. The problem with that is that without some pain, there is very little to stop you from being active. We typically advise patients to do no lifting over 5-10 pounds for six weeks and to keep their arms below the shoulder for at least two weeks.
Can you breast feed after breast augmentation
While breast augmentation can affect breastfeeding, it is usually still possible to breastfeed after surgery. Be sure to discuss your desire to breastfeed with us before surgery as there are options that help to ensure you can breastfeed after implants. For example, using an incision underneath the breast (IMF incision as opposed to at the nipple or areola).
Do breast implants cause autoimmune disease?
As Plastic Surgeons, it is our responsibility to continually monitor the long-term safety of breast implants to make sure that we can educate our patients on the possible adverse outcomes. While there is still no evidence that implants cause autoimmune diseases, there are some rare disorders that are more common in women with breast implants than in those that do not have them. It is all part of the risk to benefit discussion we have with every patient.
Do breasts sag after breast augmentation?
Following a breast augmentation, you may notice that your implants fall slightly as they settle into place. This is completely normal. Eventually, the downward force of the implant and cause some sagging. This takes years to happen and even longer when you work with us choose the implant that fits your breast and chest for a beautiful, natural, long-lasting result.
How do I know if my breast implant is leaking?
With saline implants, the change is usually very noticeable as the breast can deflate over a few days to weeks. Signs that your silicone implants are ruptured can include changes in breast shape, swelling over a period of weeks or even pain. Capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant hardens can happen. Silicone implants can also rupture and not cause any symptoms at all. These are referred to as silent ruptures. In those cases, you would only know if you got an MRI to check.
How do I prepare for breast implants?
First, you should be at or close to your ideal weight. One of the most common reasons for revision is size change and partly that reflects patients own weight change leading to the implants being too large or too small. Second, you should be at least 6 months to a year out from breastfeeding. And finally, dont use any tobacco or nicotine products or take aspirin/drugs/supplements that increase the risk of bleeding.
How do you know if you have capsular contracture?
The formation of a capsule or scar tissue around the implant is a normal part of healing and helps to keep the implants in place. In some patients however, the scar tissue becomes usually thick. The most common sign you have capsular contracture is that your breast gets hard, or hard and painful. Subtler capsular contracture can also cause your breast implants to shift or change shape.
How long are breast augmentation incisions sore?
Our surgeons perform nerve blocks that limit most of the discomfort after surgery. You may experience some temporary soreness, tightness and swelling as well as some discomfort in the incision area. Your breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks and we ask that you refrain from breast play for 4-6 weeks.
How long do breast implants last?
Implants do not actually expire, however, they will not likely last you a lifetime. The current gummy bear implants have a rupture rate that is less than 10% at 10 years. By thirty years, that number is likely much higher. The best way to ensure the longevity of your implant is to work with one of our surgeons and follow all of the postoperative instructions.
Is getting a breast augmentation worth it?
Absolutely! This is the most common cosmetic surgery in the United States with over 300,000 women having it done in 2018. Fully 98% of these women say it was worth it.
how much does breast augmentation cost?
Our prices are all inclusive: the consult, all pre-operative visits, the surgery, anesthesia and surgery center, as well as all post-operative visits and garments. Breast augmentation costs between $8,500 and $9,500. There is a range as each patient is unique as is each surgery performed. Please contact us regarding a private consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. We pride ourselves on a patient-centric approach to serving you and look forward to meeting you soon.
What is the difference between a breast augmentation and breast implants?
Breast augmentation is essentially making the breast larger. Breast implant surgery involves placing silicone or saline implants into the breast in order to enhance size, shape and volume. Breasts can also be augmented using your own fat, but this option is less common.
Is there an alternative to breast implants?
As an alternative to breast implants, breast augmentation can also be done with fat grafting or transfer. Excess fat is removed from one area via liposuction, an area where you do not want it like the belly or thighs, and then transferred into the breasts. The fat is transferred in very small drops so that it can re-establish blood supply from the surrounding tissues. And, because it uses your bodys own fat, the extra volume is permanent and risks are low.
How painful is breast augmentation recovery?
With our enhanced recovery protocols, you will be pleasantly surprised how little discomfort there is after a breast augmentation. Most people describe a sensation of pressure and not much after that. You will be up and walking the same day and, depending on your job, you may be back to work in a week or two. Bruising and swelling may persist for up to 2 weeks. While light walking and lifting may be resumed fairly quickly after surgery, you cannot return to a regular workout routine for 6 weeks.
What are cohesive breast implants?
One of the most exciting new developments in breast augmentation is the cohesive breast implant also known as the gummy bear implant. Previous generation implants were filled with liquid silicone. In cohesive implants, the silicone has more connections (chemical cross-links) between the silicone molecules so the gel firm enough to retain its shape over time, yet soft enough to still feel natural.
Is breast enlargement possible without surgery?
From breast enlargement creams to pectoral exercises and supplements, there have been hundreds of products that promise larger breasts without surgery. However, short of a padded bra, there are no proven ways to increase the size of your breasts without surgery. Sorry.
What are Natrelle breast implants?
Natrelle breast implants are the full line of smooth, round implants from Allergan. We use mostly Allergan implants in our practice because it is the only company that has three different gummy gels five different projections to allow us to find the ideal implant for you. They also have the best implant lifetime rupture warranty: replacement of both implants and up to $3500 to cover the cost of surgery.
What is the most common breast implant size?
The most common sizes range from 300-400cc with most patients looking for a C-Cup breast. Implants come in a variety of sizes (100-1000cc), types (saline and silicone), projections (low, moderate, high, full) and gumminess (responsive, soft, cohesive). With so many choices, it may seem tricky to find the right one but trust our expert surgeons to help you find the perfect implant.
Whats the safest breast implant?
The current generation of both saline and silicone smooth, round implants are safest implants. The FDA, World Health Organization and the Institute of Medicine have all reviewed extensive testing of implants and concluded that they are safe and effective. Textured breast implants, we do not offer these in our practice, have been linked to a cancer of the immune system (BIA-ALCL breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma).
What can go wrong with breast implants?
The most common issue is capsular contracture or the formation of a scar tissue around the implant. The second most common (
What are gummy bear implant?
Gummy bear implants are tear-drop, gel-based implants and retain a more tear drop shape compared to round saline or silicone implants.