Breast augmentation can be used on several occasions. These are to:
- Improve or enhance the balancing of your figure
- Heighten the projection and fullness of the breasts
- Improve your self-confidence and self-image due to the improved looks
- Make your clothes fit better
What Breast Augmentation Does Not Do
Breast augmentation cannot be used for every breast anomaly such as correcting severe drooping. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to lift because of sagging, a breast lift may be done together with the breast augmentation, or it may require a separate surgery.
Who is Best Suited for Breast Augmentation?
You may be a suitable candidate for breast augmentation if you:
- Are physically healthy
- Have fully developed breasts
- Feel bothered by your small breasts
- Feel unhappy with the upper part of your breasts appearing “empty.”
- Have asymmetrical breasts
- Are discontented with your breasts’ lost shape and volume
- Have realistic expectations of what the procedure can do, including the potential risks
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Two types of breast implants are available: saline and silicone implants. The saline implants are silicone shells filled with sterilized saline water, and the silicone implants are silicone shells filled with a plastic gel. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy is that you must be at least 18 for you to receive the saline implant, and at least 22 to receive the silicone one.
To insert the implant, your surgeon will make a single incision in any of the following areas:
- At the crease under your breast (inframammary)
- Under your arm (axillary)
- Around the nipple (periareolar)
During the procedure, the breast tissue will be separated from the connective tissues and muscles of your chest, and then create a pocket behind or in front of the outermost muscle of your chest wall (pectoral muscle). The implant is then placed into this pocket and position it behind the nipple. The saline implant is placed while empty and then filled with sterilized saline water when it is in place, but the silicone implant is pre-filled with the silicone gel. When the implant is in place, the incision is closed with sutures (stitches) and then bandaged with surgical tape and a skin adhesive.
What to Expect After Surgery
After a breast augmentation procedure, you may experience the following around the treated area:
- Swelling and soreness for a few weeks
- Possible bruising
- Scars that will fade gradually over time but will not disappear entirely
You will be required to wear a compression bandage or a sports bra to provide extra support for the implant. We can also prescribe for you pain medications as well and advise you about returning to your normal activities after surgery.
If you’re interested in a breast augmentation or other breast procedure, Dr. Steven Warnock can help you get the look you want. We’ll work with you to determine the most effective treatment options for needs, to ensure you get the best results. Contact Dr. Steven Warnock today to schedule your consultation.