Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
A breast augmentation, also called a mammoplasty, uses a synthetic implant or transfer of fat to increase the size and/or change the shape of the breasts. It can be an excellent option for adding fullness and volume to the breasts, as well as making them appear more even. The procedure is highly customized, with patients able to choose between silicone and saline implants to create their desired results.
It should be noted that breast augmentations are not meant to lift the breasts. While the breasts get some lift during a breast augmentation, its primary purpose is not to address sagging breasts. If you would like to lift your breasts in addition to augmenting them, you may discuss the possibility of combining a breast lift with your breast augmentation at your consultation.
Reasons for Getting a Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentations are widely sought-after, both across the United States and here at Gayoso Plastic Surgery and MedSpa. Plastic surgery is a choice someone can make only for themself, and there are many reasons a patient may have for seeking out breast augmentation.
These reasons include:
Desiring fuller or larger breasts
Restoring volume to the breasts after pregnancy or weight loss.
Adding volume to make the breasts appear more even.
Regardless of a patient’s reason for seeking our breast augmentation, we are committed to ensuring that every patient is thoroughly informed about their options, supported in their decision-making process, and provided the highest standard of care possible.
Choosing Your Implants
At your consultation, one of the decisions you’ll have to make for your breast augmentation is which implants you want or if you prefer fat grafting. You and your provider will discuss size and type of implant to help you achieve the best result. You will have in-depth discussions about what you’re looking for out of your augmentation, and your provider will make recommendations as needed.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are the most popular choice among breast augmentation patients. Their popularity is due to their jelly-like consistency, making the breasts appear natural as it is very similar to the shape and feel of body fat. Silicone implants are available for patients who are 22 years old or older.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are increasingly popular, as they are smaller and less expensive than silicone implants. Saline implants are made of sterile saline inside a silicone shell, which is filled once it is in place in the breast. Saline implants pose a very low risk of harm if they rupture, as the body will metabolize the sterile saline solution inside them.
Fat Grafting
To increase the size of your breasts with fat grafting, your surgeon will remove fat from a donor site on your body, like the stomach, thighs, or hips, and inject it into target areas around your breasts.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Only you can decide whether a breast augmentation is the right choice for you, but if you are interested in getting one, it’s worth your while to speak to a trusted provider. The first step towards making the changes you want to see is to schedule a consultation with one of our providers.
At your consultation, you and your provider will go over your health history, current medications, and previous surgeries to ensure there will be no complications with your breast augmentation. For your safety, it’s important to answer your provider honestly, as any unknown health issues could impair your recovery.
How the Procedure Works
After you schedule your surgery, your next step is to meet with one of our nurses for your first pre-op appointment. This meeting will take place two to four weeks before your surgery. At your first pre-op, you will discuss your current medications, previous surgeries, and health history to make sure you are in good health for your surgery and recovery. The nurse will also give you your post-op instructions and answer any questions you may have about them.
Also two to four weeks before surgery, you will meet with your surgeon for your second pre-op. Your surgeon will walk you through the procedure again and address any questions or concerns you might have. On the day of surgery, you will meet with OR nurses who will prepare you for surgery. During a breast augmentation surgery, patients are placed under general anesthesia so you will meet with the anesthesiologist to discuss any past anesthesia issues you might have had. Your surgeon will then make any markings if necessary and answer any last-minute questions. All breast augmentations are outpatient procedures. You will not be able to drive after, so you will need a friend or loved one to drive you home after.
Discussing the Risks
Breast augmentations do carry some risks. At your consultation, your provider will educate you on the risks associated with breast augmentations so you can make an informed decision about moving forward. Our board-certified plastic surgeons and qualified staff are dedicated to your safety. We take all necessary precautions to limit the possibility of risks and complications. For your part, you can prevent complications from disrupting the healing process by following your provider’s aftercare instructions closely and checking in if you have any questions or concerns, regardless of how long it’s been since your surgery.
Recovering from Your Surgery
Patients can typically take from four to six weeks to fully recover from a breast augmentation. During this time, it’s normal to see some bruising and swelling. You’ll also be asked to avoid strenuous activities for the first four to six weeks of your recovery. In six months, you’ll be able to see the full results of your breast augmentation.
Feel Like the Best Version of Yourself
Choosing to get a breast augmentation can help you feel more like yourself, allowing you to feel confident and affirmed when you look in the mirror. Whether you’ve been unhappy with your breasts for some time, or simply want the surgery for a personal reason, we’re here to work with you to make sure you get everything you want out of the procedure. Investing in yourself is worth your while, and if you decide to move forward with the procedure, set yourself up for success by working with a team that’s committed to protecting your best interest every step of the way. Our goal is to offer the highest standard of care to give you beautiful, natural-looking results.
