Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that can increase the size of your breasts. Continue reading to learn more about how breast augmentation works, and how to know whether you’re an ideal candidate for this surgical procedure.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is an elective surgery that enhances or increases the size of one or both breasts. Breast size can be increased using silicone or saline implants, or with fat that is transferred from somewhere else on your body to your breasts.
Women usually choose breast augmentation surgery to achieve larger breasts and improve or balance their contours and silhouette. Breast augmentation can only increase breast size but cannot necessarily improve breasts that are sagging and drooping, or that are asymmetrical, which can be treated in combination with a breast lift. Some women choose to combine breast augmentation with breast lift surgery to enhance both the size and shape of their breasts at the same time. Dr. Wermeling can discuss the personalized plan that will suit you the best.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
You can gain several benefits from breast augmentation if you are unhappy with the size of your breasts and want to enhance their appearance. This procedure is highly customizable and can be based on your personal preferences regarding implant type and size.
Breast implants come in hundreds of shapes and sizes to help you achieve the look you want. Implants can be made from silicone or saline and can be placed above or below your chest muscles. Some patients may be appropriate for total fat transfer augmentation, which means they can transfer unwanted excess fat from your belly, thighs, or another area into your breasts.
Breast augmentation can restore your breasts to their original size after pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you’ve always wanted larger breasts, this surgery can help you achieve the size you want. Breast augmentation can enhance your confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Wermeling can help explain what surgery can and cannot do for you.
What’s the Difference Between Saline and Silicone Implants?
Saline breast implants are thin, soft silicone shells filled with sterile salt water or saline solution. If saline implants leak or become ruptured, your body will naturally absorb the saline solution and leave you only with the appearance of a deflated breast.
Silicone breast implants are the same thin, soft silicone shells filled with silicone gel. Silicone implants tend to feel more natural than saline implants. They are very durable and continue to perform well for many years. The FDA recommends surveillance of silicone implants with an MRI or ultrasound five years after the initial surgery and every two years after that.
Dr. Wermeling offers both saline and silicone implants and can discuss which implant can help you achieve your goals.
What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation can be performed in several different ways depending on your circumstances and the type of augmentation performed. First, you will be given a sedative or anesthesia to help you relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure. Then, Dr. Wermeling will make one or more incisions on your breasts where the implant is being inserted. In most cases Dr. Wermeling chooses an incision that ends up hidden in the breast fold. This incision allows direct access to the important structures of the breast and allows sterile placement of the implant without contact to the breast gland tissue.
Breast implants may be placed under or above the pectoral chest muscle. Implants placed above the chest muscle allow chest muscles to stay intact and usually result in shorter downtime and recovery. Implants placed below the chest muscle usually produce more natural-looking results but may look distorted when contracting the chest muscle and doing chest-strengthening exercises. Dr. Wermeling will discuss how the implants will be placed prior to your surgery.
After your implants are placed, your incisions will be closed with a series of sutures. Your breasts will be wrapped in a gauze dressing and a compression garment to reduce swelling and promote healing. Breast augmentation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home within an hour or two after your surgery to relax and recover.
Pain and discomfort from your surgery usually last for up to a week, though Dr. Wermeling has a medication protocol to help you feel more comfortable during this time while limiting usage of narcotics. Soreness and swelling may persist for several weeks but will gradually resolve as time goes by. Total recovery lasts between six and eight weeks, during which time you should take it easy and avoid strenuous activities that could open your incisions and delay healing.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Breast Augmentation?
generally unsatisfied with the current size of their breasts. Ideal candidates should be nonsmokers and in good physical health without any medical conditions that may prolong the healing process.
If you are thinking about having breast augmentation, make an appointment with F. Ryan Wermeling, MD to talk to you about this procedure in more detail and help you make a decision.