Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation refers to the use of implants to add volume and enhance the shape/symmetry of the breasts. The procedure is often ideal for women who want a larger bust and/or a shapelier figure. Breast implants can also help correct post-pregnancy breast volume loss and genetic concerns—such as tuberous breasts—when performed alongside a breast lift or other surgical technique. In addition, breast implants may be used during breast reconstruction after mastectomy or breast augmentation revision surgery.
Our experienced Nacogdoches plastic surgeon—Gregory Wittpenn, MD—has extensive experience helping patients achieve their breast enhancement goals. He will work closely with you in order to choose the appropriate size, shape, and type of breast implant. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and review the informative sections below to learn more about the procedure.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to increase the size and improve the shape of a woman’s breasts, typically utilizing silicone or saline breast implants. Breast augmentation is a popular choice for those interested in achieving a larger breast size, improving balance and symmetry between the breasts, and restoring shapeliness and volume after life changes—such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. An initial consultation with Dr. Wittpenn provides each patient the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their specific cosmetic concerns and goals. During this time, Dr. Wittpenn can also help you select the optimal implants for your unique goals and body proportions.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation can offer patients seeking larger or fuller breasts many benefits, such as improved confidence and a more shapely, proportionate figure. Enhanced breast volume, shape, and symmetry may also help clothing, bras, and swimsuits fit better. For patients with asymmetrical breasts or certain congenital conditions, breast augmentation can help create a more balanced appearance. Under the experienced care of a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Wittpenn, a breast augmentation procedure can offer beautiful, natural-looking results capable of lasting for many years.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Patients who are at least 18 years old and want to either increase the size or improve the shape of their breasts may be good candidates for breast augmentation. During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Wittpenn will discuss your cosmetic goals and evaluate your health and medical history before determining whether breast implants are the best option for you.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
New Horizons Plastic Surgery offers a variety of high-quality breast implant options designed to help patients achieve their desired breast enhancement results. Choosing the right implants for your procedure is a major component of a successful, natural-looking outcome. Dr. Wittpenn takes the necessary time to ensure each patient feels informed and empowered to make the best choice for their needs. Below, we have provided an overview of silicone and saline implant options so you have a better understanding prior to your consultation:
Saline Breast Implants
Encased in a silicone outer shell, saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater (saline) solution during surgery, making them adjustable and customizable to the patient’s specifications and requiring only a small incision for placement. Since this type of implant has saline on the inside, if a leak or rupture occurs, the implant will deflate and the saltwater will be safely reabsorbed by the body—at which point the implant(s) can be exchanged or removed entirely via breast revision surgery.
Saline implants are FDA-approved for use in patients age 18 and over.
Silicone Breast Implants
Composed of a durable, tightly sealed outer shell and filled with a thick, gel-like material, silicone implants are widely known for ability to mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are available in a variety of pre-filled sizes, shapes, and profiles to complement the unique aesthetic goals of the patient. Since the implants come pre-filled, this means the volume cannot be altered by the surgeon and the incision required for surgery will be slightly longer than saline implants. Although advancements in safety have helped to minimize the chances for rupture, it is still recommended that patients with silicone implants get routine MRIs or high resolution ultrasounds, as leaks and ruptures are generally not as readily visible.
Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for use in patients 22 and over.
During a personal consultation, Dr. Wittpenn will thoroughly discuss each breast implant option to determine the ideal implant type, size, shape, profile, and placement location for achieving your desired results.
What Can I Expect From the Breast Augmentation Procedure?
Before your surgery, Dr. Wittpenn will talk with you about your cosmetic breast enhancement goals and help you select the right breast implant size, shape, profile, and placement location to achieve those goals.
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. During surgery, breast implants filled with saline or cohesive silicone gel will be placed below your chest muscles through incisions made under the breast fold (inframammary). Dr. Wittpenn can also carefully discuss alternative options with you in advance so you know what to expect.
After the procedure is completed, patients can usually return home to begin their recovery. You will need to arrange a ride to and from our surgical facility in advance.
Patient Results
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After What is Breast Augmentation Recovery Like?
The initial recovery period after breast augmentation typically lasts around 2-3 days, at which point most patients are able to resume regular, non-strenuous activities. When breast implants are placed under the chest muscles (submuscular), recovery time and discomfort may be slightly increased compared to implants placed above the muscle (subfascial), although submuscular implant placement typically results in a more natural look. Exercise and strenuous activities can typically be resumed 3-4 weeks after surgery, depending on your individual needs. That said, it is important to consult with your surgeon in advance and receive clearance based on your unique healing timeline. The final results of your procedure will become apparent once swelling fully subsides and the implants have had the chance to settle within the breast pocket, a process that usually takes 3-6 months.
Will I Have Breast Augmentation Scars?
As is the case with any surgical procedure, you will have some scarring following your breast augmentation. That said, Dr. Wittpenn is dedicated to patient safety and satisfaction, and he will do everything in his power to ensure your scars heal as inconspicuously as possible. The precise location of the incisions will depend on which surgical approach is utilized. An inframammary approach locates the incisions along the natural fold of the breast crease. Dr. Wittpenn can also consult with you regarding postoperative scar care to ensure the best possible outcome.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
The precise cost of breast augmentation will vary based on the unique treatment plan Dr. Wittpenn develops for you. Factors that can influence the final price include:
- The type of implants you choose
- Whether you are undergoing primary breast augmentation or corrective breast augmentation
Following your consultation with Dr. Wittpenn, we will be able to provide you with a personalized quote that reflects the unique details of your treatment plan. From there, a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team can discuss payment and financing options with you. To help make breast augmentation as affordable as possible, we currently partner with trusted third-party healthcare lenders CareCredit® and ALPHAEON® Credit. If you would like to learn more, please contact us today.
Book Your Consultation
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wittpenn, please contact us today!