Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is surgery to increase breast size. The ultimate goal of the procedure is to help you look and feel your best.
Many women feel that their breasts are too small or have concerns that one breast is smaller than the other which can lead to less confidence. Also, you may struggle with how to dress or with the type of bra to help you with the asymmetry.
But through augmentation, you can adjust for uneven breasts, whether after pregnancy or following significant weight loss. Most women feel good about their breasts after surgery and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Making the decision
Breast augmentation involves placing breast implants under your breast tissue or chest muscles to enlarge your breasts. But it is not something your doctor or someone else can decide for you. It is a personal decision made by you and for you.
Nevertheless, if you’re considering the procedure, you should speak with a plastic surgeon to help you understand what the surgery involves, including the benefits, possible risks, complications, and follow-up care. Your surgeon will also help you find out if the procedure is the right decision for you in terms of your overall health.
At Politis Plastic Surgery, we make sure our patients have thoroughly considered the procedure before they schedule their operation. So when you book your consultation with us, we use the session to review your goals, expectations, and what we can achieve together.
During the consult, we also review your medical history and educate you on the FDA approved breast implants available in the market today. At the end of the session, we’ll make the decision whether the procedure is appropriate for you, discuss the techniques we will use, and give your instructions on how to prepare for the surgery.
Types of implants used
In today’s market there are a variety of breast implants available for breast augmentation. We encourage you to use your initial consultation to discuss your implant options with your plastic surgeon.
Generally, the implants differ in terms of surface, filler material, shape, and how they are inserted.
- Filler material
Generally you have the choice of implants filled with cohesive silicone gel or with saline (salt water solution) both of which have an outer silicone shell.
If you are 22 years or younger, your surgeon is likely to recommend saline implants. These implants are inserted empty, and then filled with sterile salt water once they are in place.
- Implant surface
You also have a choice between smooth and textured implants. Textured breasts implants have bumps on their surfaces, which are aimed at reducing the risk of contracture—a complication that may develop after augmentation.
But if you want a softer, more natural feel, then implants with smooth rather than bumpy surfaces are ideal. Speak with your plastic surgeon about contracture and other complications as you make your implant choice.
- Shape
There are two shape options for breast implants: round and tear drop. Round implants are very popular as they conform best to the natural shape of the breast and provide a bustier and fuller look or what’s is called a responsive look.
Tear drop implants, also called anatomic or contoured implants, are a great option for women with parts of their breasts removed during prior surgery, such as reconstruction or mastectomy.
Also, if you have a significant amount of your breast tissue descended, then a tear drop implant can provide the volume to elevate and mount your breast back to the chest wall.
Likewise, your surgeon may recommend tear drop implants if you’re undergoing revision surgery due to rippling or malposition or to give shape to your breasts if you have so little breast tissue.
- Placement
Breast implants can be placed either behind your breast tissue (sub-glandular) or behind the chest muscles (sub-muscular).
Roughly 75-percent of augmentation is usually done in the sub-muscular plane as it reduces the chance of scar tissue contracture and allows for easier mammography after the surgery.
Plus, sub-muscular placement usually offers better results if you are thin or are hoping to drastically enlarge your breasts.
Alternatively, sub-glandular placement gives great results for breasts that are sagging.
Quick, outpatient procedure
At Politis Plastic Surgery, we perform breast augmentation as an outpatient procedure. So in virtually every case you can expect to go home the same day. And to ensure the procedure is safe and successful, we have assembled a team of experienced nurses as well as board-certified anesthesiologists to provide you the best experience possible.
While there are lots of myths about recovery from breast augmentation, at Politis Plastic Surgery, we provide you with specific post-operation pain relief. As well, there are blocks performed by board-certified anesthesiologists, which ensure less anesthetic drugs during the procedure and better pain relief after the procedure.
Our patients typically go home satisfied the same afternoon and resume showers and activities the next day. For more information on breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures, visit the site “Politis Plastic Surgery.”
