As the number of breast augmentation surgeries increases by the day, more and more women are considering this enhancement procedure. However, it can seem overwhelming for individuals going through surgery for the first time. Various questions may arise. What exactly is breast augmentation? Will it help me achieve my goal? Is the recovery process difficult? We at Straith Clinic are here to answer your questions!
What is Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that uses an implant placed in the breast to achieve a variety of goals. Whether you are unhappy with the size of your breasts and your goal is to enlarge them, whether you are looking to restore your breasts to their pre-pregnancy shape and size, or whether you are looking to create better symmetry between the breasts, breast augmentation surgery can help. Sometimes, an additional component to the surgery such as a breast lift or mastopexy is required in addition to the breast augmentation to achieve the optimal result.
Breast Implants
Breast augmentation surgery is performed using breast implants, medical prostheses used for either cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries. There are two main implant compositions: saline and silicone. Saline implants have a silicone outer shell and are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Saline implants can be filled to a range of volumes to create the desired size, shape, or firmness of the breasts. Saline implants can feel heavier. They also may feel more noticeable to the touch under the breast or on the outer side of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, the breast will deflate and you will typically be aware of the rupture. The saline solution will be absorbed by the body as it leaks out of the shell.
Silicone breast implants have a silicone outer shell and are prefilled with silicone gel. Silicone implants tend to have a softer, more natural feel. Therefore, they are less noticeable to the touch. If a silicone implant ruptures, you may not be aware. The breast will not deflate. Instead, the scar tissue around the breast may contract and become firmer and more noticeable. Silicone implants cost slightly more than saline implants.
How Are Breast Augmentation Surgeries Done?
The first step in breast augmentation surgery is a consultation with a trusted plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you will discuss goals and together choose the appropriate surgery, implant style, and implant size. There are different options for surgical incision placement and implant pocket location. Incision placement options include:
- Transaxillary Incision: in the armpit
- Inframammary Incision: directly under the breast in the fold
- Periareolar incision: around the areola
However, there are drawbacks to some incision choices. Here at Straith Clinic, our surgeons prefer the inframammary incision as it allows for the most precise dissection of the implant pocket for optimal implant placement while maintaining a low risk of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is when the normal capsule surrounding an implant in the body becomes firm with excess scar tissue and the capsule contracts. This causes the implant to ride higher on the chest and potentially become firm to the touch. Implant pocket options include:
- Submuscular Placement: inserted under the pectoral muscle
- Subglandular Placement: inserted behind the breast tissue, above the muscle
The major benefit of placing a breast implant under the muscle is a decreased risk of capsular contracture. Additionally, by placing a breast implant under the muscle, you allow more of your body’s own tissue to camouflage the transition from chest to the implant to achieve a more natural look. A submuscular implant can potentially move, or animate, with contraction of your pectoralis muscle. A subglandular implant does not animate. However, the higher risk of capsular contracture makes subglandular implant placement a less ideal option.
Recovering from Breast Augmentation
After the surgery, you may feel slight discomfort and pain around the breasts and at the incision site. This can be similar to a muscle spasm in quality, especially if the implants were placed in the submuscular plane. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication, which will help with the discomfort in the first few days after surgery. By approximately 1 week after surgery, you should be able to transition to over the counter pain medications. You will need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for approximately four to six weeks post-surgery.
Is Breast Augmentation Right for me?
Every woman has the right to feel confident and beautiful in her own body. If you are unhappy with your breast size, breast augmentation can be the solution to help you feel like the best version of yourself. Breast augmentation surgery can give you larger, more voluptuous breasts, restore pre-pregnancy volume or create more symmetrical breasts. It is an important decision that requires personal thought and consultation with a plastic surgeon.
Setting up a Consultation
If you have decided that breast augmentation is just what you need, schedule your consultation with either Dr. William Sabbagh or Dr. Marissa Baca of Straith Clinic. Both surgeons pride themselves in providing the best care for their patients and will work with you in achieving your goals. Many patients who have gone through the process at Straith Clinic have left feeling satisfied with the results. Simply call Straith Clinic for a consultation or schedule one online today!
