Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances a woman’s breast shape and size. This can be done for a variety of reasons:

• To improve the contour for a woman who feels her breast size is too small.
• To restore breast volume that naturally decreases with age or after pregnancy.
• To balance uneven or asymmetrical breasts.
• To correct a congenital breast deformity.

An ideal candidate is a woman who is unhappy with their current breast size or shape. Patients should be in good health and should refrain from smoking. While the procedure enhances breast fullness, it doesn’t typically address sagging or drooping. A breast lift can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation, if needed, to help address these concerns.

Breast augmentation incisions are typically hidden, beneath the breast in the inframammary fold. The breast implants are placed either beneath or above the pectoralis muscle, depending on patient factors.

There are two main types of implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants, filled with sterile salt water post-insertion, require smaller incisions and are safer in case of rupture, as the body absorbs the saline. However, they may feel less natural compared to silicone implants, which are pre-filled and offer a more natural feel and smoother contour but need monitoring for ruptures.

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. A board-certified anesthesiologist administers and monitors the anesthesia to ensure safety and comfort.

Dr. Joshua Tieman, our board-certified plastic surgeon, will make small incisions under your breasts. Through these incisions, implants are then placed under or over the muscle depending on the patient. If saline implants are used, they are filled once in position before the incisions are closed.

Post-procedure, patients are monitored as the anesthesia wears off before being allowed to return home on the same day. It is essential for patients to have an adult caregiver with them for the first night after surgery.

Full recovery from breast augmentation typically takes several weeks. However, many patients can return to work within just a few days, especially those with non-strenuous or desk jobs. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage discomfort. During this period, patients are advised to rest and limit their activity.

It's normal to experience swelling, bruising, and soreness during the recovery process. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercises, aerobic activities, and sexual activity for the first 10 days post-surgery. Mild aerobic activities may be resumed after 10 days, and full activities can typically be resumed after several weeks.

Women often experience a significant boost in confidence following breast augmentation. Fuller and more symmetrical breasts can dramatically enhance the feminine figure. For women seeking to address changes from pregnancy or breastfeeding, the surgery can be part of a comprehensive "mommy makeover" that also targets sagging skin and unwanted fat.

Breast augmentation is generally designed to last a lifetime. Breast implants that are used in our practice come with a lifetime warranty against rupture although they can be replaced or removed if needed. One potential concern is capsular contracture, but with modern surgical techniques, this risk is minimized as much as possible.