What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase breast size, improve symmetry, and enhance body contour. It involves placing breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles, offering patients a way to feel more confident and satisfied with their appearance. It’s among the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed each year.
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Breast Implant Types
Several types of breast implants are available, each offering unique benefits:
Saline Implants
These implants, filled with sterile salt water, provide an adjustable shape and firmness. They are filled after insertion, allowing for a smaller incision.
Silicone Implants
Filled with silicone gel, these implants feel more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket.
Silicone breast implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse.
Gummy Bear Implant
A form-stable implant, or a gummy bear implant, maintains its shape even if the implant shell is broken. It has a thicker consistency than traditional silicone implants but offers several firmnesses.
Fat Transfer
This involves using liposuction to take fat from other parts of the body and inject it into the breasts. This option may be suitable for those seeking a relatively minor increase in breast size and a more natural approach.
Types of Breast Augmentation Incisions
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Peri-Areolar Incision
This incision is made around the perimeter of the areola, allowing for minimal visible scarring. It offers excellent access for implant placement and is ideal for patients also undergoing a breast lift.
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Inframammary Incision
Made along the fold under the breast, this incision type is the most common for breast augmentation. It allows for precise placement of the implant and is well concealed by the breast itself.
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Trans-Axillary Incision
This incision is made in the armpit, allowing for the implant to be inserted without any scars on the breast itself. It may be limited to certain implant types. This technique may require an endoscope for better visualization during the procedure.
Breast Implant Placement Options
Implants can be placed in two primary locations. Each offers benefits:
Subglandular placement
The implant is positioned between the breast tissue and the chest muscle. This option may provide a more natural look and feel and is typically chosen by women with sufficient natural breast tissue to cover the implant.
Submuscular placement
The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle. This may result in a more natural slope of the breast and is often recommended for women with less natural breast tissue.
Breast Implant Placement Options
Implants can be placed in two primary locations. Each offers benefits:
Sub glandular placement
The implant is positioned between the breast tissue and the chest muscle. This option may provide a more natural look and feel and is typically chosen by women with sufficient natural breast tissue to cover the implant.
Submuscular placement
The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle. This may result in a more natural slope of the breast and is often recommended for women with less natural breast tissue.
Breast Implant Incisions
Dr. Bolden will help you determine the appropriate incision pattern for your needs from the following options:
Peri-Areolar Incision
This incision is made around the perimeter of the areola, allowing for minimal visible scarring. It offers excellent access for implant placement and is ideal for patients also undergoing a breast lift.
Inframammary Incision
Made along the fold under the breast, this incision type is the most common for breast augmentation. It allows for precise placement of the implant and is well concealed by the breast itself making it Dr. Bolden’s preferred technique.
Trans-Axillary Incision
This incision is made in the armpit, allowing for the implant to be inserted without any scars on the breast itself. It may be limited to certain implant types. This technique may require an endoscope for better visualization during the procedure.
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The Breast Augmentation Procedure
To prepare for breast augmentation, you’ll have a thorough consultation with Dr. Bolden where you will discuss all aspects of your goals for surgery, the procedure, and recovery. You may be asked to undergo lab testing, adjust your medications, and prepare for your post-operative phase to ensure a smooth and successful procedure.
Read moreRecovering From Breast Augmentation Surgery
Recovery from breast augmentation takes 1-2 weeks, during which you will rest and limit your activity. Dr. Bolden will provide detailed instructions and comprehensive support throughout your recovery phase.
Read moreBreast Implant Shapes
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Round Breast Implant
These implants make breasts appear fuller and rounder. Higher profile options can achieve even more projection.
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Tear Drop Implant
These implants are shaped to mimic the natural shape of the breast, with more fullness at the bottom than at the top. They're ideal for women who want a more subtle, natural look.
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Smooth Breast Implant
These implants can move within the breast implant pocket, potentially providing more natural movement.
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Textured Breast Implant
The textured surface adheres to the tissue and minimizes the implant's risk of being repositioned within the breast.
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The cost of breast augmentation at Cultura Plastic Surgery varies based on a variety of factors, such as implants, surgical techniques, materials, and any additional procedures chosen. Dr. Bolden will give a complete cost estimate and discuss financing options during a consultation.
As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and dissatisfaction with results. Specific to breast augmentation are risks like implant leakage or rupture and capsular contracture. Dr. Bolden will discuss these risks at length.
What to Expect Following a Breast Augmentation
Dr. Bolden will perform a detailed evaluation of your breasts and thoroughly discuss your cosmetic goals. She will use her artistic eye to recommend the best possible approach for breast augmentation based on your unique aesthetic and physical characteristics. This personalized approach makes her one of the best breast augmentation surgeons in the greater Washington, D.C. area.
Common Related Procedures
For those seeking alternatives to breast augmentation, options include breast lift surgery, which can lift and rejuvenate the breasts without increasing their size. Fat transfer breast augmentation is also considered an alternative to breast implant surgery.
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