Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is performed most frequently by placing implants beneath the existing breast tissue to improve the size, shape, and in some cases, symmetry, to give women the look they desire. Breast Augmentation with Dr. Galanis at Galanis Plastic Surgery firmly believes in personalizing the procedure for each patient and will thoroughly discuss all your options during your private consultation.
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WHAT BREAST AUGMENTATION CAN CORRECT
NATURAL SMALL BREASTS
Women with naturally small breasts may feel dissatisfied with their body proportions. Patients can enhance their bustline with breast augmentation, creating a more prominent breast profile and pleasing silhouette.
BREAST ASYMMETRY
Most women have asymmetrical breasts, and sometimes it goes unnoticed. However, when there is significant asymmetry, it can take a toll on a woman’s confidence. Breast augmentation corrects asymmetry by creating a balance between the breasts.
BREAST VOLUME LOSS
Massive weight loss, aging, and pregnancy can lead to breast volume loss, leaving a woman’s breasts looking deflated. Breast augmentation restores breast volume, revitalizing the patient’s breast aesthetic for a fuller, more youthful chest.
Breast Augmentation options
Silicone
- Composed of a silicone shell filled with cohesive silicone gel
- Less chance of rippling
- Softer, more natural feel
Saline
- Composed of a silicone shell filled with sterile saline solution
- May allow for a shorter incision
- More cost efficient than silicone
Implant Size
Implants come in a range of sizes measured volumetrically in cubic centimeters (cc’s). Rather than focusing on a cup size, which varies between bra brands and styles, patients are advised to focus on the look they are trying to achieve. Using your dimensions, goal photos, and a sizing system, Dr. Galanis will help you pick your implant volume.
Subglandular
With subglandular implant placement, implants are placed above the pectoral muscle and under the glandular tissue. This technique is ideal for patients with sufficient existing breast tissue. The recovery for patients who opt for subglandular implant placement is also shorter and less painful.
Submuscular
Submuscular implant placement involves placing implants underneath the pectoral muscle. This option is ideal for patients with thin breast skin or a small amount of natural breast tissue. The muscle helps conceal the edges of the implant in the upper pole of the breast for a more natural breast slope.
Incision Location
There are pros and cons to each incision, which Dr. Galanis will discuss with you. The three incision options are:
Inframammary
An incision is created along the inframammary fold, the crease underneath the breast. An inframammary incision allows for precise implant pocket creation.
Transaxillary
An incision is made within the underarm or armpit area, and tunnels are created that lead to the breast.
Periareolar
These incisions encircle half of the areola and can accommodate both saline and most silicone implants.
CONCERNS
Recovery
Breast augmentation patients may shower immediately after surgery and resume most normal activities. Patients may not lift anything greater than 10 pounds for at least two weeks. Non-impact cardio (i.e., stairclimber, elliptical machine, etc.) may be resumed at four weeks. Impact cardio (running) and heavier lifting may be continued at six weeks. Patients will require no more than one week off of work (and oftentimes less), depending on job demands.
SCARS
The incisions created during breast augmentation are only three to four cm in length and are placed in discrete locations that allow them to be hidden by clothing. These scars fade to almost imperceptible levels with time.
COST
The cost of breast augmentation depends significantly on the techniques used, anesthesia fees, and implant choice. The office staff will be able to provide you with an exact cost following your breast augmentation consultation.
PAIN
Pain varies depending on implant placement and incision location. Oral pain medicine may be needed for up to two to five days to minimize discomfort. Patients must not drive until narcotic pain medicine is no longer necessary.
FAQ
There is a common misconception that breast implants need to be exchanged after 10 years. If you do not have a problem with your implants and are not experiencing any pain or change in appearance, then nothing needs to be done. That being said, no artificial device should be expected to last forever. Common reasons for a revision surgery include implant rupture, capsular contracture, desire to change sizes, or desire to exchange silicone for saline implants.
Breast augmentation is not designed to lift the breasts, but it can help if there is minimal sagging. To correct significant sagging, you may want to consider combining your breast augmentation with a breast lift.
“Gummy bear” implants are the latest in breast implant technology. These implants contain a cross-linked cohesive silicone gel designed to hold together and maintain their structure even in the event of a rupture. These implants can be either round or shaped. The shell may be textured to encourage tissue ingrowth, reduce the risk of capsular contracture, and reduce the risk of implant rotation. For patients with minimal breast tissue, shaped gummy bear implants give a more natural teardrop-shaped appearance in which the less prominent upper portion of the breast slopes down to a fuller lower portion of the breast, mimicking the natural breast shape.
A compression bra will be provided and should be worn for two weeks. A sports bra may be worn two weeks later, but an underwire bra may not be worn until at least four weeks after surgery (in cases of an incision under the breast). No drains will be used, and any sutures used are dissolvable.
