Do you want to improve the size and shape of your breasts? There are undergarments designed to do just that, but these only create the illusion of a better bustline.
A breast augmentation can give you the breasts that you want, no matter what you are wearing. This breast surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, helping thousands of women enhance their figures.
Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills provides breast augmentation surgery, among numerous other cosmetic procedures. Read on to learn how breast augmentation is performed and how it can transform your figure.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a breast implant procedure that aims to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. With silicone implants or saline breast implants, breast augmentation can provide the following benefits:
- Create a more prominent bustline
- Enlarge naturally small breasts
- Make the breasts more proportionate to the overall figure
- Improve the shape of the breasts
- Lift the breasts to a higher position
- Resolve any asymmetry between the breasts
Having breast implants is an effective way for many women to achieve the curvier figure that they want. It is especially beneficial for patients who have seen a loss in volume in their breasts with age or weight loss.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Gummy bear implants are a new technology used during some current breast augmentations. Gummy bear breast implants contain a cross-linked cohesive silicone gel that is designed to hold together and maintain its structure, even if it were to rupture.
The silicone outer shell containing the gummy bear breast implants can have textured surfaces, which promotes tissue ingrowth. Their shape also makes them less likely to rotate than some other breast implants.
Patients who have minimal breast tissue find that gummy bear breast implants mimic the shape of a real breast. When placed, the gummy bear implant takes on a teardrop shape, where the prominent upper portion of the breast slopes downwards into a fuller, lower portion. This appears more like a natural breast than some other breast implants.
Traditional Silicone Breast Implants
Traditional silicone breast implants are also filled with a cohesive gel, but they exhibit a softer consistency compared to gummy bear implants.
This softness allows them to closely resemble the natural bounce and texture of actual breast tissues more than gummy bear implants.
A tear in a silicone implant may not be immediately noticeable, and in some cases, it might never be detected, as the silicone often remains contained within the scar tissue formed around the implant.
This phenomenon is referred to as a silent rupture. For this reason, it is recommended that traditional silicone implant recipients get an MRI done every couple of years to make sure your implants are intact.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water and are inserted into the body empty, being filled once inside.
Saline implants are more susceptible to rupture and are also prone to “rippling.” However, in the event of a leak in the implant shell, the implant will collapse, and the saline will be naturally absorbed by the body.
Breast implants do not come with an expiration date, but they are not permanent. Both saline implants and silicone implants generally have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. It’s worth noting that up to 20% of women may choose to have their implants removed or replaced within the first 10 years.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
A fat transfer breast augmentation involves using fat harvested from various areas of your body to enhance your breasts.
Surgeons extract fat cells through liposuction from selected regions of your body and subsequently inject these cells into your breasts. This surgical procedure results in increased breast size, while the donor areas experience a reduction in fat volume.
How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?
Prior to having a breast augmentation surgery, it is important to understand what the breast implant surgery involves. Learn more about the entire cosmetic surgery process here.
Consultation
Before scheduling a breast augmentation surgery with your plastic surgeon, you must have a consultation with our cosmetic medicine providers.
After assessing your current breast shape, size, and volume, we will discuss your desired outcome. This evaluation will be used to determine whether breast augmentation is the best procedure to meet your needs.
We will also discuss the different types of breast implants: silicone gel implants, saline breast implants, and gummy bear breast implants. You will be able to feel the breast implants and make a decision regarding which type you would prefer.
Each implant presents its own unique benefits. For example, silicone implants feel more natural, while saline implants allow for smaller incisions.
Subglandular and submuscular implant placements will also be discussed. These placements determine whether your breast implants will be positioned under the pectoral muscles.
If you are found to be a good candidate to be a breast augmentation patient, you will be able to schedule your cosmetic surgery. Because breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, you will need to receive medical clearance before your surgical date.
Procedure
During your breast augmentation, incisions can be made in a number of ways. Inframammary incisions, which are made along the crease under the breast, are common.
You may have transaxillary incisions, which are made in the armpit area. Another type of incision is the periareolar incision, which encircles half of the areola. We will determine which type of incision will be used for your procedure during your consultation.
Once the appropriate incision is made, it will create a pocket through which the implant of your choice will be inserted. The appearance of your implants will be carefully examined to ensure symmetry and that the shape and size are appropriate for your frame.
When we have confirmed that your breast implants look as optimal as possible, your incisions will be closed with small sutures. The entire breast augmentation surgery can take up to a few hours to complete.
Recovery
You may need to remain in a plastic surgery aftercare center for 24 hours or more after your surgery. This time will vary depending on your needs. Once discharged to return home, we will ask you to take it easy for the first week.
After this point, most patients are able to return to work. You should avoid strenuous or vigorous activities for the first four to six weeks after your breast augmentation. It is important to avoid any direct impact or trauma to your newly placed breast implants.
Results
About six to eight weeks after your breast augmentation, you will be able to see the final results of your procedure. Your breast tissue will have had enough time to settle into its new position, and any associated swelling will have subsided.
The shape and size of your breast implants should not change over time. However, the natural aging process may cause the skin and tissues to drop as the years go on. When this occurs, a breast lift procedure can restore the breasts to a higher position on the chest.
Questions and Answers
What will I need after breast augmentation?
Ensure your fridge is stocked with easily consumable foods as some women may experience slight nausea after breast augmentation. Having crackers and other mild foods on hand can be helpful.
Consider purchasing non-underwire bras as, immediately after surgery, you’ll be fitted into a surgical bra or wrapping, which you’ll wear for several days. Loose fitting comfortable clothes are also a plus.
Make sure that you have arranged for transportation home from loved ones and have also taken the appropriate days off from work.
Will my breast implants look bad at first?
Immediately after your procedure, you may observe that your implants appear to be “riding high” on your chest, possibly appearing flatter or slightly square in shape than anticipated.
These are common occurrences resulting from tight skin and muscle tissue, and they typically resolve gradually as your implants settle, drop, and fluff over the ensuing weeks.
Do you have drains after breast implant surgery?
The majority of drainage tubes utilized in breast augmentation surgery are typically removed in the cosmetic surgery office within 24 to 48 hours.
In straightforward breast augmentation procedures, most plastic surgeons refrain from using drains unless there was a significant amount of bleeding during the surgery.
What are the possible problems that could arise following breast surgery?
It is always good to keep in mind with everything we do in life, especially surgery, that possible problems can arise.
However minimal the chances are, it is still good to know the cons of your procedure.
Possible problems include breast implant illness, implant leakage, anaplastic large cell lymphoma(cancer in the immune system, not breast cancer), implant rupture, and capsular contracture to name a couple of the rare complications that could arise.
Breast Augmentation at Galanis Plastic Surgery
Are you ready to improve the size and shape of your breasts through breast augmentation? Breast implants are the most popular way to enhance the bustline, with breast augmentation one of the most commonly performed procedures in the world.
Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, provides breast augmentation to help patients achieve the figure they truly want.
Whether you’re from LA, Beverly Hills, or anywhere in the world, you can contact us online or by phone to schedule a breast augmentation consultation.
