BREAST AUGMENTATION
The size, shape, proportion and symmetry of the breasts can have a powerful effect on how a woman feels about her body. Some women with naturally small breasts or breasts that have been diminished by aging, weight loss or pregnancy struggle to feel feminine or confident in their appearance. Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, can achieve fuller, firmer, more youthful breasts that look and feel natural. It is one of the most requested cosmetic surgeries worldwide and has helped millions of women feel comfortable, confident and sexy in their skin.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN BREAST AUGMENTATION PROVIDE?
Women elect to have breast augmentation surgery for a wide variety of reasons, including to:
Increase the fullness and projection of small breasts
Restore lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss
Restore youthful volume and shape to aging breasts
Correcting breast asymmetry
Improve the body’s proportions
Fit into clothing better
Feel more feminine
Reconstruct the breasts after illness or injury
Breast augmentation does not correct severely sagging breasts. If sagging is a concern as well as shape and fullness, a breast lift may be combined with a breast augmentation.
WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR BREAST IMPLANTS?
Breast augmentation offers many opportunities for customization. Dr. Bazzi will carefully guide you through the decision-making process and offer recommendations to optimize the results of your breast enhancement. The factors you must consider before surgery include:
Type: Most breast implants fall into one of two categories: silicone implants and saline implants. Implants filled with silicone tend to more closely replicate real breast tissue, making them the preferred choice for many women who want results that look and feel natural. Implants filled with saline tend to provide more fullness and projection in the upper area of the breast, making them a popular option for women who want more dramatic enhancement. Both implant types have pros and cons that will be discussed prior to your procedure.
Size: Breast implants are measured in volume, not bra size. Think about what will suit your body frame, wardrobe, personality and lifestyle. The best way to determine your desired implant size is to try on breast implant sizers in our office.
Shape: Breast implants are manufactured in two shapes: round or teardrop. Round implants give the breasts an even level of fullness all the way around. This can achieve more outward projection and volume in the upper pole of the breasts. Teardrop implants are designed with more volume in the lower half to resemble the shape of a natural breast. The advantages and disadvantages of each will be reviewed during your consultation.
Shell: The outer surface of your breast implants may be smooth or textured. As with type and shape, there are pros and cons to each option. Smooth implants often look and feel more natural, but may be more likely to shift out of position. The rough surface of textured implants helps them remain in place, but can look, feel and move less like natural breasts. All teardrop implants are made with textured shells to reduce the risk of displacement.
Profile: The profile of your implants influences how much your breasts will project outward from your body. Implants with a high or ultra high profile give the breasts a dramatically volumized look, while implants with a low or moderate profile offer less projection and typically look more natural.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Anesthesia will be administered to ensure a comfortable experience. Incisions will be made using the technique that is best suited to the type of implant you’ve chosen, your physical characteristics and the degree of enlargement desired. A pocket will be created to house the implant under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or over the pectoral muscle (subglandular). The implant will be placed within the pocket and positioned, and the incisions will be closed. The ideal method for inserting your breast implants will depend on multiple factors, including your body type, your preferences and your surgeon’s recommendations. Dr. Bazzi will thoroughly discuss your options for incisions and implant placement during the consultation phase.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING RECOVERY?
You will likely experience some bruising, swelling, soreness and tenderness in your breasts after surgery. Light activity can typically be resumed within a few days, though more strenuous activities should be avoided until you receive clearance from Dr. Bazzi. Patients usually feel ready to return to work in a week or two. Swelling will continue to subside and incision lines will fade with time. To achieve optimal results, follow Dr. Bazzi’s aftercare instructions carefully and return for all recommended follow-up visits.
WHAT RESULTS CAN BREAST AUGMENTATION ACHIEVE?
The increased volume of your breasts will be apparent immediately after surgery. Some of this is due to postoperative swelling. Your final results will emerge when the swelling resolves. Breast augmentation results are long-lasting and the procedure is known for its high rate of patient satisfaction. Women who receive breast implants report feeling more confident, more comfortable in their skin, more sensual and more feminine.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may require replacement at a later date. Plan to maintain a relationship with your plastic surgeon to discuss any concerns about your implants. Your breasts will continue to change naturally due to aging and weight fluctuations after breast augmentation. If you grow dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts in the future, an implant exchange or a breast lift can restore a more youthful contour.
IS BREAST AUGMENTATION RIGHT FOR ME?
The decision to undergo breast augmentation is extremely personal. You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery if you are unhappy with the size, shape or proportions of your breasts, and if you are seeking the procedure for yourself – not to fulfill someone else’s wishes or conform to an idealized image of beauty. Call the Celestial Institute of Plastic Surgery today at 734-844-5700 to schedule a breast augmentation consultation. We look forward to helping you look and feel your natural, beautiful best.