Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic surgeries. Many women seek this surgery after childbirth and breastfeeding to help restore the youthful shape and volume of their breasts. Breast augmentation can also be done to help reconstruct natural-looking breasts after a mastectomy. Other women have naturally small breasts and want to feel more confident while wearing their favorite clothing.
Regardless of your reasons for wanting breast augmentation surgery, we are here to support you at Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery. We will guide you through the process from making sure you have the right expectations for your surgery to helping you recover.
What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves inserting implants into the breasts to make them larger or fuller. This procedure can increase cup size, regain breast symmetry in patients with different-sized breasts, and reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy. This procedure cannot lift the breasts or place them into a better position. If you are interested in increasing your breast size and lifting your breasts, you may consider a breast lift and augmentation.
How Long Will Your Breast Augmentation Surgery Be?
Breast augmentation is a relatively fast procedure that can be performed as an outpatient procedure. However, every surgery is different, and more or less time may be needed depending on several factors.
Breast Implant Type
Patients can choose different materials for their breast implants. Each type of implant has its own unique advantages. The implant that you and your surgeon choose may have an impact on the duration of your surgery.
- Saline: Saline implants are silicone shells that are filled with a sterile saline solution. This type of implant can be beneficial for patients who are worried about silent ruptures. If a saline implant ruptures, you will know right away and the saline solution will be harmlessly absorbed by your body. While saline implants can feel less natural, many women love the augmented look of this type of implant. Saline implants can make a breast augmentation faster because they often require a smaller incision.
- Silicone: Silicone implants are filled with silicone instead of saltwater. The material can feel much closer to natural breast tissue, making this a good option for patients who want breasts that look and feel more like breast tissue. Depending on the type of silicone implant that you and your doctor choose, it may take more time to make a larger incision, position the implant, and suture the area.
The Scope of the Surgery
Some women are only interested in breast augmentation while others may want to add additional surgeries such as a breast lift, liposuction, or abdominoplasty. A mommy makeover is one option that we provide for women who want to restore their bodies after childbirth. It can include several different surgeries. If you and your doctor do decide to combine surgeries, the duration of your procedure will be longer.
Breast Implant Incision Location
Breast implants can be inserted using several different types of incisions. The most common incision location is in the crease under the breast. This technique hides the incision and the resulting scar well. Breast implants can also be inserted through an incision around the areola, in the armpit, or near the belly button. The incision used will impact the amount of time that you are in surgery. You will go over incision options with your doctor so that you can make the best decision for you.
Surgeon Experience
The surgeon that you choose for your breast augmentation will impact both the duration of your surgery and the quality of your surgery. Skilled and experienced surgeons can perform the surgery more efficiently and give you a more customized result. We recommend finding a surgeon like Dr. Nir who is board certified and who specializes in breast augmentation surgery.
Implant Location
Breast implants can either be placed on top of the muscle or below the muscle. Implants that are below the muscle can often be beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, but the surgery and recovery may take a little longer. You and your doctor will decide which method is best for you, your lifestyle, and your aesthetic goals.
How Long Will Your Recovery Be?
Recovery after breast augmentation is also variable depending on the patient. Many of the same factors can impact your recovery such as the size of your incision and the scope of your surgery. However, many people can begin returning to normal light activities after 2 weeks.
When your surgery is complete, we will protect the surgery area using bandages. Once these are removed, we will have you wear a special bra that will keep the implants in place and help minimize both movement and swelling.
You may notice some soreness in the days following surgery which we can treat using oral pain medication. After two weeks, you will likely be able to go back to work and do light exercise. Depending on the type of surgery you have had, you may need to avoid certain exercises for 3 to 6 months after your procedure. During your consultation and your follow-up appointments, you will be given all of the information you need to have a successful surgery and recovery. You can also visit our online gallery for breast augmentation before and after photos.
Scheduling Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation at Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery can help restore breast volume, make your body more proportional, and boost your confidence. If you are interested in breast augmentation surgery, you can call us today for a consultation in Wellington, FL, or you can schedule an appointment through our website.