Breast augmentation, or mammoplasty, is the process of having a qualified surgeon enlarge or reshape your breasts with the use of implant surgery. If you are interested in this procedure, there will be a lot to learn about the size, material, and location of implants, as well as incision locations and whether you are a good fit for the procedure.
At Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery, we have many different resources to help guide you through the process. If you are considering breast augmentation in West Palm Beach, you can call us to schedule a consultation.
Who Is a Good Fit for Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is not for everyone. It may not be a good fit for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding, currently have an infection, or those who don’t have realistic expectations about the procedure. However, it may be a good fit for women who want to:
Increase Cup Size
If you are unhappy with the size of your breasts, implants can increase the size by the amount that you and your surgeon decide. While breast augmentation can increase breast size, it may not always be possible to lift the breasts using this procedure.
Restore Breast Size After Pregnancy/Nursing
Breasts can sometimes lose volume and shape following pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast augmentation can be one way to restore your figure after the changes that your body goes through during this time.
Equalize Breasts That Are Different Sizes
While most people have slight breast asymmetry, more extreme cases can even make it difficult to find the right bra size. Breast augmentation can be used on both sides or just one side to equalize breast size and shape.
Breast Reconstruction Following Trauma or Mastectomy
If you have recently had a mastectomy or have received an injury or trauma to one or both breasts, you can talk to your doctor about breast surgery to help reconstruct your breasts. We perform many breast augmentations to help cancer patients feel more like themselves again.
What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?
There are many different options when it comes to the type of implants that you and your doctor choose for your procedure. There are implants that are soft, firm, smooth, and textured. There are also implants that are round or more teardrop shaped. The type of implant that you choose will be based on your body shape, your goals, and our recommendations for your situation. The two common types of breast implants are saline and silicone.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile salt water solution. This type of implant is FDA approved for women who are 18 or older.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. This type of implant is designed to have a more natural texture that feels more like breast tissue. You may also be a candidate for form-stable implants, sometimes called gummy bear breast implants, which are firmer and hold their shape.
What Is the Best Placement for Breast Implants?
When you discuss your breast augmentation surgery with us, one of the options we will talk about is whether to place the implants on top of or underneath the chest muscles. Implants underneath the muscle are called submuscular implants. This choice may be ideal for women with smaller breasts or who want a more natural transition between their upper chest and their breast tissue.
Subglandular implants, or those that are placed on top of the muscle and under the existing breast tissue, may be a good choice for women with more breast tissue that can cover the implant or women who do not want the strength of their chest muscles inhibited during the recovery process.
Options for Incision Location
You will also have options regarding the location of the incision. During a breast augmentation surgery, an incision will need to be made so that the implant can be placed inside your body. This incision can be smaller for saline and soft silicone gel materials, and larger for gummy bear breast implants.
Incisions can be made under the breast, around the areola, in the armpit, or even near the belly button. During your consultation with us, we will spend time discussing what you can expect from scarring and the recovery time of each type of incision.
What Is a Mommy Makeover?
Childbirth and breastfeeding can be a time of many body changes. Breast augmentation can often be combined with other procedures in a package called a “Mommy Makeover.” A Mommy Makeover can include breast augmentation, breast lift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and liposuction. However, all four of these procedures may not be needed in every case. If you want to increase the size of your breasts while also restoring muscle tone and reshaping your abdomen, you can ask us about our Mommy Makeover packages.
Your Breast Augmentation Procedure and Recover
During breast augmentation surgery, our patients are typically put under general anesthesia. The incision is then made and the implants are inserted and put into the correct position. The incision will then be carefully closed to minimize scarring.
After the surgery, bandages will be carefully placed to protect the area, reduce swelling, and keep your breasts in the proper position during the healing process. You will also be given a special bra to wear in the next couple of weeks as your breasts fully heal. Most patients are able to go home the same day as the procedure. You may have some pain that can be treated with oral medication and we may prescribe you an antibiotic.
Breast Augmentation in West Palm Beach
If you wish to increase the size of your breasts or restore breast shape and size following a mastectomy or childbirth, a breast surgery such as breast augmentation may be an option for you. At Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery, we specialize in breast augmentation surgeries. Call us today for a consultation.