Breast Augmentation (Silicone and Saline)

For women who desire more breast fullness, a breast augmentation (also called breast enhancement) is a terrific choice. It will not only improve your image, it can boost your self-esteem. This plastic surgery procedure remains one of the most popular and common procedures in the country. There is a wide variety of implant designs, shapes, and sizes. A breast implant is a soft, silicone envelope filled with either silicone gel or saline that is surgically implanted under the tissues of your chest which results in beautifully enhanced breasts.

Breast Reshaping Photo Gallery

The Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Strasberger.

Types of Implants for Breast Augmentation

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. Since silicone gel filled implants were re-approved by the FDA for routine breast augmentation in November 2008, the majority of primary augmentations and revisional breast augmentations make use of silicone gel implants. The reason for this is that while saline filled breast implants can yield excellent cosmetic results, silicone gel filled implants continue to be the gold-standard for breast augmentation.

The biggest difference to take into consideration is on the rare occasion that a breast implant breaks or leaks. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of your breast and implant. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water will be harmlessly absorbed by the body. If a break occurs in a gel-filled implant, however, the gel may collect in the breast and cause a new scar to form around it. Both types of breaks require a second operation and replacement. All our Natrelle Silicone and Saline Implants are protected by a 10-year warranty and up to $1200 towards your replacement surgery.

Planning Your Breast Enlargement

In your initial consultation, Dr. Strasberger will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly and be sure to let us know if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Preparing for Your Breast Enlargement

Dr. Strasberger will give you instructions to prepare for surgery. While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

Where Your Breast Implant Surgery Will Be Performed

Your breast implant surgery will be performed in our surgeon’s office-based outpatient surgical facility. An anesthesiologist will be present to monitor you throughout surgery with all the state-of-the-art equipment necessary for your procedure. Breast implant surgery will be performed with a general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep through the entire operation.

The Breast Augmentation Surgery

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Working through the incision, Dr. Strasberger will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples. Drainage tubes may be used for several days following the surgery. The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions. You will be asked to find a support bra that zips in the front and bring it with you on your surgery day to be applied over your breasts to help with healing.

After your Breast Augmentation Surgery

You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed. Within several days, the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed. Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days.

Getting Back to Normal

You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid physical contact and heavy lifting

Your New Look

For many women, the result of a breast augmentation in can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you’ve met your goals, then your surgery is a success.

Call 808-247-3737 today or request your FREE consultation online now!