Breast augmentation surgery is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in Cleveland, Ohio. Most women seek breast augmentation to enhance their appearance and improve their confidence.
Are you a candidate for breast augmentation?
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation must be in good health and have realistic expectations of the surgery. It is also recommended that women who are considering cosmetic surgery avoid tobacco use for several weeks before and after undergoing the procedure. Breast augmentation may be the solution for women who can relate to any of the following:
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Deflated breasts
- Naturally small breasts
What are your breast augmentation options?
Many factors will be considered with regards to your breast augmentation, including:
Implant Type
- Silicone
- FDA approved for women over the age of 22
- Composed of a silicone shell filled with silicone gel
- Produces a more natural look and feel
- Less likely to ripple or wrinkle
- Saline
- FDA approved for women over the age of 18
- Composed of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saline solution
- More cost-effective than silicone implants
- Can be slightly adjusted in the operating room
- Cohesive Gel “Gummy Bear”
- FDA approved for women over the age of 22
- Composed of a silicone shell filled with highly cohesive silicone gel
- Least amount of noticeable rippling
- Maintains form with fewer complications
Implant Placement
- Subglandular
- Implants are placed beneath the glandular breast tissue
- Requires a shorter recovery period
- Ideal for patients with adequate existing breast tissue
- Subfascial
- Implants are placed beneath the lining of the pectoralis muscle
- Produces a more natural appearance and hides the implant edges
- Lower risk of capsular contracture
- Ideal for thin or athletic patients
- Subpectoral
- Implants are placed under the pectoralis major muscle
- Produces a more naturally sloped breast appearance
- Reduces the risk of capsular contracture and implant rippling
- Mammograms are more accurate
Incision Location
- Inframammary incisions are created along the crease underneath the breast, allowing for easier access to the breast pocket.
- Transaxillary incisions are created within the armpits, so there is no visible scarring on the breasts.
- Periareolar incisions are created around the areolas. While they are placed directly on the breasts, any resulting scars typically blend into the edges of the areolas.
How is breast augmentation performed?
Breast augmentation is usually performed using general anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure that takes between one and two hours to complete. During your private breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Goldschmidt will design a surgical plan tailored to your individual needs and aesthetic goals.
What can I expect from my breast augmentation recovery?
The first couple of days are typically the most uncomfortable, but pain medicine will be prescribed to manage pain during the initial stages of recovery. Most patients feel well enough to return to work after one week, as long as the job does not require any heavy lifting. Strenuous activity must be avoided for at least four to six weeks.
Complications
Risks associated with breast augmentation are uncommon, and they can often be avoided by following all aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon. Complications related to breast augmentation using implants include the following:
- Changes in sensation
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Abnormal reaction to anesthesia
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
When will I see my breast augmentation results?
Patients can expect to notice a difference in the size of their breasts immediately following breast augmentation surgery. Once the residual swelling subsides in roughly one month, the final results will be visible. Although incisions are placed in inconspicuous locations, there is a risk that scarring will develop. However, any scars that form after surgery do tend to fade over time. Breast augmentation results are considered permanent, but subsequent pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process can alter the appearance of the breasts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation
How is my implant type determined?
There are many factors that you and your surgeon need to consider when choosing your breast implant. Breast implants are advanced and flexible devices that are selected based on a patient’s personal goals for size, shape, texture, and material. Saline and silicone implants are the two most preferred types of implants. Implants also come in different forms (profiles), such as low, moderate, high, and ultra-high, or anatomic (teardrop) shaped implants.
For example, one common implant is the “gummy bear” implant. The gummy bear phrase is used to describe the highly cohesive silicone within the gel implants. Silicone with a high amount of cohesiveness is less like a liquid, which makes the silicone implant dramatically safer when ruptured as there is less opportunity for free silicone to enter the rest of the body.
What happens if my implant bursts?
While breast implants can last for several decades, breast implants are not permanent and may be prone to rupture. This can be a response to a patient’s lifestyle choices or a traumatic injury, or simply be the luck of the draw.
Patients should educate themselves on the differences between saline and silicone breast implant ruptures to seek proper and immediate care. Saline implants ruptures are typically easier to identify as deflation tends to occur right away. Silicone implant ruptures, however, are more challenging to detect as deflation is less immediate and usually requires more extensive diagnosis (with an MRI or ultrasound). It is important that if any rupture is detected, patients seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.
Does breast augmentation hurt?
While anesthesia is safely and professionally administered during your procedure to maintain comfort during the procedure, breast augmentation surgery is still surgery and should not be expected to be completely pain-free, especially in the following days. Swelling, discomfort, and feelings of tenderness around the chest are all commonly experienced after surgery.
It is important to remember that each patient experiences and handles pain differently, with some experiencing negligible pain or insignificant discomfort. Regardless of your situation, your surgeon will take the proper precautions with prescription medications and recovery plans to provide the most effective and appropriate care.
Do I need a breast lift to go with my breast augmentation?
If a patient is experiencing significant sagging in their breasts, a combined breast lift may be the ideal choice. Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is designed to raise the breast line and restore perkiness to the breasts and nipples. There are many different breast lift incision techniques, such as periareolar, lollipop, and anchor. The correct incision will depend on the amount of breast laxity (ptosis) present.
For more information about Breast Augmentation in Cleveland, OH or to schedule your Breast Augmentation in Cleveland, OH consultation with Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, please call (216) 350-3175.