Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures. Saline or silicone gel implants, a breast augmentation can add volume, shape, and symmetry to small or misshapen breasts. The procedure can significantly improve a woman’s silhouette and can provide changes that range from subtle to dramatic. The enhancing procedure consistently remains one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures for women.
Breast Augmentation Expected Results
- Improve symmetry between both breasts
- Enhance breast size and volume in relation to body size
- Restore shape and size of breasts prior to breast feeding, pregnancy and significant weight loss
- An aesthetically pleasing figure with breasts proportionate to your body size
- Clothing and undergarments may appear more flattering and better fitting
- Possible improved self confidence
| PROCEDURE SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| Pain Level After Surgery | Moderate |
| Anesthesia | General |
| Duration of Surgery | 90 Minutes |
| Scars | Under the breast incision |
| Final Results | 6-12 months |
| Return to regular activity | 1-2 weeks |
| Resume Exercise | 4 weeks |
| Cost of surgeon’s fee | $5,000 – $8,000 |
Ideal Candidate for Breast Augmentation
A Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation
- Desires larger, more proportionate breasts
- Is at an ideal body weight
- Is in good health
- Does not have any medical conditions that may delay and impair wound healing
- Has a positive outlook and realistic goals for what body lift surgery can accomplish
- Is a non-smoker
Surgical Techniques for Breast Augmentation
Your breast augmentation will be performed as an outpatient procedure at a local accredited outpatient surgery center or hospital. Women can begin their recovery at home the same afternoon. The procedure is done with general anesthesia. On average, a breast augmentation procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours to complete.
Dr. Erica Anderson uses the Keller Funnel for breast augmentation with her “no-touch” technique.
STEPS TO PERFORMING A BREAST AUGMENTATION
STEP 1: Inframammary Incision- A small incision along the breast crease is made
STEP 2: Creation of Breast Pocket- The pocket is created underneath the pectoralis muscle to accommodate the size of the breast implant.
STEP 3: Placement of Breast Implant with Keller Funnel- Using the “No-touch” technique to minimize contamination of the breast implants a special device called the “Keller funnel” will be used to gently slide the silicone implant into the breast pocket. *With saline implants there is no need for the Keller funnel.
STEP 4: Closure of incision- The surgeon will meticulously close the incisions with dissolvable sutures.
STEP 5: Post-Surgery Garment- A post-surgery recovery garment is placed on the patient at the completion of surgery.
Submuscular or Subglandular Breast Implant Placement Techniques
Submuscular, or under the muscle, implant placement creates a lower chance for visible rippling as there is more space between the skin and the implant. Another advantage to submuscular placement is a lower risk for capsular contracture; one of the most common complications when it comes to breast augmentation. In addition, submuscular implants can look more natural than those placed over the muscle depending on overall soft tissue thickness. However, implants placed under the muscle have an increased chance for animation distortion: an alteration of breast shape with movement. Recovery from breast implants placed under the muscle can be more uncomfortable since both the skin and muscle are being stretched and will take time to relax and adjust to the new breast size.
Subglandular, or over the muscle, implants will give the chest a more enhanced and rounder look due to less tissue coverage between the implant and the skin. An anatomical shaped implant can be used in the subglandular plane somewhat more successfully depending on overall aesthetic goals. There is less chance for animation distortion, and in some cases, less post-op discomfort than with submuscular placement. Placing implants above the muscle requires a large amount of natural breast tissue to be present prior to the procedure in order to achieve a more natural contour. Additionally, rippling is more likely to occur using the submuscular placement.
Before & After Photos of Breast Augmentation
Breast Implant Options
The breasts that look good on one woman will not necessarily be the most flattering on another. Height, weight, and physical build will factor into which breast size will work best for a particular individual. Moreover, lifestyle and personal desires are also important. Luckily, today there are a variety of implant choices, allowing women to get a breast surgery that is truly tailored to their needs.” Dr. Erica Anderson, Breast and Body Specialist.
Ideal Breast Implants
Women who undergo breast augmentation with Dr. Erica Anderson are privy to a unique experience where a female surgeon, familiar with women’s anatomy, can place surgical implants that were developed by an actual plastic surgeon. A limited number of doctors are currently able to offer this innovative procedure to their patients due to the recent launch and immediate popularity of the implants. The FDA-approved Ideal Implant provides women with ripple-free, natural-looking breast enhancement. The saline filler is discreetly housed in the implant’s interior, with additional layers that add to its safety and form. In comparison with saline and silicone breast implants, the Ideal Implant looks and feels more natural due to its internal structure.
Ideal implants provide patients with the safety that saline implants boast, and the function of silicone gel implants. This hybrid implant provides women with a third option to address their aesthetic concerns such as rippling, capsular contracture, or scar tissue that can lead to firm or misshapen breasts. The additional shells of the implant create a cushioning that lessens the risk of complications, and provides beautiful form, feel, and movement of surgically enhanced breasts.
Saline or Silicone Gel Filled Breast Implants. What is the safest breast implant choice?
Saline implants will provide a round, full, firm feeling breast. Saline implants do not come pre-filled, rather they are placed in the breast while empty. They are then filled once in position, thus requiring a smaller incision. Saline implants often cost less than silicone gel. Although leakage is rare, if rupture does occur the saltwater solution inside the implant is reabsorbed into the body and the rupture is easier to detect than with silicone implants.
Silicone gel implants are the most popular choice for breast augmentation on the market today. The implants come pre-filled with a cohesive and flexible silicone gel which is known to look and feel more natural than saline implants. Due to the implants being pre-filled, they require a larger incision line for implantation. The inner material consistency gives silicone implants a lower deflation rate, as well as a smaller chance for rippling to occur. For a brief time silicone implants were thought to be less safe than their saline counterparts. However, the FDA has now approved them to be 100% safe for all women.
Volume, Shape, and Texture Options for Breast Implants
Many women often think that implant volume goes by bra size such as A, B, C, D, etc. However, the volume of an implant is actually measured as cc’s. This gives the patient and surgeon the option to truly custom fit the implant size to the individual patient. Since implants are available in a large selection of volumes and projection types, women can be very specific when choosing their breast size. Although breast implant sizers are not one hundred percent accurate in judging the true look the implant will give when surgically placed in the chest, they are available as a tool to assist women in picking the right volume implant for their needs.
Saline and silicone implants can be found in both round and anatomic shapes. Round implants are more popular, though the shaped devices are newer on the market. Round implants will give optimal upper pole fullness for a perkier and more augmented breast look. When enough breast tissue is present, round implants may still give a natural breast shape in some patients. Anatomic shaped implants, or tear drop shape, are form-stable implants meaning that they maintain their shape. Anatomic implants will also be firmer than round implants in order to maintain their shape in the upward, standing position. They give less upper pole fullness and more volume in the lower portion of the breast. This gives a more natural contour and slope to the breast similar to a natural breast shape. In some cases, they can correct a degree of ptosis without requiring a breast lift procedure.
Implants can either have a smooth or textured surface. Anatomic implants are only textured as it inhibits rotation of the device in order to maintain the proper breast shape. Smooth implants are more popular for their ease of placement and are typically used in a submuscular position. Textured implants are a better choice for subglandular placement decreasing rate of capsular contracture.
During your consultation with Dr. Anderson, implants will be selected that best suit your anatomy and your aesthetic goals.
Read more about Dr. Anderson’s advice on the Allergan Textured Implant Recall and what are the safest breast implants to choose for you.
Breast Augmentation Imaging Performed with Vectra 3D Technology
3D imaging technology allows patients to compare their own before and after result simulations, giving a peace of mind when deciding on implant size and type. Not only can you view different cc’s, but you can also view different projection types and implants styles (round or anatomical). You will no longer have to wonder what different implants will look like on you.
During your breast augmentation consultation at the Naderi Center, Dr. Anderson will use the 3D imaging camera to take images of your starting point. After the images have been processed, she will pick different implant types, shapes, and volumes in order to show your potential results based on your personal goals and aesthetics. You will be able to view all potential results from multiple angles, allowing you to be more confident and satisfied with your decision to move forward with breast augmentation surgery.
Learn more about the latest 3D imaging technology offered at the Naderi Center for our plastic surgery patients.
Cost of a Breast Augmentation
There are a variety of factors that determine the overall cost of your breast augmentation.
For more detailed pricing information visit here.
- Surgeons Fee: $5,000 – $8,000
- Cost of Breast Implants: $600 – $2,400
- Anesthesia Fee: Depends on length of procedure
- Hospital and Surgical Facility Fees: Depends on length of procedure
- Post-Surgery Garments: Included with surgeon’s fee at The Naderi Center
- Pre-Surgical Medical Clearance and Lab Tests: Usually covered by medical insurance
- Medication Costs: Usually covered by medical insurance
- Follow-up Visits: Included with surgeon’s fee at The Naderi Center
Preparing for Breast Augmentation
At The Naderi Center, we believe the success of any cosmetic procedure can be improved with proper patient preparation. We go above and beyond to make sure that our patients are medically, emotionally, and physically ready for surgery. Your breast augmentation consultation will most likely include a 3D imaging analysis of your body with the breast implant choice and size that you are contemplating.
Please review our detailed instructions on body lift preparation with the link below.
Recovery after Breast Augmentation
The average breast augmentation recovery will take anywhere from one to two weeks. Subglandular implant (over the muscle) recovery generally takes only a few days, while submuscular implants (under the muscle) may take closer to a week. Women normally feel well enough to return to work in three to five days. Dr. Anderson believes that getting back to your normal routine is an important step in the healing process of breast augmentation. She recommends that light physical exercise be postponed for one week. It is always important to start slow and build up to your previous exercise regimen. More intensive workouts may be resumed towards the six to eight week mark.
Mild to moderate post-op pain may be noticeable for the first several days, with the peak being around day three. Temporary nipple numbness is common, as well as a tight and itchy feeling across the chest. Any bruising and swelling will gradually resolve over the following weeks. To ensure a comfortable recovery, Dr. Anderson will prescribe the necessary pain medications.
A support garment or surgical bra should be worn following a breast augmentation. This will allow the implants to settle into a desired position on the chest. Dr. Anderson will let her patients know when they can resume wearing an underwire bra.
Risk, Safety and Potential Complications after Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation is a relatively safe procedure, but as with any surgery, there is always risk involved. A patient’s best defense against any complications is to choose a reputable, experienced, and board-certified cosmetic surgeon as well as following the advised post-operative instructions.
Possible Complications after a Breast Augmentation can Include
- Risk of general anesthesia
- Excessive bleeding or hematoma
- Infection
- Poor incision healing
- Skin changes or discoloration
- Fluid accumulation or seroma
- Nerve damage or numbness in the skin
- Asymmetric results
- Capsular contracture
- Malposition of implants
- Need for revision surgery
- Unfavorable scar formation
Replacing Breast Implants
While there is no expiration for breast implants, they are not designed to last forever. However, they can look fabulous for 10 years or longer. The most common reason for implant replacement is a desired change in the physical appearance. Less often, implant revision will need to be performed to correct problems such as rippling/wrinkling, capsular contraction (scarring), rupture, and implant displacement. Breast implants as well as implantation technique have become much more advanced over the years, allowing patients to safely keep their implants in for a longer amount of time. Majority of silicone implants on the market today are made with a highly cohesive, semi-solid gel material. This means if the outer shell of the implant is damaged or compromised in any way, the contents of the implant remains inside the implant and does not leak out.
Breast Augmentation Specialist Dr. Erica Anderson
Dr. Erica Anderson is known for her artistic skills, allowing her to help women achieve natural and beautiful breasts. Dr. Anderson of one of a handful of women plastic surgeons in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. Dr. Anderson has dedicated her career to exclusively breast and body surgery, with breast augmentation and tummy tuck being her two most commonly performed procedures. Dr. Anderson’s patients are offered a variety of implant options, unlike most center where patients are given only the option of sizing up or down. Dr. Anderson’s breast consultation will include 3D imaging so that you can visualize your potential surgical results.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Augmentation with Our Specialist
Women interested in the benefits of breast augmentation are encouraged to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Erica Anderson at the Naderi Center. When thinking about a breast augmentation procedure, it is important to do your research and consult with a breast augmentation expert to receive their specialized advice and opinion. An appointment can be arranged in Reston, Virginia at 703-481-0002; or in Chevy Chase, Maryland at 301-222-2020. For those from out of the area, an online consultation can be arranged, as well as travel assistance.
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Breast Augmentation FAQs
Can my “boob job” be performed at the same time as my breast lift surgery?
Yes, if you have considerable breast ptosis or sagging while also wanting to add volume, then it is best to perform a lift in combination with a breast augmentation. However, there can be higher risks involved when combining two procedures. This should be discussed during your consultation. Dr. Anderson may recommend staging the two procedures at different times, or performing them in combination during one extended procedure.
How long will my breast augmentation procedure take?
Dr. Anderson’s breast augmentation procedure will take between one and two hours to complete. Most patients return to work after approximately 5-7 days depending on their job responsibilities. Returning to work with a light schedule initially or even part-time can be beneficial as well.
How soon can I begin exercising after my breast augmentation surgery?
Light physical exercise may be resumed 2-3 weeks after surgery. It is important to start easy and build back up to your previous exercise levels. Women should postpone heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for the following four to six weeks.
Which surgical incision options are available for breast augmentation?
Majority of the incisions that Dr. Anderson makes for breast augmentation are through the inframammary fold. This incision is placed horizontally underneath the natural fold of the breast. Although this incision places a scar on the breast, it is very well hidden in the lower breast crease and allows for optimal visualization when making the breast implant pocket. Optimal visualization ensures that the breast implants will be precisely placed to ensure the best symmetrical and cosmetic look. This incision option is almost always used with anatomical implants since they require a more exact implant pocket to minimize the chance of rotation. Additionally, Dr. Anderson uses a Keller Funnel, the most sterile and advanced means for implant placement, that allows for the smallest inframammary incisions possible.
Is it a myth that breast implants need to be replaced throughout ones lifetime?
It was previously believed that breast implants needed to be replaced every 10 years. However, with the improved implantation and implant options today, this is not the case. If no rupture, damage, or medical issues have occurred because of the implant and the patient remains satisfied with the implant shape and volume, they do not need to be replaced. To ensure safety, it is recommended to have an MRI performed every few years to avoid undetected implant damage.
Can I still get a mammogram for breast cancer screening if I have breast implants?
Yes, mammograms can still be performed after a breast augmentation with breast implants. There are many technicians experienced in performing specialized mammograms for women with breast implants. It is important to inform your radiology office that you have breast implants prior to scheduling a mammogram for breast cancer screening.
How long does it take until my breast augmentation incision are fully healed?
Breast augmentation scars will be more noticeable and pronounced for the first few months following the procedure. Scars may appear red or discolored and raised, but with time these scars should fade into a slender and barely noticeable line. At about 6 weeks or advised by your surgeon, you may begin using silicone based gels that will reduce the appearance of the scars. It takes a full year or more for scars to fully mature. Additionally, our specialist will use a specialized tape to cover your incision lines with for the weeks after surgery to improve scar healing.