The augmentation mammoplasty, more often referred to as a breast augmentation, is a common surgical procedure. Utilizing 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, providing changes that range from subtle to dramatic. The enhancing procedure consistently remains one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures for women.
Procedure Snapshot
| 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 |
| Price Range | $6,000-$7,700 |
Breast Augmentation with Dr. Erica Anderson
A breast augmentation can improve the appearance of naturally small breasts, or those that have lost volume due to pregnancy, breast-feeding, weight loss, and the aging process. Asymmetrical breasts, a problem experienced by many women, can be corrected with the procedure. The reasons for seeking the procedure are varied, but the primary motivator for most women is the desire for an aesthetically pleasing figure, with breasts proportionate to their body type. The breast augmentation can restore confidence and self-esteem by creating aesthetically pleasing curves that are custom tailored to woman’s unique physical needs.
Dr. Erica Anderson is known for her artistic skills, allowing her to help women achieve natural, beautiful breasts. She believes a key factor in achieving satisfactory results is the patient/surgeon relationship. Before deciding on a breast augmentation surgery, she will spend time getting to know each patient’s personal lifestyle and physical desires. Dr. Anderson provides the safest and most desirable breast augmentation procedures in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area.
The Best Candidate for Breast Augmentation
Most women looking for larger, more proportionate breasts may make a good candidate for implants. The ideal patient will be in good health, not smoke, and fully understand the breast augmentation process. Realistic expectations of the final result are imperative. Dr. Anderson will carefully assess the needs and desires of each patient before settling on the best implant for their figure and lifestyle.
Breast Augmentation Consultation with Dr. Anderson
The first step in the breast augmentation process will be a consultation with Dr. Anderson. This is a valuable time for her to learn more about her patient, allowing her to suggest the most appropriate breast augmentation options. At this time, Dr. Anderson will also perform a physical evaluation and review the medical history.
After explaining the breast augmentation techniques, and reviewing the various implants, she will also share before/after photographs of her recent breast implant patients. Once all questions have been answered, Dr. Anderson will determine if a breast augmentation is the right procedure for the individual patient. If so, a detailed surgical plan will be created. The cost of the breast augmentation will be discussed with a patient coordinator who will also explain the payment options.
Breast Implant Options
Ideal 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 a 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, but function more like silicone gel implants. This hybrid implant has provided women with a third option to address their aesthetic concerns, which include complications like rippling and capsular contracture, or scar tissue that can lead to firm, 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.
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. Naderi - I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful experience I had during my appointment. For the first time, I was able to leave a consult with the feeling of “finally, someone who gets it and knows what they’re doing!” The information you discussed with my fiancé and I was so thorough, and I felt comforted by the fact that you make every patient have a medical checkup before surgery. I’m still in the what I like to call the “exploratory phase” of this process, and I hope to make my decision about moving forward with this procedure soon! If I have any questions I will be sure to email you or your assistant. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, and for showing me what is realistic and practical for me! Enjoy your evening
Saline or Silicone Gel Filled Implants
Saline implants will provide a round, full, firm feeling breast. The implants are placed in the breast while empty, and then filled once in position, thus requiring a smaller incision. Saline implants often cost less than silicone gel. Although leakage is rare, this is easier to detect with saline implants than silicone gel.
Silicone gel implants are the most popular choice for breast augmentation. During a brief time off the market, silicone implants were proven to be 100% safe for all women. The implants are filled with a soft, silicone gel, looking and feeling natural. Silicone implants have a lower deflation rate than their saline counterparts, as well as a less chance for rippling to occur.
Submuscular or Subglandular Placement
Submuscular, or under the muscle, implant placement creates a lower chance for visible rippling as well as complications such as capsular contracture. Submuscular implants can also 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.
Subglandular, or over the muscle, implants will give the chest a round, augmented look with round implants. 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. Additionally, rippling is more likely to occur using the submuscular placement.
Volume, Shape, and Texture Options
The volume of an implant is measured as cc’s. Since implants are available in a large selection of volumes, women can be very specific when choosing their breast size. Breast implant sizers are available 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. Anatomic shaped implants, or tear drop shape, can provide a better shaped breast when there is little natural breast tissue available. They also 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. 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.
Breast Augmentation Procedure at the Naderi Center
Dr. Anderson performs her breast augmentation as an outpatient procedure at a local accredited outpatient surgery center. Women can begin their recovery at home the same afternoon. The procedure is done with general anesthesia. On average, a breast augmentation can take from one to two hours to complete.
To begin the procedure, Dr. Anderson will create an incision along the breast crease (inframammary). Through this incision, she will place the implants. Saline implants are then filled. Once the implants are in their desired location, Dr. Anderson will place disposable sutures and put on a support garment for proper healing.
Recovering From a Breast Augmentation
The average breast augmentation recovery will take from one to two weeks. Subglandular implant (over the muscle) recovery generally takes only a few days, while submuscular placement (under the muscle) may take closer to a week. Women normally feel well enough to return to work in three to five days. Exercise should be postponed for the next four to six weeks.
Mild to moderate post-op pain may be noticeable for the first several days. Temporary nipple numbness is common, as well as a tight 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.
Potential risks from Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a safe procedure. As it is invasive, there remains a small chance for complications to arise. These can include excessive bleeding, delayed wound-healing, infection, loss of nipple sensation, malposition, capsular contracture, and asymmetry. A woman’s best defense against any complications is to choose a reputable, experienced cosmetic surgeon.
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.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Augmentation at the Naderi Center
Women interested in the benefits of breast augmentation are encouraged to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Erica Anderson at the Naderi Center. An appointment can be arranged in Herndon, 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.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
What is a breast augmentation?
A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to increase or restore breast volume. The procedure involves the placement of silicone or saline implants.
Can my breast augmentation be performed at the same time as my breast lift?
Yes, however there are higher risks involved when combining these two procedures. This should be discussed during your consultation and at times, Dr. Anderson may recommend staging the two procedures.
How long will my breast augmentation procedure take?
Dr. Anderson’s breast augmentation procedure will take between one and two hours to complete.
When can I return to work after my breast augmentation procedure?
Most patients are feeling well enough to return to work less than a week after their breast augmentation.
How soon can I begin exercising after my breast augmentation?
Women should postpone heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for the following four to six weeks.
If I have moderately tubular breasts, is it recommended to get a lift with my augmentation?
You may be fully satisfied with your breast augmentation results alone; depending on the placement of the chosen breast implant during your breast augmentation. If this is the case, there is no need to undergo the additional scarring from a breast lift. However, if a breast augmentation alone will not allow you to achieve the cosmetic results you are looking for then an additional breast lift may be needed.
If I have capsular contraction of my breast implants can I remove and replace my breast implants during the same procedure or is it better to wait after breast implant removal before once again performing an augmentation?
If capsular contracture of a breast implant occurs it is okay to remove the implants and replace them with new breast implants during the same procedure. There is no scientific evidence that shows it is necessary to wait a considerable amount of time before breast implant replacement. Of course it is always best to consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to get the best recommendation for each specific case.
Is it necessary to replace or remove breast implants after a certain amount of years, I have heard that every ten years you need to replace your breast implants?
If you are not experiencing any complications, changes in results, nor desiring a new size of implant then there is no need to replace or remove the implants you currently have. Many patients that we see have been misinformed that implants should be changed every 10 years, but this is not necessary and not backed by scientific data. If you continue to be happy with your results and no medical issues are arising then there is no reason for you to exchange breast implants. However, it is advised to check for a loss of outer shell integrity or damage by getting an MRI every few years.
How is the recovery of a revision or second breast augmentation as compared to a first breast augmentation?
If you choose to undergo a second breast augmentation, the downtime and recovery is usually shorter than the first. This has to do with the skin and tissue previously going through a period of stretching and adjustment. If no alterations are made to the original breast implant pockets you should have shorter downtime and faster breast implant settling.