Breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures women seek to obtain from a cosmetic surgeon in Boca Raton. If you want larger, more shapely breasts, Florida board-certified plastic surgeon, Daniel Man, M.D., can make your dream into a reality.

 

*Disclaimer – Results will vary.

 

Dr. Man’s Patients Give Live Breast Augmentation Reviews!

What is Breast Augmentation?

Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast implants, breast enhancement, or breast enlargement, breast augmentation is intended to restore or increase breast size using either silicone gel implants, saline implants, or fat transfer. Breast enhancement is one of the oldest and most frequently requested forms of plastic surgery.

Breast implants can give you a more youthful figure, making you look better in clothing, swimwear, and lingerie. Augmentation is a long-term solution that can make you much happier with your body.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

Breast implants provide a perfect solution for women who are unhappy with how their breasts look. When considering breast augmentation, many women want it because it offers the following benefits:

  • Enhances their figure
  • Helps them regain firmness and volume
  • Restores symmetry
  • Increases self-image
  • Makes you look better in revealing clothing

Is Breast Augmentation Right for Me?

Women who seek breast augmentation do so for a variety of reasons. Some are unsatisfied with their breasts due to aging and other circumstances, while others have never had the breasts they wanted and are finally ready to take that final step towards the body they deserve.

Breast augmentation may be right for you if you:

  • Believe that your breasts are too small for your body
  • Want a figure that is more balanced or better proportioned
  • Wish that your clothing fit better and was more comfortable
  • Find that dresses that fit at your hipline are too loose in the bust
  • Feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or revealing tops
  • Have experienced changes in your breasts due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging
  • Can see that your breasts are disproportionate

Every patient is different and it is important that you make sure to discuss your specific hopes, goals, concerns, and expectations with Dr. Man before making your final decision. If your overall health is good, your expectations are realistic, and your attitude is positive, you are likely a good candidate for a breast implant procedure.

Are Breast Implants Safe?

Silicone breast implants have been rigorously screened and researched by the FDA for many years. Three separate companies have been approved to develop and  market implants, while they continue researching their safety and efficacy. For more information, please see the FDA breast implant information provided on their site, or visit the manufacturer’s websites: Mentor, Allergan (now Natrelle™), and Sientra.

Women who receive breast implants should understand that while their implants may last a lifetime (depending on their age and other factors at the time of augmentation), periodic examinations by Dr. Man are necessary. You may need new implants after some years have passed, or after you experience a pregnancy.

How Involved is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is considered major surgery. These instructions may include (but may not be limited to):

  • Having a complete physical
  • Having a mammogram
  • Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery
  • Stop taking Aspirin or other NSAIDs that can cause bleeding
  • Staying hydrated

Most breast implant procedures involve a board-certified surgeon making a small incision, lifting the breast tissue up, and making a pocket either between the existing breast tissue and the pectoral muscle or between the muscle itself and the chest wall.

Other alternatives are inserting the implants through the armpit (axillary), straight in around the areola and nipple (periareolar), through the crease/fold just below the breast (infamammary), or up through the belly button (transumbilical, for saline implants only). Another option is using a combination of axillary and periareolar with inframammary, which is done at the same time as a breast lift. It is worth noting that women who may want to breastfeed after receiving breast implants often elect to have under the muscle implants. These typically do not interfere with breastfeeding.

The incision size and location will depend on the type and size of the implant being used. Dr. Man prefers doing the incision in the crease just below the breast in the inframammary fold so that any scarring is hidden under the breast. Most scarring eventually fades with time.

Types of Implants Used in Breast Augmentation

There are several types of implants that can be used:

  • Saline-filled implants: These are the traditional style of implants. They are generally folded into a small shape to allow insertion through a small incision under the curve of the breast or through the belly button. Once in place, they are carefully unfolded and filled with a sterile saline solution within the breast implant pocket.
  • Silicone breast implants: Silicone implants are smooth, prefilled, and inserted through a slightly larger incision that is then adjusted within the pocket. These are now more common than saline.
  • Silicone gel implants: Also known as “gummy bear” implants, silicone gel implants are made from a more stable, cohesive gel that is pre-shaped prior to insertion. These recently-approved implants are slightly thicker and firmer than regular silicone implants and feel more natural when felt by hand.
  • Fat transfer: This procedure (autologous fat transfer) involves taking fat from other parts of your body and inserting it into your breasts. Fat is most often taken from areas such as the thighs, abdomen, or hips via liposuction. Once refined and prepared, the fat is injected into the breasts.

The selected implants will be carefully centered underneath your nipples and incisions will be closed gently and swiftly to minimize any scarring, leaving your breasts symmetrical and even. If a breast lift is also being performed, this will take place before closing.

Once complete, the incisions are sutured closed and, if necessary, drains may be placed to prevent swelling from excess fluid. Surgical dressing with a special bra will be used to support and protect your breasts.

Most breast augmentation procedures will take between one and three hours; however, a procedure could take and a little longer if a breast lift is being performed at the same time. Following the procedure, patients rest comfortably until the anesthesia begins to wear off. Any necessary medications will be administered to prevent infection and minimize discomfort. Because this is most often outpatient surgery, it is important to have someone stay with the patient for the first 24 hours after the surgery; however, patients may opt to stay and be cared for during the first 24 hours by our staff.

How is the Recovery from Breast Augmentation?

To promote swift healing and reduce swelling or discomfort, patients are encouraged to get out of bed, move around, and eat a good dinner after surgery. A surgical bra with gauze is inserted to cover the incisions and will be worn for the first three days (we don’t compression wrap the chest, but there may be drains in place depending on the amount of fluid being generated by the healing process).

Showers are allowed the day after your surgery as well as is light exercise including walking. This is necessary to reduce the risk of blood clots. The first 48 hours are usually the most intense regarding the limited range of motion and pain levels. Pain medications may be prescribed to relieve pain.

There is a post-op appointment three to five days following surgery to inspect the healing process, and another takes place two weeks following the procedure (they can be modified for out of town patients). During post-op visits, Dr. Man will evaluate your incisions and your pain. He will also review any special instructions regarding activity, medication, and exercises.

Nipple sensation may be temporarily reduced, but should return after a few weeks. Swelling and visible bruising diminishes daily.

For the first week, patients should have help, especially including caring for small children, as activity is limited. Most patients return to work within one to two weeks, depending on the nature of their job. Heavy lifting or strenuous activity must be avoided for the first few weeks to ensure proper healing.

Typically, within six weeks after surgery, patients have healed significantly and have more range of movement with most discomfort almost completely gone.

It is important to report any unusual pain, high temperature, or if one or both of your breasts are excessively swollen, tender to the touch, painful, red, or inflamed.

How Long Does Breast Augmentation Last?

Under normal circumstances, breast implants can last for years. However, there are several factors that can lead to a need for replacements or additional procedures. Situations that can lead to changes in the breasts include:

  • Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing
  • Aging and gravity
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Hormonal changes

There is also a small risk that implants may leak or change shape. If swelling occurs in the breasts, unexplained pain or tenderness, changes in the shape of one or both breasts, or if there is trauma to the chest, make an appointment for a checkup.

Those seeking breast augmentation should be aware that implants will require regular monitoring over the years and will eventually have to be replaced.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

The cost of breast augmentation varies with each patient depending on variables such as the type of implant used, where it is inserted, and if the procedure was performed in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures. We can discuss the cost during a consultation with Dr. Man along with payment and financing options. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards as well as offer financing to offset the entire cost.

What Do I Do Next?

The first thing to do if you are interested in breast augmentation is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Man, so that he can become familiar with you and your goals. He will evaluate your breasts and discuss possible treatment options with you. *There may be alternative or additional treatments that can be beneficial to you. Dr. Man’s goal is for you to have a safe, successful, long-lasting surgery and a body you can enjoy and be confident with.

Daniel Man, M.D., is a board-certified Florida plastic surgeon that performs breast augmentation on women living in and around Boca Raton, FL, to give them larger breasts and a shapelier appearance. Please contact us to set up your consultation today.

*The information about breast augmentation was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Man. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.