Breast Augmentation – Breast Implants in Boston, MA.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery is performed to enlarge or restore the size of breasts using implants. Being one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed, breast augmentation is a safe and effective solution to enhance, regain, and restore balance to a woman’s figure. Breast augmentation can be achieved using many different techniques to meet the needs of each individual patient.

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?

Candidates for breast augmentation surgery are those who are unhappy with their small breast size, have smaller or deflated-appearing breasts due to pregnancy or weight loss, have asymmetry of the breasts, or are self-conscious with their body due to their breasts. Ideal candidates are in good health and have realistic expectations of breast augmentation surgery.

It is important that patients understand all facets of breast augmentation surgery before making a decision. Augmentation is a long-term solution for achieving a desired figure, and will help you to look and feel better in clothing and swimwear. However, breast implants require monitoring and do not last forever. Implants commonly last for 10 years or longer before they need to be replaced. During a consultation with Dr. Hall, all of the pros and cons of this surgery will be discussed so that an educated and well-informed decision can be made.

Breast Augmentation – Patient 297

A long term follow-up on a woman now in her later 30’s. This helps answer the question of “what will happen to my breast if I get pregnant after breast augmentation” She was initially seen in her late 20’s and described herself as a 32 AA cup and wanted to be a B or C cup if possible, but still natural in appearance. She is petite at 5 feet tall and 101 lbs. She elected for a smooth round silicone gel implant placed in a partial subpectoral position through an inframammary incision. A 250 cc high profile implant was used. This was the largest implant that I felt would still fit her tissues without looking overly round. She is shown just before and again, 10 months after surgery She has since had a child, and is shown again, 7 1/2 years after surgery. Although the breast typically gets larger with pregnancy and then smaller after, she has not developed significant drooping or stretching of her tissues and has maintained an excellent result. This is partly because she does not have as much native breast tissue to change with pregnancy, and partly because she did not have an implant that was too large for her tissues and could therefore lead to more problems with stretch.

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Breast Augmentation/Ideal Implants – Patient 296

An RN in her later 30’s who wished to have fuller breasts. She comes from another state and found us after seeing one of our patients and being impressed by the natural appearance of her results. She wanted to have a natural but fuller appearance. She found that her breasts looked deflated after losing weight with diet and exercise. She is 5’6” and 119 lbs. She is shown before and again, 6 weeks after sub-glandular placement of Ideal Structured Saline implants size 370 cc through an inframammary incision. Discussion: The empty Ideal implant volume is 56 cc. The Back/inner lumen is filled to 214 cc. The front/outer lumen is filled to 100 cc. This gives a total volume of 370 cc. This is listed as “high” fill on the sizing chart. The outer lumen is also designed to be filled to 145 cc which would give a total volume of 415 and is listed as “100%” fill. This greater fill volume is similar to a high profile implant and gives a slightly firmer feel. She did not want to be fuller than the 370 upon sizing in the office and prioritized the softer feel of the implant at 370. A sub-glandular placement was chosen in her case. With a caliper pinch of 3.2 cm her breast tissues are thick enough to hide the implant ( 2 cm or less is usually considered “thin”). Her nipples are just slightly above the breast fold and she would be prone to a “waterfall effect” with a placement of the implants below the muscle. With a sub-pectoral placement the breast can fall off of the implant. With the sub-glandular placement the implant drops with the breast and avoids the “waterfall”. So when a patient has a nipple just at or above the fold but does not yet require a mastopexy, a sub-glandular placement can be a good tradeoff when the breast tissues are thick enough to hide the implant.

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Breast Augmentation – Patient 295

A mother in her early 40’s who would like to have fuller breasts. She is 5’4” and 116 lbs and is shown before and again, 6 weeks after a bilateral partial subpectoral breast augmentation with 275 moderate profile round smooth silicone gel implants placed through an inframammary incision.

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Breast Augmentation/Ideal Implants – Patient 294

A mother of 3 in her late 30’s who wanted fuller breasts. She describes herself as a 34 A cup and wanted to be fuller but still natural in appearance. She petite at 5’3” and 114 lbs and with a measured circumference around her chest of 29 ½ inches, is closer to a 32 Band size bra. ( 3 inches is typically added to this measurement to get the proper band size) After reviewing the implant options she decided upon the Ideal Structured Saline implant. She was happy to not need to worry about a silent rupture, and even happier to be able to purchase an enhanced warranty from an outside insurance company that she will be able to renew annually for life. The base-width of each breast is 11.85 cm and the nipple to IMF on stretch distance is 8.5 cm. She was sized in the office and liked 325/350 but felt that 375 was simply to full in her clothing. Our decision was for the Ideal 335-375 cc implant that has a base-width of 11.4 cm, filled to a total volume of 350 cc. The implant has an empty volume of 52 cc, and the back/inner chamber is filled to 188 cc. The front/outer chamber was filled to 110 cc to give a total implant volume of 350 cc. Her implants were placed below the pectoralis muscle and through an inframammary incision. She is shown before and again, 6 weeks after surgery. She is thrilled with her fuller but still natural look.

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Breast Augmentation – Patient 293

A woman in her early 30’s who wants fuller but still natural appearing breasts. She is 5’6” and 120 lbs . She describes herself as a 34 small A and wants to fit into bras and clothing but still have a relatively natural appearance. She did not mind the idea of a slight implant look out of clothing if needed to obtain her goals in clothing, She was carefully sized in the office based on her tissue dimensions and characteristics and we were able to use a 350 cc high profile round smooth cohesive silicone gel implant placed in a partial sub-pectoral position through an infra=mammary incision. She is shown before and again, 4 ½ months after surgery. Tattoos are blurred for her privacy. Discussion: She is thrilled to have a natural but fuller appearance. Casual acquaintances’ and coworkers know that she looks better but are not sure why. She loves the fact that her clothes and tops fit her now. Her pre-op breast width is 11.9 cm and the nipple to IMF distance is 6.5 cm, but 8 cm on stretch. The chosen implant is 11.7 cm at the base and 4.8 cm in projection. Because the implant width is not wider than her breast base she does not have an “implant look”. When the nipple to infra-mammary fold distance is 8 cm on stretch then it is best to use an implant that is 12 cm in diameter or less to avoid excessive superior pole convexity. Again, the implant chosen fits her dimensions well.

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What are my options for breast augmentation?

There are many different options when it comes to breast augmentation techniques, as well as implant choices. The different techniques available often have to do with differences in incision placement, and include:

• The inframammary incision, which is located underneath the breast
• The periareolar incision, which is located along the border of the areola
• The axillary incision, which is located in the armpit

Other techniques also include the transabdominal breast augmentation (TABA), in which breast implants are inserted through an incision in the abdomen, and the transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), in which implants are placed through an incision in the naval. Furthermore, patients have the option of having their implants placed on top of or underneath the pectoral muscle.

There are also many breast implant options available for each patient’s unique needs. The two most common types of breast implants used today are saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are filled with a saline solution, while silicone implants are filled with a silicone-gel. If a saline implant were to rupture, the breast would simply deflate and the solution would be absorbed into the body. If a silicone implant were to rupture the silicone is typically still contained within the layer of scar tissue that forms around the implant, as the body cannot absorb the silicone gel. Below is more information about breast implants:

At our office we also offer the IDEAL implant. The IDEAL implant structured breast implant is a new type of implant designed by a plastic surgeon. It combines the safety of a saline implant with the realistic look and natural feel of silicone gel implants. The IDEAL implant offers next-generation technology that offers you the benefits of each type of implant, so you can feel both beautiful and secure.

Learn more about the IDEAL implant in Dr. Hall’s video blog below:

How is breast augmentation performed?

During breast augmentation surgery using implants, Dr. Hall creates an incision, forms a pocket in the breast area, and then places the implant inside. The incisions are then closed in a manner that will reduce scarring and remain subtle. The number and placement of incisions will depend on which breast augmentation technique that you and Dr. Hall decide is best suited for your goals and unique anatomy. The type of implant used and whether the implant is placed underneath or on top of the muscle is also a decision that you will make with Dr. Hall during your consultation.

What should I expect during recovery?

After breast augmentation surgery, patients typically don’t need narcotics after 24 hours. They can typically return to office work after 5-7 days but should “rest the breasts” and avoid excessive activity for 6 weeks to allow adequate healing. Pain medication can be prescribed to help with a comfortable recovery. Patients are given a surgical bra to wear after surgery for support, and they should wear a comfortable bra throughout their recovery to ensure optimal results. Any sutures that are placed are typically self-absorbing  and do not need to be removed. Dr. Hall will provide you with specific recovery instructions, which are imperative to follow for a quick and safe recovery. Learn more about proven methods to improve your recovery following a breast augmentation in Dr. Hall’s video blog, the Thoughtful Patient’s Guide!

How Long Will My Breast Augmentation Last?

With the proper preparation and aftercare, breast augmentation results are typically long-lasting. In the event that the breast implants become damaged, they usually need to be removed and replaced. For best results, scheduling a routine follow-up appointment with Dr. Hall is recommended to make sure the implants are healing properly. There are a few physical changes that can affect the integrity of breast augmentation results, which include:

• Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing
• The natural aging process, and gradual breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin
• Drastic changes in weight, like gaining or losing
• Gravity and the weight of an implant/breast on the skin

Year after year, the breast augmentation is the number one plastic surgery procedure performed throughout the nation. Many women seek to add volume and create a new breast profile, while some women seek to balance out uneven breasts. Augmentation techniques can also be combined with other breast procedures. Whatever your reason for choosing a breast augmentation, expect excellent results from board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Hall.

If you are located in the Boston, MA area and are interested in learning more about breast augmentation, contact our office today. We would be happy to schedule a consultation for you, as well as answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

“I saw 3 surgeons before meeting with Dr. Hall and by far
he and his staff was the most compassionate, thorough,
professional and helpful. Can’t say how pleased and
comfortable he and his staff made me feel.”

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