Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery is performed to enlarge or restore the size of breasts using silicone or saline breast implants. Being one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed every year, breast augmentation is a safe and effective solution to enhance, regain, and restore balance to a person’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 a breast augmentation procedure are those who are unhappy with a 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 although they 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 patients can make an educated and well-informed decision for their unique procedure.

Breast Augmentation with a Mastopexy – Patient 333
A mother of 1 in her late 30’s who is bothered by a deflated and drooping appearance of her breasts after weight loss and pregnancy.  She wanted to be fuller and less droopy in appearance.  She is shown before and again, 7 months after augmentation mastopexy ( a breast at the time of breast implant placement.)   Discussion:  She is 5 1 ½ and 120 lbs. She had Sientra High strength round smooth cohesive gel 350 cc high profile implants placed in a partial subpectoral position at the time of an inverted T mastopexy.  She did not want a larger implant that might draw to much attention in her workplace and likes the natural but fuller look.
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Breast Augmentation – Patient 332
A mother of 3 in her later 40’s who is bothered by being “ tint in the breast area” and described herself as a 32A cup.  Her breasts became smaller after pregnancy and she now wanted to improve this.  She still wanted to have a natural appearance after surgery.  She is shown before and again, 1 yeaar after partial subpectoral placement of Sientra, High Strength cohesive silicone gel round smooth implants placed through an inframammary incision.   Discussion: She is 5’6” and 148 lbs  Her nipple to infra-mammary  fold distance on stretch is 7.2 cm on the right but just 7 cm on the left.  She elected for a sientra HP 280 cc implant which is 11.1cm at the base.  Typically an 11 cm base fits well with the nipple centered when the distance on stretch is 7 cm.  I reinforced her existing inframammary fold at the time of surgery by anchoring it to the rib periosteum with long lasting dissolvable sutures to prevent it from “giving way” and leading to “bottoming out”.  The Sientra silicone gel implants have the lowest reported rupture rate at 10 years of any of the silicone gel implants on the market. She is thrilled with her fuller but still natural appearance.
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Breast Augmentation – Patient 331
A long term follow-up on a lovely mother of 2 in her later 40’s who had breast augmentation with us 16 years ago, using textured silicone gel implants placed in a sub-glandular position. She has maintained a good result.  The FDA now recommends an ultrasound 6 years after surgery and every 1-2 years thereafter to check for rupture.  Her ultrasound is normal and she does not require any replacement of her implants at this time.
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Breast Augmentation – Patient 330
A woman in her early 40’s who had breast augmentation with us 9 years ago, combined with correction of an inverted (retracted)  nipple.  She has smooth, round silicone gel implants placed partial sub-pectoral( below the muscle)  through an inframammary incision,,  and is still thrilled with the natural, beautiful look of her breasts after surgery.  She has maintained her correction of the inverted nipple which was treated with a micro-incision technique to release the tethered nipple ducts.
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Breast Augmentation with Ideal Implants – Patient 329
A mother of 2 in her mid 30’s who would like to have fuller breasts but still natural in appearance.  She is currently a 32 A to B cup and wanted to be a small C. She liked the idea of the Ideal Structured Saline Implant because she would not need to worry about a silent rupture.  She is shown before and again, 6 weeks after bilateral partial sub-pectoral placement of Ideal structured-Saline 270 implants filled to 275 cc, placed through an inframammary incision. Discussion:  She is thin at 5’ 5 ½” and 127 lbs.  Based on her distance around her chest at the inframammary fold of 29” she is a 32 band bra ( actual measurement plus 3 inches).  Her breast base width is 11.7 cm and her inframammary fold to nipple distance on stretch is 7.4 cm on her right and 7.3 on her left.  Based on her breast dimensions she could have used an Ideal structures saline implant as large as 300-340 ( this implant has a base width of 10.8 when fully filled and when this dimension is adjusted by adding 3 mm to account for the curved base would be the equivalent of 11.1 cm, which would be less than her existing  base width and therefore would not give an overly round or implant look.  Also, it would fit the nipple to IMF fold on stretch distance of 11.3 cm and would not have given excess fullness of the upper breast ( “superior pole convexity”)  When She was sized in the office with the Mentor sizing system she felt that 300 was simply too big for the look that she wanted. She liked 250 and felt that 275 was “slightly full, but she could live with it”. More often than not, a patient will get used to a chosen size and then wish that they had gone with a larger size.  But after careful discussion and consideration she felt that she would be most happy with this size.  And I could assure her that it would still have a natural appearance because of the base dimensions of her existing breast. She is very pleased with her conservative increase in size. Update: Our patient is now seen 4 months after surgery.  The breasts have “softened” in appearance in look even more natural.
View Breast Gallery

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:

Breast Augmentation Incision Options

The three most commonly used incision patterns are:

  • 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 include a transabdominal breast augmentation (TABA), in which breast implants are inserted through an incision in the abdomen, as well as a transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), in which implants are placed through an incision in the navel. Furthermore, patients have the option of having their implants placed on top of or underneath the pectoral muscle.

Types Of Breast Implants

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 breast implants. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, while silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel. Silicone implants also include so-called “gummy bear” implants, which are filled with a thicker gel formula that closely resembles a gummy candy.

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.

IDEAL IMPLANT

At our office we also offer the IDEAL implant. The IDEAL 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 breast implants. The IDEAL implant offers next-generation technology that offers you the benefits of both types 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, 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 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.

Boston breast augmentation patients who not only desire more fullness in their breast tissue but also correct excessive sagging can optionally have a breast lift at the same time as augmentation. This popular combination procedure enhances the volume of the breasts while simultaneously removing excess skin and tissue to help the breasts sit higher on the chest and appear more youthful.

What Should I Expect During Breast Augmentation 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 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.

Schedule Your Consultation

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, including what breast implant size would be best, what techniques we recommend, and breast augmentation cost.

“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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