Breast Augmentation

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 287
A woman in her early 20’s who is bothered by breast asymmetry and would also like to have fuller breasts. She describes herself as a 34 B and is 5’3” and 150 lbs. She is shown before and again, 5 ½ months after bilateral partial subpectoral breast augmentation through an inframammary incision with a 300 cc smooth round moderate profile plus silicone gel implant on her right and a 200 cc smooth round moderate profile plus silicone gel implant on her left. Discussion: The difference in her nipple position is not enough to justify the typical scar of a mastopexy (breast lift). Her right breast is the smaller and tighter of the two breasts and limits the size of the implant that can be used. So we choose the largest implant that will fit in her right breast based on her breast dimensions and that she also finds acceptable in clothing, and then work backwards with a smaller implant on her left breast to match as closely as possible. A larger implant on her right breast would have more fullness in the upper breast because it would be even more implant to breast proportionally and therefore not match the shape of her left breast as closely. She is thrilled with her result.
View Breast Gallery
Breast Augmentation – Patient 286
A mother of 3 in her mid 30’s who is bothered by a deflated appearance of her breasts after pregnancy. She describes herself as a 34 A, and would like to be a C cup but still natural in appearance. She is 5’7” and 130 lbs and is shown before and again, 5 ½ months after breast augmentation. She elected for a 350 cc high profile round silicone gels with microtexture which were placed through an inframammary incision is a partial subpectoral position. Discussion: she is quite thin and the caliper pinch of her breasts is only 1.4 cm which places her at a higher risk of palpable and visible ripples. She has some asymmetry of the nipple position, but not enough after discussion to warrant the scars of a mastopexy (breast lift). The high profile helps to add some volume back to the deflated upper breast. The texture may decrease the risk of the implants shifting with time to the side. The 
micro texture may have less risks of late seroma formation, pseudocapsule and BIA-ALCL than is seen with the more aggressively textured implants.
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Breast Augmentation – Patient 285
A 20 yo woman with breast asymmetry who wished to be more symmetry in and out of clothing. She is 5’6” ‘and 149 lbs. She has elected for the ideal structured saline implant and is shown before and again, 7 weeks after bilateral partial subpectoral placement of the Ideal implants through an inframammary incision. She has a 370 cc implant filled to the “high” volume of 370 on her right, which is actually similar to a moderate profile implant in profile and a 210 cc implant filled to 235 cc on her left which is closer to the “100%” and more similar to a high profile implant in profile. The right breast, which is the smaller of the two breasts will tend to have more superior pole convexity, or fullness of the upper breast because it is relatively tighter. So to balance the upper pole fullness between the two breasts, a higher profile is used on the left, but, of course, a smaller implant to better balance the size.
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Breast Augmentation – Patient 284
A mother of 3 in her late 30’s who feels like her breasts are too small to balance her frame, and is also bothered by breast asymmetry in a bathing suit and in T shirts when she is not able to wear a padded bra to camouflage. She has selected the ideal structured saline implants because she didn’t want to worry about silent rupture but wanted an implant that feels more natural than the traditional saline. She is 5’6” and 138 lbs and is shown before and again, 6 weeks after bilateral partial sub-pectoral breast augmentation through and inframammary incision with a 300 cc Ideal structured saline implant on her left filled to 320cc which is above the “high” but below the “100%” fill volume, and a 440 cc Ideal structured saline implant on her right filled to the “high” of 440 cc. Tattoos have been blurred for her privacy.
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Breast Augmentation – Patient 283
An Asian women in her early 20’s who wished to have fuller breasts but still natural in appearance. She is shown before and again, 6 weeks after 375 cc Ideal structured saline implants placed through an inframammary incision below the pectoralis muscle. She is 5’3” and 123 lbs. Discussion: She is petite with a 32 A cup before surgery. She selected the Ideal structured saline implant because she is concerned about silent rupture but wanted a more natural feel than the typical saline breast implant. The Ideal structured saline implant has two chambers and can be filled to two different profiles. In her case this is a “335” filled to 375 cc which is the “100%” which is equivalent to a high profile implant. This allowed us to use the fullest implant in her relatively narrow chest and breast
View Breast Gallery

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:

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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