Ultimate Guide to Breast Augmentation
Irrespective of your motivations for undergoing breast augmentation, there is one common desire: to be content with the results.
The encouraging news is that you are already taking the right steps towards achieving that satisfaction. Research studies reveal that patients who gather information about their chosen treatments beforehand tend to have a higher success rate in accomplishing their goals compared to those who enter surgery without adequate knowledge of the procedure or its preparation requirements.
Breast augmentation, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications, which are essential to be aware of. However, beyond that, it is crucial for you to comprehend the procedure itself, including its components, how to determine if you are a suitable candidate, and what to anticipate during the recovery period.
In this guide, we’ll be touching on all of these points. We’ll also discuss how to choose the best implants for you and how to prepare for your consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.
Let’s start with the basics: What is breast augmentation?
GUIDE TO BREAST AUGMENTATION
You may have heard of breast augmentation surgery referred to as a “boob job”. In essence, the surgery is a procedure that places implants into the breasts in order round breast implants to ultimately augment their size. If you’re hoping to get bigger, fuller breasts, breast augmentation is likely the procedure you’re looking for.
Unlike breast lift surgery, breast augmentation primarily increases the overall size of the breasts. It does not necessarily change how the breasts sit on the chest wall or how they hang. For patients who have drooping and sagging breasts (when the nipple hangs below the breast crease line), a breast lift may be a better surgery. Dr. Sieber will discuss all of this with you at your consultation.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery if you meet the following requirements:
- You have breasts that are fully developed.
- You are unhappy with the size and/or fullness of your breasts, or you have an asymmetry issue that you would like to resolve.
- You are healthy and take care of your body.
- You have healthy, realistic expectations about breast augmentation surgery and your body.
It is important that breast augmentation patients not have any active infections or medical conditions that may complicate their surgery or recovery. Be sure to mention any past surgeries or medical conditions, including any other breast cancer or diagnoses, with Dr. Sieber at your consultation appointment.
You should also not be currently breastfeeding or pregnant. If you plan on getting pregnant and breastfeeding at some point in the future, be sure to mention this to plastic surgeon, Dr. Sieber. Most patients with breast implants can breastfeed without problems, but this is certainly a consideration to keep in mind as you move toward surgery.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR BREAST IMPLANTS
HOW TO PREPARE FOR BREAST IMPLANTSYour consultation appointment is one of the most important appointments you’ll have before your breast augmentation surgery. This is when you will first get to meet Dr. Sieber and take a look at your augmentation options.
You will discuss what it is you hope to achieve with breast augmentation surgery, and you can also feel free to discuss your fears, concerns, and questions. Dr. Sieber has been performing this surgery for a long time and is happy to answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns.
REVIEWING YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY
Another important part of your consultation is a review of your medical history. To ensure that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation, Dr. Sieber will want to discuss any medical conditions you have had in the past, any previous surgeries, and what, if any, medications and dietary supplements you are taking. Be sure to have this information ready to go.
You may also want to have your personal calendar ready at your consultation. In some cases, if Dr. Sieber okays you for surgery, you can schedule the date and start looking forward to your new figure right away.
COMBINING BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH OTHER PROCEDURES
Breast augmentation is often combined with other plastic surgeries. For example, some patients who want to increase breast fullness and lift the breast tissue and nipple up higher on the chest wall may be interested in getting a breast augmentation-breast lift combination surgery, also known as breast augmentation mastopexy (BAM).
Mommy makeovers are another ultra-popular procedure. Mommy makeovers are combination procedures that include more than one plastic surgery. The ultimate goal of a mommy makeover is to reverse some of the physical effects of bearing children. Mothers who have gone through pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding have seen their bodies change in numerous ways — several of which are undesirable.
For example, loss of volume in the breasts is quite common after breastfeeding for an extended period of time. For this reason, mommy makeovers often include a breast augmentation and/or breast lift along with other procedures such as liposuction and a tummy tuck.
BREAST AUGMENTATION OPTIONS
The number one thing patients want to discuss at their breast implants consultation appointment is the type of implant that’s best for them. Naturally, breast implant sizes range from very small to quite large. There is also the question of the implant’s profile, which refers to the projection of the implant away from the chest wall. A higher profile implant will project further out and usually have a smaller base. There are also different types of breast implants, each of which has a different internal substance.
Ultimately, deciding on the right breast implants for you will be a collaboration between you and Dr. Sieber. If you can accurately describe the end goal you’re hoping to achieve with your breast implants, Dr. Sieber can help you pick the perfect saline breast implants together.
Fat transfer breast augmentation is a newer way to augment the size of the breasts. First, using liposuction, excess fat is taken from the abdomen, flanks, and other parts of the body where the fat is unwanted. These fat cells are then processed and reinjected into the chest area to increase the breast size.
BREAST IMPLANT MATERIALS
There are three main types of breast implants. Each one is made with a different material and comes with different benefits and drawbacks.
SALINE Breast IMPLANTS
Saline implants have a more liquid composition to them (when compared to silicone silicone gel implants, and gummy bear implants). In the event of a breast implant leak, saline implants tend to be better because the saline will simply leak into the body and be absorbed. You will notice right away if you have a leak with a saline implant because your chest will begin to appear deflated on one side.
SILICONE Breast IMPLANTS
Silicone implants are made up of a thicker silicone substance, which often appears more natural. Silicone implants tend to be slightly more expensive than saline implants. If you get silicone or saline implants now, you need to have a regular scan every four or five years to make sure that they have not leaked. Although it is rare, this can be dangerous to your health. Leaks generally necessitate immediate removal of the implant, and it may or may not be able to be replaced.
GUMMY BEAR Breast IMPLANTS
Gummy bear implants contain a silicone gel filling and have a silicone shell. This cohesive makeup makes them slightly safer than other types of silicone implants because the inner material is not liquid enough to leak into the body. Gummy bear implants tend to hold their shape very well.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Most of the time, general anesthesia is used for breast augmentation. Occasionally, the procedure may be performed using local anesthesia and numbing of the breast area, but this is rare. Breast augmentation surgeries usually take about one hour to perform.
During the procedure, there are several different types of incisions that may be used as the insertion point for the implant. Most of the time, Dr. Sieber will use an inframammary fold incision implant placement, which is an incision placed beneath the breast where the crease is. There is also a transaxillary incision and a periareolar incision. These two options are not used as often.
After the incisions are made, the pockets will be irrigated with an antibiotic solution, and the implants will be placed. The incisions round implants will then be closed with absorbable sutures.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION
With most breast augmentations, the patient can go home on the same day. You should have a relative or trusted friend there to drive you. It can also be useful to have a spouse, family member, or someone else at home to give you some assistance for the first few days of your recovery.
Dr. Sieber employs the rapid recovery breast augmentation vs conventional technique with all of his breast implants surgeries. This technique is not one single thing. Instead, it’s a process used to drastically reduce the risk of complications and improve the postoperative experience for the patient. It can even reduce bruising and swelling.
Some of Dr. Sieber’s breast implants patients have gone shopping or out to dinner within 24 hours of getting breast surgery done — though keep in mind this is not the case for everyone. Even when patients do experience bruising, swelling, and discomfort after surgery, Dr. Sieber will have a comprehensive recovery guide to help you reduce your symptoms and encourage healing.
FAQ: GUIDE TO BREAST AUGMENTATION
HOW MUCH DOES A BREAST AUGMENTATION COST?
In the end, the breast implant price you pay will depend on several factors, including whether you have other surgeries performed alongside your breast augmentation (such as mastopexy), the size and type of your breast implants, and what type of incisions you require. Most breast implants surgeries cost somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000, though they may cost more in some cases.
HOW LONG AFTER BBL CAN I GET BREAST AUGMENTATION?
In most cases, breast augmentation needs to be performed separately from a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) surgery. How long you’ll need to wait in between surgeries depends on several factors, but it will probably be at least a few months. Speak with Dr. Sieber directly to find out how best to schedule these two procedures.
WILL I HAVE BREAST AUGMENTATION SCARS?
Yes, there will be breast augmentation scars because incisions need to be made. The good news is that Dr. Sieber can place these incisions in places where they are extremely difficult to discern.
For example, most breast augmentation incisions are made along the crease line below the natural breast tissue. This is hardly noticeable at all, especially because of the fact that these scars will fade considerably over time.
HOW LONG AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION CAN I SWIM?
This depends. Most women can return to swimming around one month after surgery, but this timeframe may vary. Speak with your surgeon about swimming after breast augmentation, and make sure you get the go-ahead before getting back in the water.
WHEN CAN I SLEEP ON MY SIDE AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
After breast augmentation , you will need to refrain from sleeping on your side. Most patients can return to side sleeping after around two weeks. However, this may vary, so always speak with Dr. Sieber directly to know when it’s safe to adjust your sleeping position. When it comes to BBL and breast augmentation how to sleep is a different question to ask Dr. Sieber.
HOW LONG IS RECOVERY FOR BREAST IMPLANTS?
Most of your breast augmentation recovery will be complete after four to six weeks. You may not see your full results for several months, however.
WHEN CAN I SWIM AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Women can get back in the water around 3 weeks after surgery. After this waiting period, the skin tissues have had time to heal and become more water-resistant. Also, make sure to dry your incisions immediately after swimming.
SCHEDULE YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION TODAY
Have you been considering breast augmentation but haven’t had a chance to book your consultation yet?
Take a moment to look at some of Dr. Sieber Plastic Surgeon San Francisco breast implant before and after pictures, and find a few “after” pictures that are similar to what you’re hoping to achieve. Then, contact us to schedule your appointment.
A consultation is not a commitment to surgery, but it is a chance for you to discuss your options directly with Dr. Sieber. Show him the photos you chose, and see if you’d be a good candidate for this surgery. You never know, you could be enjoying your brand-new breasts by this time next year — or sooner! Schedule your consultation today by reading .
REFERENCES
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants
