For many women, breast size can be an important part of feeling healthy, attractive, and confident. You can work hard to get fit and slim down, but if you aren’t born with breasts that you love, surgery may be an option you’d want to consider. Breast augmentation is the choice of many women who want to be their most confident selves.

​

Breast Augmentation Considerations

​

Breast augmentation can dramatically improve the appearance of a woman’s breasts. During your breast augmentation consultation, you’ll learn more about the options for creating an ideal breast appearance, including:

​

• Implant size

• Implant material (silicone gel or saline)

• Implant position (above or below the pectoralis muscle)

• Implant incision placement
   

Breast augmentation with breast implants FAQ:

​

Is breast augmentation with implants right for me?

​

The female breast is perceived as a part of your femininity. If you feel less than your best self because your breasts are small, irregular in size, not proportional to your body, or depleted after pregnancy then breast enhancement surgery may be the answer for you.

 

How can breast augmentation with implants change my appearance?

 

An appropriate breast size defines your body shape in relation to your waist and hips. Breast implants can balance that ratio for a more pleasing figure. Your confidence in your looks and sex appeal can change the image you project.

 

Can breast augmentation with implants improve my self-esteem?

 

Some women spend years feeling inadequate due to the size or appearance of their breasts. Lack of confidence in yourself can have a negative impact on your job and relationships. The majority of women who choose to augment their breasts with implants are very satisfied with the results. After enhancement, you may experience less anxiety, depression or shyness. Afterward, form-fitting clothing,

such as swimsuits or those with plunging necklines, will accentuate the positive.

 

What will be used to augment my breasts?

 

Dr. Long uses the latest generation breast implants available that are FDA approved for the U.S. market. Dr. Long may use either the Gummy Bear Silicone Breast Implants (latest generation gel implants) or Saline Breast Implants that are made of a clear silicone shell filled with a saline (salt water) solution. Based on your body frame, breast shape, and overall expectations, Dr. Long will assist you in choosing implants that fit your proportions and expectations.

 

How are breast implants placed during breast augmentation?

 

Breast implantation is a very common procedure. During your initial consultation, the doctor will discuss the different implant placement techniques and help you determine the best choice, given your body type. If your breasts have dropped, Dr. Long may recommend a breast lift along with your implant surgery.

 

What are the common locations for breast implants?

 

Placement “underneath the muscle” (placement of the breast implant beneath the chest wall muscle (submuscular implants). This technique is used most often by Dr. Long.

​

Placement “on top of the muscle “ or under the breast tissue (subglandular implants). This technique is used in selected candidates by Dr. Long.

​

Where incisions are used for breast augmentation?

​

Incisions for breast implant augmentation can be placed in multiple areas depending on the technique. They can be made in the crease where the breast meets the chest (inframammary fold), around the areola (the darker skin surrounding your nipple), or under the arm. These incisions are discreetly placed so that the incision, when healed will be least noticeable. The incision through the belly button approach is uncommon but is an alternate insertion site. Dr. Long most commonly uses the inframammary incision because it provides the greatest control of the breast implant pocket and therefore gives more reliable results.

​

What should I expect during breast augmentation surgery?

​

You will undergo the procedure under sedation or general anesthesia at one of the fully accredited surgery center operating rooms where Dr. Long routinely operates. The procedure takes 1-2 hours to complete. Dr. Long closes the incisions with dissolving stitches and places you in a supportive bra for your comfort during recovery. Generally, breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to have a friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery center and assist you for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.

 

What should I expect after breast augmentation?

 

Patients may have varying degrees of temporary bruising, swelling, and some discomfort. Dr. Long will prescribe medication to help you with any soreness after surgery. You will wear a special support bra after surgery. You will be up and moving around on the day of surgery. Depending on your type of employment, you may return to work between 7-14 days after your breast procedure. Stitches will dissolve and do not need to be removed. Swelling in your breasts may take a few weeks to disappear. Dr. Long will closely follow your recovery to ensure you are able to resume normal exercise and activity.

​

Is breast-feeding possible after getting breast augmentation?

​

If you have breast-fed a baby before augmentation, it is very likely you can do so after surgery. Statistically, small-breasted women have more difficulty breast-feeding, so augmentation rarely changes a woman’s ability to breast-feed.

​

Are there potential side effects after breast augmentation with breast implants?

​

There are some risks associated with breast implants; however, few patients experience problems.

​

Capsular formation (Scar tissue): scar build up around the implant can cause encapsulation that can be relieved, but may require additional surgery. This is more common with the old style silicone implants.

​

Numbness: usually temporary, numbness may occur in the breast skin or nipple.

​

Leaking implant: the saline (salt water) solution is harmless and will be absorbed by the body and the implant will need to be replaced. An MRI scan is recommended to determine if a silicone implant has leaked.

​

Dr. Long will provide you with informative brochures that contain extensive information about the breast implants and their associated risks.

​

How are mammograms affected after breast augmentation with breast implants?

 

Depending upon your age and health history, continue to have mammograms on a regular basis.

​

These are some of the facts about mammograms in patients that have undergone breast augmentation with breast implants:

Subglandular implant placement makes mammograms more difficult. In this position, there is a slightly higher risk of forming scar tissue that contracts around the implants

​

Rippling of the implant is more likely to be visible in the subglandular position.

​

Submuscular implant placement allows mammograms to be taken more easily. In this position, you are less likely to form scar tissue around the implant and to have visible surface irregularities.

​

Why go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for treatment?

​

Practitioners who are not residency trained and Board Certified to perform breast augmentation have been shown to have a higher rate of complications. Among the most common complaints are implant malpositioning and asymmetry, along with an “operated look”.  Always look for the ASPS logo, The Symbol of Excellence.

​

To view a 3-D animation on breast augmentation please click here.