Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a common surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the breasts. This treatment can add breast volume and improve breast shape for women who desire larger and fuller breasts. It can also restore volume that has naturally diminished after pregnancy or weight loss. Additionally, breast augmentation can renew breast symmetry and balance proportions.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Geo N. Tabbal, MD, is dedicated to providing patients with safe treatment and an exceptional experience throughout their breast augmentation journey. Breast augmentation is one of Dr. Tabbal’s areas of special focus here at our practice, and he is particularly skilled and experienced with these procedures. All of our breast augmentation treatment plans are customized and specifically tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals to create results that look naturally beautiful.
Dr. Tabbal recognizes how breast enhancement can significantly boost a patient’s self-confidence, and he takes pride in truly getting to know their needs and aesthetic goals. He believes that his patients are what makes his practice special, and he always has each individual’s best interests at heart.
The sections below offer more details on breast augmentation and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this procedure. Dr. Tabbal is also happy to discuss breast augmentation benefits, implant options, and any additional questions during the consultation process. Please contact us today for more information, or to schedule an appointment.
- Why Is a Breast Augmentation Consultation So Important?
- Who Is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
- What Are My Breast Implant Options?
- Breast Augmentation Implant Placement
- Breast Augmentation Incision Techniques
- What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Entail?
- How Is Recovery from Breast Augmentation Surgery?
- Breast Augmentation Longevity
- Breast Augmentation Scars
- Breast Augmentation Risks
- How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
- Breast Augmentation FAQs
Why Is a Breast Augmentation Consultation So Important?
Dr. Tabbal understands that pursuing breast augmentation is an important and very personal choice for patients. This is one of the many reasons why he approaches the consultation process with thoughtfulness, compassion, and transparency. An initial consultation allows patients to openly express their aesthetic goals with Dr. Tabbal so he can get a clear idea of the results they are trying to achieve and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. He views this process as a “two-way” sharing of information and a true collaboration between doctor and patient. The consultation is one of the most vital steps of the entire process, allowing the patient to ask any questions they have and discuss their concerns about the treatment process, the potential results, and other aspects of the procedure. Dr. Tabbal’s goal during the consultation is to provide patients with thorough and honest information about what they can expect and to help them feel as comfortable and confident as possible moving forward.
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Good candidates for breast augmentation are typically individuals who are in good general health and would like to:
- Enlarge the size of their breasts for a fuller appearance
- Restore lost breast volume
- Improve asymmetry in the breasts
- Improve the shape of the breasts
- Enhance breast/body proportions
Oftentimes, breast augmentation can benefit women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, which makes it a very popular addition to a comprehensive mommy makeover procedure. Breast augmentation can also be ideal for patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight and have noticed a change in the shape or size of their breasts. During your initial consultation, Dr. Tabbal will talk with you about your needs and goals and determine whether you are an ideal candidate for breast augmentation.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
Breast implants are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Dr. Tabbal will go over your options in detail during the initial consultation to help you choose the implant that is best for your goals and body proportions. The three major types of breast implants are:
Saline Implants
Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for patients over 18 years-old and are composed of an outer silicone shell that’s filled with a saltwater (saline) solution. This popular implant option can be filled after insertion, usually allowing for the creation of a smaller incision. Saline implants typically provide a rounder appearance and produce less scarring. Oftentimes, saline implants are less expensive than silicone and may be a good option for those with enough breast tissue to hide any potential rippling.
Cohesive Silicone Implants
Silicone breast implants are also made of a silicone outer shell, but are filled with a thick silicone gel. Silicone implants are known for having a very natural look, and for more closely resembling the feel and consistency of natural breast tissue. These implants are FDA-approved for those 22 years and older and offer a range of shapes and textures, as well as levels of viscosity that can be modified to a patient’s preferences. Since the gel in silicone implants is thicker than saline, these types of implants are filled before placement.
Highly-Cohesive Silicone Implants
Gummy bear implants, also called highly-cohesive implants, typically feature a teardrop shape with a denser bottom. The firm silicone gel filling allows the implants to better retain shape for a very natural look and feel. With the firmer texture, highly-cohesive implants offer a full appearance and are FDA-approved for patients 22 years and older.
What Are My Options for Breast Implant Placement?
Breast implant placement options primarily include submuscular (under the pectoral muscle), subglandular (between the breast tissue and chest muscle), and dual plane (partially under the muscle). Submuscular placement is often chosen for its natural look and reduced risk of rippling, while the subglandular approach is typically favored for a more noticeable enhancement and easier recovery. The dual plane placement offers a combination of both benefits, accommodating different breast shapes and sizes.
What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Entail?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Tabbal will create a unique treatment plan based on your personal needs, goals, and the type and size of the implants you have chosen for your breast augmentation. You will also be provided with pre-operative instructions that will help you prepare for the procedure. On the day of your surgery, marks will be placed on your breasts to serve as a “blueprint” and outline for the procedure, and general anesthesia will be administered. Dr. Tabbal will then perform the predetermined incision technique and place the implants. The possible implant locations are subglandular (above the pectoralis muscle), submuscular (behind the pectoralis muscle), or dual plane (a combination of both). Dr. Tabbal typically prefers the dual plane location as it combines the benefits of both locations while reducing inherent disadvantages associated with them. Once the breast implants are inserted, the incisions will be closed and you will be transferred to a recovery area as the anesthesia wears off.
Breast augmentation is typically performed on an outpatient basis without the need for an overnight stay in a hospital or surgical facility.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants typically last between 10 and 20 years or longer. However, their lifespan can vary based on the implant type, surgical technique, and individual factors. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the condition of the implants. Some women may eventually need implant replacement or removal due to changes in preferences, cosmetic issues, or complications such as implant rupture or capsular contracture.
“My experience with Dr. Geo N. Tabbal and his fantastic staff exceeded my expectations. He cares for his patients and has excellent bedside manners; you never feel alone before and after the procedure. He checks on you, allows you to connect with him, and is always readily available for his patient's needs.”
What Complications and Risks Are Associated with Breast Implants?
Breast implants have been associated with potential complications and risks that patients need to consider, even though certain complications may be quite rare. A few examples of breast implant risks and complications include capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant can result in a feeling of tightness or hardness in the area, and implant rupture or leakage. Implants can also shift position, leading to asymmetry. Risks of infection and changes in nipple or breast sensation are additional concerns. More serious, albeit extremely rare, complications include breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has been linked to certain types of implants. It is also important to consider that, in the long-term, there may be a need for future surgeries to replace or remove implants due to dissatisfaction or the desire to “upgrade” the implants, complications that have arisen, or natural changes in breast tissue over time. Attending scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Tabbal and maintaining regular check-ups and breast exams in the years after breast augmentation are important steps for monitoring the health of the implants and addressing any potential complications early.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
The overall cost of breast augmentation will vary from patient to patient based on the customized treatment plan. Contributing factors can include:
- Complexity of the procedure
- Implant type
- Surgical techniques utilized
- Anesthesia fees
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescribed medication
- Surgeon’s fee
- Use of the surgical facility
Once your personalized treatment plan has been developed, a member of Dr. Tabbal’s team can provide you with a custom price quote for your breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Tabbal recommends that individuals pursuing breast augmentation avoid “shopping around” for a plastic surgeon based on cost alone. In many scenarios, procedure pricing can reflect a plastic surgeon’s training, experience, skill set, and history of producing high-quality results. If cost is a limiting factor in your ability to undergo surgery, it is often a good idea to consider the financing options and types of payment that a plastic surgery practice accepts. For instance, our practice accepts many convenient forms of payment and offers financing options for qualified applicants through CareCredit® and PatientFi®.
Breast Augmentation Frequently Asked Questions
Are breast implants safe?
The safety and quality of breast augmentation surgery has been researched thoroughly and extensively by the highest government and independent research organizations. Most notably, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of both silicone and saline-filled breast implants for cosmetic enhancement and for breast reconstruction.
As with other surgical procedures, breast augmentation surgery is not without inherent risks. Dr. Tabbal and his team put safety at the forefront of the medical care they offer so that such risks are minimized.
How painful is breast augmentation?
Pain after surgery is always subjective and can vary from one individual to another; however, most people will experience only mild discomfort only for a few days after their operation. Most of the pain which can occur after breast augmentation surgery arises from the disturbance of surrounding tissues during surgery. By using meticulous operative techniques when carrying out a thoughtful surgical plan, Dr. Tabbal can avoid unnecessary tissue trauma, which minimizes pain after surgery and the risk of complications. This can also allow for a speedier and smoother recovery. As a result, many patients can resume normal, non-strenuous activities within 24 hours after surgery and often don’t need medications to manage their pain post-operatively.
What type of bra should I wear after breast augmentation?
A comfortable and supportive bra can help facilitate a safe and effective healing process. During the consultation, Dr. Tabbal may recommend different kinds of bras that take implant type, your personal anatomy, and post-operative needs into consideration. It is typically best to avoid bras with an underwire for at least six weeks, as underwire garments may have an effect on the implants’ shape and lead to irritation around the incision sites.
Can I breastfeed with breast implants?
While not all women are able to naturally breastfeed, breast augmentation surgery should not affect a patient’s ability to nurse their young children. That being said, it is important that you communicate with Dr. Tabbal if you have intentions of becoming pregnant and breastfeeding in the future, as this information can help him properly tailor your treatment plan and surgery to your personal needs and goals.
Will breast implants affect future mammogram screenings?
Breast implants should not have an impact on the ability to be effectively screened for breast cancer, though some accommodations may need to be made during the screening process. Regular mammograms are key to protecting your long-term health and should remain an integral part of your medical check-ups. It is important to let your mammogram technician know about your breast implants in advance, as additional images may need to be taken from different angles so your breast tissue is thoroughly analyzed.
Should I massage my breast implants?
Dr. Tabbal strongly recommends that his patients do not massage their breast implants after surgery. Unfortunately, this post-operative act is a relic of outdated information which was commonly advised by some surgeons many years ago when they were hoping to keep the implants and the surrounding breast tissue soft. Since it was first performed, years of anecdotal evidence and even scientific medical research has proven that it failed to keep the breasts soft. Even more concerning, it caused the implants to move, altering the pocket in which they were placed during the surgery and led to implant malposition.
For more information about breast augmentation, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.