Breast Augmentation
Reshape And Rejuvenate The Breasts
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure used to enhance the volume and projection of your breasts. This is most commonly with implants but newer techniques are also using your own fat to increase volume. Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, and if done correctly and for the right reasons, can significantly enhance a women’s self esteem.
Candidates
Breast Augmentation
Houston
Reshape and Rejuvenate the Breasts
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure used to enhance the volume and projection of your breasts. This is most commonly with implants but newer techniques are also using your own fat to increase volume. Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most common procedures performed in the United States, and if done correctly and for the right reasons, can significantly enhance a women’s self esteem.
Candidates
Females who were born with an abnormality in their breasts or an imbalance in their shape can be candidates for breast augmentation. Women above the age of 18 wanting to add volume or projection to their breasts may use saline implants. Meanwhile, those aged 22 and above may opt for silicone implants. Furthermore, the ideal candidate should have a weight that is steady within a 10-15 pound range, and should not be nursing at the time of surgery.
Choosing Your Breast Implants
Choosing Your Breast Implants
Size, Shape, & Material
Size: At your consultation, you will have the opportunity to look at different implants and try them on for size to see which one feels right for you. Dr. Hustak will help guide you in this process.
Shape: There are more choices of implants these days. The classic round shaped has been around for years and comes in a variety of sizes and projections. The newest option is anatomically shaped (or “tear-drop”) and is only offered by a few implant manufacturers. The choice of implant largely depends on your desired outcome and current anatomic shape. Dr. Hustak can help guide you on whether you would benefit from one over the other.
Material: This choice refers to what fills the silicone shell, whether it is saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel (degree of cohesiveness changes with different implants and manufacturers). There are pros and cons for each (see below) and again the choice is largely based on your desired goals and current breast and chest wall shape. Silicone implants were placed back into the market in 2006 when the moratorium was reversed by the FDA. From 2006 until 2012, there have been two 4th Generation implants by two different companies, Mentor and Allergan. In 2012, a third implant company emerged, Sientra, and is only available through board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeons. Dr. Hustak offers implants from all three companies.
Placement
The implant can be placed under the muscle, under the breast gland, or under both using a dual plane technique. There are multiple reasons to choose one over the other. Main determining factors include how much breast tissue is currently present, how much volume increase is desired, daily activities or hobbies of the patient, and which type of implant is selected. Dr. Hustak will advise you on the right placement for you after your consultation.
Incisions
Recovery
Everyone recovers at a different pace but in general, recovery is relatively quick, especially with sub-glandular placement. The procedure itself takes 1-3 hours depending on whether it is an implant exchange procedure or a combination breast lift, which are more involved. Surgical glue or steri-strips are placed on your incision. You will have a wrap or soft sports bra placed at the time of surgery that will remain in place for 24-28 hours. After that you can transition to a soft sports bra with no underwire. Drains are not routinely used. Post-operative implant massage instructions will be given in post-operative period and largely depend on the type of implant that was selected. Most women can return to work in a few days if no heavy lifting is required. Restrictions for heavy lifting and physical activity remain in place for 2-4 weeks as you heal. You can shower after 24 hours but are not to submerge your incisions in a bath or pool until completely healed, usually around 2 weeks.
Complications and Other Considerations
Some other considerations to keep in mind is that breast implants do not last forever. Current implant manufacturers recommend replacement every 10 years, and MRI is recommended after 3 years after augmentation and annually thereafter to assess for silicone gel implant compromise. Large changes in weight will continue to affect your breast tissue around the implant and may alter the relationship between the implant and your native breast tissue. Breast augmentation results are immediate, life altering, and routinely very satisfying.
Contact Us Today
For more information on breast augmentation, call today to schedule a consultation with board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak and start working on your personalized treatment plan.
713.322.7265
Contact Us Today
For more information on breast augmentation, call today to schedule a consultation with board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak and start working on your personalized treatment plan.
