Breast Augmentation Miami – Mammoplasty

One of the benefits of breast augmentation is the correction of asymmetrical breast problems. As much as 90 percent of all women have breast asymmetry, although it is only obvious in 25 percent. That being said, a breast implant on one of your breasts can help make both of them look more symmetrical.

Of course, women who have very little fatty tissues in the breasts want to get breast implants to increase their breast size. It makes them feel a lot sexier as it balances their body and offers better proportions. As a result, it improves their confidence and self-esteem.

Aging and pregnancy can take their toll on your breasts, making them lose shape and volume. This can also happen when you lose a lot of weight at a short time. Breast augmentation can help regain your breasts’ lost volume without affecting the rest of your body.

Get to know more about the functional and cosmetic benefits of a breast augmentation.

Candidates

The best candidates for breast augmentation are those who are not comfortable with the size, shape, and feel of their boobs. It can also be for women who have asymmetrical breasts, as well as those with sagging breasts resulting from age and previous pregnancy. It can also be done for women who need to have breast reconstruction surgeries after a mastectomy or injury.

You can get a breast augmentation surgery in Miami if you are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, and have fully developed breasts. According to Florida state law, women aged 18 and above can get saline breast implants. Silicone breast implants are only available for women aged 21 and above.

You also need to decide about the size of breasts that you want to have. Here is a nifty guide on Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size.

Types

Patients are the ones who usually choose the incision site, although surgeons also have their own recommendations. There are basically five approaches that your cosmetic surgeon can use during your breast augmentation surgery, and they are as follows:

Inframammary

The inframammary approach is the most common incision during breast augmentation surgery. It involves an incision between the inframammary fold, which is the fold of skin underneath the breast. The surgeons prefer this procedure when inserting silicone gel implants because it allows them to directly access the pectoral muscles and get the best visibility possible of a surgical site.

However, the biggest drawback of the inframammary incision has always been the undesirable and huge scar that it creates, which can measure up to four centimeters long. In recent years, cosmetic surgeons have developed a technique that makes use of a very short incision, hence resulting in minimal scarring. The decrease in scar length has resulted in higher patient and surgeon satisfaction.

Most surgeons also now try to make the incision slightly above the crease of the breast to make sure that it will not be seen when a bikini or lingerie is worn.

Periareolar

Also known as the nipple incision, the periareolar technique involves an incision just around the border of the areola, the darker pigmented skin surrounding the nipple. This technique lessens visible breast scarring as the skin in the incision area heals very well. In fact, many women find that once their incisions have healed, they are almost fully invisible.

Another great thing about the periareolar incision is that it can be coupled with a breast lift Miami. A breast lift or mastopexy restores sagging breasts and makes them firmer, perkier, and more aesthetically pleasing. It also raises the nipples and areolas into a more forward position, hence creating a youthful breast contour. Learn more about the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation and how you can combine these procedures.

The periareolar incision is also a popular breast augmentation technique, so you may easily find a cosmetic surgeon who is experienced with this procedure. However, be careful with choosing this incision as it is more likely than any other incision to sever milk ducts and nerves to the nipple, which can lead to loss of sensation in that area.

Transaxillary

The transaxillary incision involves an incision in the armpits, through which the breast implants are inserted. It is often done with the help of an endoscope, which is a small camera with a light at its tip. The endoscope is inserted into the pocket the surgeon makes for the implant, allowing him to see what he is doing on a TV screen connected to the endoscope.

The best thing about this technique is that it has minimal scarring. You will only see the scar once you raise your arms, but otherwise, you will not see any scars near your breasts. Since the incision is small, it allows for faster healing and less pain and discomfort. It also does not require any special support afterward, and you can resume your normal activities a day after your breast augmentation.

But while the transaxillary incision has been in existence for more than a decade, it is still hard to find a surgeon who would perform this rather complicated incision. After all, placing the implants is harder for the surgeon since the incision is located farther away from the breast compared to periareolar and inframammary incisions. Because of this, you need to find an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon if you want to use the transaxillary incision in your breast augmentation.

Transumbilical

The transumbilical breast augmentation or TUBA is another scarless technique just like the transaxillary incision. The surgeon makes a minor incision in your belly button, and then uses the abdominal area to get implants up to the breast area. He uses an endoscope to create two tunnels for each implant. When the implant reaches the chest, he injects the silicone implants below the breast. For saline implants, the surgeon fills it up from the inside.

Needless to say, TUBA does not produce any scar near the breasts. It also does not have bleeding complications because the incision is very small. There is also less pain and discomfort post-surgery, as there is no need to use any special bra to support the breasts. Most normal activities can be resumed a day after surgery.

Doctors recommend TUBA to women who have not yet had a breast implant before. It only takes 30 to 40 minutes to finish the procedure, so anesthesia-related complications like nausea and vomiting are unlikely.

Even though TUBA was invented in 1991 by Dr. Gerald Johnson, it is still not as widely performed as the inframammary and periareolar incisions. That is because it is a difficult procedure that should only be done by experienced cosmetic surgeons.

Silicone Implants vs. Saline Implants

One of the biggest issues in choosing breast implants is its content or composition. You can choose between saline and silicone implants, which both produce excellent results. But they also differ in terms of risks and advantages, so you better know how to select the one that best suits your needs.

Silicone Breast Implants

Best for women with very little natural breast tissue or fat, silicone breast implants provide a more natural look and feel compared to saline implants. They have a solid shell and a cohesive medical grade silicone gel filling that has a pliable consistency closely matching that of natural breast tissue. The density or thickness of the silicone fill varies, which allows you to achieve a softer or harder feel, depending on your preference.

The strength of silicone implants lessens the risk of rippling or wrinkling on the skin directly covering the implant. It is also safe in case of rupture, since the increased binding in the silicone gel molecules allows the implant to remain intact and not be released into the bloodstream. In fact, a lot of women seem to be transitioning from saline to silicone breast implants.

However, it also has its risks, like capsular contractures, pain, infection, and decreased nipple sensation. It is important to have your silicone implants checked regularly because they only last from 10-25 years.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are comprised of silicone shells filled with a solution of water and salt. Once placed inside the breasts, your plastic surgeon can reduce or increase the amount of saline fluid in the implant with the use of a syringe. That means your right and left breast implants can be filled differently to adjust for any mild asymmetry in existing breast volume.

With saline breast implants, your surgeon would only need to make a small incision during this surgery. Even if it ruptures, there is no real danger because saline solution filling the implants is similar to the fluids found in your body. This is best for women who have not yet decided on the size of their implants, since saline breast implants can easily be adjusted accordingly.

But compared to silicone gel implants, saline breast implants are more prone to wrinkling. Plus, it looks less natural than normal breast tissue. Capsular contracture may also occur, making your breasts feel firmer than intended.

Still confused? Learn How to Choose Between Silicone and Saline Implants.

Procedure

Your cosmetic surgeon will first administer anesthesia before the surgery. You can choose between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia, though your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Once you are sedated, your doctor creates an incision in an inconspicuous area to minimize visible scarring. There are many types of incision for breast augmentation, but rest assured that your plastic surgeon will discuss all of these incision options with you beforehand in order to achieve your desired outcome. It varies based on the type of breast implant, the degree of enlargement desired, and your own particular anatomy.

After the incision is made, the breast implant can be inserted in various locations. The implant position depends on the type of implant, the degree of desired enlargement, your body type, and the recommendations of your surgeon.

The implant can be placed between the pectorals and breast tissue, but women with low pectoral tissue are more prone to develop wrinkles on the implants—a phenomenon known as rippling. It can also be placed below the fascia, which is the fibrous tissue of the pectoral muscle. This helps keep the implant in place.

Another option is to place the implant on the subpectoral plane, but this may limit the movement of your pectoral muscles. You can also have it placed tight behind the pectoral muscle, though surgeons rarely use this technique because it requires removing the muscle off the ribs. It may also cause the breasts to move in a deformed fashion.

Once the implants are set in place, your surgeon will close the incision with layered sutures in the breast tissue and skin. Over time, the incision lines will fade.

Results

The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. You may experience some post-surgical swelling afterward, but it will eventually subside and the incision lines will fade. You may also need to replace your implants after some time since they are not designed to last a lifetime.

It is best to look at breast augmentation before and after photos to help you manage your expectations and to also gauge the skill of your chosen plastic surgeon.

Preparation

In preparing for a breast augmentation surgery, you first need to undergo a breast implant consultation that includes baseline mammography and blood tests. Make sure that you have already discussed with your plastic surgeon everything that you want to know about the procedure, including what is breast augmentation and what are your expectations.

You also need to disclose any medical conditions that you may have, as well as any current medications or substances you are taking. You also need to divulge your family history. It is helpful to have a list of questions ready to ask your cosmetic surgeon. It is normal to feel anxious, but do not shy away from discussing your feelings with your surgeon.

Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications like aspirin and other blood thinners at least two weeks before the surgery as they may increase bleeding. If you smoke, you will be required to stop it at least a month prior to surgery. Smoking reduces the level of oxygen in the blood, hence resulting in delayed healing.

Since breast augmentation can be done on an outpatient basis, you need to have someone to drive you to and from surgery, and if possible stay with you for at least a couple of days.

Recovery

Right after your surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area for close monitoring. During breast augmentation recovery, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze dressings, as well as a support bra or elastic bandage to minimize swelling and support your bust as they heal. If nothing goes wrong, you will be allowed to go home after a few hours.

You must stay in bed for about 48 hours after surgery. It is normal to feel fatigued, so make sure that you reduce your activity for a few days.

You may also experience limited movements during the first three weeks after surgery as your incision heals. Soreness and swelling are also common during this time. It will take months before incisions recover their natural color.

You may return to work three days after surgery if your job does not involve bending or lifting. Otherwise, ask your plastic surgeon when you can resume your work, as well as your workouts and normal activities.

It is important to implement safety measures around the home during your breast augmentation recovery. For example, make sure that your medicines, ointments, and massage creams are within easy reach to avoid straining and fatigue. Clean the incision site and apply ointment at least once a day.

You must wear loose clothing at first so that it does not rub or put pressure on your breasts. You also need to make sure that you maintain a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to promote healing. Once the surgeon removes the surgical bra, make sure that you wear a support bra.

Risks and Side Effects

Just like any other surgery, breast augmentation is not without its risks. There is a risk of capsular contracture, which is the formation of scar tissue around the breast implants that may cause discomfort as the breasts start to harden and look or feel different.

Since breast augmentation makes use of implants, there is also the risk of implant rupture. Saline implants are usually safe because they are filled with saline solution that is the same fluid found in the body. Silicone implants usually keep intact even when it ruptures, but the gel may leak into the tissues, hence possibly causing an infection.

Skin wrinkling or rippling is also a possibility, especially if the implants are not placed in the right location. There might also be changes in the nipple or breast sensation, as well as poor scarring. If the initial procedure did not give you the results that you want, you may need additional surgery.

All these risks should be discussed with you by your plastic surgeon before the surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications involved.

Breast Augmentation Cost (Miami)

Miami breast augmentation prices vary from clinic to clinic, but the average cost is around $3,708 according to 2014 statistics released by the ASPS. Each procedure roughly costs $3,500 to $10,000. These do not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related expenses.

One of the main determinants of breast augmentation costs is the implant type and size. Silicone implants usually cost between $800 and $2,000 more than saline implants. If the implants come with a guarantee, the price goes up further. However, replacement costs usually count as a second surgery, even with the guarantee.

Most insurances do not cover breast augmentation costs if the surgery is done for cosmetic purposes. Your insurance might cover it if you do it as a corrective surgery, provided that you present a letter from your surgeon to the insurance company. But even if the treatment is not covered by your insurance policy, there are still surgeons who offer financing options to help you out, so make sure that you ask your cosmetic surgeon about that.

Now that you know the ins and outs of breast augmentation, the next thing to do is to find a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon to do the job. Make sure that you select a board-certified surgeon who has a wide range of experience in doing different kinds of breast augmentation procedures.

If you have questions about Breast Augmentation with Breast Implants, do not hesitate to ask questions and schedule a Free Consultation with one of our highly-experienced Miami surgeons here on Face + Body Cosmetic Surgery.