Breast Augmentation In Gainesville
Breast augmentation, or breast enhancement, is comprised of the surgical placement of implants made from silicone, saline or cohesive gel behind the breast in order to enhance the shape and size of the breasts. Breast augmentation surgeons, such as Dr. Poser, perform surgical enhancements to the breast region for a number of reasons, which include patients who seek enhancement due to a reduction in breast volume following a pregnancy or significant weight loss; to correct imbalances between breast shape and size; and to achieve a greater breast size, among other reasons.
Breast augmentation surgery may be performed in a number of different ways in order to best accommodate the aesthetic goals of each patient. During the majority of procedures, the breast implant is placed within a pocket located underneath the pectoral muscle through an incision made to the areola, under the breast itself, or through the axilla. Through surgical precision and proper placement, Dr. Poser is able to provide patients with enhancements of up to one or more cup sizes. During a preliminary consultation with our Gainesville plastic surgeon, patients can discuss their goals.
Am I A Candidate For Breast Enhancement Surgery?
Most women with adequate health are candidates for breast augmentation surgery. If you are over the age of 18 and unhappy with the size, shape or volume of your breasts, breast augmentation may be right for you. Although breast revision surgery is available to those who are unhappy with their augmentation results, our goal is to help each patient achieve their ideal bust from the initial procedure. That’s why Dr. Poser consults with each patient to discuss the desired size and placement of the breast implants, as well as expected results following surgery.
Which Types Of Implants Are Available For Breast Augmentation?
There are several types of breast implants available for breast augmentation surgery. The most popular options include saline and silicone implants as well as cohesive gel implants. Because each patient is unique — as are their goals for breast enhancement — Dr. Poser will discuss with each patient the implant option that best fulfills their desired aesthetic.
Silicone Gel-Filled Implants
Silicone gel-filled breast implants are similar in structure to saline-filled implants, as these implants are comprised of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel. This gel feels similar to natural fat and tissue found in the natural breast. Dr. Poser may recommend silicone gel breast implants to patients with thin, soft chest tissue and patients who seek a breast lift procedure performed in conjunction with the breast augmentation surgery. Due to the specific requirements of patients to become approved as candidates for breast augmentation with silicone implants, it's important to provide Dr. Poser with a comprehensive medical history during the consultation.
Cohesive Gel (Gummy Bear) Implants
A recent innovation in types of implant, the cohesive gel implant is often referred to as the gummy bear implant, due to the manner in which the cohesive gel behaves. If you were to slice a cohesive gel implant in half, the inside gel would not leak out. Both halves retain their shape, much like a gummy bear does when you bite into it. These implants are a popular option due to their ability to retain their shape and variety of shapes available.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting may be suitable for patients who decide against or are unable to use saline, silicone or cohesive gel implant options. Fat grafting surgery, or fat transfer, can be used to enhance a patient’s breast or to accommodate a breast augmentation, breast reconstruction or breast revision surgery. Fat grafting is commonly performed at the tip of liposuction so that excess fat can be taken from one part of the body and transferred to the breast. Depending on the availability of fat and tissue on the body and at the breast, this procedure can be used to enhance breasts for a natural look and feel. Dr. Poser can also perform the fat transfer in conjunction with implantation.
Saline-Filled Implants
Saline-filled breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water (saline). These are the oldest and most recognized form of implant, and when inserted properly, they can provide a natural appearance to enhancement. Through surgical precision, Dr. Poser ensures optimal placement of implants by helping patients choose implant size and placing implants below the chest muscle, among other techniques for a natural contour.
Common Breast Implant Shape, Size & Placement
There are a lot of options when it comes to the shape, size, and placement of breast implants. Most types of breast implants are available in round or teardrop shapes. Determining the chosen shape, size, and placement of the implant often depends upon the preference of the patient, there may be additional factors to consider.
Breast Implant Shape
Round breast implants are among the most popular option regarding breast implant shape. Due to the half-sphere shape, the top portion of the resulting breast is fuller with a round implant than with a teardrop-shaped implant. The profile of a round implant is an even arc which climaxes at the middle portion. This shape is ideal for achieving deep-set cleavage. Teardrop implants mimic the shape of an unsupported natural breast. The profile is slimmer at the top of the implant and slopes outward with the projecting portion in the lower half of the implant. Teardrop implants are most popular among women who want to maintain a more natural breast shape as well as patients who have previously undergone a mastectomy.
Breast Implant Placement
Many patients don’t realize that breast implants can be placed above the chest muscle (subglandular) or below the chest muscle (submuscular). Placement is generally determined by body type as there are typically fewer benefits for the majority of women who have implants placed below their chest muscle. However, submuscular placement can help provide a more natural contour to patients with very little breast tissue and body fat. This is most common for women with little body fat who prefer round-shape implants and/or saline-filled implants, but this method can be used within alternate circumstances based upon the expected outcome regarding surgery and overall aesthetic goal of the patient.
Breast Implant Size
Once the shape of the implant is determined, the available sizing options may be discussed. Implant sizing differs from bra sizing and chest measurements. The size of an implant is determined by the amount of gel or fluid used to fill the implant, and it is measured in cubic centimeters. Choosing the perfect size may seem a daunting task, but it’s extremely important in the overall satisfaction of your Gainesville breast surgery procedure. We encourage our patients to discuss honestly with Dr. Poser regarding goals for the desired aesthetic.
In addition to seeking a specific bra size, patients most often desire breasts that best suit their body shape. Larger implants may not seem so large on women with wide-set shoulders, and women who have an abundance of breast tissue may not need large implants to achieve their desired bust appearance. It’s important that patients take into consideration their body size and shape as a whole to ensure satisfaction with the results of their breast augmentation.
How Should I Prepare For Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Following scheduling of the breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Poser, patients will be provided with preoperative instructions which detail all-encompassing information regarding the procedure — from the cost of breast augmentation to follow-up appointments following surgery. Prior to the procedure date, patients will be provided with a number of prescriptions which must be filled prior to the procedure and must be readily available to take once the surgery is complete. Prior to the date of surgery, patients will also receive a form which details a list of medications to be avoided for at least two weeks prior to the procedure date. During the day before surgery, Dr. Poser requests that patients avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight.
What Results Can I Expect From Breast Enhancement Surgery?
Provided that the patient is confirmed as a viable candidate for breast enhancement surgery, the resulting implants will provide them with the increased volume and breast size they seek with long-lasting results. It is worth noting that the shape of breasts may subsequently change over time due to pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, and aging. However, issues with breast implants rarely occur — if the implant should rupture, the patient may require a replacement with a new breast implant. Ensuring an ongoing relationship with Dr. Poser following the initial procedure is vital to addressing any changes or other concerns that may arise. Regular examination and routine mammogram check-ups for patients will serve to help detect and treat early any issue.
What Are The Risks Of Breast Implant Surgery?
The majority of patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery experience no complications following their procedure. However, there are risks with any operation, including those associated with this specific surgical procedure. Among the most common problem is capsular contracture, which may occur if the scar or capsule which surrounds the breast implant becomes tightened — resulting in the breasts feeling hard to the touch.
There are a number of different treatments to capsular contracture, including removal of the scar tissue or removal and/or replacement of the breast implant. To aid in the prevention of the occurrence of capsular contracture, we recommend that patients massage the breast implants after surgery. Our Gainesville plastic surgeon will instruct patients on proper techniques for massage to the implants during the consultation and the post-surgery check-up.
For more information on the additional risks associated with breast implant surgery, contact our office. We will discuss with you any concern or question you may have to ensure optimal comfort throughout each stage of the procedure. Schedule a consultation today.