Breast Procedures

Breast Augmentation

Enhance Your Confidence and Feminine Beauty

Plastic surgery trends come and go, but breast augmentation has consistently remained one of the United States’ top procedures. According to the Aesthetic Society’s annual Plastic Surgery Statistics report, there were nearly 365,000 breast augmentations performed in 2021 alone, a 44% increase from the previous year.

The consistent demand for breast augmentation can be attributed to its ability to enhance your curves while giving you the opportunity to customize nearly every aspect of your procedure. At Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery, we’ll work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the beautiful results you’ve always wanted.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a popular surgical procedure that involves placing breast implants below the breast tissue or chest muscle to increase the size, shape and fullness of the breasts. Breast implants are filled with a sterile saline solution or silicone gel and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and textures, giving you a range of options for customizing your final results and creating a look that’s tailored to your unique aesthetic preferences.

Reasons for Choosing Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is an effective solution for women who want to:

  • Increase breast size and volume
  • Improve breast shape and symmetry
  • Restore breast fullness and firmness lost due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging
  • Correct asymmetry in cup size
  • Reconstruct the breasts following a mastectomy
  • Boost self-esteem and body image
  • Feel more confident in lingerie, swimsuits and other clothing

Breast augmentation can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a breast lift or tummy tuck, to achieve more comprehensive results.

Who Are Good Breast Augmentation Candidates?

Breast augmentation can address a variety of concerns related to the size and shape of the breasts. Some women undergo breast augmentation after pregnancy or breastfeeding to restore a fuller bust, while others are seeking to accentuate their natural curves. No matter what your aesthetic goals are, good candidates for this procedure include those who:

  • Are at least 18 years old (for saline implants) or 22 years old (for silicone implants)
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure
  • Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have asymmetrical or underdeveloped breasts
  • Have lost breast volume due to weight loss or pregnancy
  • Are self-conscious about the size or shape of their breasts

It’s also important to note that breast augmentation is a personal choice and should only be pursued if you are doing it for yourself, not to please someone else.

Breast Implant Options

When it comes to your breast augmentation, there are numerous options to consider for achieving your desired outcome. Choosing the right implant type, size, shape, placement and more can all have an impact on your final results. At Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery, our highly qualified board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Naman, will thoroughly evaluate your needs, concerns and goals to help guide you through the selection process.

Implant Types

The two main types of breast implants available are saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with a sterile solution after being inserted into the chest and can be adjusted to achieve a specific breast size. Saline implants are ideal for women who prefer a more rounded look. Silicone implants are made of a gel-like material. They come in varied shapes and sizes and more closely resemble the feel of natural breast tissue. However, both can be customized to meet your needs and provide outstanding results that are all your own.

Implant Sizes

Breast implants are measured by volume or weight in cubic centimeters (cc) rather than cup size. They come in a range of different sizes, from as small as 120cc to as large as 800cc, but most women choose implants between 300 to 400cc. Generally speaking, you can expect each 150-250ccs to add about one to one-and-a-half cup sizes to your final result. Determining the ideal breast implant size for you will be based on factors such as your personal preferences, height, chest width and body type to ensure the best possible outcome.

Implant Shapes

Breast implants come in two main shapes: round and teardrop. Round implants are symmetrical and provide more fullness in the upper pole of the breast for enhanced lift and cleavage. In contrast, teardrop implants mimic the natural shape of the breast and slope downward, providing more fullness in the lower half of the breast. Our surgeons will recommend either round or teardrop implants depending on your unique needs and goals.

Implant Placement

Breast implants can be inserted either over the chest muscle and directly behind the mammary glands (subglandular) or behind the chest muscle (submuscular). Both are excellent options, but submuscular placement is typically recommended for women with less natural breast tissue to cover the implant. However, this technique requires a longer recovery. Subglandular placement is recommended for women with sufficient breast tissue to reduce the visibility of the implant. It may also be preferred by more athletic women, since the breast implant won’t be affected by the movement of chest muscles during physical activity.

Implant Incision

There are four main incision options for breast augmentation: inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), transaxillary (through the armpit) and transumbilical (through the belly button). Each option has its pros and cons, but our surgeons will help you choose the best technique based on your individual needs and preferences.

 

Preparing for Your Breast Augmentation

Taking the time to properly prepare for your breast augmentation will help ensure the best possible results and a smooth recovery. During your consultation, our team will provide some tips and pre-operative guidelines to follow so you feel ready for your surgery, such as:

  • Discuss your medical history and current medications with your surgeon
  • Get a mammogram (if you have a family history of breast cancer)
  • Stop smoking for at least two weeks leading up to your surgery
  • Avoid taking certain medications for at least one week
  • Arrange for transportation home with a friend or family member after your appointment
  • Plan to have someone help you with daily tasks such as childcare or household maintenance for the first few days of your recovery
  • Stock your pantry, clean your linens and fill all of your prescriptions in advance

What to Expect During Your Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia at our world-class, state-licensed and Medicare-certified surgical facility, the Brookstone Ambulatory Surgery Center. It typically lasts for about one to two hours, but this may vary depending on your unique surgical plan. For example, breast augmentations that include a breast lift, tummy tuck or another aesthetic procedure will take longer to complete. However, you’ll have the added benefit of a single recovery period.

During your breast augmentation, you can expect the following steps:

  1. Incision: Your surgeon will make an incision in one of four locations: around the areola, under the breast, in the armpit or through the belly button.
  2. Implant placement: Your surgeon will create a pocket either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle and place the implant inside.
  3. Incision closure: Your surgeon will close the incision with sutures or surgical tape.

After the procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery room, where you’ll be monitored until you’re ready to be discharged. Because the effects of anesthesia can linger after your surgery, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. To ensure a smooth recovery, our team will provide you with medications and detailed post-operative instructions.

What to Expect During Breast Augmentation Recovery

After your breast augmentation, our team will provide you with activity guidelines, advice on caring for your incisions and instructions for when to schedule your follow-up appointments. Although the recovery process varies from person to person, here’s a general timeline of what to expect:

First 24 Hours

  • Discomfort: You will experience some pain, swelling and bruising in the chest area.
  • Drains: You may have surgical drains placed to remove excess fluid.
  • Rest: Get plenty of rest and ask for help with household activities immediately after your surgery.

First Week

  • Discomfort: Pain and discomfort will ease after the first week. Swelling will also decrease.
  • Take it easy: You will need to continue to avoid strenuous activities for the first week.
  • Time off: You may need to take a few days off work to rest and recover.
  • Compression garment: You’ll need to wear a compression garment or specialized bra for several weeks to support the healing process.
  • Follow-up: We will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your recovery. At this time, your surgical drains and stitches may be removed.

First Month

  • Swelling: Swelling will have decreased significantly and you’ll start to see the initial results of your breast augmentation.
  • Light activity: You can resume light activities, but you should still avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. Stop if you experience pain during any activity.
  • Compression garment: You’ll continue to wear a compression garment as recommended by your surgeon.

First Two Months

  • Results: Your breasts will gradually settle into their final shape and position.
  • Normal activity: You can resume all normal activities, including exercise and lifting weights, as recommended by your surgeon.
  • Incisions: Incision lines will begin to fade, becoming less noticeable. This process can take several more months.

Breast Augmentation Results

Breast augmentation can provide long-lasting results, but it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Some factors that can affect your results include:

  • Age and skin elasticity
  • Size and shape of the implant
  • Placement of the implant
  • Healing process and aftercare

Most women report feeling more confident and satisfied with their appearance after their breast augmentation. Your new implants are highly durable, but they aren’t meant to last forever. However,  you can expect to enjoy your new curves for a decade or more. After this time, your breast implants should be assessed to determine if it’s time for revision or replacement surgery.

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation in Columbus

If you’re ready to enhance your confidence and beauty with breast augmentation, Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery in Columbus, Georgia, is here to help. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are experienced in performing breast augmentation and can help you achieve your desired results.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how breast augmentation can benefit you. To get started, call us at (706) 494-7700 or click to complete our convenient online contact form. Let’s start your journey towards a more confident and beautiful you!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

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