Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size and shape of the breasts. At Spectrum Plastic Surgery, a variety of breast implants are available ranging in shape, material, and texture. During your consultation, you can learn more about the benefits of each type of implant and if breast augmentation is the right procedure for you. Dr. Jennifer Geoghegan and Dr. Ross Stutman are experts in breast, body, and reconstructive procedures that help patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
Age, childbirth, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can all cause women to lose the perky taut breasts of their youth. However, some women are simply genetically predisposed to smaller breasts and have always wished for a fuller, more voluptuous upper body. All women have asymmetrical breasts to some degree, but some women develop acute asymmetry that can lead to a lack of self-confidence. As you can see, there are many reasons a woman might be interested in breast surgery. Breast augmentation can be the perfect procedure for many healthy women of all ages.
Breast Augmentation Considerations
There are five main considerations for breast implants:
Types of Breast Implants
Size of Breast Implants
Breast Implant Location
Breast Incision Location
Shape of Breast Implants
Remember that excess skin laxity that causes sagging breasts is not fully addressed with breast augmentation, which is why a breast lift may also be necessary to achieve your desired breast perkiness. However, in many cases a breast lift performed at the same time as a breast augmentation is the best approach for women who want to address sagging breasts and enhance their breast size and shape.
Types of Breast Implants
The two primary types of breast implants are silicone and saline. Both are well established, FDA-approved, and feature a silicone shell. The difference is that silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone while saline implants are filled with saline once the shells have been implanted. The best option will vary depending on the patient, but knowing the benefits and constraints of each type should be discussed before making your choice.
There’s also the choice between smooth and textured breast implants. Although most breast implants are smooth, some patients choose textured implants with a teardrop shape due to their resistance to slippage once implanted.
Size of Breast Implants
The size of the implant is a personal choice, but Spectrum Plastic Surgery counts with the Vectra Imaging technology to map out your body and give you a better idea of how different sizes will look on your body. This 3D imaging system allows our surgeons and patients to preview surgery results during a consultation.
The important thing to remember is that the size won’t change over time and what you choose today may be different from what you may want 5 or 10 years from now and our sizing system gives patients a realistic view on what you can expect following surgery.
Breast Implant Location
The location of the implant itself comes with two options: above the chest muscles or below them. There are benefits to each, and these will be addressed when you speak with your board-certified surgeon at Spectrum Plastic Surgery. Below the muscle often looks more natural, especially for very slender women. However, opting to get the implant above the chest muscle is less invasive and can be a great choice for women who already have a good amount of breast tissue.
Breast Incision Location
There are three incision locations when opting for breast implants: in the underarm (known as axillary), in the natural crease of the breast (inframammary), and hidden around the lower part of the areola (periareolar). Your incision location will depend on your body and goals, and all factors will be discussed during your consultation.
Shape of Breast Implants
Breast implants can be round or tear drop shaped. Round breast implants come in a variety of shapes to customize projection of the breasts, while teardrop shaped implants are known for being very natural-looking. You can view before and after photos of each to determine if there is a shape that you like best.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Breast Augmentation or a Breast Lift
A breast augmentation involves the insertion of breast implants. A breast lift is a surgery that strictly addresses sagging breasts and loose skin. A breast lift is the better option for women who are overall happy with the size and shape of their breasts, but struggle with lax skin from age, childbirth, or weight fluctuations. It can be difficult, especially if there’s excessive laxity, to self-determine if a breast lift or breast augmentation is right for you—but don’t worry. During a consultation you’ll discuss your goals and ideal breast shape and size, which will help determine the best procedure for you.
Breast augmentation can be a standalone procedure, but it’s also a popular part of a “mommy makeover.” These makeovers are completely customized and designed for post-partum women ready to reclaim their pre-baby body. Most mommy makeovers often include a body procedure, as well as a breast procedure such as a breast augmentation or breast lift. We invite you to learn more about mommy makeover surgery.
Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, and Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Spectrum Plastic Surgery also specializes in breast revision surgery for women who are unhappy with the results of a previous breast procedure. Whether you want a different size, a different type of implant, or initially opted for a breast lift and now want an implant, a breast revision procedure can help you achieve the look you want and deserve.
Breast reconstruction is a specialized procedure to address trauma or non-cosmetic surgery of the breast, like a mastectomy. Reconstructing the breast requires incredible experience and talent to get the natural-looking results you deserve. You should only trust your results to experienced and board-certified experts in breast reconstruction, which is exactly what you get at Spectrum Plastic Surgery. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Jennifer Geoghegan or Dr. Ross Stutman by calling (480) 579-2090 and find out more about breast augmentation procedures and the many other options available at Spectrum Plastic Surgery.