Renew your self-confidence with breast augmentation surgery
Whether you’re seeking to enhance the size of your breasts or simply to regain the shape and fullness you had in years past, breast augmentation may be the solution for you. Hundreds of breast augmentation procedures are performed every day across the country – in fact, it is one of the most common surgical procedures that occur today. Board-certified Wesley Chapel plastic surgeon Gerard C. Mosiello, MD, is a specialist who will use his years of experience to help you achieve the best results.
When to consider breast augmentation
Common reasons for breast augmentation include recent weight loss or recent surgery or illness that has created a need for breast reconstruction. However, the best candidates for the procedure are healthy women of a stable weight. As such, it is important to take an appropriate amount of time to ensure that you are best suited for a successful procedure.
Breast augmentation isn’t simply about increasing the size of your breasts, the benefits of the surgery can also include increased fullness, restoring breast volume, achieving greater symmetry between your breasts, and creating a more proportional figure overall.
Patients often combine additional plastic surgery procedures with breast augmentation, including liposuction, tummy tuck, and body lift surgery, for a full-body makeover. Moms love our mommy makeovers, which include several procedures to renew their appearance and restore their youthful shape.
What to expect during the procedure
Prior to the procedure, you will have a consultation with Dr. Mosiello to give you a complete understanding of what to expect from your surgery. General anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort. Incision patterns vary. Incisions are usually smaller than one inch.
Following incision, a pocket is created within the chest, either in front of or behind the pectoral muscle. The implant is then inserted and secured within the pocket. Incisions are closed with fine sutures for minimal scarring. Implants are filled with either silicone or saline and come in various sizes. Silicone implants are the most popular, as they typically look and feel more natural. A patient must be 22 years old to qualify for silicone implants.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of breast implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. This procedure is popular among women who wish to improve their body contour, restore breast volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, and achieve better symmetry.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Choosing to undergo breast augmentation offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Appearance: Improve the size and shape of your breasts to achieve a more balanced and proportionate figure.
- Increased Confidence: Many women experience a significant boost in self-esteem and body image following breast augmentation.
- Restored Volume: Restore breast volume that may have been lost due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss.
- Improved Symmetry: Correct asymmetrical breasts and achieve a more harmonious appearance.
Types of Breast Implants
At Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of breast implant options to suit your individual needs and preferences:
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, which closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. These implants are a popular choice due to their natural appearance and feel.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are inserted empty and then filled once in place, allowing for smaller incisions. Saline implants are known for providing a firmer feel compared to silicone implants.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants, also known as form-stable implants, are made of a cohesive silicone gel that retains its shape even if the implant shell is broken. These implants offer a natural look and feel and are less likely to ripple.
The Consultation Process
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery. During this initial meeting, our plastic surgeon will:
- Discuss Your Goals: We take the time to understand your motivations and desired outcomes for breast augmentation.
- Evaluate Your Health: A thorough medical history and physical examination are conducted to ensure you are a suitable candidate for surgery.
- Explain Your Options: We provide detailed information about the different types of breast implants, including the benefits, risks, and expected recovery times.
- Develop a Customized Plan: Based on your goals and health evaluation, we create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your unique needs.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation surgery involves several key steps, each designed to ensure a successful outcome:
Anesthesia
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
Incision Options
The incision technique varies based on the type of implant, the degree of enlargement, and your anatomy. Common incision locations include:
- Inframammary: Along the crease under the breast
- Periareolar: Around the edge of the areola
- Transaxillary: In the armpit
The choice of incision is determined by factors such as your desired outcome and the surgeon’s recommendation.
Implant Placement
Implants can be placed either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular). The placement method depends on your anatomy, the type of implant, and your desired look.
Closing the Incisions
The incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape. The incision lines will fade over time and are usually well-concealed within the natural contours of the breast.
Recovery after breast augmentation
Immediately following breast augmentation, a surgical dressing will be applied to the treatment area. It may be recommended to wear a support bra or other garment to provide support and minimize swelling and bruising.
Dressings are usually removed within a few days and you should be able to return to work within a week. The results of the procedure will be immediately apparent, though residual swelling may affect the appearance temporarily. As with any surgery, strenuous physical activity should be avoided for a few weeks to ensure proper healing takes place. In addition, smoking, certain health conditions, and some medications or supplements can affect the healing process.
Answers to common breast augmentation questions
Will there be scarring from the procedure?
The incisions made during breast augmentation are designed to minimize visible scarring. Incisions lines are typically less than one inch across, and a skilled surgeon will make sure they are hidden within the natural lines of the body. Any visible scars should gradually fade within six months to one year.
Will I feel uncomfortable after the procedure?
After breast augmentation surgery, there may be some tightness or minor discomfort due to increased breast volume and swelling. In most cases, this is easily treated with prescription medication for the first few days. Supportive clothing can also help to minimize discomfort, which should decrease as the swelling subsides.
What are the possible complications after the procedure?
Breast augmentation has a very low rate of complications. On rare occasions, the implant may move, become damaged or require adjustment, which can be performed through surgical revision. Breast implants may also undergo changes in volume or hardness, but these changes can also be remedied with simple surgical treatments. As with all surgical procedures, there is also the risk of poor wound healing, bleeding, scarring, and infection. All risks will be discussed in-depth with Dr. Mosiello during the consultation process prior to your procedure.
Learn more about breast augmentation and its benefits for you
For more information about the breast augmentation process and other cosmetic surgery options, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Gerard C Mosiello by calling Tampa Palms Plastic Surgery (813) 631-1500 or contact us online. We are conveniently located in New Tampa near Wesley Chapel.
