Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed worldwide. This procedure is a great way to boost your confidence and self-esteem, whether you seek subtle or dramatic results. In addition to helping patients reach their aesthetic desires, breast augmentation is widely sought to help restore body contours after pregnancy or to rebuild breasts after mastectomy. Breast augmentation offers the opportunity to help you feel more comfortable in your body.
What Types of Breast Implants Are Available?
Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that increases breast volume. Patients considering larger breasts can choose from several implant options based on their anatomy, preferred breast size, and goals for a natural appearance.
Silicone breast implants contain silicone gel, which provides a feel similar to natural breast tissue. Often called silicone gel filled implants, these devices come in different shapes, sizes, and firmness levels. More cohesive silicone gel implants, including gummy bear breast implants, hold their shape more firmly, although a damaged shell still requires evaluation.
Saline breast implants contain sterile salt water and can be inserted empty before being filled during surgery. Some saline designs, known as structured implants, use internal chambers to help support their shape. Saline implants still require an operation and carry surgical risks.
Implant shape also influences the result. Round implants can provide upper pole fullness, while implant placement and existing tissue affect the overall contour. At ACW Plastic Surgery, a plastic surgeon can explain which options best fit your goals and whether fat transfer may be an alternative or complement to implants.
The surgical technique may involve subglandular placement, which positions the implant behind breast tissue and above the muscle, or placement partially beneath the pectoralis major muscle. This pectoral muscle lies along the chest wall, and the amount of tissue coverage helps guide placement decisions.
Incisions may follow the natural crease beneath the breast or use a periareolar incision along the edge of the areola. Incision planning can help limit visible scars, but some scarring is expected. Patients with sagging breasts, including changes following pregnancy or weight fluctuations, may also need a breast lift to address excess skin.
Breast Implant Safety
Understanding breast implant safety is an important part of planning breast surgery. Implants are medical devices that are not intended to last a lifetime, and some patients need revision surgeries or breast implant removal. Complications can include infection, implant rupture, or tightening of scar tissue around the implant, which may cause firmness or breast pain.
When an implant leaks, saline is absorbed by the body, while silicone may remain within the surrounding capsule or spread beyond it. Silicone ruptures can occur without noticeable symptoms, making recommended imaging and follow-up important. Depending on the findings, surgical removal or replacement may be recommended.
Textured breast implants carry a higher risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a rare cancer involving the immune system, than smooth implants. Other reported symptoms associated with implants include fatigue, joint pain, and difficulty concentrating, although their causes remain poorly understood. Discuss new or persistent symptoms with your surgeon.
Before treatment, discuss anesthesia, the surgery center, and recovery instructions with your provider. You may be advised to wear a supportive surgical bra during early healing and transition to a sports bra when approved. ACW Plastic Surgery can help you understand implant options, potential complications, and ongoing monitoring before you decide to proceed.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery typically involves making an incision to create a pocket either beneath the chest muscle (submuscular) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular) and placing the chosen implant into this pocket. The choice of implant can influence both the incision type and the placement. For example, saline implants, which can be inserted empty and filled once in place, may allow for smaller incisions compared to pre-filled silicone or gummy bear implants. Silicone and gummy bear implants, being pre-filled, require slightly larger incisions. Regardless of the implant type, the procedure is carefully planned to minimize scarring and achieve natural-looking results. The skill and experience of at ACW Plastic Surgery ensures that the process is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and desired outcomes.
Breast Implant Surgery Recovery
Recovery from breast augmentation typically involves a few days of rest and limited activity, with most patients able to return to work within a week. Initial swelling and discomfort are common but can be managed with prescribed medications. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks to ensure proper healing. Follow-up appointments with are crucial to help monitor progress and ensure optimal results. At ACW Plastic Surgery, we provide detailed post-operative care instructions and support to make your recovery as smooth as possible.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about breast augmentation procedures at ACW Plastic Surgery in Annapolis, MD, schedule a consultation with by filling out an online contact form. Every patient is unique, and so too, should be each breast augmentation procedure. Annapolis residents trust in ‘s expertise to create a plan that’s tailored to their individual needs, factoring in their anatomy, proportions, and goals.
