Breast augmentation can achieve several goals, including:
- Enlarging small breasts
- Creating breast symmetry
- Correction of mis-shapen breasts
- Reshaping and enlarging of breasts that have lost their shape or fullness due to pregnancy, weight fluctuation, the aging process, or genetics
Your Consultation
Your breast augmentation consultation will serve as the first step in making the decision to enhance your breasts. During your consultation, Dr. Patel will address your questions, concerns, and expectations, as well as your options for breast augmentation, including type of implants, your incision, implant placement, and implant size.
He will also review your medical history to ensure that you do not have any existing health conditions that may increase your risk of complications. The ideal candidate will be in good physical and psychological health and have fully developed breasts.
Understanding Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
Incision Options
Dr. Patel offers the following incision options: inframammary and periareolar. Although there is a third type of incision option called transaxillary, Dr. Patel feels the former options allow for the most precise placement of implants. Each incision type provides exceptional results, but the right one for you will depend on your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and type of implant used.
Inframammary
This incision option is most often selected because it allows for the most precise implant placement. The incision is made in the crease where the lower part of the breast meets the chest. Once the scar is healed, it is barely noticeable.
Periareolar
Periareolar incisions also allow for precise implant placement, and scarring is typically camouflaged well along the areolar skin. The incision is made at the lower, outer edge of the areola, usually in the shape of a semicircle.
Transaxillary
This incision option often leaves no scars on the breasts. With the transaxillary option, the incision is made in the armpit, creating a passage to the implant site.
Many Cascade Plastic Surgery patients choose to schedule the Excel-V laser package to improve redness of scar.
Implant Type
Dr. Patel uses two implant types: silicone and saline. Both may lead to optimal outcomes. However, outcomes will differ in the way that they provide volume and shape.
Silicone
Silicone implants are currently approved for breast augmentation in women aged 22 and older. Many Cascade Plastic Surgery patients believe silicone breast implants feel more like natural breasts to the touch, so they are usually selected more frequently than saline implants.
Saline
Saline implants are approved for breast augmentation in women age 18 and older. The shape and firmness of saline implants can vary depending on how full they are and your present breast volume.
Implant Shape
The implant shape that you select for breast augmentation will affect your overall results. Dr. Patel will assist during this selection process, taking into consideration your unique anatomy and desired outcome.
Round
Round implants are a popular option for Cascade Plastic Surgery patients who prefer a bold, yet very natural look. These types of breast implants have an equal amount of volume in both the top and bottom portion.
Contoured
Contoured implants have a subtle, sloping shape that closely matches the natural curve of breasts. They are often referred to as “teardrop” implants.
Implant Location
Breast implants can be placed either in front of the pectoral muscle or behind it. Typically, Cascade Plastic Surgery patients benefit from the placement under the muscle. Dr. Patel will determine which placement is used based on your anatomy, desired result, lifestyle/activities, preference, implant type, and size of enlargement.
Recovery
Immediately following your breast augmentation procedure, you should anticipate soreness and swelling in your breasts for several weeks. Dr. Patel will provide detailed instructions for resuming your normal activities. You should avoid exercising or partaking in strenuous activity for at least six weeks. He will also provide an explanation of how to best care for your breasts after surgery, including follow-up appointments, massage techniques, medications, and what type of bras to wear.
