What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation, also referred to as Augmentation Mammoplasty, is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. and one of our most popular services. Breast augmentation can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned look through the placement of saline or silicone implants in the breast.
Our patients elect to undergo breast augmentation for many different medical and aesthetic reasons, including balancing breast size, compensating for reduced breast mass after pregnancy or surgery, and correcting a congenital breast defect. Under Dr. Turk's expert care, patients enjoy great-looking, natural-feeling breasts that are one or more cup sizes larger after the operation.
What are the Different Types of Breast Implants?
After many years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved silicone breast implants for breast augmentation surgery. Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Both implant types are very safe, and each offers its own advantages. We will help you decide which kind is right for you. During surgery, we will place the implants behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or the chest wall muscle.
We are proud to offer patients the option of silicone gel-filled breast implants as well. These types of breast implants are much softer and feel more natural than saline-filled breast implants.
How is Breast Augmentation Surgery Performed?
Incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility. These may be located:
- In the armpit (transaxillary)
- In the crease on the underside of the breast (inframammary)
- Around the areola, the dark skin around the nipple (periareolar)
The breast is then lifted, creating a pocket into which the implant is inserted.
Saline implants may also be placed endoscopically through an incision in the navel. This minimally invasive breast enhancement technique is known as a transumbilical breast augmentation or TUBA approach.
How Long Does a Breast Augmentation Procedure Take?
The breast augmentation procedure lasts one to two hours.
Does a Breast Augmentation Require Anesthesia?
Breast Augmentation is typically performed with general anesthesia.
Breast Implant Placement Options
Implant placement beneath the muscle of the chest offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations. Possible disadvantages include need for drainage tubes and elevated pain in the first few days following surgery. We will discuss which option may be best for you.
In the TUBA procedure, implants cannot be placed beneath the chest wall.
After the implants have been inserted and positioned beneath the nipples, the incisions are stitched closed, then taped and bandaged. In a few days, these bandages may be replaced with a surgical bra.
What is the Recovery from Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast Augmentation NaplesMost patients feel tired and sore after breast augmentation surgery, but this usually passes in a day or two. Many patients return to work within the week.
Stitches are removed in a week to 10 days after breast augmentation. Any post-operative pain, swelling and sensitivity will diminish over the first few weeks.
What Will My Scarring Look Like After a Breast Augmentation?
Scars from breast augmentation incisions will begin to fade in a few months and will continue to fade for months or years.
Are There Risks to Breast Augmentation?
Complications following breast augmentation surgery are uncommon and usually minimal. They may include capsular contracture, swelling and pain, infection around the implant, a change in nipple sensation, milk production if you nursed a baby within a year before the procedure, and breakage or leakage of the implant (implant rupture) as a result of injury or the normal compression and movement of your breast.
If a saline implant ruptures, the implant will simply deflate in a few hours and your body will absorb the salt water. If a silicone implant leaks, you will need to see a doctor immediately. Regular monitoring of breast implants after breast augmentation is recommended to ensure continuing breast and implant health.
What is the Keller Funnelâ„¢?
The Keller Funnel™ is a single use, cone-shaped device that assists in the delivery of pre-filled implants during breast augmentation procedures. Surgeons who use the Funnel can offer patients a no-touch technique to prevent contamination. Made of nylon, the interior of the Keller Funnel™ is lined with a hydrophilic coating which becomes extremely lubricious when submerged in a saline or sterile solution.
Speak to your surgeon about the merits of the Keller Funnel™ and why using it in your procedure may provide the following benefits:
- Shorter incision lengths
- No touch technique
- More choices for incision placement
- Reduced force on the implant and incision
Can Breast Augmentation Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Breast augmentation can achieve dramatic and beautiful results on its own as well as in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery or non-invasive procedures. We sometimes recommend combining breast augmentation with other procedures such as a breast lift for more satisfying results.
Why Choose Naples Cosmetic Surgery Center for Breast Augmentation Surgery?
We know that every woman is unique in both her desires and her body shape. With that in mind, we take the time during the pre-operative consultations to learn what each patient hopes to gain from breast augmentation surgery and to decide which implant type and implant placement is best. In this way, every one of our patients enjoys completely customized treatment designed with her specific goals in mind.
Are silicone breast implants safe?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the approval and availability of silicone gel-filled breast implants for cosmetic breast surgery. Now all women over 22 years old seeking cosmetic breast augmentation and women seeking breast reconstruction surgery will be able to select saline or silicone breast implants. The availability of silicone gel implants will create new options for women considering breast surgery for the first time and for those who have had previous surgeries but are seeking new replacements or revisions. For more information on the safety of breast implants, visit www.breastimplantsafety.org or call 239-316-1689.
Will breast augmentation increase my risk for breast cancer?
No. Many studies conducted and published in peer-reviewed journals found no correlation between breast implant surgery and breast cancer. There is no delay in the detection of breast cancer due to the implant. Radiologists are able to image the breast tissue with a saline or silicone implant present. However, make the technician
aware you have had breast implant surgery.
The FDA has approved the use of saline and silicone implants for primary breast augmentation. These implants have always been available for breast reconstruction, following the removal of breast tissue for cancer.
What Our Patients Have to Say
"Recently had a consult for a cosmetic procedure. The office is very inviting and the staff is very professional. The patient coordinator Kristi and Dr. Turk were both very pleasant, professional, and informative. There was no pressure to commit which I appreciate!"
-Josette R.
"It’s always a pleasure to go to see Dr Turk and his staff at the beautiful Naples Cosmetic Center . I have never been disappointed with the results."
-Lois J.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today!
Interested in learning more about augmentation mammoplasty? Give us a call at 239-316-1689 to schedule your breast enhancement consultation today! We proudly serve Naples, Florida and surrounding areas!