About Breast Augmentation
Breast size and shape are important to women for a variety of reasons. For some, loss of breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy can cause a decrease in self-confidence. Breast augmentation is one of the most desired cosmetic surgeries, granting women who are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts numerous options for improvement. Using breast implants, this cosmetic treatment improves breast size and shape and produces an attractive and balanced outcome. Breast augmentation with implants can also be performed to reconstruct a breast after a mastectomy or injury. La Mesa, CA plastic surgeon Scott Sessions is highly trained and experienced in executing this procedure and performs many breast augmentations year-round. During your consultation at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre, Dr. Sessions will address your concerns and desires and provide you with information on all of the options available.
Implant Options
Before your surgery, you and Dr. Sessions will choose the best implant option for you based on your body frame and the results you hope to attain. Breast implants come in varying sizes and profiles, as well as shapes and textures — all of which are taken into consideration in order to achieve the desired look. Today, the most commonly chosen breast implants are saline or silicone, both approved to use per the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It is important to mention that individuals considering saline breast implants must be at least 18 years of age while patients must be at least 22 years of age in order to receive silicone implants. Two other types of augmentations include gummy bear implants and an autologous approach through fat grafting. Aside from the type of augmentation chosen, there are other notable factors to consider.
Size
Implant size is chosen based on the number of CCs of silicone or saline used. To determine the correct amount, Dr. Sessions will compare how much original tissue exists and the size you wish to attain. During surgery, it is common for Dr. Sessions to temporarily switch out multiple implants to find the ideal fit.
Shape
Breast implants are produced in either a round or teardrop shape. Both shapes are commonly used; however, most of our patients select a round shape. It often appears more natural and adds a fullness to the top portion of the breast that a majority of patients want.
Profile
Breast profile refers to the projection of the breast out from the body. This is what you see from the side view. Projections range from low to extra high.
Making Your Choices
These options may seem overwhelming, but selecting the right implant is easy once your objectives are discussed during your consultation. These considerations, paired with Dr. Sessions's skills and experience, ensure that your desired outcome is achieved.
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Ideal Candidates
The choice to undergo breast augmentation is personal. If you are considering this surgery, it is important you do it for yourself. You should be healthy and at a normal weight with breasts that are fully formed. You must also be at least 18 or 21 years old to receive implants. If you are dissatisfied with the overall appearance of your breasts because they look lifeless or are smaller than you would like, you may benefit from this surgery. It is also a welcomed answer if you weight train or have limited native breast tissue. In addition, if your breasts have been affected by age, pregnancy, or weight loss, this surgical procedure can help bring them back to life with increased volume. However, if your breasts have significant sagging, you may also need to have a breast lift to achieve your aesthetic goal.
Surgical Technique
Incision type, as well as implant placement, are decisions that will need to be made prior to surgery. Breast augmentations are generally performed as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia with sedation, but general anesthesia can be used if you feel very nervous. During the procedure, an incision is created, and then the chosen implant will be slipped into its position. There are a couple of methods that can be used for implant placement. These are submuscular placement (under the pec muscle) and submammary/subglandular placement (over the pec muscle). Where to place the implant is based on numerous factors, including your body type, the implant size, your lifestyle, and Dr. Sessions's discretion. Common incision locations include the breast crease, in the underarm, or around the areola (pigmented skin surrounding the nipple). After completing the incision, the appropriate implant will be placed through the incision, deposited into a surgically created pocket, and then fitted into its proper position. Following the placement of the implant, the incision will be closed with sutures or surgical adhesives.
What to Expect
After your procedure, you will spend some time in our recovery area to be carefully monitored and screened before being released. You will be sent home wearing a medical sports bra or other compression garments to assist with swelling. Within a few days, the swelling will start to dissipate, and the breasts will begin to feel normal as they get used to their new position. You will need to rest for 24 – 48 hours after your surgery and maintain reduced activity for a few more days. While individual results vary, most patients can resume normal activities within several days; however, exercise may need to be avoided for 6 – 8 weeks. Breast enhancement surgery produces beautiful outcomes that look and feel normal. This treatment can be life changing for many individuals, allowing them to feel more secure and confident about their body.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does breast augmentation cost?
Your cost for breast augmentation will vary based on your choices and whether you are having any other surgeries at the same time. When your treatment plan is developed during your consultation, Dr. Sessions can talk to you about your estimated costs and financing options. To ensure your results match your goals and last a long time, it's important to focus on quality over costs.
Do I need a breast lift or augmentation?
Your plan may include breast augmentation, a lift, or both. A breast lift removes excess skin and improves the "perkiness" of the breasts while augmentation addresses the size and shape of the breasts. During your consultation with Dr. Sessions, he will listen to your needs and goals before explaining your treatment options. A combination of augmentation and lift are often a part of a body contouring procedure to rejuvenate the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Can I breastfeed with implants?
If you want to breastfeed after breast augmentation, be sure to tell Dr. Sessions during your consultation. It is usually possible to breastfeed after implants with the right surgical technique and placement. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter your results so it may be best to wait until after you are done having children to have breast augmentation.
Can I have my implants removed?
You may decide that you want to replace or remove your implants. If this happens, Dr. Sessions can perform breast revision surgery. During the revision surgery, your current implants can either be replaced with new implants or removed completely. If you choose to have your implants removed, you may need to have excess skin removed also since larger implants can stretch your skin. If you have any questions or concerns after your augmentation surgery, schedule an appointment at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre to discuss your options.
Do implants cause breast cancer?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a link between implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This is not breast cancer, but it is a cancer of the immune cells. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), implant-related ALCL is very rare, and when caught early, it is easy to treat. Dr. Sessions encourages all patients with implants to get regular screenings for breast cancer. You should contact Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre if you notice any concerns, such as swelling or other visible changes.
Get the Look You Want
Cosmetic breast surgery is popular for many reasons, ranging from a wish to have larger breasts to breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Breast augmentation is FDA approved for safety and effectiveness and produces beautiful outcomes. There is an abundance of enhancement options for size and shape so you can get the appearance you have always dreamed of. Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre is proud to provide this proven treatment, and we invite you to learn more. Contact Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre in La Mesa, CA to schedule your first office visit with Dr. Sessions.
