Genetics and other natural circumstances play a role in your overall appearance, including the size and shape of your breasts. If you are dissatisfied with your breasts and want to make a change, a breast augmentation procedure can provide volume and fullness to your breasts, giving you natural-looking, lasting results and a boost of self-confidence.

Dr. Mark Schoemann of Schoemann Plastic Surgery is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience helping patients from Del Mar, CA, look and feel their absolute best through breast augmentation. During your consultation, he can address your questions and concerns, establish your safety and comfort needs, and create a comprehensive surgical plan to meet your needs.


What Is Breast Augmentation?

A breast augmentation procedure aims to enlarge the breasts and provide beautiful shape and contour. Breast enlargement is most commonly achieved with breast implants, but fat grafting can also offer great results, depending on your needs.

When you opt for a breast augmentation, you are in control. There are several options you can choose from, including your implant and incision type, which you and Dr. Schoemann can discuss together. You can trust Dr. Schoemann at Schoemann Plastic Surgery to provide knowledgeable guidance to help you achieve the results that fit your preferred self-image.

Breast Implants — Saline vs. Silicone

Along with choosing the right size for your frame and desired outcome, you must also decide what type of implant is best for your needs. Breast implants vary in shape, profile, and texture. Because women’s bodies are all unique, choosing the right type of implant is key to the success of your breast augmentation.

While both saline and silicone implants help achieve the goal of larger breasts, each involves different requirements and surgical approaches. It can be overwhelming to decide which implants would be best for you, but Dr. Schoemann and the team at Schoemann Plastic Surgery can provide much-needed advice and guidance to help you choose the best implants for you.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are full of saline, or sterilized salt water. These implants are empty when inserted in the chest and filled with saline once safely placed inside.

One of the benefits of saline implants is flexibility, as Dr. Schoemann is in control of how much or how little water to add to the implants for the best results. Saline implants do tend to be a bit firmer than silicone implants, and you must be at least 18 years old to be eligible.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are different from saline implants as they are pre-filled with a thick silicone gel. These implants are the most natural feeling, as silicone mimics the feel of natural breasts. Because the implant is bigger, it usually requires a slightly bigger incision.

You must be at least 22 years old to select silicone implants for breast augmentation surgery.


Incision Types for Breast Augmentation

Not only can you choose the type and size of implant you want, but you can also decide the kind of surgical incision you would prefer for your breast augmentation. Dr. Schoemann can certainly help you figure out which incision would be best for you based on your body, needs, and chosen implants.

During your consultation at Schoemann Plastic Surgery, you will learn more about incision options, including these common types:

Periareolar Incision

The periareolar incision is given its name because it is created along the outer border of the areola. This type of incision is often best for saline implants, as the incision can be much smaller. If you choose silicone implants, this incision type may not be the best suited for the size and shape of the implant.

Inframammary Incision

An inframammary incision is created underneath the breast along the natural breast fold, which significantly helps hide any potential scarring. Once the inframammary incision is created, Dr. Schoemann can create a pocket where he can place the implant either over or under the pectoralis (chest) muscle. Prior to surgery, Dr. Schoemann can help you decide how to place the implant for maximum results.

Transaxillary Incision

Transaxillary incisions are created in the armpit, hidden along the natural folds in the area. This type of incision is usually best if you wish to avoid any and all visible scarring around the breast area.

Transumbilical Incision

The transumbilical incision is created around the inside of the belly button. This type of incision is typically the most “invisible,” as it is almost completely unnoticeable. However, because the incision is so small, transumbilical incisions are only available if you opt for saline implants.


Breast Augmentation Procedure and Recovery

At the time of your procedure, you will receive general anesthesia, helping you sleep and remain comfortable throughout your surgery. Dr. Schoemann will create the desired incision and carefully place the implant within the breast. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures and surgical adhesives, and you will be fitted for a medical bra to help support the new breasts.

After your surgery, you will spend some time in recovery. Since breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, you can go home to begin your healing. Recovery from breast augmentation surgery typically takes six to eight weeks. It is not uncommon to experience slight discomfort right after your procedure as your body adjusts to the new implants. However, most patients report a significant improvement within about 72 hours.

You will likely want to take off work and your daily routine for a few days after surgery. Avoid exercise and strenuous activity for a few weeks while you heal, and the implants settle.

The team at Schoemann Plastic Surgery near Del Mar is available to help you at any stage of your surgical journey for a quality experience and favorable results.


Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today

A breast augmentation can give you the confidence you need to feel your best. Dr. Schoemann performs this procedure to help people who live in Del Mar, CA meet their aesthetic goals. To discover whether breast augmentation can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, contact Schoemann Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation today.