Breast Augmentation

About Breast Augmentation

Breast enhancement surgery is a procedure that resizes the breasts for a fuller appearance. It is known as one of the most desired cosmetic surgeries, granting women who are unhappy with their breasts numerous options for aesthetic improvement. Using breast implants or fat grafting, this cosmetic treatment improves breast size and shape and produces an attractive and balanced outcome. Double board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schoemann is highly skilled in executing this procedure, performing numerous breast augmentations each year that prioritize patient safety and comfort. During your consultation at Schoemann Plastic Surgery in Encinitas, CA, Dr. Schoemann will address your concerns and desires, providing you with all of the options available to tailor a holistic surgical plan that reaches your goals.

Breast Implant Options

During your consultation with Dr. Schoemann, the correct augmentation method will be chosen based on your body frame and the results you hope to attain. Breast implants come in varying sizes, profiles, shapes, and textures — all of which are taken into consideration in order to achieve your desired look. Today, the most commonly chosen breast implants are saline or silicone, both widely chosen and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It is important to mention that individuals considering saline breast implants must be 18 years of age, while patients must be 22 years of age in order to undergo an augmentation using silicone. 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.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are so named because they are filled with sterilized saltwater. These implants are empty when they are inserted and then filled once they have been carefully put into position. These implants tend to be a bit firmer than other types and allow your surgeon plenty of flexibility to adjust the implant’s volume.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel, a thick fluid that is made to resemble the appearance of human fat. In fact, most women say that silicone breast implants offer a more realistic and life-like effect than saline ones, though this is purely a matter of personal preference.

Making The Right Implant Choice

These options may seem overwhelming, but selecting the right implant is simple when you have the right information. You can trust Dr. Schoemann and his staff to take the time to ensure that you are well informed about your options for breast augmentation.

Breast Augmentation Incision Options

In addition to choosing the type of breast implant you desire, you will also need to decide which type of incision you want. Scarring is often hidden within the natural creases and lines of the body regardless of incision type, but this decision will have a significant impact on the placement and prominence of the scars. Also, note that certain types of implants may dictate the incision you need.

As you decide which type of incision you want to have, working closely with your plastic surgeon is advised. Your surgeon will be able to recommend the incision option best aligned with your aesthetic needs and goals. For now, we invite you to consider a few of the primary incision types.

Periareolar Incision

The periareolar incision involves lines made around the nipple, or along what is known as the areolar border. These incisions are quite small, which means that they can typically accommodate unfilled saline implants, but will not create sufficient room for your surgeon to place a silicone implant. This is a great option for patients who also seek a breast lift.

Inframammary Incision

This type of incision is made under the breast fold, near the place where the breast meets the rib cage. Once your surgeon makes these incisions, small pockets can be made, allowing implants to be placed over or just underneath the chest muscle. These larger incisions are often linked with better implant outcomes and fewer complications.

Transaxillary Incision

The transaxillary incision is made in the armpit. More specifically, the surgeon creates a narrow opening from the armpit to the breast, allowing the implant to be put into place. This is a great option for women who do not want any scarring on the breasts themselves. Also note that this type of incision does not impact the nipple, which can make it ideal for women who wish to breastfeed.

Transumbilical Incision

This type of incision is made within the folds of the belly button, usually in the shape of either a C or a J. This is as close as you will find to a truly scarless incision, though, because the incision is so small, it is only viable if you are getting saline implants. Silicone implants are just too large and will require other types of incision.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Breast Augmentation?

The choice to undergo breast augmentation is an extremely personal one for our patients. If you are considering this surgery, it is important that you do it for yourself. Patients should be healthy, be at a normal weight with breasts that are fully developed, and be the correct age to receive implants. Any patient of proper age and weight who is dissatisfied with the overall appearance of their breasts may benefit from this surgery. In addition, if your breasts have been affected by age, pregnancy, or weight loss, this surgical procedure can bring them back to life with increased volume. It is also a welcomed answer for women who weight train or have limited natural breast tissue.

Surgical Technique Options

There are a couple of methods that may be chosen for implant placement. These include either submuscular placement (under the pec muscle), or submammary/subglandular placement (over the pec muscle). Where to place the implant is based on numerous factors including the size and type of implant, as well as Dr. Schoemann’s assessment of the situation. Implant placement is determined based on your body type, implant size, and lifestyle.

What to Expect During and After The Procedure

Cosmetic breast surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery using general anesthesia. After completing the incision, the appropriate implant will be placed through the incision and deposited into a surgically created pocket, and then fitted into its proper position. Following the placement of the implant, the incision is closed with sutures or surgical adhesives. All patients will be taken into a recovery area and carefully monitored and screened before being released. You will be sent home wearing a medical sports bra 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. While individual results vary, most patients can resume normal activities within several days; however, exercise should be avoided for at least 6 – 8 weeks. Breast enhancement surgery produces beautiful outcomes that look and feel normal. This treatment, in most cases, can be life-changing for many individuals, allowing them the chance to feel more confident.

What is the Recovery for Breast Augmentation Like?

Recovery from breast augmentation varies from one patient to the next, but typically, you can assume that your recovery will take at least six weeks. The majority of your pain, swelling, and bruising will occur within the first week, with most patients saying that they experience significant improvement within 72 hours or so. You may feel ready to return to work within a week or 10 days, but you will need to hold off on strenuous physical activity for about a month.

Also note that, due to the amount of swelling that you can experience, it may take some time before you get a good sense of your breast augmentation results.

Get The Look You Want

Cosmetic breast surgery is popular for so many reasons. This treatment is FDA approved for safety and effectiveness and produces beautiful outcomes. With an abundance of enhancement options, you can achieve the appearance you have always dreamed of. Schoemann Plastic Surgery is proud to provide this proven treatment and we invite you to learn more.

Contact Schoemann Plastic Surgery in Encinitas to schedule your consultation with Dr. Schoemann today at (760) 487-2520 or by filling out our online form.