Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to increase the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts. This typically involves placing breast implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles.
Some patients, especially women who have had children and have loose skin near the breast, may need a breast lift, also called a mastopexy, concurrently with the breast augmentation procedure. This combination procedure is known as augmentation mastopexy and is also referred to as a breast augmentation with lift.
Getting a breast lift and implants creates increased volume, perkiness, and projection while eliminating a drooping appearance. The procedure also only requires a single recovery period.
Whether or not you need a breast lift depends on your degree of skin laxity and the size of the implant you choose. In cases where only elimination of sagging is required, a breast lift without implants is also an excellent choice.
Breast Implant Options
Breast implants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, profiles, textures, and types. The choices made regarding these qualities affect the look and feel of the breasts. During your consultation, Dr. Bartlett will discuss your goals and recommend an implant to best suit your needs.
Patients can choose between saline breast implants and silicone breast implants. While saline implants are silicone shells that are filled with a sterile saltwater solution during surgery, silicone implants are silicone shells that come pre-filled with silicone gel. Each option offers its own benefits and drawbacks that Dr. Bartlett will discuss.
Gummy bear implants are a popular type of silicone implant. Gummy bear implants come pre-filled with a highly cohesive thick silicone gel that is resistant to leakage. These implants are referred to as “form-stable implants” due to their ability to retain their form when a rupture occurs.
The size of a breast implant must be chosen relative to the patient’s frame in order to result in a natural appearance. Large breast implants may be an ideal option, or small breast implants may be the right choice. Only with an examination can the proper implant size be chosen.
Breast implants come in different profiles: low, moderate, and high-profile. These breast implant options are available, along with varying gradations of these such as moderate-plus. These classifications relate to implant width and projection measurements and will be discussed and explained by Dr. Bartlett.
Smooth and textured implants are options, as are round and anatomical (teardrop-shaped) implants. Patients can find out more about these during their consultation with Dr. Bartlett.
Breast Augmentation Consultation
If you are considering a breast augmentation procedure in Boston, the first step is a confidential consultation with Dr. Bartlett. At this time, he will perform a medical evaluation and listen carefully to understand your goals. He will answer questions about the benefits and risks of breast augmentation surgery, describe the treatment process, and may discuss alternative treatment options such as combination procedures like a breast lift or mastopexy.
After the initial breast augmentation consultation, you will return to our Boston area office to “try on” implants. This involves placing implant sizers in your bra and looking in a mirror. This method is helpful in determining your goals with breast augmentation and choosing an implant size.
Dr. Bartlett will create and personalize your surgical plan and will help you choose an implant that is appropriate and will last a long time.
Breast Augmentation Procedure – What to expect
Dr. Bartlett will make an incision in one of several possible locations: along the areolar edge (periareolar), in the fold under the breast (inframammary), or in the armpit (transaxillary). The implant is inserted into a pocket under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement). Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and skin. One of the latest advances in patient care has been the liberal use of local anesthetic within the implant pocket. This technique significantly reduces post operative pain and allows you to wake up comfortably.
General anesthesia is used for breast augmentation surgery.
2 to 3 hours. The exact duration of surgery will depend on the treatment plan, techniques used, and if there are other procedures performed during your procedure.
Breast augmentation is performed in our AAAASF Certified office operating room in the Boston, Massachusetts, area.
Breast Augmentation and Recovery
Dr Bartlett and his staff will review and discuss details of the recovery process, providing instructions and prescription medications prior to surgery. You will be asked to have a friend or family member drive you home and help with you recovery during the first few days.
After surgery, you will remain in a surgical bra. Most patients may shower beginning at 48 hours but must continue wearing a supportive sports bra day and night for 6 weeks.
Swelling and bruising can last for 1 to 2 weeks. The final shape and contour will take months to be apparent. Pain medication is prescribed and is typically used for 2 or 3 days after surgery. Numbness and firmness may persist for months but does not affect appearance.
Most patients will take a week off from work. Light exercise is permitted beginning at 2 weeks. Heavier, strenuous exercise must wait at least six weeks. The final result of breast augmentation can be judged 3 to 6 months after surgery.
“I certainly cannot speak highly enough about Dr. Bartlett and his team. I felt as though I were being pampered through the entire process. I have always dreamed of having a breast augmentation and was held back by fear. I am so glad I finally decided to do it, I am so glad I found Dr. Bartlett, and I wish I’d done it sooner!”
Cost
Cost of breast augmentation is dependent on factors such as the time it takes to perform the surgery, the type of anesthesia used, and the techniques utilized. There is an additional cost of the implants.
An estimate of the cost can be provided over the phone by the front desk administrator. After your consultation with Dr. Bartlett a specific, detailed quote will be provided.
Schedule a consultation
Contact our office to schedule a consultation regarding a breast augmentation in Boston with Dr. Richard A. Bartlett. He can let you know if surgery is the best option for you and can provide you with outstanding results from your procedure.
Need More Help?
Check out these related procedures
Breast Lift
This breast procedure is highly recommended for patients with sagging breasts. It improves the tone and firmness of the breasts by removing excess skin and resizing/repositioning the nipples.
Breast Asymmetry
Many women have size and shape differences between their breasts. This can be solved by reducing the larger breast, increasing the size of the smaller breast.