Breast augmentation is a procedure designed to enhance breast size and shape through the placement of synthetic implants. At our Seattle plastic surgery practice, Dr. Rand performs breast augmentation using saline or silicone gel implants of varying shapes and sizes.
Breast enhancement is a relatively complex topic, but we are committed to helping patients understand their options before proceeding with surgery. The information below is presented briefly for quick reference. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact our office in Bellevue for more details.
Before and After Breast Augmentation in Bellevue, WA.
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Saline Breast Implants
Saline implants are made of a silicone rubber outer shell filled with sterile saltwater. These implants are widely used by plastic surgeons and preferred by some patients for several reasons:
- Implant volume is adjustable
- The cost of the breast implant is lower
- Postoperative exams are simpler without an MRI
- Surgical incisions are smaller as implants are filled during surgery
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone gel implants are made of a silicone rubber shell filled with cohesive gel that closely mimics natural breast tissue. A large number of our patients in Seattle are choosing silicone implants for the natural results they consistently provide. Some key benefits of silicone gel implants are as follows:
- Implant is lighter
- Gel feels like real breast tissue
- Less likely to be visible beneath skin
How Breast Augmentation is Performed
Surgery requires the placement of the implant in a central location beneath the nipple. The surgeon and patient must choose an implant placement method and corresponding surgical incision, which partially depends on the implant type that is desired.
Breast Implant Placement: options include above the pectoral muscle, beneath the muscle, or partially beneath the muscle. This choice may affect the appearance of your breasts and your expected recovery time.
Breast Augmentation Incisions: surgical incisions can be done below the breast, around the nipple, near the armpit or in the navel. Surgery scars can be easily concealed with all of these methods.
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After Breast Augmentation: What to Expect
Expect to be tired and sore for a few days after your surgery, but after 48 hours you should be walking around. Pain is well tolerated with prescribed medications. Depending on the level of activity required for your occupation, returning to work may be possible within a few days. Most of our patients in Bellevue say the recovery was easier than expected.
Within several days gauze dressings will be removed and Dr. Rand will provide a special bra. You may experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about 2 weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades. Stitches are removed in 7-10 days, but swelling may take 3-5 weeks to completely disappear.
You will be given special instructions on when to resume exercises and normal activities. Expect sensitivity in your breasts for 2-3 weeks. Surgery scars will be firm and pink for several weeks. The appearance of scars will change over the course of the following year, but eventually they will fade and flatten out. Scars will never disappear completely.
Routine examinations will be recommended, which may include MRI, mammograms and ultrasound.
Breast Augmentation FAQ
Should I choose saline or silicone breast implants?
Both implant types are capable of producing attractive, natural results. You need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each, taking into account your personal preferences.
Consider future exams. To check implant integrity, saline implants require a clinical exam, mammogram and ultrasound while silicone gel implants require an MRI.
Consider your body type: silicone gel feels natural but that matters less if the patient has adequate tissue coverage or the implant is placed below the muscle.
Consider the price: Silicone gel implants cost more for the surgeon and that cost is passed down to you.
There are several other factors to consider. For most people, the most significant difference lies in how the implants feel. They basically look the same when breast augmentation is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
What is the Right Breast Implant Size and Shape?
The best implant for you will have a base diameter that matches your chest wall diameter and a profile that creates a look you desire. Breast implant volume and desired cup size are less important factors.
Breast implant sizers can help you make a decision, but they might not accurately predict your final result. Expect your size to change slightly in the 3-4 months following surgery.
What is the best breast augmentation incision?
The inframmary fold incision (in the breast crease) is the most versatile choice. With this incision, any breast implant size can be inserted and all revisions can be done through the same incision.
The transaxillary incision (near the armpit) is used less frequently than it was years ago. This method does not allow direct access to the breast pocket, so it may require the use of an endoscope. Also, if revision surgery becomes necessary another incision may be needed.
The areolar incision (around the nipple) is a popular choice and the surgery scar will usually blend in nicely with the pigment of the areola. But for some patients, the areolae are not large enough to place a silicone gel breast implant of the desired size. A peri-areolar (around the entire areola) incision allows for larger implant insertion plus a modest breast lift.
Breast Augmentation – Quick Facts
What is it: Enhance the size of breasts using inflatable implants filled with saline.
Procedure Time: 1 to 2 hours.
Anesthesia: General anesthesia or local with sedation
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.
Side Effects: Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
Risks of Breast Augmentation: Lack of implant permanence -- surgical removal or replacement of the implants may be required to treat problems, including: rupture; the formation of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture), which may cause the breast to feel tight or hard; bleeding or infection. Increase or decrease in sensitivity of nipples or breast skin, occasionally permanent. Mammography requires a special technique.
Recovery time: Back to work in a few days. Physical contact with breasts: 3 to 4 weeks. Fading of scars: several months to a year or more. Duration of Results: Variable. Implants may require removal or replacement.
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