Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most personalized cosmetic procedures available today. As a cosmetic surgery procedure, it is an elective surgical procedure performed to enhance breast size and volume. Patients may choose to undergo breast augmentation for various reasons, such as improving breast size, increasing breast volume, or correcting asymmetry. Every woman’s goals, anatomy, and lifestyle are unique, which is why Dr. Prem Patel offers a range of options to help patients in Southlake, TX, achieve their ideal look with safety and precision. Understanding the choices available for your breast augmentation will help you feel more confident and informed before surgery.
It is essential to choose experienced plastic surgeons for your breast surgery to ensure optimal results and safety.
Table of Contents
- Breast Implant Options: Saline vs. Silicone
- Breast Implant Incision Locations
- Customizing Your Breast Augmentation Experience
- Recovery and Aftercare
- Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Patel
Breast Implant Options: Saline vs. Silicone
One of the first decisions you’ll make with Dr. Patel involves the type of breast implant that will best suit your needs. Both saline and silicone implants can provide beautiful, natural-looking results, but they differ in composition, feel, and how they are placed. Round implants are also an option for patients seeking enhanced upper pole fullness and a more rounded breast shape.
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after being inserted into the breast pocket. This allows for a smaller incision and precise adjustments to size during surgery. Many women appreciate that saline implants offer a firmer feel and immediate detection in the rare event of a rupture. Saline breast implants and silicone breast implants are both types of breast implant devices, each with unique benefits.
Silicone implants, on the other hand, are pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the natural feel of breast tissue. These implants tend to look and feel softer and more natural, making them a popular choice for patients who want a subtle, realistic enhancement. Silicone gel implants are known for their natural feel, and silicone breast implants are available in a variety of profiles and textures. Gummy bear implants, a type of cohesive silicone implant, are FDA-approved, form-stable, and designed to mimic the feel of natural breast tissue closely. Silicone implants also maintain their shape more consistently and are available in a variety of profiles and textures.
Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as fat transfer, is an alternative surgical procedure that uses liposuction to harvest fat from other areas and inject it into the breasts to improve breast volume and correct breast asymmetry.
Implant insertion involves creating an implant pocket, which can be placed above or below the chest muscle or along the chest wall. The choice of breast implant placement affects the final shape and feel of the breasts.
Dr. Patel will guide you in choosing the implant type that best aligns with your body type, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle considerations. Some patients desire a more rounded breast shape or wish to address breast asymmetry.
Breast Implant Incision Locations
Another important aspect of breast augmentation is the incision location. There are several types of breast augmentation incisions, each with implications for scarring and the overall surgical procedures involved. Each option offers unique benefits depending on your anatomy, implant type, and desired outcome. Dr. Patel takes great care to place incisions in discreet areas to minimize visible scarring.
- Inframammary incision: The most common approach, made along the natural crease beneath the breast, known as the inframammary fold. This provides direct access for precise implant placement, reduces infection risk, and is ideal for silicone implants. The inframammary fold incision is also preferred for revision surgery, as it offers improved access and visualization for future procedures.
- Periareolar incision: Made around the edge of the areola, where the darker skin helps conceal the scar. This option allows excellent control over implant positioning but may not be suitable for all patients.
- Transaxillary incision: Created within the natural fold of the armpit, leaving no scar on the breast itself. This method is often used for saline implants and requires specialized surgical skill.
Dr. Patel will discuss the pros and cons of each incision location during your consultation and help determine the best option to achieve your desired results with minimal scarring. The choice of incision location can also influence breast augmentation cost, as some approaches may involve greater surgical complexity.
Customizing Your Breast Augmentation Experience
Beyond implant type and incision location, other factors such as implant size, shape, and placement (above or below the muscle) play a role in achieving balanced, proportionate results. Dr. Patel uses advanced surgical techniques and a personalized approach to enhance your figure while maintaining natural harmony with the rest of your body.
During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Patel will discuss your goals, medical history, implant options, sizing, and expectations in detail with each breast augmentation patient. Breast enhancement surgery can be tailored to individual needs, and some patients may benefit from combining breast augmentations with a breast lift to address sagging and achieve optimal results. General anesthesia is typically used during breast augmentation surgery to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. Implant removal may be considered in the future if complications arise or your preferences change.
Every step of your breast augmentation at WOW Cosmetic Surgery is designed around your goals, from the initial consultation to your recovery plan. Dr. Patel’s experience and artistic eye ensure your results are not only beautiful but tailored specifically to you.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from breast augmentation surgery is a vital part of achieving the best possible results and maintaining your long-term breast health. After your breast augmentation procedure, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising as your body heals and adjusts to the new breast implants. Dr. Patel will provide detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your needs, and following these guidelines closely is essential for a smooth recovery.
During the initial weeks after breast augmentation surgery, you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and any movements that could strain your chest muscles or breast tissue. Most breast augmentation patients are advised to rest and limit physical exertion for at least four weeks, allowing the body to heal and the breast implants to settle into their final position. Wearing a supportive bra as recommended by your surgeon can help minimize swelling and support your new breast shape.
Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your recovery and the condition of your breast implants. Dr. Patel may recommend periodic breast imaging, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, to ensure your breast tissue and implants remain healthy. Staying informed about rare but possible risks, such as breast implant illness (BII) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), empowers you to make proactive decisions about your health. Discuss any concerns with Dr. Patel during your follow-up visits.
To promote optimal healing and minimize scar tissue, protect your incisions from direct sun exposure, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid smoking or nicotine products, as these can slow the healing process. By taking these steps and maintaining open communication with Dr. Patel, you can help ensure a safe recovery and enjoy the beautiful, natural-looking results of your breast augmentation surgery for years to come.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation with Dr. Patel in Dallas, TX
If you’re considering breast augmentation, Dr. Patel and the team at WOW Cosmetic Surgery are ready to help you explore all your options. Schedule a personalized consultation today by calling (833) DR WOW MD or filling out our secure online form to start your journey toward enhanced confidence and natural beauty.