Breast Augmentation
At South Shore Plastic Surgery, we understand your decision to undergo breast augmentation is a deeply personal one, often driven by your desire to improve your self-image, self-confidence and everyday life. Rest assured, our team, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Vasisht, is here to guide you through every step of this transformative journey.
Breast augmentation surgery remains one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures globally. Given its significant impact on body confidence, it’s no surprise that many are eager to understand how the process works. This article aims to provide an all-encompassing view of how breast augmentation surgery is performed.
Preoperative Assessment: The Foundation of Successful Surgery
Your journey begins with an initial consultation, where we’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and address any concerns you might have. During this meeting, we’ll assess your medical history and perform a physical examination to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. We believe an informed decision is empowered, so we encourage you to ask questions. A mammogram or ultrasound may be required depending on age and risk factors.
Choosing Implants: Restoring Balance and Symmetry
The next step is selecting the type of implant right for you. Saline or silicone? Round or teardrop-shaped? Together, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of each option to find the perfect fit that aligns with your desired look and lifestyle needs. We take the time to guide you through the complexities of choosing the most suitable breast implants, balancing aesthetics, comfort and safety to find your perfect match.
Understanding Your Implant Options
You’ll be pleased that we offer options to meet your aesthetic and medical requirements.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are highly regarded for their natural look and feel, closely mimicking biological breast tissue. This option is popular among women looking for a more natural curve and softness. However, it’s essential to know that the FDA recommends regular MRI screenings to monitor for possible silicone leakage. In the rare event of a rupture, the gel usually remains trapped in the fibrous capsule, making it less likely to cause immediate issues but necessitating surgical removal.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile saline water, offering different benefits. They are generally considered a safer option because saline water is harmless and will be absorbed by the body in the case of a rupture. These implants are also adjustable, allowing minor size corrections after the surgery. However, they may not offer the same natural feel as silicone implants and can be more prone to rippling.
Alongside these core types, we also offer specialized options to tailor the surgery further:
Gummy Bear Implants
These are a form of silicone implants but are more cohesive, meaning they hold their shape better. They are less likely to rupture and leak but may require a larger incision for placement.
Textured Implants
These implants have a rough surface that helps them adhere to the breast tissue, reducing the risk of movement and complications post-surgery.
Smooth Implants
These are softer and can move more naturally in the breast pocket. However, they may have a higher risk of certain complications like rippling.
Your Consultation Is More than Just Measurements
During your consultation, Dr. Vasisht and our expert staff will discuss these options in detail, considering your lifestyle, medical history and aesthetic goals. We’ll also guide you through different implant shapes, sizes and profiles to achieve your desired look and feel. Rest assured, and we’re here to ensure that your choice enhances your physical appearance, comfort, confidence and overall well-being.
Preoperative Preparations: Setting the Stage for Success
Once we’ve solidified your treatment plan, we’ll provide preoperative instructions to ensure you’re fully prepared for surgery. This might include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking and certain medications. We’re committed to optimizing your overall health and well-being throughout this process.
The Surgery: A Life-Changing Day
Our expert team will ensure you’re comfortable and well-informed on the day of your surgery before we begin. The procedure usually takes one to two hours, and you’ll be under general anesthesia to ensure your utmost comfort. To minimize scarring, Dr. Vasisht will make the incisions in predetermined, discreet locations. Once the implants are expertly placed and positioned, the incisions will be closed, and you’ll be moved to the recovery room.
Techniques of Incision
The choice of incision technique is tailored according to your anatomy, implant type and surgeon’s recommendation. This decision can be as significant as the implant type you choose, affecting not only scarring but also your ultimate satisfaction with the procedure.
Inframammary Incision: The Discreet Contour
This incision is made along the natural crease under the breast, allowing for a more concealed, well-hidden scar even when wearing swimwear or lingerie. This method provides the surgeon direct access to the breast pocket, allowing for more precise implant placement. It’s an excellent choice for all implant types and is generally recommended for larger implants or if you are considering silicone options.
Periareolar Incision: The Art of Camouflage
The periareolar incision is made around the border of the areola—the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple—making the resulting scar nearly invisible after healing. This technique is often chosen for its aesthetic advantages, as it blends seamlessly with the natural skin tone transition. However, this approach may not be suitable for all implant types or sizes, making future breastfeeding more challenging. Our expert team will discuss these considerations with you to weigh the pros and cons.
Transaxillary Incision: The Remote Access
If you’re particularly concerned about scarring on the breast itself, the transaxillary method might be your go-to choice. An incision is made in the natural folds of your armpit, eliminating visible scars on the breast. While this technique offers an exceptional cosmetic outcome, it requires a skilled surgeon for precise implant placement, as it’s a less direct approach to the breast pocket. This method is generally more compatible with saline implants filled after insertion.
During the Consultation
During your personalized consultation, Dr. Vasisht and our highly skilled staff will take a holistic view, understanding that your choice of incision can affect your overall comfort, recovery time and long-term satisfaction with your breast augmentation.
Understanding Implant Placement
Another crucial aspect of breast augmentation is the placement. After the incision, the implant’s positioning plays a pivotal role in determining how your breasts will look, feel and age over time.
Submuscular Placement: The Enhanced Natural Look
Submuscular placement involves inserting the implant beneath the pectoral muscle. This approach is often the go-to for women with limited natural breast tissue, offering a more natural look and feel to the augmented breasts. Additionally, this placement often results in less palpable implants and a reduced chance of capsular contracture—where scar tissue forms around the implant, leading to hardness.
With submuscular placement, you can expect a softer, more natural breast slope, which many women find desirable. This option also tends to provide better mammogram readings and makes it easier to breastfeed in the future if you choose to do so. However, recovery might be slightly more extended due to the muscle manipulation.
Subglandular Placement: The Quick Recovery Choice
In contrast, subglandular placement positions the implant behind the breast tissue but over the pectoral muscle. This option might be ideal for women with moderate breast tissue who desire a more pronounced result.
Subglandular placement generally results in a more rounded and fuller appearance, particularly at the top of the breasts. This placement is also associated with a quicker recovery since it doesn’t involve disturbing the muscle layer. However, it may be more prone to visible rippling and capsular contracture, which are considerations we’ll thoroughly discuss during your consultation.
Closing the Incisions
After implant placement, the incisions are meticulously closed with layered sutures within the breast tissue to ensure optimal healing. Over time, these incision lines will fade significantly, though it’s essential to understand they’ll never completely vanish.
Postoperative Care: Your Road to Recovery and Empowerment
After surgery, you’ll wake up in our state-of-the-art recovery room, where our compassionate nursing staff closely monitors you. You’ll be given detailed postoperative instructions, including how to manage any discomfort, such as medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection and when you can resume normal activities. Your well-being is our primary concern, and we’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing and ensure you’re thrilled with the results.
After the surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room for close monitoring. Pain medication will be administered to manage discomfort. You’ll also be given specific instructions regarding post-surgery care, including. The recovery process usually takes several weeks. You’ll need to wear a special support bra to help control swelling and support your breasts as they heal. Exercise and regular activity can resume as per your surgeon’s advice.
More Important Things to Consider
This decision is an empowering step in your transformation journey. At South Shore Plastic Surgery, we’re committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation comes with its share of risks, such as infection, poor scarring, and anesthesia risks. Therefore, discussing all aspects of the surgery with your healthcare provider is crucial to making an informed decision.
Longevity and Maintenance
Breast implants are not designed to last a person’s entire lifetime. It’s likely that you will replace them if you experience complications or if the size and shape of your breasts change due to aging.
Considering Breast Implants?
We believe breast augmentation is far more than a cosmetic procedure—it’s a life-changing decision with the goal of improving your self-esteem and quality of life. At South Shore Plastic Surgery, we’re not just in the business of altering aesthetics; we’re in the business of bringing you joy.
Call to schedule your consultation with Dr. Vasisht, who will be by your side for the entire process. Call South Shore Plastic Surgery at 856-322-8100 to schedule a consultation with Southern New Jersey’s breast enhancement expert!
