Breast augmentation is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures, prepared to enrich the size, shape, and overall appearance of the breasts. Whether it’s restoring volume after pregnancy or creating a completely new silhouette, the procedure offers a customizable approach to meet each individual’s aesthetic goals.
Here are the details of breast augmentation, including candidacy, implant types, surgical techniques, and what to expect during recovery. The more you get familiar with the details, the more you can make an informed decision.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation concerns the surgical insertion of implants to alter the breast’s shape and volume. The procedure is customizable, allowing individuals to choose their desired size, projection, and symmetry based on their preferences. Whether the goal is to increase the breast size, balance asymmetrical breasts, or improve body proportions, the surgery offers a tailored solution.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Candidates for breast augmentation typically include individuals who want to enrich their breast size or shape. It’s common for pregnant women, weight loss patients, and people who want to correct asymmetries. The procedure offers a way to achieve a more balanced figure by complementing the patient’s natural body shape.
If you’re worried about sagging or drooping breasts, a breast lift might be a better choice. Some patients may even combine a lift with augmentation to achieve both increased volume and a lifted appearance. Consulting with a surgeon helps determine the best approach based on specific concerns and aesthetic goals.
Types of Breast Implants
The choice of implant plays a major role in determining the final look and feel of the breasts. There are two primary types of implants—silicone and saline. Each has its own benefits, depending on the desired outcome and the patient’s anatomy.
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants are popular due to their natural feel and appearance. These implants closely mimic the texture of natural breast tissue, providing a soft and cohesive structure that holds its shape over time. The silicone gel inside the implant ranges in firmness, allowing patients to choose a softer or firmer result. For example, “gummy bear” implants, a highly cohesive type of silicone gel, hold their shape even when cut in half. This form of stability provides long-lasting results and reduces the risk of rupture.
Saline Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. These implants are typically inserted into the breast while empty and then filled once in place, allowing for a smaller incision. A saline implant has the benefit of being filled differently on each side to correct mild asymmetry. However, they tend to feel less natural and may show more rippling compared to silicone implants.
Textured vs. Smooth Implants
In the past, textured implants were commonly used, but they’ve fallen out of favor due to their association with a rare condition called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). While the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is very low, smooth implants have become the standard choice as they offer a safer option with a more natural look and feel.
Implant Placement: Above or Below the Muscle?
Choosing whether to put the implant above or below the pectoral muscle is key to breast augmentation. Each placement option offers different benefits, and the choice depends on the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Submuscular (Below the Muscle) Placement
When the implant is positioned beneath the pectoral muscle, the upper part of the implant is covered by muscle, while the lower part is supported by breast tissue. This method provides a natural slope to the upper breast, reducing the risk of visible implant edges or rippling. Additionally, submuscular placement is often recommended for women with thinner breast tissue, as it offers a more seamless transition from the chest to the breast.
Subglandular (Above the Muscle) Placement
In this placement, the implant sits directly under the breast tissue but above the muscle. This method may create a more prominent upper breast, especially in women with enough natural tissue to cover the implant. It also tends to involve a shorter recovery period since the muscle is not disturbed. However, subglandular placement can lead to more visible implant edges or rippling in individuals with thinner breast tissue.
Each placement option has its own set of advantages, which should be discussed during the consultation to determine the best approach for the patient’s body type and aesthetic preferences.
Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
For individuals seeking a more subtle enhancement, fat transfer breast augmentation offers a natural alternative. This technique concerns harvesting fat from other areas of the body through liposuction, processing it, and then injecting it into the breasts. The result is a modest increase in breast size and improved contouring using the patient’s own tissue.
A fat transfer can be used with implants to smooth out irregularities. However, it typically only allows for a mild increase in breast size and is not suitable for those looking for significant augmentation.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation
Recovery from breast augmentation surgery typically involves several stages, with most patients returning to work within a week. After the procedure, patients are advised to wear a supportive bra for several weeks to help minimize swelling and provide support during healing.
Dr. Nealy recommends light walking beginning the day of surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of complications. While heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks, most patients can slowly continue their normal activities within a few weeks.
Swelling and discomfort are common in the days following surgery but usually subside within a few weeks. As the swelling decreases, the final shape of the breasts becomes more apparent, and any scarring will continue to fade over time.
Takeaway
If you’re considering enhancing your look with Breast Augmentation, it’s essential to choose a provider who prioritizes your unique goals and ensures the best possible results. Whether you’re interested in implants or Fat Transfer, Dr. Nealy—a board-certified cosmetic surgeon—can help you achieve the look you’ve been dreaming of. With his expertise, you can feel confident that your transformation will be tailored to your body and your vision.
To see the possibilities for yourself, check out our Breast Augmentation Before & After and get inspired by the results. Call us today for the best Breast Augmentation in Boise, ID, and take the first step toward the look you’ve always wanted.
