Breast Augmentation for Enhanced Breast Size, Shape, and Proportion
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance breast size, improve breast shape, and create more balanced overall body proportions. Breast size and shape can change naturally due to genetics, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and hormonal changes.
For women who want fuller breasts, improved symmetry, or restoration of volume lost over time, breast augmentation can provide long-lasting enhancement while maintaining a natural-looking appearance.
At New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center, we personalize breast augmentation to each patient’s anatomy, aesthetic goals, and desired outcome. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss implant options, placement techniques, incision locations, and what you can expect throughout the surgical and recovery process. If you’re considering a breast augmentation in Plantation, contact our office at (954) 424-8882 to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Weston, Pembroke Pines, and surrounding South Florida communities.
Why Patients Choose Breast Augmentation
Women choose breast augmentation for many different reasons. The procedure may help:
- Increase breast volume
- Enhance breast shape and fullness
- Improve breast symmetry
- Restore volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Address changes in breast volume following weight fluctuations
- Create better overall body proportions
- Enhance the appearance of the breasts in clothing and swimwear
Because breast augmentation can be customized, your surgical plan can be designed around your natural proportions and the look you want to achieve.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation involves placing an implant beneath the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to increase breast volume.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately one to two hours. Your surgeon will determine the best implant placement based on your anatomy, implant choice, and desired results.
Breast Implant Options
There are several types of breast implants available. All breast implants have a silicone outer shell, but the filling material can vary.
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone implants are filled with cohesive silicone gel. The gel is designed to maintain its form rather than flowing freely if the implant is cut.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. The appropriate implant type depends on several factors, including your anatomy, preferences, and aesthetic goals.
During your consultation, your surgeon will explain the differences between implant options and help you understand which choices may be appropriate for you.
Breast Implant Placement
Breast implants can be placed in different positions depending on your anatomy and surgical goals.
Under the Breast Tissue
The implant is positioned beneath the breast tissue. This approach may be appropriate for certain patients depending on their existing breast tissue and desired results.
Beneath the Chest Muscle
The implant is placed deeper beneath the chest muscle. Your surgeon will discuss whether this placement is appropriate based on your individual anatomy.
The best placement is determined on a patient-by-patient basis.
Incision and Scar Options
Breast augmentation can be performed using different incision locations. Depending on the surgical technique and your individual circumstances, incisions may be placed:
- In the crease beneath the breast
- Around the nipple
- In the armpit
- Through the belly button in select techniques
Your surgeon will explain the available approaches and discuss where scars are expected to be located before surgery.
What Happens During Breast Augmentation?
Before surgery, your surgeon will finalize your treatment plan, including implant type, size, placement, and incision technique.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours. Once the implant is positioned, the incisions are closed, and dressings or surgical tape may be applied as needed.
After surgery, you will be monitored as you recover from anesthesia before being discharged according to your surgical team’s instructions.
Breast Augmentation Safety Protocols
Your safety is an important part of every stage of breast augmentation surgery.
Patients are generally required to fast for approximately eight hours before surgery to reduce the risk of complications associated with anesthesia, including aspiration.
Early walking after surgery is also encouraged as directed by your surgical team. Getting up and moving soon after surgery can help reduce the risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Smoking and Breast Augmentation
Smoking can significantly increase the risk of complications following surgery. These complications may include poor wound healing, infection, and other serious surgical or circulatory complications.
Your surgical team will provide specific instructions regarding smoking before and after your procedure.
Potential Risks and Complications
Breast augmentation is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified surgical team, but all surgery involves potential risks.
Possible complications may include:
- Hematoma or excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Breast asymmetry
- Changes in breast sensation
- Capsular contracture
- Implant-related complications
- Poor wound healing
- The need for corrective or revision surgery
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue surrounding an implant becomes unusually firm or tight, potentially causing the breast to feel hard or appear different.
Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and limitations of breast augmentation during your consultation.
What to Expect After Breast Augmentation
After surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Some pain, swelling, tightness, and discomfort are normal during the initial recovery period. Your surgeon may prescribe medication to help manage discomfort and will provide detailed postoperative instructions.
Supportive Bra
You will typically need to wear a supportive bra day and night during the early healing period. If surgical tape or dressings are placed beneath the breasts, they should be managed according to your surgeon’s instructions.
Stitches and Incision Care
Some incisions may be closed with dissolvable stitches. If permanent stitches are used, they may need to be removed approximately 10 days after surgery.
Your surgeon will provide instructions for caring for your incisions and monitoring the healing process.
Returning to Work and Activities
Recovery times vary from patient to patient. Depending on your occupation, you may be able to return to work within several days.
You may need to avoid lifting, driving, and strenuous physical activity for up to three weeks. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe to resume specific activities based on your recovery.
Mammograms After Breast Augmentation
Breast implants do not eliminate the need for routine breast health screening. Your surgeon may recommend appropriate mammography before and after surgery for your medical record and ongoing breast health.
Be sure to inform your imaging provider that you have breast implants so appropriate imaging techniques can be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does breast augmentation surgery take?
Breast augmentation typically takes approximately one to two hours, although you will spend additional time at the surgical facility for preparation and postoperative monitoring.
Where are breast implants placed?
Implants may be placed beneath the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. Your surgeon will recommend the placement that best suits your anatomy and treatment goals.
Where are breast augmentation incisions made?
Incisions may be made beneath the breast, around the nipple, in the armpit, or through the belly button in select surgical techniques.
Is breast augmentation painful?
Some discomfort, swelling, and tightness are expected following surgery. Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, as recommended by your surgeon, can help manage postoperative discomfort.
How soon can I return to work?
Many patients can return to work within several days, although the appropriate timeline depends on the type of work you perform and how your recovery progresses.
When can I exercise after breast augmentation?
Strenuous activity and heavy lifting may need to be avoided for up to three weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding exercise and other physical activities.
Do breast implants need to be replaced?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. While many patients enjoy their implants for many years, implants can eventually require monitoring, replacement, or revision surgery.
Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation in Plantation
Breast augmentation can enhance breast volume, improve symmetry, and create more balanced body proportions. Understanding your implant options, surgical technique, recovery, and expected results is an important part of making an informed decision.
At New Image Cosmetic Surgery Center, your breast augmentation treatment plan is tailored to your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, you can discuss implant options, placement, incision techniques, recovery, and any questions you may have about the procedure.
Call our Plantation plastic surgeon at (954) 424-8882 to schedule your breast augmentation consultation. We proudly serve patients throughout Plantation, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Dania Beach, and surrounding South Florida communities.
