Category Archives: Breast Augmentation

Recovery After Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation: What to Expect?

July 24, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Breast augmentations are some of the most popular surgical procedures for women, with more than three hundred thousand women in the US getting them every year. A well-done procedure can make it seem like you have natural breasts, complementing your physique much better. However, despite how appealing the procedure may be, there is one aspect that very few look forward to: the recovery.

With some women unwilling to sacrifice their free time to stay home recovering, medical advancements came up with an answer: rapid recovery breast augmentation. With this procedure, patients can be up on their feet quickly after their surgery, leading to less discomfort. Find out what to expect from the recovery of this procedure!

What Is Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation?

As the name suggests, rapid recovery breast augmentation is a procedure that aims to increase the size of your breasts with minimal recovery. The focus of the surgery is to keep the bleeding as low as possible, keeping the trauma at a minimum.

With heavy bleeding often connected to increased inflammation and bruising, Dr. D’Souza cauterizes the incisions and wounds during the procedure. This not only cuts time from the operating room and helps recovery but also prevents complications.

Stages of Recovery

Recovery from rapid recovery breast augmentation lasts for about a week or two. Some individuals may take longer, but it depends on how well you take care of yourself post-procedure. Here is a guide that tells you how most patients feel after surgery:

1. Day 1-3

On the first day of your recovery, you will likely feel groggy from the anesthesia. We advise that you have someone drive you home. Your plan for the first three days is to rest as much as possible. Cold compresses or ice held for a few minutes every few hours should help you reduce the swelling and inflammation, speeding up the recovery time. You don’t have to wear any compressive garments or drains, so you can get away with wearing a comfortable T-shirt.

2. Day 3-7

After the third day, you should be able to move around comfortably enough to get to work, provided it’s low labor. Most office workers who undergo breast surgery on a Friday can usually go back to work on Monday, which means you might not even have to take the day off. You may still feel some pain around this time, but it can be managed with pain medication, should you need it.

3. Day 7-14

After the seventh day, you should be up and about with your daily chores, but it is important that you do not overdo it. Your breasts can take two to three weeks to “settle,” so refrain from extensive exercise. Don’t feel concerned if you still notice some swelling and redness; this is normal for the first weeks, as the breasts are accommodating the breast implants. It might take some time until the tissue expands and adjusts, leading to more natural results.

Top Tips for Speedy Recovery

While the procedure aims for rapid recovery, proper aftercare can help speed things up even more. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Follow Dr. D’Souza’s post-op instructions, as he may offer medication and other tools to improve recovery
Massage the breasts gently to reduce swelling and help the implants settle more effectively
Rest as much as you can, especially for the first two to three days
Avoid smoking, as this activity can impede the healing process
Avoid heavy exercise for at least two to three weeks and until you are cleared by Dr. D’Souza, but start walking as soon as you feel comfortable
Don’t use OTC medication without recommendation, as it can lead to irritation

Make sure to attend your checkup appointment to ensure that everything is healing smoothly.

Contact Us for More Details!

Compared to traditional breast augmentation, the rapid recovery option has you on your feet much faster. With that in mind, you should still practice some care during the first few days after the procedure. To learn how to make the most of your recovery, schedule an appointment with Dr. D’Souza at Iconic Plastic Surgery!

For more information about rapid recovery breast augmentation, please contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. We can help you understand the procedure better to make the most of your recovery. As an alternative, you can fill out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.

Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation: What Are the Benefits?

June 5, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Ever since the first silicone breast implant was performed in 1962, women all over the world have wanted to take advantage of the procedure. This is because augmentation surgery can increase the size of naturally small breasts or fix the effects of a mastectomy, ultimately offering breasts a better contour.

The problem with traditional breast augmentation was that the procedure involved a fair amount of recovery, which is something that many women were not keen on. However, rapid recovery breast augmentation came as a solution by using various techniques to minimize bleeding. In this blog, we will explore rapid recovery breast augmentation and look at how it can help you.

How Does Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation Work?

Rapid recovery breast augmentation is similar to traditional augmentation surgery; however, the focus of rapid recovery breast augmentation is on minimizing the bleeding, which will limit the recovery time. This procedure involves creating smaller incisions than traditional augmentation while causing as little trauma to the skin as possible. The surgical techniques used are more precise and not as invasive as a traditional procedure, thereby reducing post-surgical discomfort and other potential complications.

Dr. D’Souza believes that bleeding is the main factor that prolongs a patient’s recovery, as bleeding triggers the inflammatory response in the body. For this reason, he uses a special technique to seal or cauterize the affected blood vessel during the procedure; this process keeps patients from losing more blood than is necessary. Along with shortening the recovery time, this attentive approach also reduces the time spent in the operating room.

Benefits of Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation

Rapid recovery breast augmentation comes with a series of benefits that you can enjoy, both in the short and long term, including the following:

1. Gentle Anesthesia Use

Some people are more sensitive to anesthesia than others. For these patients, the more they stay under anesthesia, the higher the chances that they will feel woozy after the treatment. As rapid recovery breast augmentation takes less time to perform, the anesthesia is gentler and designed to wear off more quickly. This way, you should not expect to feel groggy once you come out of the office.

2. Shorter Restriction on Activities

While it is recommended that you lay low for a bit after rapid recovery breast augmentation, you’ll no longer have to wait as long as with a traditional procedure. With rapid recovery breast augmentation, you can return to your daily routine in as little as 24 hours (48 for some people). In about two weeks, you can also start exercising again, as long as you stick to low-impact, mild cardio. You should be in peak shape in about a month, which is a much faster timeline than with classic breast augmentation.

3. Reduced Complication Risks

Most of the complications that occur during traditional breast augmentation are due to bleeding or infection with larger incisions. The rapid procedure uses smaller incisions, and the bleeding is stopped immediately, which limits the risk of complications. You should be able to recover faster, with fewer side effects along the way.

4. Reduced Scarring

A good surgeon can conceal scars even with traditional breast augmentation, but that doesn’t mean those scars aren’t there. With rapid recovery breast augmentation, however, the incisions are smaller and not as invasive. This means the chances of visible scarring are much lower, and any potential scars can easily be addressed with proper treatment.

5. Less Post-Op Discomfort

The more invasive the procedure, the higher the chances of trauma and bruising, which increases pain levels. Rapid recovery breast augmentation does not traumatize the tissue as much as a traditional procedure, which can potentially improve your healing experience. While you may need some painkillers initially, you should not expect to have as much discomfort after your procedure as with the traditional method.

Enjoy Great Results With Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation

Rapid recovery breast augmentation is an excellent option for those who want to increase the size of their breasts but don’t want to go through a lengthy recovery period. While there are some considerations to keep in mind, which will be discussed during your consultation, rapid recovery breast augmentation is a great option to take some of the hassle away. Schedule your consultation with Iconic Plastic Surgery to get your breasts into perfect shape!

For more information about rapid recovery breast augmentation, contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. Geehan D’Souza can help you with the advice you need to make the most of the procedure. You can also set up an appointment through our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Breast Augmentation Sizing – How to Choose the Perfect Size

February 7, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Choosing the right breast size can be a confusing process, especially as there are so many factors going into this. You need to think of the current size of your breasts, their characteristics, your size preferences, and more. The fact that implants are measured in CCs and not in cup sizes can also add to that confusion.

The good news is that if you know your current cup size and where you want to go from there, you can get an idea of how many CCs to get. Dr. D’Souza can also offer suggestions based on your frame, making your choice easier. With that said, if you wish to do your own research, this blog will offer a few ideas on how to do your breast augmentation sizing.

How Many CCs Do I Need?

One thing that you need to remember is that breast implants are not measured in cup sizes but in CCs (cubic centimeters). This is because not everyone starts with a “blank slate.” You may have a cup AAA and want to get a cup C or have a cup B looking for a D. This is why the CC method is used, as it aims to fill in what’s missing.

For the most part, about 130 to 250 cc makes for one cup breast. The amount is usually chosen based on your frame, the shape of your breasts, and how big you want to go. Here is an average of what you need to change from one size to another:

250-300cc – Cup A to B
300-350cc – Cup A to C
370-430cc – Cup A to D
250-250cc – Cup B to C
350-400cc – Cup B to D
370-450cc – Cup C to DD
450-550cc – Cup C to E

It’s essential to go through a consultation first, to determine exactly how big your implants should be. If you have a specific cup size in mind, our providers can help determine how many CCs will be needed to obtain the desired results.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Breast Implant Size

Here are some aspects to keep in mind when choosing the perfect breast implant to suit your aesthetic preferences:

1. Know Your Comfort Zone

Some women choose breast implants because they like the attention they bring. Others opt for augmentation simply to bring their body back into balance. It’s important you know where your comfort zone is before you decide to undergo breast augmentation. You should talk to Dr. D’Souza about what you want to achieve, and then you can determine the perfect breast size.

2. Consider Your Body Frame

Generally, women want their breast implants to look natural, which is why you should keep your frame in mind. For instance, while a smaller implant may bring beautiful results to a petite woman, it is not always the same for a taller person. Consider the size of your body before choosing your implants.

3. Think About Your Lifestyle

Aside from your overall body structure, you also need to think about your lifestyle in general. For instance, if you are an active person or an athlete, you shouldn’t go with the largest size, as your breasts would bounce around uncomfortably. Your style is also relevant, as smaller breasts are the better choice if you like going out without a bra. That being said, if you like dresses that offer a “view,” larger implants might be your go-to.

We’ll Help You Choose the Right Size!

Finding the perfect size for your breast implants can seem challenging at first, especially since there’s no “one size fits all.” Still, by considering your preferences, lifestyle, and body frame, Dr. D’Souza can help you choose the perfect option. Contact Iconic Plastic Surgery and set up an appointment for breast implants!

For more information about breast augmentation sizing, please contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. D’Souza can help you choose the size that is right for you. Alternatively, you can contact us through the online contact form and we will get in touch with you shortly.

Everything You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation

December 6, 2023 admin Leave a comment

The body you were given is not always the body that you want. This is made clear by the fact that about 71 percent of women are not happy with their breast size, and about 47 percent of them want them to be bigger. Luckily, breast augmentation has become so common that anyone can choose to undergo this surgery!

But what exactly does a breast augmentation entail, and when should you opt for one? Are there any special things that you should keep in mind about the recovery and side effects? In this blog, you will find out everything that you need to know about breast augmentation so that you can make an informed choice.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a common procedure that aims to increase the size of your breasts, usually with the help of implants. These implants can be made from saline or silicone, each having its own benefits, size, and firmness levels. Women looking for a smaller increase in their breast size can opt for a fat transfer breast augmentation, as it can sometimes offer more realistic results.

Since breast implants require surgery, you will go through some recovery time. Each person heals differently, but for the most part, it takes six to eight weeks to fully recover from this procedure. You can usually return to work within a week or two after the surgery, but it is recommended that you wait for up to three weeks if your work involves intense labor.

If you do not want to deal with the recovery time, Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation® is a great alternative. This type of breast augmentation is more complex, as the focus is to reduce as much of the bleeding as possible. This helps reduce the recovery process, with most patients being able to return to their daily activities on the next day.

Why Get Breast Augmentation?

Here are some of the most common reasons why women may opt for breast augmentation:

To Change the Appearance of the Breasts: If you are unhappy with the current size of your breasts, then augmentation can help increase their size. For instance, if your breasts are too small, then you may have trouble finding bras that can complement your shape without making you look boyish. Breast implants can make you feel sexy, improving your confidence and self-esteem.

To Account for Breast Size Decrease: If your breasts look small right now but were not always that way, then breast implants can be a great choice for you. Certain events such as pregnancy or weight loss can cause your body to change from big breasts to small breasts, making you miss your old form. Such changes may also cause your breasts to sag, making you feel self-conscious. Breast augmentation can help account for that decrease, making your breasts look full and perky once again.

To Correct Symmetry Issues: About 90 percent of women have asymmetric breasts, making it a very common condition. That being said, in some women, this difference may be more visible. In this case, they can choose breast augmentation to correct potential symmetry issues.

To Correct Surgery-Related Unevenness: Certain conditions like surgery can cause you to have one breast smaller than the other. For instance, if you had breast cancer on one side, then you may choose to remove the breast to save your life. If that’s the case, breast augmentation can be used to correct the unevenness caused by the surgery.

The Bottom Line

Breast augmentation can help improve the look of your breasts, regardless of your reason for the surgery. That being said, it is important to be informed about the procedure and ensure that it’s performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon.

For more information on breast augmentation, you can contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. We can offer all the information you need to make an informed decision. You can also fill out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you as shortly as possible for a virtual consultation.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

February 10, 2021 admin Leave a comment

After undergoing breast augmentation surgery, many women have questions about their new breasts and how their life will be impacted because of them. Will my shirt fit better? Will anyone notice? When will my full, true results show? These are just some of the questions that may go through your mind during your breast augmentation recovery.

What to Expect After Surgery

After your breast augmentation surgery, there will be a few different stages of recovery that you will experience: immediately after, the first week, three weeks later, and full recovery.

Immediately after surgery, you will feel groggy and sore. It is important that you have someone there to drive you home after your surgery is completed.

You will be the sorest during the first week of your breast augmentation recovery. Most patients use prescribed pain medication to lessen the pain and discomfort. Patients may resume desk work, but they must take it easy.

A few weeks after that, patients will start to feel better, but they will not be fully recovered. Women may resume light exercise routines but nothing with sharp, jolting movements, like running. Pain should be minimal at this point, and it should be easier to resume more normal activities.

Most patients are fully recovered about two months after their breast augmentation surgery. It is crucial that patients keep their scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. D’Souza so that he can monitor the progress of the augmentation recovery.

Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation®

Iconic Plastic Surgery offers Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation®, which was developed by Dr. D’Souza to lessen the time in the operating room and the recovery time after your breast augmentation procedure. With this procedure, Dr. D’Souza cauterizes any damaged blood vessels to reduce bleeding and swelling after surgery.

Preparing Your Home

It is important that you prepare your home with the proper equipment to help you heal fully and perfectly. Having a fully stocked pantry and refrigerator with healthy foods and hydrating drinks, an easily accessible wardrobe, and someone there to help with any housework or childcare needs is beneficial to your breast augmentation recovery. As noted above, you may be out of commission or, at least, operating a little bit slower than usual after your surgery, so any help will go a long way.

Love Your New Figure

Breast augmentation recovery can be tiresome, but loving your new figure and the confidence it brings will be effortless. Enjoy the little things, like buying a new shirt or bathing suit, or even just showing off your new curves at lunch with a friend. Be proud of your body and the new breasts you have always desired!

To schedule a consultation with Dr. D’Souza at Iconic Plastic Surgery, please contact us online or call us at 760-637-5288today!

What Is Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation®?

February 10, 2021 admin Leave a comment

Breast augmentation is an enhancement procedure that can make women feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Some women choose not to undergo surgery because of the downtime required for a normal breast augmentation procedure, but Dr. D’Souza’s Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation® is a game changer for breast augmentation recovery.

How Does It Work?

Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation® works by cauterizing the blood vessels near the ribs and the muscles. This process is less traumatic for the ribs and muscles, minimizes discomfort after breast augmentation surgery, and allows patients to experience post-operative life quicker than a normal breast augmentation recovery.

How Does Recovery Differ?

A regular breast augmentation surgery recovery process is about two months, from start to finish. This includes a few days of grogginess and soreness in the breast area, though minimal housework and activities can be performed while recovering. On the contrary, a Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation® recovery process is a 24-hour window of time, and patients typically only need TYLENOL® to help ease the discomfort from surgery. Dr. D’Souza even encourages patients to go out to dinner the evening of their surgery to resume normal life right away.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. D’Souza is meticulous when it comes to this procedure. It is important that you have a private consultation with him to determine implant size and discuss all of the details about the surgery and recovery. By doing this, you can arrive at your breast augmentation surgery confident, knowing that your goals have already been discussed and you are on the same page.

If you are interested in learning more about Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation®, please call Iconic Plastic Surgery today at 760-637-5288 or fill out our online contact form.

What Happens if My Breast Implant Ruptures?

November 19, 2020 admin Leave a comment

Breast implants are designed to enhance the shape of a woman’s upper body. Implants can be many different shapes and sizes, and they can help boost your confidence. Patients can choose to have breast implants that are filled with silicone or saline.

Most patients don’t go into their breast augmentation surgery thinking that their breasts may rupture at some point, but it is something to be aware of and prepared for just in case it does happen. Breast implant rupture may be painful and could cause a change in the shape and contour of the breasts.

Silicone Rupture

With silicone gel-filled breast implants, an implant rupture is sometimes not noticeable because the silicone stays in the surrounding tissue. When this happens, the breasts stay the same shape, making the rupture hard to detect. This is called a silent rupture.

Saline Rupture

A saline rupture is much more noticeable because it alters the shape of the breast. The saline leaks out of the implant, making it deflate and flatten on that one side.

What Do I Do?

If you think your implant has ruptured, contact your doctor immediately. An MRI or ultrasound can detect whether or not you are experiencing a silent rupture. Once you have confirmed that you do, in fact, have a ruptured implant, it is important to decide what steps you want to take next. Patients can choose to remove the implants and get new implants inserted, or they can choose to take the implants out and not replace. Oftentimes, if patients choose to keep their implants out, then they will consider a breast lift.

It is important that you speak to your doctor about your symptoms and your decision going forward after a confirmed rupture. Contact Dr. D’Souza at Iconic Plastic Surgery by calling 760-637-5288.

Why Should I Choose Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation®?

September 11, 2019 admin Leave a comment

While breast augmentation is highly customizable and comes with many different options, the technique itself has not changed much over the years. Generally, incisions are created, implants are placed, and the incisions are closed with sutures. Most women who are considering breast augmentation are aware that they are likely to encounter discomfort and a considerable amount of time away from their daily activities. However, Iconic Plastic Surgery offers the Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation® to enhance the healing journey and reduce side effects. This new method results in minimal discomfort as well as a shorter healing period due to its advanced approach to surgical breast enhancement.

Traditional Breast Augmentation

When traditional breast augmentation is performed, many patients experience the bulk of their bleeding at the incision sites near the ribs. Those who have their implants placed under the muscle may have even more bleeding and subsequent swelling during their procedure. Dr. D’Souza believes that this side effect is partially to blame for a long or uncomfortable recovery process, which prompted the development of his revolutionary approach to breast surgery.

Benefits of Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation®

The striking advantages of undergoing Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation® instead of a traditional procedure are as follows:

Careful attention to anatomy: Selecting oversized implants are one of the reasons why women experience a lengthy recovery or uncomfortable side effects. Implants that are too heavy for your frame can be burdensome and make your body work harder to heal from the procedure. Dr. D’Souza takes the time to meticulously analyze your proportions and help you choose implants that will match your figure, giving you an easier recovery.

Minor swelling: The damaged blood vessels are cauterized around the muscles in the rib area to reduce the risk of postoperative swelling and discomfort. This also means there is no need for drains or compression garments.

Minimal pain: Most patients who choose to undergo this procedure do not need narcotic medication. Usually, over-the-counter medicine is sufficient for pain management, even in the early stages of recovery.

Little-to-no downtime: Unlike women who opt for a traditional breast augmentation, Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation® patients typically resume their normal routine within 24 hours. This technique is far more convenient to schedule around because of this.

The Initial Consultation

The first appointment is the most important because it is during this meeting that the details of your procedure will be developed. Precise measurements of your anatomy will be taken, and you will be able to communicate your objectives with your surgeon. The quality of your breast tissue will also be assessed to give you the best possible outcome during your Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation®. Dr. D’Souza will use this information to determine the ideal implant size and profile for your needs.

For more information about Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation®, please schedule your consultation at Iconic Plastic Surgery in Carlsbad by calling 760-637-5288.

What’s the Difference Between Breast Augmentation & Breast Lift?

May 16, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Should I get a breast augmentation or a breast lift? That’s the question more and more women are asking themselves. If you’re unhappy with the size or shape of your bust but don’t know which surgical procedure to get, then it’s best to speak with a certified plastic surgeon for the most accurate recommendation. Continue reading to learn what each procedure involves so you can best prepare yourself for your initial consultation.

Breast Augmentation: It’s About Size

Breast augmentation involves the insertion of implants to increase bust size and create a proportional chest contour. You’ll have a few decisions to make if you choose to go with this procedure, including the type of implant and incision placement.

Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution that is harmless if any leakage were to occur. However, silicone breast implants are far more popular as they offer a more natural look and feel. If you are between the ages of 18 and 21, silicone is not an option as it is not FDA approved for those within that particular age range.

Where you choose to have your incisions will greatly influence how your surgeon performs the operation. You essentially have three incision options to choose from. The most popular option is the inframammary incision because it is most ideal when using a silicone implant and the scar is hidden under the breast fold.

The transaxillary incision is placed in the armpit and is a good choice for those who don’t want a scar along their breast fold. For those who are undergoing both breast augmentation and breast lift surgeries, the periareolar incision is preferred. The natural transition from the areola to the breast helps hide the incision scar.

Overall, the operation can last up to two hours with a relatively easy recovery period lasting a few days.

Breast Lift: It’s About Shape

A loss of volume in a woman’s breast can be due to significant life events such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight loss. Breast tissue can lose its elasticity and begin to droop and sag (ptosis).

A popular method to see if a woman needs a breast lift is the pencil test. Insert a pencil under the breast fold, ideally as high as you can. If the pencil does not fall, then that is a clear sign of breast drooping. Another test you can do is to see if the nipple rests below the pencil. If it does, then you most likely have ptosis.

The procedure itself has a variety of incisions to choose from. Each patient is different, so each operation is tailored to the patient’s individual needs. A patient with minimal skin laxity will likely have an incision made around the nipple. A vertical incision, or “lollipop” technique, is best for patients who have more skin laxity. For those with a significant amount of laxity, a horizontal incision, or “Wise” pattern, is preferred.

The procedure is fairly straightforward. Once anesthesia is induced, the operation begins and can last from one to three hours. Your surgeon will be sure not to cause any trauma to the breast tissue so that your recovery is swift and as pain-free as possible.

What Is the Best Option?

There are plenty of benefits for each option. Keep in mind that breast augmentation will increase the size of your breast but will not treat any sagging or droopiness, and a breast lift will correct the shape and position of your breast but will not increase its size.

Breast lift and breast augmentation surgeries can be combined. When joined together, the procedure will correct the shape and restore youthfulness while adding volume to your bust.

Like with any major surgical operation, a qualifying patient must be in good standing health and have realistic expectations before the procedure begins. These procedures do not last forever. The size and shape of your breasts can change over time due to pregnancy, weight loss, and age.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us at Iconic Plastic Surgery today! Call 760-637-5288.

How to Decide What Type of Breast Augmentation to Get

April 24, 2019 admin Leave a comment

With over 300,000 procedures just last year, it’s clear that breast augmentation is continuing to be a very popular procedure among women in the U.S. Whatever the reason for undergoing a breast augmentation, either for reconstructive or cosmetic reasons, there are plenty of decisions to make before you go into surgery. For some, the number of choices to make can be daunting, including where to make the incision, what type of implant to use, and what you qualify for in regard to your health history.

Woman Choosing Breast Implant Type
Here are some key points to keep in mind when deciding what type of breast augmentation is right for you.

How Many Different Types of Breast Augmentations Are There?

So you’ve decided that you want breast implants. Great! You’ve made the first step on your journey toward a more ideal self. You might have heard about different types of implants, such as saline and silicone, but it is just as important to consider the implant shape, size, placement, and the location of the incision.

Breast augmentation surgery does not come in “one-size-fits-all” package; your aesthetic goals, medical history, and body frame all play a part when you and your doctor create a roadmap for your success.

Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

The two most popular options for breast implants are saline and silicone. This is one of the most crucial decisions to make prior to surgery, as both options have their own unique benefits.

Saline is FDA approved for women 18 years old or older and is better suited for those with asymmetrical breasts. The saline breast implants contain a sterile saltwater solution that offers enhanced firmness and can be easily absorbed by the body.

Silicone implants are a very popular gel-based alternative to saline. They are FDA approved as well, but cannot be used for women under the age of 22. Silicone implants are ideal for those who wish to achieve aesthetic-oriented results, as it also offers a more natural look and feel.

Incision Options

This is a crucial decision to make, and it shouldn’t be made without your doctor. There are three types of incisions to choose from, and ultimately, you may have to choose an option based on health and safety rather than preference. Your options are:

Inframammary: A small incision is made along the inframammary fold, which is the crease underneath the breast. This option results in a small, concealable scar within the crease. It is the preferred method for those looking to use large silicone implants for their breast augmentation.
Transaxillary: This technique involves a small incision in the armpit that will allow your surgeon to place the breast implant. This is a popular choice for those who do not wish to have a visible scar along the breast.
Periareolar: A preferred choice for women who are also undergoing a breast lift in conjunction with a breast augmentation. Your surgeon will create a small incision around the circumference of the areola so that the natural transition of skin color helps camouflage the scar.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Once you’re ready to undergo the operation, you’ve already discussed with your surgeon what implant and incision type is right for you. Anesthesia will be administered during the procedure. Lasting anywhere from one to two hours, the procedure involves creating a pocket for the implant to rest inside of. Everything will be done in compliance with very strict health and safety guidelines.

Post-Operation Tips

You will receive medicine to help alleviate the pain around the chest. You will be sore for the first few days following surgery, but the pain should be easily manageable. It’s important to know that results typically do not last forever. Drastic changes to the body, including weight loss, pregnancy, and age may alter the look of your breasts. Saline implants can last anywhere between 4 and 10 years, and silicone implants usually last between 10 and 20 years.

If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, feel free to contact our Carlsbad plastic surgery office for your complimentary consultation today! Call 760-637-5288.