Breast augmentation or augmentation mammaplasty is a common cosmetic procedure that we perform at Body by Bloch. In my 25 years of experience in cosmetic surgery, I have successfully performed numerous breast surgeries. For the breast augmentation procedure, we use saline or silicone implants to increase the size of breasts. For patients who wish to have more natural breasts, I recommend fat transfer breast augmentation. Implant placement is done under general anesthesia. The procedure is safe, and most patients who have visited us for the cosmetic treatment have satisfying outcomes. Like many cosmetic procedures, the surgery has its own risks. During the consultation, I normally discuss all the risks involved with this surgery. Having realistic expectations is also essential.
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Saline breast implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, and are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.
Silicone breast implants
Silicone breast implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse.
If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.
Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.
What happens during breast augmentation?
Body by Bloch is an accredited surgical facility. On your surgery day, you will be taken to our operation room. I and my staff will ensure that you are fully relaxed and comfortable before the surgery. My anesthetist will administer general anesthesia that will make you pain-free. To augment your breasts, we employ three types of incisions depending on your aesthetic goals and anatomy. Incisions may be made in the armpit, around the areola or under the breast (inframammary fold). Next, following incisions is the placement of the implant behind the chest muscle or under the breast tissue through the incision. We then close the incisions with stitches and place temporary drains under your breast skin and dress your breasts with bandages. Wearing a surgical bra will support your breasts in recovery.
What recovery can I expect after implant placement?
You will be taken to the recovery room after surgery for observation before getting discharged. At Body by Bloch, patient safety and satisfaction come first. We will provide pain medication and antibiotics for infection control. All our patients also get post-operative instructions that include care for drains, dressings and dangerous signs to observe in your surgical area and your general health. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I recommend follow-up care after discharge and rest in the first 6-8 weeks following surgery. You can conveniently book an appointment with us at www.bodybybloch.com.
What breast augmentation surgery won’t do
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation.
Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Your plastic surgeon will assist you in making this decision.
