Breast Augmentation
Conveniently located to serve Houston and Sugar Land, TX.About Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure that adds volume to breasts to create a fuller appearance. It is generally known to be one of the most common cosmetic surgeries, providing women who are unhappy with their breast size or shape effective options for improvement. Using implants or fat from the patient’s body, this enhancement surgery improves the bust to achieve a gorgeous and youthful outcome. Houston, TX cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marcos Ikeda is experienced in executing this treatment and performs numerous breast augmentations every year. During your consultation at Houston Galleria Surgery & Medspa, Dr. Marcos will assess your concerns and inform you about all your options while customizing a surgical plan to achieve your cosmetic goals.
Implant Options
During your initial consult with Dr. Marcos, the correct implant will be selected based on your figure and cosmetic goals. Implants for augmentation come in an assortment of sizes and shapes — all of which are taken into consideration in order to reach the desired outcome. Today, the most commonly used implant types are saline or silicone, both widely chosen and approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). It is important to mention that women considering implants made with saline must be at least 18 years of age while patients must be a minimum of 22 years old in order to receive treatment with silicone. Other considerations include gummy bear implants and fat grafting (known as a fat transfer). Aside from the type of augmentation chosen, there are other distinct factors to consider.
Size
Implant size is distinguished based on the number of CCs of silicone or saline used. To choose the right amount, Dr. Marcos will measure how much original tissue exists and the size you hope to achieve. During surgery, it is common for Dr. Marcos to temporarily switch out various implants to get an idea on a better fit.
Shape
Breast implants come in either a round or teardrop shape. Both shapes are commonly used; however, most of our patients choose a round implant. It often looks and feels more natural and adds a fullness to the top of the breast that many patients look for.
Profile
Breast implant profile equates to the projection. Meaning, this is what is visible from the side view. The most common projections include low to extra high ranges.
Making Your Choices
These options may be overwhelming, but choosing the appropriate implant is easy once the patient’s desires are discussed during the consultation. These considerations, coupled with the skill of Dr. Marcos, help to ensure the right outcome is met.
Ideal Candidates
The choice to go through with breast augmentation surgery is personal. If you are thinking about having this procedure, it is important you do it for yourself and nobody else. You should be healthy with breasts that are fully developed and be the proper age to have implants. If you are dissatisfied with the aesthetics of your breasts because they seem flat, you may benefit from this cosmetic surgery. In addition, if your breasts have been affected by aging, nursing, or weight loss, this surgery can bring them back to life with increased volume. It is also a welcomed option if you work out with weights or have little to no original breast tissue.
Surgical Technique
Incision type, as well as implant placement, are factors that are generally made ahead of surgery. During the procedure, an incision is created and then the appropriate breast implant will be slipped into its position. There are a couple of methods that may be chosen for implant placement. These include either submuscular placement (under the pec muscle) or submammary/subglandular placement (over the pec muscle). Where to place the implant is based on numerous factors, including the overall type and size of the implant, along with the opinion of Dr. Marcos. No matter where the incision is placed, scarring is usually minimal. Implant placement is determined based on your body type, implant size, and lifestyle.
What to Expect
Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient surgery using general anesthesia. Following the incision, the chosen implant will be moved through the incision and deposited into a surgically created pocket, and then fitted into its proper position. Once the implant is in position, the incision is closed with sutures or surgical adhesives. All patients will be taken to a private recovery space and monitored before being released. You will be sent home wearing a recovery compression bra to assist with swelling. Within a few days, the bruising and swelling will start to slowly go away, and the breasts will begin to feel normal as they fall into their new position. Most patients can engage in normal activities within a few days; however, exercise should be avoided for approximately 6 – 8 weeks. Breast augmentation surgery results in beautiful outcomes that look and feel normal and natural. This treatment in most cases can be life-changing for many women, allowing them the chance to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How much does breast augmentation cost?
Your cost for breast augmentation will vary based on your choices and if you are having any other surgeries at the same time. As soon as your treatment plan is developed in your consultation, Dr. Marcos can talk to you about estimated costs and financing options. To ensure your results match your goals and last a long time, it’s important to focus on quality and undergo breast augmentation by a skilled plastic surgeon, like Dr. Marcos.
-
Do I need a breast lift or augmentation?
Your plan may include breast augmentation, a lift, or both. A breast lift removes excess skin and improves the breasts while augmentation addresses the size and shape of the breasts. During your consultation with Dr. Marcos, he will listen to your needs and goals before explaining your treatment options. A combination of an augmentation and a lift are often a part of a mommy makeover to rejuvenate the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
-
Can I breastfeed with implants?
If you want to breastfeed after breast augmentation, be sure to tell Dr. Marcos during your consultation. It is usually possible to breastfeed after implants with the right surgical technique and placement. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter your results so it is best to wait until after you are done having children to have breast augmentation.
-
Can I have my implants removed?
You may decide that you want to replace or remove your implants. If this happens, Dr. Marcos can perform breast revision surgery. During the revision surgery, your current implants can either be replaced with new implants or removed. If you choose to have your implants removed, you may need to have excess skin removed since larger implants can stretch your skin. If you have any questions or concerns after your augmentation surgery, schedule an appointment at Houston Galleria Surgery & Medspa to discuss your options.
-
Do implants cause breast cancer?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a link between implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This is not breast cancer but a cancer of the immune cells. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), implant-related ALCL is very rare and when caught early, it is easy to treat. Dr. Marcos encourages all patients with implants to get regular screenings for breast cancer. You should contact Houston Galleria Surgery & Medspa if you notice any concerns, such as swelling or other visible changes.
Get the Look You Want
Breast enhancement surgery with implants is well sought out for so many reasons. This surgery is considered safe and produces outstanding aesthetic results. With an abundance of available options, you can achieve the bustline you have always dreamed of. Houston Galleria Surgery & Medspa is pleased to provide this proven surgery, and we invite you to learn more. Contact Houston Galleria Surgery & Medspa in Houston, TX to make your initial consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marcos Ikeda.
Related Procedures
*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.