This procedure is one of the most popular plastic surgery performed today, and it continually produces satisfied and extremely pleased patients. Further, with the advent of new silicone gel implants, it’s possible to obtain a completely natural feeling breast.
Good candidates include healthy women whose breasts are under-developed or misshaped and women who have lost breast volume as a result of pregnancy. Dr. Vitenas performs Houston breast implants at the Day Surgery Center, an outpatient facility at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. The surgery takes about one hour to complete and is performed with general anesthesia.
The incision for breast augmentation may be located in the armpit (axillary), in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary), or around the areola (periareola). Once the incision is made, the implants may be placed beneath the chest muscle (submuscular) or above the chest muscle but below the breast tissue (subglandular). The best incision and implant location will depend upon the individual patient’s needs and desire.
The recovery after this surgery generally takes a few days for implants placed subglandularly and about one week for implants placed submuscularly. During the first few days after surgery, patients may feel tired or sore. Medication can help to control any discomfort that patients experience. Bruising and swelling may occur, and it can take three to five weeks for the swelling to fade. The breasts may remain sensitive to stimulation for several weeks. Work can typically be resumed within a few days, though patients will need to hold off on more strenuous activities for about four to six weeks.
Q – What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of the breasts with the use of implants.
Q – Who is a candidate for breast implants?
Healthy women who are looking to enhance under-developed or misshaped breasts or breasts which have decreased in volume due to pregnancy may be good candidates for breast augmentation.
Q – What is the breast implant made of?
There are two types of breast implants commonly used today, including saline implants and silicone gel implants. Both are comprised of a silicone shell. Saline implants are filled with saline, a salt water solution. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel.
Q – What should I expect during my enhancement consultation?
During the consultation for breast augmentation, Dr. Vitenas will go over your complete medical history, take the time to understand your goals, and answer all of your questions. You will see pre-op and post-op photos of previous breast augmentation patients, and computer imaging will be used to help you visualize your own personal results. Dr. Vitenas will discuss reasonable and expected outcomes, and explain the details of the procedure including the technique, the recovery, the risks, the costs, and financing options.
Q – Do I have to wear a bra after breast augmentation surgery?
Patients are advised by Dr. Vitenas not to wear any type of bra for at least six weeks after breast surgery. This ensures that the implant settles naturally into the breast tissue.
Q – How much is a breast augmentation using either silicone or saline implants?
Dr. Vitenas uses the Silicone Gel and Saline Implants and the price range of the surgery is between $5,000 and $6,500. A specific price quote will be given to you at your consultation; the fees will reflect which type of implants you and Dr. Vitenas. This quote will also include your operating room and anesthesia costs and all of your follow up visits; the only thing it doesn’t include is your prescription medications which your insurance should assist with.
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