Breast Augmentation
in Houston

It takes about 6-8 weeks for breast implants to fully heal and settle into place. Swelling gradually resolves over the first 2-3 weeks. Incision sites continue maturing for twelve months after surgery, with the scar gradually softening, becoming flatter, and changing colors.

After your breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Vitenas recommends sleeping on your back with your head and shoulders slightly elevated for 1-2 days. This reduces discomfort and swelling.

Preparation includes avoiding certain medications, stopping smoking, and following specific pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon.

Some pain and discomfort occur during the first few days after surgery and can be managed with prescription medication; however, many people take only Tylenol. As you heal over the first two weeks, swelling and tightness will subside, and any pain gradually diminishes. Contact Dr Vitenas if you feel constant and sharp pain after breast augmentation or sudden onset of swelling accompanied by pain or discomfort.

Tightness and swelling after breast implant surgery peak at 3-5 days and slowly improve over the following weeks or months, depending on the size of the implant chosen (large or extra large breast implants also influence recovery), the tightness of the muscle and the degree of skin laxity or lack thereof. The remaining swelling typically resolves within a few months after your breast augmentation procedure.

Dr. Vitenas suggests that his breast augmentation patients not wear a bra for at least six weeks after surgery to allow their implants to move in the pockets while a lining forms around the pocket. This allows the breasts to settle into a natural look while keeping them soft, supple, and freely movable, as natural breasts are.

Choosing a qualified surgeon with extensive experience who will select and perform the proper implant placement will help avoid this problem. Dr. Vitenas also suggests mobilization techniques, which help keep the implant pocket open and minimize scar tissue formation.

On average, the cost of a primary breast implant surgery is around $7,000. The cost of breast augmentation varies due to different factors such as the the kind of implants used, and the charges of the surgical facility. Dr. Vitenas will discuss your specific needs and goals to provide a detailed quote for your procedure. This approach ensures that you receive a personalized estimate that reflects your implant choices and any unique requirements of your procedure.  Financing options are offered to make this sought-after procedure more accessible and budget-friendly.

Dr. Paul Vitenas, with over 35 years of experience and more than 10,000 breast surgeries performed, is highly regarded as one of the top board-certified plastic surgeons in Texas. His extensive expertise and dedication to achieving aesthetically pleasing, natural results make him a premier choice for breast surgery in Texas and throughout the United States.

Breast implants typically begin to settle into their final position six weeks after surgery, although they might still appear slightly high or firm, depending on the patient’s initial condition and the size of the implants used. Any initial swelling has usually decreased significantly by this time, revealing a more natural contour. However, it may take several months for the implants to settle completely.

Breast augmentation with silicone gel implants is renowned for its ability to create a very natural look and feel. Dr. Vitenas provides many implant options designed to suit different body types and aesthetic goals. He specializes in advanced techniques that place the implant beneath the muscle, enhancing its natural movement with the body and promoting a more seamless and integrated appearance.

Gummy bear breast implants, offered by premium brands such as Natrelle, are form-stable, meaning that they maintain their shape even if the shell is compromised. Constructed from a highly cohesive silicone gel, these implants mimic the natural feel of breast tissue closely and are more durable than traditional silicone implants. The gel inside has some give when pressed but holds its shape in any position, reducing the occurrence of wrinkles or folds. The benefits of using highly cohesive silicone implants include a lower risk of capsular contracture, less rippling, and the ability to maintain shape without being deformed by gravity. Furthermore, early studies indicate a reduced incidence of leakage rates. Dr. Paul Vitenas is celebrated as one of the leading providers of these high-quality implants in the nation.

The longevity of breast augmentation can vary, but implants typically last 10 to 20 years. However, factors such as age, lifestyle, and changes in weight can influence the duration for which the results remain optimal. Breast Augmentation should not be considered a “one-and-done” procedure.

Implants usually begin to "drop" or settle into a more natural position within 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. This process can be quicker or slower depending on the individual’s body and the specifics of the surgical technique used.

Choosing the best surgeon involves researching their certifications, reviewing before and after photos of their work, and considering their experience, especially in breast procedures. Dr. Vitenas is a board-certified plastic surgeon and has decades of experience performing over ten thousand breast surgeries. His extensive portfolio of before and after photos and positive patient testimonials make him a standout choice for those seeking top-quality breast augmentation.

It's generally safe to start swimming again once all incisions are fully healed and there’s no risk of infection, typically about 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery. 

Silicone gel implants are often preferred for their softer, more natural feel, whereas saline implants are chosen if patients are not comfortable with using silicone implants. Saline implants are approximately 30% heavier by weight than the same size silicone implant. Also, Saline, or salt water, is composed of water with salt added to it to make it compatible with our bodies. Water is a noncompressible substance, so when you squeeze a saline implant, you are only compressing the silicone elastomer shell that holds the saline. This is why when hugging someone with saline implants, the breasts feel harder and less natural than with silicone implants.

It's common for patients to notice some changes in nipple sensitivity following breast augmentation, but these alterations are usually temporary. Patients may experience less sensation in their nipples or more sensation after surgery. Especially if a patient has very sensitive nipples before surgery, they often become hypersensitive for six weeks to three months, then gradually go back to normal. It is possible to lose sensation in one or both nipples from breast augmentation surgery. This is more common in patients getting very large implants requiring the nerve to be stretched farther around the implant. However, it can also happen if a patient has an unusual anatomy. When performed by an expert like Dr. Vitenas, the procedure is carefully crafted to minimize any long-term sensitivity issues, ensuring that any changes in feeling or sensation are likely to gradually return to normal as you heal.

The right size depends on your body frame, existing breast tissue, and your desired outcome. Dr. Vitenas can help you choose a size that complements your overall body shape and meets your aesthetic goals. He will do this by first listening to you and your wishes, then suggesting sizes that fulfill that request, and finally by letting you try on actual implants of different sizes and shapes to allow you to see the differences and make an informed choice. This occurs during the consultation, and he provides his guidance and experience to every breast augmentation patient.

Breast implants vary in weight depending on their size, typically ranging from about 5 ounces (for smaller implants) up to about 14 ounces (for larger sizes).

Breast implants are designed to feel similar to natural breast tissue. Silicone implants, in particular, tend to have a softer and more natural feel compared to saline options.

Dr. Vitenas operates in a 15,000 sq ft accredited surgical center with the latest technology right in our very own facility.