Dr. Vitenas is one of the leading cosmetic breast augmentation surgeons in the entire United States. He performs over 500 cosmetic breast augmentations per year, has one of the largest before and after galleries of cosmetic breast implants in the world and has been named a “Top Doc” 10 consecutive years, by H Texas Magazine. Below you can find information about costs, see thousands of breast augmentation before and after photos, find out about recovery time, and the different options available to achieve fuller breasts. Dr. Vitenas specializes in natural-looking breast augmentation surgery using mainly silicone breast implants.
About the Breast Augmentation Procedure
The Breast Augmentation procedure, also known as breast enlargement, is one of the most popular plastic surgeries performed today. The procedure consistently provides satisfied patients. Designed to add volume, form, and symmetry to the chest, breast implants can provide an aesthetically pleasing proportion to the figure.
Saline Implants vs. Silicone Implants
The Saline Implant has been on the market since the mid-1960s. Consisting of a salt-water solution that is safe for the body; Saline Implants result in a firm, round breast. The Silicone Gel implant has been around for over 50 years. While they were removed from the market for several years, Silicone implants have since proved to show no health-related problems. Silicone Gel implants will provide a softer, more organic looking breast that feels completely natural. A large variety of size and shape choices are available, allowing patients to choose the implant that looks best on their specific body type. Silicone Gel implants (also known as Cohesive gel) will provide a softer, more organic looking breast that feels completely natural. A large variety of size and shape choices are available, allowing patients to choose the implant that looks best on their specific body type.
Who are the Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation?
Good candidates for a Breast Augmentation are women with small, under-developed, or misshaped breasts. Women who have lost breast volume as a result of pregnancy can also benefit greatly from the procedure. Patients should be nonsmokers and in generally good health. During the complimentary consultation appointment, Dr. Vitenas will review the medical history, physical situation, and the patient’s aesthetic goals to determine if a Breast Augmentation is the right fit.
Dr. Vitenas performs breast implants at Houston Surgery Center, an outpatient facility conveniently located in the same building as Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery. The Breast Augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to start recovering in the comfort of their own home the same afternoon. Performed under general anesthesia, a Breast Augmentation will take about 40-60 minutes to complete.
Dr. Vitenas typically begins his Breast Augmentation with an incision in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary). Once the incision is made, the implants are placed beneath the chest muscle (submuscular). Submuscular placement does not require women to have much natural breast tissue. They are harder to feel under the muscle and can provide good upper pole fullness. The best incision and implant location will depend upon the individual patient’s needs and desires.
The recovery after a Breast Augmentation generally takes only 1-2 days for breast implants situated under the muscle. Patients should expect to feel tired and sore for the first few days after surgery. Dr. Vitenas will prescribe the appropriate pain medications to control discomfort. There is normally a minimal amount of bruising and swelling, which may take three to five weeks to fade. The breasts will remain sensitive to stimulation for several weeks. Patients usually feel well enough to return to work in 2-3 days, although strenuous activities should be postponed for four to six weeks.
Breast Augmentation Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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 saltwater solution. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel.
What should I expect during a consultation for breast augmentation?
During your first consultation for breast augmentation, Dr. Vitenas will take the time to understand your goals, answer any questions you may have and go over your medical history. You will see several before and after photos of previous breast augmentation patients. Dr. Vitenas will go over reasonable and expected outcomes, and explain the details of the technique used called the dual plane method, the recovery, the risks, as well as financing options.
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.
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 $5,500 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 select. 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.
What should I expect during a consultation for breast augmentation?
During your first consultation for breast augmentation, Dr. Vitenas will take the time to understand your goals, answer any questions you may have and go over your medical history. You will see several before and after photos of previous breast augmentation patients. Dr. Vitenas will go over reasonable and expected outcomes, and explain the details of the technique used called the dual plane method, the recovery, the risks, as well as financing options.
Where is the surgery for breast augmentation performed?
Dr. Vitenas performs all breast augmentations at Houston Surgery Center, a fully accredited outpatient facility located on the second floor Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery.
What type of anesthesia is used for breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is always performed with general anesthesia.
How is breast augmentation performed?
For breast augmentation, an incision may be made in the armpit (axillary), in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary), or around the areola (periareola). After the incisions are made, the implants are placed in the chest, either beneath the chest muscle (submuscular) or above the chest muscle (subglandular). The incisions are then closed.
How long is the surgery for breast augmentation?
The surgery itself for breast augmentation is about 40 minutes in length.
Where are the incisions made for breast augmentation?
There are three possible locations for the breast augmentation incisions. They may be located around the areola (periareola), in the armpit (axillary), or in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary). The incision location that is right for you will depend upon your anatomy and your goals.
Does breast augmentation leave scars?
Patients will have scars after breast augmentation, though they tend to be well-concealed. They may be located in the armpit, in the crease beneath the breast, or around the areola.
*Client testimonials are based on personal experience. Individual results may vary.
Is breast augmentation a painful procedure?
Patients may experience some discomfort, though this can be managed with medication.
How long is the recovery after breast augmentation?
The recovery after a breast augmentation takes about 2-3 days for implants placed in the submuscular location.
What is the recovery like after breast augmentation?
Patients can expect a recovery time of several days to one week after breast augmentation. Bruising and swelling are common, with most of the bruising fading and swelling subsiding within three to five weeks. The breasts are often sensitive to stimulation for several weeks after surgery.
When will I be able to return to work after my breast augmentation procedure?
Patients are often able to return to work within a few days after the breast augmentation procedure.
When will I be able to exercise after my breast augmentation procedure?
Patients will need to postpone strenuous activities and exercise for about four to six weeks after the breast augmentation surgery.
Video questions and answers about breast augmentation surgery
What are the risks or possible complications of breast augmentation?
The potential risks or complications associated with breast augmentation may include bleeding, infection, hematoma, loss of nipple sensation, capsular contracture, asymmetry, and malposition.
What are the possible financing options for my breast augmentation procedure?
We do offer financing options for cosmetic breast augmentation, and your patient coordinator will discuss these with you during your first breast augmentation consultation. To learn more about these options now, please visit our financing page.
Learn more about Breast Implant Options in Houston.
