Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States. Breast augmentation in Houston is a popular option and can give women a more proportionate figure, helping them to feel more confident about their appearance.
There are two methods of breast augmentation: implant-based and fat-grafting. Choosing which method depends solely on the desired outcome of the patient, as each method has its advantages.
Patients elect to undergo breast enlargement for many different reasons, including but not limited to breast asymmetry, reduced breast size after pregnancy, or to correct a congenital defect.
During your breast augmentation consultation with acclaimed board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Erika Sato, you will start with discussing your desired volume change, shape, and feel. With these goals in mind, you will choose either implant-based breast enhancement or fat-grafting augmentation. During this consultation, you will also be able to view before and after photos and ask questions.
Many patients come in with a desire for large breast implants or small breast implants, but implant-based breast augmentation actually allows the patient a wide variety of choices. It is ideal for patients who desire significant volume change (greater than 1 cup size or more than 150 cc) and patients who do not have enough body fat to transfer.
The following are considerations when choosing the right breast implant for you:
Fat transfer to the breast is a process in which fat is removed from other areas of the body via liposuction and injected into the breasts. This form of natural breast enlargement is ideal for patients who desire a small volume change and only want enhancement using natural tissue. The maximum final volume increase from fat grafting is approximately one cup size (150 cc in each breast).
At your consultation, Dr. Sato will help you understand all of your options and will make recommendations that take your body type into consideration.
Over time, the effects of gravity in combination with the loss of the skin’s natural elasticity take a toll on the appearance of a woman’s breast. Weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can also cause the breasts to lose their youthful shape and firmness.
A mastopexy (breast lift) is performed to return youthful shape and lift (including reduction in the size of the areola) to the sagging breast. A breast lift without implants creates perkier breasts without any sagging.
A breast lift can also be performed in combination with breast augmentation (implants or fat grafting) for more satisfying results. This procedure is called a breast augmentation with lift, or augmentation mastopexy.
Breast augmentation surgery is perfect for women who want to enhance the size and volume of their breasts, address asymmetry between the breasts, and restore breast volume after pregnancy and lactation.
You may be a candidate for breast implants if you are healthy and over the age of 18. If you are pregnant or a new mother, you should not have a breast enlargement procedure until after you are no longer breastfeeding.
Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Both silicone breast implants and saline implants are safe, and each offers its own advantages.
Saline implants are firmer in comparison to silicone implants. The saline solution can also be safely absorbed by the body in the event of a rupture. Because saline implants are inserted in the breast while empty and then filled once in place, a smaller incision is required.
Most women, on the other hand, prefer silicone implants over saline implants. This is because they have a more natural appearance and feel. Silicone implants are known for their soft silicone gel, and they are filled with silicone gel before they are put in the breast pocket.
Gummy bear implants are a newer type of silicone implant and are quite popular because of the advantages they offer over traditional silicone implants. They are also known as form-stable implants. When gummy bear implants experience a rupture, they maintain their shape quite well, and there is no leaking of the material, because they are filled with a denser gel.
Right before your scheduled breast augmentation surgery, the facility staff will help you prepare for the procedure. This also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and have any remaining concerns or issues addressed.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient operation performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the treatment, the procedure can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to complete. A final breast examination will be performed to ensure that you are ready, and marks will be made to serve as a blueprint for the treatment.
To begin the breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Sato will make incisions according to the surgical plan. The chosen breast enhancement technique will then be carried out.
