Breast enhancement surgery has become one of the most popular surgical procedures in the United States. Some women choose breast augmentation as a way to boost their self-confidence or feel better in their summer swimwear. Others have deeply personal reasons for making the choice. Whatever your motivation, we at Lotus Cosmetic Surgery Connecticut specialize in breast surgery, and Dr. Nasir will expertly guide you on your journey, helping you decide which procedure or implant is right for you.
We offer a number of enhancement options, including the innovative “natural” breast augmentation by transferring fat from unwanted areas (e.g., tummy, hips, or abdomen) to the breasts. We also offer a wide variety of silicone implants including the “Gummy Bear” gel implant and saline implants. Implant insurance through the manufacturer is also something we can facilitate for our patients.
- What Is Breast Augmentation?
- Breast Augmentation Benefits
- Breast Augmentation Candidates
- Age for Breast Augmentation
- Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
- Breast Implant Types
- Breast Augmentation Incision Types<
- Breast Implant Placement Options
- Breast Augmentation Procedure
- Breast Augmentation Recovery
- Breast Implants Lifespan
- Breast Implant Cost
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Augmentation mammaplasty, commonly known as breast augmentation, is a procedure designed to enhance breast size through the insertion of saline or silicone implants. It has of the highest patient satisfaction rates in cosmetic medicine. Breast augmentation is one of Dr. Nasir’s signature procedures. He takes great pride in his surgical technique and makes a concerted effort to get to know the goals of each individual patient as well as their aesthetic. He will review “wish pictures” with each patient to discuss candidly whether their expectations are realistic and desirable, and how best to achieve those results.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
A significant degree of customization is possible in breast augmentation, which is one of the reasons behind its high popularity. Women who want to undergo this plastic surgery procedure have several options, which give them a fair amount of control over their desired results. Patients can often achieve one or more of the following with breast augmentation:
- Increasing the size of naturally small breasts
- Creating a more voluptuous or feminine breast appearance
- Correcting symmetry between the breasts
- Restoring breast volume after pregnancy or major weight loss
- Correcting congenital defects in one or both breasts
- Restoring breast appearance after mastectomy
- Improving body image and self-esteem
Although most women choose breast augmentation for cosmetic enhancement, it can also be used in breast construction to restore breast appearance after a mastectomy.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a major surgery, and the patient should have a fairly good health and fitness level before undergoing the procedure. Dr. Nasir will review your health records and may order a few tests and specialized mammograms, if required. The degree of skin laxity and skin quality in the breast area will also be reviewed.
You will need to disclose information about your smoking or drinking habits, if any, and provide details about your current prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Dr. Nasir will be able to advise correct pre- and post-op instructions with this information.
You should have a stable body weight and should not be suffering from any untreated infections or have a tendency of bleeding. You should also be free from any cancerous or pre-cancerous breast tissue. The patient should not be pregnant and not have any near-term plans for a pregnancy.
Dr. Nasir will encourage you to review breast augmentation before and after pictures so you gain a realistic understanding of what the procedure can or cannot do.
What Age Do You Have to Be for Breast Augmentation?
The FDA has imposed a minimum age limit for silicone and saline breast implant surgery. A woman should be above the age of 21 to be a candidate for silicone gel or ultra-cohesive silicone implants, and above the age of 18 for saline implants.
In exceptional circumstances, women below the age of 18 may be eligible for breast augmentation surgery to correct congenital deformities of the breasts or to restore breasts after a breast tissue injury or breast removal surgery. A fine candidate will have a positive mindset, clear cosmetic priorities, and realistic expectations for their procedure.
What Is a Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer?
This is the cutting edge of breast augmentation. At our SlimStart Lipo Center, fat is removed through a special type of liposuction (power assisted), processed by a proprietary method to rid it of impurities and to help enhance fat cell survival. It is artfully placed into the breasts to sculpt and shape them into a more desirable, natural, and fuller shape.
The breast augmentation with fat transfer procedure takes only a few hours with minimal recovery time. The benefits of combining liposuction with obtaining fuller breasts are additive in many women resulting in more confidence and vitality.
What Are the Different Types of Breast Implants?
The FDA has approved saline, silicone gel, and ultra-cohesive silicone implants for cosmetic breast augmentation procedures. The patient also has a choice of implant sizes ranging from 120 cc to 960 cc, and implant shapes, which can be round or anatomical. All of our breast implants come in non-allergenic and non-irritating silicone shells. Dr. Nasir will assist in choosing the best implant to achieve the look you desire. We provide Mentor breast implants in the following forms:
- Silicone: Silicone (gel-filled) implants are FDA approved for individuals 22 and older. Silicone implants have a more natural feel and appearance and have less of a risk of rippling and wrinkling. The silicone material mimics the natural feel of breast tissue in enhanced breasts.
- Saline: Saline (salt water-filled) implants are FDA approved for individuals 18 and older. Saline implants typically can be inserted through a smaller incision than with gel, and are recommended for correcting asymmetry in breasts because of the implant’s ability to be adjusted during surgery.
As of July 2019, Allergan recalled their textured breast implants worldwide, due to research showing a connection between these products and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is an extremely rare and highly treatable cancer of the immune system. Mentor breast implants are FDA approved and have not shown this link. If you have any concerns about breast implant illnesses like BIA-ALCL, Dr. Nasir will be happy to answer your questions. In addition to explaining the benefits of your implant options, he strives to help you understand all risks associated with your procedure, allowing you to make an informed decision about your care.
What Are the Incision Types for Breast Augmentation?
Breast implant incisions will vary based on the size of the implant used, but are typically between 3-4 centimeters long. Dr. Nasir will place your incisions in one of the following discreet locations:
- Inframammary incision: This incision is made within the fold beneath the breast, easily concealing post-operative scars.
- Periareolar incision: This incision is made around the bottom curve of the areola.
- Transaxillary incision: This ncision is placed within the underarm.
The best incision location will be determined after taking into account your breast anatomy, size of implants, and concerns of scarring.
What Are My Breast Implant Placement Options?
Breast implants can be placed below the pectoral muscle (submuscular) or above the pectoral muscle (subglandular), just behind the breast tissue.
- Submusclar: Placement under the chest muscle, providing extra tissue coverage and reducing the chance of visible implant ripples.
- Subglandular (or submammary): Placement between the chest muscle and breast tissue. Athletic patients may choose this placement to avoid possible distortion from lifting and contraction of the chest muscles.
Each placement option has pros and cons, and Dr. Nasir will help you make the appropriate choice for your aesthetic goals.
What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Involve?
Breast augmentation is often preformed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and is completed within one to two hours. Dr. Nasir performs all of his breast augmentation procedures at fully accredited facilities with board-certified anesthesiologists for maximum safety and peace of mind for his patients.
Following anesthesia, Dr. Nasir will begin the procedure by placing incisions in the pre-planned locations. A breast pocket will be surgically made through the incision, and the implants will be placed submuscularly or subglandularly, as decided during the surgical planning. Once the implants are securely placed and adjusted into the desired position, Dr. Nasir will close the incisions carefully with sutures.
Drain tubes will be placed under the skin in the incision areas for a few days to collect excess fluid. The breasts will be wrapped with bandages to support initial healing. You will need to have post-operative care and a bedside prepared, as pain medications will be required within the first few days following your immediate surgery.
What Can I Expect After Breast Augmentation?
The first week of your breast augmentation recovery, you should get plenty of rest, but perform short walks frequently at home to promote blood flow. Most patients can return to their normal routine and go back to work after a week or 10 days. Bending and lifting of anything that is heavy should be avoided for a few weeks, and you should avoid strenuous activities for several more weeks.
Results from breast augmentation are immediate, but your implants will take some time to settle into their permanent position, as the swelling subsides over the course of several weeks or months. This is a surgery that we truly love to perform for our patients. Dr. Nasir will follow your post-operative care to ensure proper recovery.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants are not intended as lifetime devices and, therefore, will need to be replaced eventually. On average, implants last about 10 to 15 years before breast implant removal and exchange becomes necessary. Older implants are more prone to rupturing and showing rippling.
How Much Do Breast Implants Cost?
Breast augmentations costs approximately $3,824 for the surgeon’s fee, but this will vary based on the expertise of the surgeon and their geographic location. Since every breast augmentation is different, there is no fixed cost for the procedure. Other factors that can influence the total cost include anesthesia, surgical facility, medication, and post-operative garments. After your consultation with Dr. Nasir, our team can provide you with a cost estimate for your breast augmentation to help you budget for your procedure. If you would like to break your cost into smaller, monthly payments, we accept financing through CareCredit®.
If you would like more information on the breast augmentation procedure, please contact us today by completing our online form, or at (203) 221-5809 to schedule your consultation.
