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Everything You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States, a distinction it’s held since 2006, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Last year alone, about 300,000 breast augmentation surgeries were performed in the US, helping women feel more attractive, more confident, and more empowered. 

At Vida Bela Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chelsea Snider relies on state-of-the-art breast augmentation techniques and technology to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results for women in Plano and Frisco, Texas. If you’re thinking about breast augmentation, here's what you need to know.

Choosing the right implant

Breast implants vary by size, material, and even surface texture. Dr. Snider helps you select the best implant based on your goals, your body type, and other factors, so you can feel confident in your results. 

Size

The size of implant you select is based largely on your goals and preferences, combined with Dr. Snider’s recommendation based on your body shape. You’ll have a chance to “try on” different sizes under your bra during your office visit, so you can get a more realistic idea of how specific sizes of implants will look once they’re in place. Dr. Snider recommends the best size implants for helping you achieve your goals while also maintaining an optimal and attractive symmetry with the rest of your body. 

Material: Saline vs. silicone vs. fat

Saline implants use a silicone shell that’s inserted into the body empty. The shell is filled with a saline solution (salt water) once it’s in place. As a result, slightly smaller incisions are used compared to silicone implants. 

Silicone implants have been around for a long time — in fact, Dr. Snider uses fifth-generation silicone implants, designed for better durability and a very natural result. The silicone gel feels more like your natural breast while also offering more natural fullness. Silicone implants are also less likely to cause a side effect called rippling, where the edges of the implant may be seen or even felt under your skin.

Fat transfer is another option. In this procedure, fat is transferred from one area of your body to your breast, enhancing fullness in the upper part of your breast. You can have fat transfer by itself or combined with an implant to increase fullness in the entire breast.

Texture

Most implants have a smooth surface texture, but some — especially implants that are “teardrop”-shaped — may have a rougher surface texture. regardless of whether your implants are smooth or textured, you won’t be able to feel the difference once they’re implanted.

What happens during the procedure?

Breast augmentation uses general anesthesia so you can sleep through the surgery. The surgery begins with a small incision, which is usually made in the inframammary fold — the crease under your breast. Locating the incision here helps hide the scar. Other incision sites are also possible, depending on your needs.

Next, Dr. Snider uses special instruments to create a pocket under your breast tissue or behind the pectoralis muscle. The pocket holds the implant in place. Once the pocket is created, Dr. Sinder inserts the implant through the incision and adjusts it so it looks natural and attractive. The implant procedure typically takes under two hours, but your surgery time will vary based on your specific needs.

What is recovery like?

You’ll have some discomfort for a few days after your surgery, but using ice packs and sleeping on your back will help decrease swelling and pain. You’ll also be given medication to help manage pain for the first couple of days. Over the first few weeks, you’ll need to avoid certain activities, like heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. The best way to speed your recovery is to follow the instructions we give you following your surgery.

Can I combine augmentation with a breast lift?

Absolutely, and many women do. Breast augmentation increases the size of your breasts, but it won’t fully improve sagging or drooping. Combining an augmentation with a breast lift can help you achieve both, increasing the volume of your breasts while also returning them to a more natural, more youthful position.

Learn more about breast augmentation

Breast augmentation isn’t about pleasing someone else — it’s about pleasing yourself and gaining confidence, which directly affects how you look and how you feel. In fact, breast augmentation surgery gets high marks from women who’ve had the surgery, achieving a 98% satisfaction rate.

If you’ve been thinking about breast augmentation, call Vida Bela Plastic Surgery at 469-270-7666 or use our online form and schedule a personal consultation.

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