Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery. At our facility, experienced plastic surgeon Brian Blumenauer, MD, offers versatile implant types to ensure natural-looking results for every patient, whether you want to increase your breast size or create a more uniform aesthetic. Request an appointment by filling out the online form to learn more about breast augmentation.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size of the breasts, improve their shape and enhance their symmetry. The process involves surgically placing implants beneath the breast tissue and/or chest muscle. Dr. Blumenauer takes a modern approach to breast surgery, ensuring every patient achieves their aesthetic goals.
Are there different types of implants in breast augmentation?
There are several different types of implants that Dr. Blumenauer may recommend for breast augmentation surgery, but the two most common are saline and silicone.
Saline
Saline is a watery fluid that Dr. Blumenauer injects into a silicone shell. One of the main benefits of saline implants is that they’re ideal for most patients over age 18. Dr. Blumenauer can also fill these implants to their desired volume after inserting them.
Silicone
Silicone is a more viscous fluid than saline. Most patients find these implants look and feel more similar to natural breast tissue. According to FDA regulations, patients must be 22 or older to get silicone implants.
Essential measures to consider when selecting the right implant include the base diameter of the breast, implant volume and implant projection.
Who is a candidate for breast augmentation?
Dr. Blumenauer performs a comprehensive medical history review and physical exam before recommending breast augmentation. To be considered for breast augmentation, you must be over the age of 18, have fully developed breasts, be in good physical health and have realistic expectations about your results. You must not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding. You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if you present with any of the following:
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Dissatisfaction with the shape or size of your breasts
- Loss of volume from pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Misshapen breasts
During your initial consultation, Dr. Blumenauer will work with you to ensure your results will align with your expectations.
What can I expect during breast augmentation?
After administering anesthesia, Dr. Blumenauer will perform your breast augmentation using an inframammary approach, one of the most common practices for breast augmentation. This approach utilizes an incision beneath the fold of your breasts, making it more discrete.
The doctor also considers the placement of your implants for optimal results, and you will discuss this before the procedure. Dr. Blumenauer typically prefers the subfascial placement, which is a novel method that combines the best of both above-muscle and below-muscle approaches.
The subfascial approach is a more modernized offering in the field of breast augmentation and one in which Dr. Blumenauer specializes. It involves placing the implant beneath the pectoralis fascia, allowing Dr. Blumenauer to give you optimal results.