Breast Augmentation with H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery
The plastic surgeons of H/K/B are well-known for their expertise in Breast Augmentation. Breast augmentation surgery is the most popular cosmetic procedure here in the United States. Whether you’re a mother seeking your pre-pregnancy form, or you recently lost considerable weight along with your breast firmness, breast augmentation is a procedure worth consideration.
Perhaps you have suffered the effects of breast cancer or were born with breasts that just don’t fit your frame, breast augmentation is a solution you may desire. When you consider breast implants, you want to know two things: that your surgery will be safe and that you will look great afterwards. The plastic surgeons of H/K/B are well-known for their expertise, extensive training, and experience in breast augmentation. Our surgeons have performed hundreds of successful breast augmentation surgeries. When you come to H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery you are treated like royalty in our state-of-the-art, fully accredited surgical facilities.
Now, with Vectra 3D Imaging, you can get a glimpse of how a customized breast augmentation will fit you. You can view different shapes and sizes and how they look on you. This advanced technology ensures your surgeon will know what outcome you desire. Breast augmentation may be done in concert with a breast lift. If you have had an unsuccessful breast augmentation, we offer breast augmentation revision surgery.
To learn more about breast augmentation surgery at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, complete our online form today to schedule a visit.
What Can I Expect During Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia. It takes less than one hour.
We offer all methods of breast enlargement and incision placement, as well as various FDA-approved implant shapes, in silicone and saline. The advanced techniques we employ allow us to create incisions in inconspicuous locations, either in the apex of the armpit, peri-areolar (an incision under the nipple at the areola where the color changes naturally), inframammary (under the crease of the breast), or the TUBA technique, in which the implants are inserted through an incision inside the navel.
We also provide three options for placement of your implants:
- Sub-glandular – the implant is placed directly under the gland of the breast.
- Sub-muscular – the implant is placed under the pectoralis major muscle.
- Sub-facial – a newer technique in which the implant is placed below a thin, but strong layer of connective tissue that covers the pectoralis major muscle. With this method, you get the “internal bra” benefit of the sub-muscular technique without implant animation that causes the implants to move when the muscles contract.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
We make implant recommendations with years of experience and your individual preferences. We will discuss options so you can make an informed decision. As our patients can attest, we have a reputation for desired results that are safe and long-lasting.
Besides helping you feel feminine and self-confident, breast implants can make your body more proportionate. Your clothes will fit better, as well.
Your Breast Augmentation Consultation with H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery
If you are seriously considering breast augmentation surgery, the relationship with your plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. It is vital to understand all your options – the risks, the rewards, and everything about your surgeon and their staff.
At H/K/B, you will receive professional and caring service from the moment you contact us. When you call, we will provide preliminary information and schedule a consultation appointment so you can become familiar with us.
Upon arrival at one of our state-of-the-art facilities, you will meet your chosen surgeon and his or her team. They will give you a thorough physical examination and inquire of your reasons for breast augmentation. They will show you before and after photos of patients with similar body types that had similar concerns as you.
You will be given plenty of time to ask your questions and state your concerns. You will not be rushed, and every question will be answered.
Your Trusted Partner For Transformation
The H/K/B Way is a collaborative effort between all of our physicians and staff. Together, we are committed to providing our patients with state-of-the-art procedures, best-in-class surgical technology, and the most advanced methods for ensuring not just optimal results, but also optimal recovery periods.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
What type of breast implant should you choose? You’ve heard about saline and silicone. What are the differences? What are the advantages – as well as the disadvantages of each? What are “gummy bear” implants?
The best implant for you should be for your unique anatomy, and your desired result after surgery. It is not a one size fits all procedure. Your body type will be assessed with your optimal outcome, and the proper implant will be chosen.
These choices may be confusing, but don’t worry. During your breast augmentation surgery consultation at H/K/B, your surgeon will explain all the options so you can make informed decisions as to the size, shape, placement, and type of FDA-approved implant.
Saline breast implants
The outer shell of saline implants is made of silicone polymer, but the inner filling is a saline solution. One advantage of saline implants is that they require a shorter incision, since the implant is filled with liquid after insertion into the breast. This also allows the surgeon to customize the size of the implants to a more precise degree. Saline implants are FDA-approved for women aged 18 and over.
Another advantage of saline implants is that, in the rare instance of a rupture, you know immediately if they have deflated. A disadvantage of saline is that they are firmer than silicone, and some people think they do not feel as natural. Saline implants are also slightly more prone to rippling.
Silicone gel breast implants
While silicone implants were removed from the market for a period of time about 20 years ago, data from years of study since then have shown that they are safe. FDA-approved for women aged 22 and over, these implants are filled with silicone gel prior to insertion. This means that their size is predetermined, and they require a longer incision than saline implants.
Silicone implants have a soft, natural feel and are less prone to rippling. They can be placed above the muscle (subglandular) position if that is preferred. A disadvantage of silicone is that you might not be able to detect a ruptured implant. While ruptures are not dangerous, they can affect the shape of the implant and will require revision surgery. Luckily, ruptures are rare.
Gummy bear implants (5th Generation)
Gummy bear implants is the term given to the newest generation of cohesive gel implants in the United States, also called “5th generation”. They are filled with a silicone substance that is more like a solid gelatin than a liquid. They are called “cohesive” due to their ability to hold their shape regardless of your body’s position. These 5th generation silicone gel implants come in shaped and rounded (teardrop) implants, manufactured by Sientra.
Sientra’s full portfolio of 5th generation silicone breast implants Sientra breast implants are made with High-Strength Cohesive (HSC) Silicone Gel to ensure implant strength and integrity, while still feeling like a natural party of your body.
Sientra offers both round and shaped (teardrop) implant options. The HSC round implants are the right choice for a fuller appearance and more dramatic cleavage. The HSC+ shaped implants, are designed to create a more contoured, natural silhouette. Each style combines the exclusive HSC Silicone Gel interior with a durable outer shell to create a soft, natural-like feel without sacrificing the integrity of the implant.
One shape does not fit all. That’s why both HSC round and HSC+ shaped implants are available in different shapes and sizes, so you and your H/K/B board certified plastic surgeon can create a look that’s right for you.
Beauty Enhanced
Confidence Restored
Breast Implant Brands
At H/K/B, the brands of implants we usually use are Allergan, Mentor, or Sientra. We have excellent success with these products and believe they are the best available on the market.
Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra provide a variety of saline and silicone gel implants, including Sientra’s cohesive gummy bear implants known as 5th generation implants. They come in different shapes and sizes for height and profile/projection. They manufacture textured and smooth implants.
Textured Vs. Smooth Implants
Implant surfaces can be smooth or treated with a finishing process that texturizes the outer shell. It’s important to understand your breasts will still feel normal even if you have textured implants. The texture simply helps the implant to adhere better to the surrounding breast tissue to avoid rotation.
We found that textured implants may be less prone to capsular contracture – a condition that occasionally happens over time after breast augmentation. In a capsular contracture, a tight scar develops around the implant, causing the breasts to become too firm and sometimes misshapen. Consequently, breast augmentation revision surgery must be done.
Implants with a smooth surface are less likely to ripple than textured implants. If a patient has little breast tissue, we opt for the smooth implant since rippling would be more of an issue in that case.
Breast Implant Recovery
Most of our patients can return to normal activities within a few days. Lifting and vigorous exercise are restricted for a few weeks, however.
We will provide special instructions for recovery from breast augmentation surgery. You can expect some tenderness and tightness. You may also experience bruising and swelling, but these conditions should subside quickly, leaving you with the beautiful breasts you’ve always wanted.
Schedule Your Consultation
Ready to learn more about Breast Augmentation? Complete our form to receive more information and to schedule your consultation with one of our expert surgeons at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery. Together, you and your surgeon will develop a custom breast augmentation procedure for your unique body type. You will be consulted on your preparation for surgery, what to expect during surgery, and your recovery.
Breast Augmentation FAQS
The most important measurement is the base diameter of your breast, i.e., how wide the breast is from the breast bone to the axillary line. The closer we stay to that diameter, the more natural the breast result will be. Then, based on your desired size, we can pick a wider or narrower implant to achieve that goal. I take into account the size of your shoulders, abdomen, and hips to make things proportional.
The most important dimension for me is the base diameter of the breast. This means the distance from the breast bone to a line dropped down from the armpit. Then the size you want, and we can adjust the profile of the implant to match that diameter. I do work with the size of the shoulders, hips and abdomen to have a well proportioned result.
I like smooth round gel implants. Silicone gel implants feel and look the most natural. Shaped implants, I feel, are a little too firm, besides other potential problems with them.
Yes. The amount is determined by the placement of the implants, and the style/projection of the implant.
We have determined that microscopic collections of skin bacteria may lead to tightening of the scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture). The Keller funnel allows us to place the implant in the pocket without touching the skin and, therefore greatly minimizing the bacteria from affecting the pocket.
The position of the nipple complex determines the need for a lift in most cases. If a finger is placed in the fold under the breast and then transposed to the front of the breast, that determines the proper position of the nipple complex. If it is up to an inch below, then a small uplift is needed, i.e., just around the nipple complex. If it is more than that, then a lollypop-type lift may be needed. The implant will lift the nipple complex to a degree as well. I do not like to put an extra large implant in place to avoid a lift, as many other problems can arise due to that.
It can be performed under sedation, LMA general anesthesia or intubation general anesthesia. The choice depends on different anatomic factors around your mouth, neck region, and your medical problems as well as your comfort with the procedure.
Yes, at least the first night to help due to the possible residual effects of anesthesia.
Yes. I like to place a bra on my patients at the time of surgery and recommend using one around the clock when not in the shower for the first two weeks and then as much as possible when upright till coming control of the pocket occurs.
Each person is different. Each surgery is different. Depending on the size of the implant, your body frame, the pocket placement different activities may be started at different times. General rule of thumb would be running at about 2-3 weeks, and upper body activities longer.
Desk job, usually about 5-7 days. Jobs that require lifting or more activities usually closer to 2 weeks.
Yes. Just inform the technician that you have implants in place, which usually requires an extra view.