Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to increase the size of the breast and improve the shape. Typically, this procedure uses saline implants to achieve the desired size. However, this procedure can also be completed using fat from other parts of the patient’s body. The goal of a breast augmentation procedure is to create a larger and more aesthetically pleasing profile of the breast to meet the patient’s expectations.
If you are someone who is unhappy with the size and/or shape of your breasts, then our board-certified plastic surgeons at The Vu Center in Portland are here to help. We offer a variety of plastic and cosmetic procedures to help you achieve your ideal look. Explore our website to learn more about the procedures we offer, and give us a call to schedule an initial consultation with a friendly and knowledgeable member of our staff.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Undergoing a breast augmentation is a deeply personal decision, and we want to ensure that each of our patients are having this procedure for themselves and not for someone else. In addition to going into the procedure with the right intentions and reasonable expectations, the ideal candidate for a breast augmentation is someone who:
- Has breasts that are fully developed
- Is physically healthy and isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding
- Is bothered by the feeling that their breasts are too small
- Has breasts that are asymmetrical
- Has breasts that have failed to develop normally
- Is dissatisfied with breasts that have lost shape and volume after pregnancy, aging, or weight loss
Women most often receive a breast augmentation if they feel their breasts are too small or their breasts have lost volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with age. It is also common for women to receive a breast augmentation solely to fix the shape and physical appearance of their breasts.
If you feel that you are an ideal candidate for a breast augmentation, contact The Vu Center to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
The Procedure
Prior to your procedure, you will schedule a consultation with The Vu Center. During your consultation, one of our surgeons will go over the procedure with you in detail. You will also have time to ask any questions regarding your procedure, as well as receive any advice and feedback about your options to help you achieve the best results possible.
When you receive a breast augmentation, there are many choices you will have to make. To ensure that your results look natural while meeting your expectations, your surgeon will be able to discuss all of your options, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Preparing for Surgery
As the day of your procedure draws closer, your surgeon or a nurse practitioner will reach out to you with some instructions you will need to follow leading up to your procedure. Each cosmetic procedure has its own list of instructions. Generally, your doctor will ask you to stop smoking and stop taking certain medications that may interfere with the anesthesia or the recovery. It’s also important that you avoid taking aspirin or other certain anti-inflammatory drugs, as these can increase bleeding during surgery.
Breast augmentations are performed using general anesthesia, and it is not safe for you to drive home after your surgery. Therefore, you will need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure and take care of you until you are able to do so on your own.
During the Breast Augmentation Procedure
On the day of your breast augmentation, your surgeon will use general anesthesia during the procedure. The next step is to make the incision where the surgeon will insert the breast implant type you decided upon in your initial consultation. There are a few different ways the surgeon can make the incision, including:
Inframammary:
This type of incision is made in the crease underneath the breast. The result of this incision is a one- to two-inch scar that is easily concealed by the crease of the breast. This type of incision also creates a wider access point for the surgeon to place the implant.
Trans-axillary:
This incision is made in the armpit. Your surgeon will use a specialized camera as a guide to ensure optimal placement. The trans-axillary incision will leave a small scar in the armpit, but it will not leave any scarring on the breast itself.
Peri-areolar:
Your surgeon will make an incision around the outer edge of the areola. This will allow the scar to be hidden by the natural change in color between the areola and your skin. This approach is also preferred if the surgeon is performing a mild to moderate breast lift in addition to the breast augmentation.
Transumbilical:
The transumbilical incision is made just above the belly button. This incision will allow the surgeon to insert each implant through the incision and bring it up to the breast. The benefit of this type of incision is that it leaves no scar on the breast itself, but only a single scar just above your belly button.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss these incision options with you to help you determine which is the right option to help you achieve your desired results.
Once the incision is made, the cosmetic surgeon will place the implant, suture the incision, and bring you into the recovery room.
Recovery
During your recovery, the surgeon will wrap your chest in gauze dressings and utilize an elastic bandage or a support bra to help minimize the swelling and support your breasts as they heal. Once you wake up from surgery, your surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure that your recovery goes smoothly. You will have to wear the support garment around the clock for as long as your surgeon recommends. Additionally, you may be instructed to clean or apply an ointment to the incision site to help it heal.
While you recover from your surgery, it’s important that you take it easy and avoid any heavy or strenuous activities. As you recover, you will be able to build up to your regular routine.
Learn More at The Vu Center!
If you are interested in learning more about a breast augmentation, or you want to find out if this cosmetic procedure is right for you, our board-certified surgeons at The Vu Center are here to help! We offer a variety of plastic and cosmetic surgery options to help you love the body you’re in. Explore our website to learn more and contact our Portland plastic surgery clinic to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to helping you!