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augmentation
Breast Implants (Mammoplasty)
Breast Augmentation / Breast Implant surgery, also called “mammoplasty,” is one of the most popular and frequently requested surgical procedures that Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Scott Loessin has performed throughout the 20+ years of his career. In addition to performing mammoplasties, Dr. Loessin is a world-renowned expert in breast implant revision for women who have had previous breast augmentation surgery.
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. According to the American Society for Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast augmentation was the top cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in 2012.
Candidates for Breast Augmentation
You may be considered a good candidate for breast augmentation if one or more of the following conditions apply to you:
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
- Your clothes fit well around your hips, but are often too large at the bust line
- You feel uncomfortable wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top
- Your breasts have become smaller and have lost their firmness after having children
- Weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breasts
- One breast is noticeably smaller than the other
Breast Implant Type: Silicone or Saline?
Dr. Loessin provides expert breast augmentation (breast enhancement) surgery using both saline and silicone breast implants at his Key West plastic surgery practice. Dr. Loessin will recommend the kind (saline or silicone), size, and shape of the implant that he feels is best suited for the particular patient. Prior to breast augmentation surgery, each patient has a private consultation with Dr. Loessin in order to weigh her options and choose the best implant for needs and desires. While silicone implants are becoming a popular choice for many patients, it is good for patients to know the choices available.
Dr. Loessin believes that the choice between using saline breast implants or silicone breast implants must be made on an individual basis. The type of implant chosen is usually based on the patient’s anatomy. Patients who generally do well with saline breast implants are often those who have an adequate amount of body fat and breast tissue, and are not seeking a very large breast augmentation.
However, if a patient has relatively little breast tissue (small to medium A cup) and is very lean, she may have a better result using silicone breast implants, especially if she is planning to achieve a significant increase in size. In cases where the size of the breast implant is relatively large compared with the patient’s natural breast volume, silicone breast implants offer the distinct advantage of having a softer, more natural feel with a decreased risk of showing ripples.
Each type of breast implant offers its own advantages and disadvantages. Silicone breast implants have been anticipated and praised by nearly all plastic surgeons since its approval in 2007, including Dr. Loessin who prefers silicone breast implants for most of his patients. The exceptions are those who are under age.
One type of silicone breast implants is known as “gummy bear” implants. This type of implant gets its name from the filler gel, which has a thick, cohesive consistency, like the gummy bear candy. This type of silicone gel implant feels similar to natural breast tissue and has a decreased risk for folding, rippling, or rupturing. In addition, these implants appear more natural and are more likely to maintain their shape over time.
While silicone breast implants offer the advantage of a potentially softer and more natural feel, there is one disadvantage to take into consideration: the size of the incision. Because the silicone breast implants come pre-filled, they require a longer incision for placement. In this case, a scar under the crease of the breast is always an option. A scar around the border of the areolas is also possible if the areolas are large enough.
With regard to saline breast implants, Dr. Loessin can offer similar natural results to silicone breast implants and they are more reasonably priced.
Breast Implant Size and Position
In addition to the type of implant, there are other important choices for the patient to consider for breast augmentation surgery. These include implant size, implant position (on top of or underneath the pectoral muscle), and the location for incision.
Implant size is selected based on a detailed consultation and is aided by the patient viewing many examples of before- and after-pictures of Dr. Loessin’s other patients who have undergone this procedure. In addition, Dr. Loessin spends time with each of his patients to obtain a full understanding of his patient’s goals and concerns. Implant size will also depend on the patient’s individual anatomic considerations, including skin laxity and chest diameter.
When it comes to the implant position, Dr. Loessin generally recommends positioning the implants under the pectoral muscle for several reasons. First, the muscle covering the top part of the implant results in a more natural appearing breast with less likelihood of a visible implant edge or rippling. Second, there is a reduced likelihood of capsular contracture, which is scar tissue that forms around of the implant that causes hardness. Third, the submuscular implant position allows for a better view of the breast tissue when a mammogram is obtained.
Breast augmentation surgery usually takes about one hour to complete. Patients typically experience swelling, soreness, and sensitivity during recovery, which usually lasts three to six weeks. The result of breast augmentation surgery is an exquisitely sculpted bust line that looks natural and is long lasting.
Like any other surgical procedure, the risks of undergoing mammoplasty are lessened if you are physically healthy and a non-smoker. In addition, it is crucial that you have both a positive outlook and realistic goals for the improvement of your appearance.
Mammoplasty – Frequently Asked Questions
Breast augmentation surgery usually takes about one hour.
All breast implants are made of a bag of silicone rubber filled with either saline (water with a little salt) or silicone gel, which has now been declared safe by the FDA. One type of silicone breast implant is known as “gummy bear” implants. This type of implant gets its name from the filler gel, which has a thick, cohesive consistency, like the candy.
The implants can be placed through one of several incision locations:
The crease under the breast
The edge of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple)
About 80% of all implants in this country are placed through the crease under the breast, but this decision is entirely up to the patient.
Patients typically experience swelling, soreness, and sensitivity during recovery, which lasts three to six weeks. The result of breast augmentation surgery is an exquisitely sculpted bust line that still looks natural.
To learn more about breast augmentation/breast implant surgery, please contact Dr. Scott Loessin’s office in Key West. During your consultation, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Loessin will personally meet with you to discuss all your breast enhancement options. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Loessin today by calling 305-809-8011