A breast augmentation procedure is performed when a patient is looking for increased breast volume. Breast size, volume, and shape can be a huge contributor to many patients’ lives.
Why get breast augmentation?
Aging, weight loss, and pregnancy all diminish the natural volume of breasts. Breast augmentation can restore lost volume. It can also enlarge naturally small breasts and help patients feel more confident in their clothes.
Comfort and Privacy
Breast augmentation is a subject that is very sensitive and personal. During your consultation, Dr. Dodde will spend time with you and discuss your expectations. He will begin with a general health evaluation. He will also examine your breasts, including the placement of your areolas and breast size and shape.
After the initial examination, Dr. Dodde will give his initial recommendations. However, Dr. Dodde believes that it is very important to listen and understand a person’s needs. During your consultation, you will work directly with him to plan your procedure.
What are the options for breast augmentation procedures?
There are two different ways that an implant can be inserted under the breast tissue.
These two methods are called the subglandular approach and the submuscular approach.
The subglandular approach is ideal for breasts that already have a large amount of tissue.
The submuscular approach is a better option for breasts that do not have much natural tissue. During this procedure, the implant is placed below the muscle.
There are also different types of implants, including saline and silicone. You will work with Dr. Dodde during your consultation to decide which is right for you.
Silicone implants are a popular choice because they can provide a very natural look and feel. In addition, the newest generation of highly cohesive or “gummy bear” style of implants can be very durable and potentially last a lifetime.
Saline implants are also a popular choice, because they are filled with saline after the have been placed under the breast tissue, they require much shorter incisions. Unlike a silicone implant, saline implants can frequently be placed through a small incision well hidden in the armpit. Because they are filled with the same saline used in IVs, these implants are extremely safe.
Dr. Dodde will work with you to determine the best implant types, size, and shape for you and your goals.
What happens during a breast augmentation procedure?
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes about one or two hours to perform. Dr. Dodde utilizes either one of two locations to place his incisions. These options include the inframammary incision, or breast fold, and the transaxillary incision, which is under the armpit.
You and Dr. Dodde will discuss which incision is best for you and the type of implant you choose. The size and shape of your breast implant may require a specific incision.
Once the incisions are made, the breast implant will be placed through the incision and into the breast pocket. The incisions are then closed with dissolving sutures and dressed with surgical tape.
After your procedure, you will also be required to attend follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing well.
Breast Augmentation Results and Recovery
Full recovery from a breast augmentation procedure typically takes one to two weeks. During this time, you might experience swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort. Dr. Dodde will provide you with a list of post-op instructions the ensure proper healing. He will also let you know when it’s safe to start exercising and normal activity again. Most patients are typically able to get back to their normal routine within a few weeks.
After your procedure, you will immediately see larger breasts. Swelling during recovery can temporarily distort the actual results, so be patient during the healing process. After a few weeks, your swelling will have gone down, and you should experience the real results of your breast augmentation.
Following the augmentation, the patient will enjoy breasts with more volume, symmetry, and a better shape. Breast augmentation can be a life-changing procedure and can boost your self-confidence in your everyday life.
Who makes a good breast augmentation candidate?
You may be a good breast augmentation candidate if you have the following traits:
- You are in reasonably good health
- You have no medical conditions that might interfere with recovery
- You have realistic expectations for the outcome of your surgery
- You want larger, rounder, more symmetrical breasts