There are many roads that may lead a woman to choose to have a breast augmentation, and each is personal. Whether it be to feel better in clothing, achieve symmetry, or restore breast volume (breast asymmetry) after pregnancy or weight loss, Dr. Ross designs a unique surgical plan for each of her patients.
Breast augmentation surgery helps to enhance the shape and size of the breasts to an aesthetically proportioned balance, inspiring confidence and an overall improved self-image. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Ross has a genuine understanding of a woman’s body and ideal aesthetic proportions, which he carefully takes into consideration during her surgical planning. Through thoughtful consultations with his patients, Dr. Ross makes it a priority to understand each woman’s specific goals and desires for breast enhancement.
Is Breast Augmentation Right for Me?
Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to enhance the shape and size of a woman’s breasts through the use of silicone or saline implants. Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammaplasty, increases the fullness and projection of your breasts, improves your overall silhouette, and can enhance your selfimage and confidence. If you are uncomfortable or self-conscious in clothing or a swimsuit, have experienced post-pregnancy breast changes, or significant weight loss, breast augmentation may be right for you. Most women in good physical health with realistic expectations are candidates for this procedure.
As a seasoned, experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Ross understands women of all ages seek breast enhancement surgery for a variety of reasons. Regardless of yours, Dr. Ross will guide you through the decisions you need to make during your consultation.
Breast Augmentation Surgery With Dr. William Ross
During your consultation, Dr. Ross will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals and thoughtfully design a unique surgical plan that will safely and effectively meet your breast enhancement goals. The important decisions that you will discuss prior to surgery include:
- Type of implant
- Size of implant
- Placement of implant
- Incision location
Type of Implant: Saline or Silicone?
While both saline and silicone breast implants can improve the appearance of your breasts, it is important to understand the difference between the two. Saline implants are filled with saline (or saltwater) whereas silicone implants are filled with silicone.
Despite the fill difference, all breast implants are made with a silicone shell. Saline implants, while more affordable, feel firmer and may show rippling under the skin in patients with little breast tissue. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are filled with a cohesive silicone gel, simulating breast tissue and resulting in a more natural feel. Saline and silicone implants have been proven safe through extensive testing and both types are approved for use by the FDA. There is no right choice that will apply to everyone. This is a decision you and Dr. Ross will make together during your consultation.
Size of Implants
Dr. Ross will also help you decide a size of implant that works best for your body type to create a natural but enhanced appearance. During your consultation you will be able to try on a range of sizers in your own clothing that will give you an idea of which implant size you feel comfortable with. Dr. Ross will guide you by integrating his expertise of proportion, body type, and physique, which takes into account your specific anatomy and the amount of breast tissue you have. Together, you will decide on the ideal implant to achieve your goals.
Implant Position
Breast implants may be placed in three different locations.
- Submuscular (under the pectoralis muscle)
- Subglandular (on top of the pectoralis muscle)
- DualPlane (partial muscle coverage).
There is no right choice for everyone; however, in patients with little breast tissue, submuscular placement is preferred. Dr. Ross will discuss implant positioning with you during your consultation, specifically addressing the pros and cons of each.
Location of Incisions
In breast augmentation surgery there are four choices for incision placement:
- Inframmammary (hidden in the breast crease)
- Periareolar (camouflaged around the nipple)
- Transaxillary (hidden in the armpit)
- Transubmilical (TUBA, through the belly button)
Despite what many surgeons may say, all of these incisions will leave a scar, however Dr. Ross’s precise surgical technique results in a fine line that is well hidden and often not perceptible to anyone other than your physician. In general, the inframammary and periareolar incisions allow for more precise implant placement than the transaxillary and transumbilical approach. Although breast augmentation is possible through all of these incision types, Dr. Ross prefers precise implant placement through either an inframammary or periareolar approach.
A breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. Dr. Ross will discuss the most appropriate type of anesthesia for you during your consultation. Time in surgery takes 1 to 2 hours, in general. You can expect to return to work in about a week.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
What’s the difference between saline and silicone implants?
While both saline and silicone breast implants can improve the appearance of your breasts, it is important to understand the difference between the two. Saline implants are filled with saline (saltwater) whereas silicone implants are filled with silicone. Both are made with a silicone shell. Saline implants, while more affordable, feel firmer and may show rippling under the skin in patients with little breast tissue. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are filled with a cohesive silicone gel, simulating breast tissue and resulting in a more natural feel. Both saline and silicone implants have been proven safe through extensive testing and both types of implants are approved for use by the FDA. There is no right choice that will apply to everyone. This is a decision you and Dr. Ross will make together during your consultation.
How do you determine the right size for breast implants?
During your consultation you will be able to try on a range of sizers in your own clothing that will give you insight of which implant size you feel comfortable with. Dr. Ross will guide you by integrating his expertise of proportion, body type, and physique, which takes into account your specific anatomy and the amount of breast tissue you have. Together, you will decide on the ideal implant to achieve your goals.
What are the options for implant position?
Breast implants may be placed in three different locations.
- Submuscular (under the pectoralis muscle)
- Subglandular (on top of the pectoralis muscle)
- Dual-Plane (partial muscle coverage).
There is no “right” choice that applies to each patient. However, in patients with little breast tissue, submuscular placement is preferred. Dr. Ross will discuss the implant positioning with you during your consultation, specifically addressing the pros and cons of each.
Where will my breast augmentation incisions be?
In breast augmentation surgery there are four choices for incision placement:
- Inframmammary (hidden in the breast crease)
- Periareolar (camouflaged around the nipple)
- Transaxillary (hidden in the armpit)
- Transubmilical (TUBA, through the belly button)
In general, the inframammary and periareolar incisions allow for more precise implant placement than the transaxillary and transumbilical approach. Although breast augmentation is possible through all of these incision types, Dr. Ross prefers precise implant placement through either an inframammary or periareolar approach.
What is recovery like for breast augmentation?
While most patients experience some pain or discomfort during the recovery phase, Dr. Ross will prescribe oral pain medication to make you more comfortable. After the first few days you will transition to over the counter pain medications. After approximately two weeks, you will be able to resume normal daily activity without difficulty.
When can I return to work and resume normal activity?
Most patients return to work about one week after surgery. Light exercise can be resumed after two or three weeks. Upper body exercise should be delayed for at least four weeks to allow for full healing. During this time, you should avoid picking up anything over ten pounds.
What are the risks associated with breast augmentation surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks. With breast augmentation surgery these include scarring, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, and loss of nipple sensation (which may be temporary or permanent) and capsular contracture. Dr. Ross will go over these risks in detail during your consultation.
Related Procedures: Breast Asymmetry, Breast Implant Revision, Breast Lift (Mastopexy), Breast Reduction, Breast Reconstruction, Male Breast Reduction