BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that can improve the contour of the breasts to give them a fuller and more youthful appearance. Breast augmentation is also helpful for treating breast asymmetries and restoring volume to breasts after the natural effects of aging, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. This is done with the help of saline or silicone implants.
How long will the procedure take?
Breast augmentation is a procedure done under general anesthesia. It can take one to two hours and is done on an outpatient basis.
Where will the incisions be?
The incision is usually made at the base of the breast, along the breast fold. This scar heals nicely and is hardly noticeable even in a swimsuit. The breast implant is placed under the chest muscle, called the pectoralis major muscle. This gives a natural augmented look to the breasts.
What will recovery be like?
During the procedure, long-acting pain medication is placed throughout the breast area to decrease postoperative pain. You will go home in a surgical bra that we place after the surgery to let the area heal properly. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after the surgery.
What type of breast implant should I choose?
There are two types of breast implants, saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with a salt-water solution. Should they rupture, the salt water will be absorbed in your body and the leak would be detected. Silicone implants, also called gel implants, are filled with a cohesive gel material, which will not collapse if there is a rupture or leak. Dr. Aboutanos will discuss the risks and benefits of each implant type and help you decide which is the best choice for you.
At her practice, Dr. Aboutanos primarily offers breast implants manufactured by Allergan, Mentor, and IDEAL. Dr. Aboutanos is confident in the durability, safety, and natural-look of these implants and is happy to walk you through your options. Together, you can determine which is the best fit for you.
Video: Selecting your breast implants
In this video, Dr. Aboutanos explains how she goes about selecting the best breast implants for each patient:
What is capsular contracture?
In some cases, the capsule of natural scar tissue that forms around the breast implant can thicken and tighten. This is called capsular contracture and can occur at any time after breast augmentation, including years later. Learn more about this complication and how it can be treated »
“I was referred to RPS by several people. I recently underwent Breast Augmentation surgery with Dr. Aboutanos, and my experience with her and Richmond Plastic Surgeons was simply wonderful. All of the staff and nurses were so welcoming, including Sara, who helped me with all of my questions and concerns towards the finical aspects of the investment. Dr. Aboutanos was very comforting with my initial uncertainty deciding what I wanted, assuring me that she wouldn’t do anything that wouldn’t be a good fit for me, along with recommendations. She gave me information I needed to research and told me to ask all the questions I needed anytime. After months of research, and decision making, I finally came in knowing exactly what I wanted, knowing the right questions to ask, and she made me feel 100% confident in my decision along with expressing her confidence in my surgery. The investment itself was extremely affordable and I am SO HAPPY with my results. Thank you!”
—Megan S.