Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a common surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of the breasts. This treatment can add breast volume and improve breast shape for women who desire larger and fuller breasts. It can also restore volume that has naturally diminished after pregnancy or weight loss. Additionally, breast augmentation can renew breast symmetry and balance proportions.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Geo N. Tabbal, MD, is dedicated to providing patients with safe treatment and an exceptional experience throughout their breast augmentation journey. Breast augmentation is one of Dr. Tabbal’s areas of special focus here at our practice, and he is particularly skilled and experienced with these procedures. All of our breast augmentation treatment plans are customized and specifically tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals to create results that look naturally beautiful.
Dr. Tabbal recognizes how breast enhancement can significantly boost a patient’s self-confidence, and he takes pride in truly getting to know their needs and aesthetic goals. He believes that his patients are what makes his practice special, and he always has each individual’s best interests at heart.
The sections below offer more details on breast augmentation and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this procedure. Dr. Tabbal is also happy to discuss breast augmentation benefits, implant options, and any additional questions during the consultation process. Please contact us today for more information, or to schedule an appointment.
- Why Is a Breast Augmentation Consultation So Important?
- Who Is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
- What Are My Breast Implant Options?
- Breast Augmentation Incision Techniques
- What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Entail?
- How Is Recovery from Breast Augmentation Surgery?
- How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
Why Is a Breast Augmentation Consultation So Important?
Dr. Tabbal understands that pursuing breast augmentation is an important and very personal choice for patients. This is one of the many reasons why he approaches the consultation process with thoughtfulness, compassion, and transparency. An initial consultation allows patients to openly express their aesthetic goals with Dr. Tabbal so he can get a clear idea of the results they are trying to achieve and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. He views this process as a “two-way” sharing of information and a true collaboration between doctor and patient. The consultation is one of the most vital steps of the entire process, allowing the patient to ask any questions they have and discuss their concerns about the treatment process, the potential results, and other aspects of the procedure. Dr. Tabbal’s goal during the consultation is to provide patients with thorough and honest information about what they can expect and to help them feel as comfortable and confident as possible moving forward.
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Good candidates for breast augmentation are typically individuals who are in good general health and would like to:
- Enlarge the size of their breasts for a fuller appearance
- Restore lost breast volume
- Improve asymmetry in the breasts
- Improve the shape of the breasts
- Enhance breast/body proportions
Oftentimes, breast augmentation can benefit women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding, which makes it a very popular addition to a comprehensive mommy makeover procedure. Breast augmentation can also be ideal for patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight and have noticed a change in the shape or size of their breasts. During your initial consultation, Dr. Tabbal will talk with you about your needs and goals and determine whether you are an ideal candidate for breast augmentation.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
Breast implants are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Dr. Tabbal will go over your options in detail during the initial consultation to help you choose the implant that is best for your goals and body proportions. The three major types of breast implants are:
Saline Implants
Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for patients over 18 years-old and are composed of an outer silicone shell that’s filled with a saline solution. This popular implant option can be filled after insertion, often allowing for the creation of a smaller incision and for size adjustments to improve symmetry after the implants have been placed. Saline implants typically provide a rounder appearance, offer more volume choices, and produce less scarring.
Silicone Implants
Silicone breast implants are also made of a silicone outer shell, but are filled with a thick silicone gel. Silicone implants are known for having a very natural look, and for more closely resembling the feel and consistency of natural breast tissue. These implants are FDA-approved for those 22 years and older. Since the gel in silicone implants is thicker than saline, these types of implants are filled before placement.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants, also called highly-cohesive implants, typically feature a teardrop shape with a denser bottom. The firm silicone gel filling allows the implants to better retain shape for a very natural look and feel. They are FDA-approved for patients 22 years and older.
Breast Augmentation Incision Techniques
There are a few different ways breast implants can be inserted into the breast pocket. The most commonly utilized incision techniques are:
- Inframammary – The inframammary technique involves the incision being placed along the natural breast crease along the underside of the breast. This makes the incision mark easy to hide and provides the best access to the breast pocket. This is Dr. Tabbal’s preferred insertion technique for most patients since it allows for the most precise placement of the implant.
- Periareolar – The periareolar method involves the incision being performed around the lower half of the areola, allowing it to blend in seamlessly with the areola outline. This approach is typically better for saline implants and is not ideal for all patients.
- Transaxillary – Placed in the armpit, the transaxillary incision technique produces no visible scarring on the breasts. This method is also best used with saline implants and is not the best option for all patients.
What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Entail?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Tabbal will create a unique treatment plan based on your personal needs, goals, and the type and size of the implants you have chosen for your breast augmentation. You will also be provided with pre-operative instructions that will help you prepare for the procedure. On the day of your surgery, marks will be placed on your breasts to serve as a “blueprint” and outline for the procedure, and general anesthesia will be administered. Dr. Tabbal will then perform the predetermined incision technique and place the implants. The possible implant locations are subglandular (above the pectoralis muscle), submuscular (behind the pectoralis muscle), or dual plane (a combination of both). Dr. Tabbal typically prefers the dual plane location as it combines the benefits of both locations while reducing inherent disadvantages associated with them. Once the breast implants are inserted, the incisions will be closed and you will be transferred to a recovery area as the anesthesia wears off.
Breast augmentation is typically performed on an outpatient basis without the need for an overnight stay in a hospital or surgical facility.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
The overall cost of breast augmentation will vary from patient to patient based on the customized treatment plan. Contributing factors can include:
- Complexity of the procedure
- Implant type
- Surgical techniques utilized
- Anesthesia fees
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescribed medication
- Surgeon’s fee
- Use of the surgical facility
Once your personalized treatment plan has been developed, a member of Dr. Tabbal’s team can provide you with a custom price quote for your breast augmentation surgery. Our practice accepts many convenient forms of payment, including financing plans for qualified applicants available through CareCredit® and PatientFi®.
For more information about breast augmentation, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.