Breast Augmentation

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX

Breast Augmentation Our Staff Dr. Lisa D. Brostrom New Image Plastic Surgery

Breast augmentation increases an individual’s breast size and volume with implants or fat transfer. (1) Women choose breast augmentation for various reasons, including enhancing their figure, restoring breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy, and improving symmetry. (1)

If you are interested in enhancing your breasts, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to learn more. Dr. Lisa D. Brostrom of New Image Plastic Surgery is among San Antonio’s leading board-certified plastic surgeon. Their commitment to personalized, attentive care, safety, advanced techniques, and patient satisfaction has helped thousands of individuals address their insecurities and improve the quality of their lives.

Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any further questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, you can call (210) 640-6310

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Before and After Photos

Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #16142
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #16142
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #8252
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #8252
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #8251
Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #8251
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About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to improve the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. It often involves placing implants to increase fullness, improve symmetry, and restore or increase breast volume. (1) Alternatively, the breasts can be augmented using the patient’s own fat (fat grafting to the breasts) to achieve a more subtle size increase.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeon, more than 304,000 breast augmentations were performed in the United States in 2023, making it one of the most popular procedures in the country. (2)

Candidates

Anyone who desires an increase in the size of their breasts is encouraged to consider breast augmentation. Breast cancer patients may also undergo breast reconstruction with implants to restore their appearance. Ideal candidates for breast surgery are generally in good health and have realistic expectations of their results. A consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lisa Brostrom can help determine if this procedure is right for you.

Personal Consultation

During the initial consultation, Dr. Lisa Brostrom will discuss your aesthetic goals and explain the different options for implants and surgical techniques. This is also the time for patients to ask questions about the procedure, understand potential risks and outcomes, and view before-and-after photos of previous patients. Patients should be open about their medical history and expectations. Considerations such as skin elasticity, existing breast tissue, and personal goals will also be discussed.

Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. Alternatively, you can call (210) 640-6310

Preparation

Patients will receive detailed preoperative instructions. Successful preparation is vital for optimal results and recovery. Key recommendations may include:

  • Discontinuing medications or supplements that can thin the blood, as advised by your surgeon.
  • Avoiding smoking and alcohol before and after surgery to promote optimized healing (if applicable).
  • Arranging transportation for the day of the procedure.
  • Taking time off work to recover and attend follow-up appointments.

Procedure

Breast augmentation typically takes one to two hours and begins with the administration of anesthesia. Your surgeon will mark the incisions required for placing your implants. Incision technique will vary depending on your anatomy and your goals, but it will normally be one of the following: (1)

  • Peri-Areolar Incision: This incision is made around the edge of the areola. This incision is well-concealed and allows significant access for implant placement.
  • Inframammary Incision: This is the most common incision and is placed under the breast along the fold. It provides optimal control during implant placement and is concealed by the natural breast crease.
  • Trans-Axillary Incision: This incision is placed in the armpit. It places scars remotely from the breast itself but offers less precision than other methods.

Once incisions are made, your surgeon will place the implants. Patients can choose between saline or silicone implants. (3)

  • Saline Implants: Saline breast implants have a silicone shell and are filled with saline. During the breast implant procedure, the empty implant shell is placed through a small incision and filled after it’s in the optimal position. These implants tend to feel firmer and ripple (visible or palpable folds) to a greater extent. If these implants leak, the body simply absorbs the saline solution. (3)
  • Silicone Implants: Silicone breast implants are made of a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. Cohesive gel breast implants are the silicone option offered at our practice. Cohesive gel does not leak out if the implant were to rupture, and the FDA only allows cohesive gel implants to be used in the USA. If silicone implants rupture, the silicone gel sticks to itself and typically remains inside the scar capsule that forms around the implant. (3)These implants are soft and mimic the natural feel of the breasts, and they ripple less than saline implants.

In addition to incision technique and type of implant, the placement of your implants may also vary.

  • Subglandular Placement: The implant is positioned between the breast tissue and the chest muscle. This placement can provide a more dramatic look and minimize the risk of animation deformity. (1,3)
  • Submuscular Placement: The implant is placed under the pectoral muscle. This option is typically more natural-looking and has a lower risk of complications such as capsular contracture. (1,3)

Recovery

Recovery from breast augmentation typically involves a few weeks of reduced activity. Patients may initially experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Patients are advised to wear a support bra and avoid strenuous physical activities until cleared by their surgeon. Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor the healing process.

Your surgeon will provide you with a list of detailed instructions to follow for recovery. Any bruising and swelling that occurs will typically resolve within a month. Physical activity should be avoided for the first couple of weeks after surgery. You may be able to return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the nature of your job.

Results

Breast Augmentation Our Staff Dr. Lisa D. Brostrom New Image Plastic Surgery

Post-surgery, patients can expect an immediate visible enhancement in the size and shape of their breasts. The final results may take several weeks to appear as swelling subsides and the implants settle into a more natural position.

Scars generally diminish and become less noticeable over time. Patients can expect their implants to last at least 10 years before they will need to be replaced.

Cost of Breast Augmentation in San Antonio

The total cost of your breast augmentation procedure will depend on several factors, including the cost of the implants themselves, procedure and anesthesia fees, your unique goals and anatomy, and more. After meeting with Dr. Lisa Brostrom, you will receive a price quote. Our practice also offers financing options to help make treatment more accessible.

Schedule your consultation today to begin exploring your treatment options. If you have any further questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call (210) 640-6310

FAQ

Are breast implants under warranty?

After about 10 years, the breast implants may leak or require replacement. In these situations, the manufacturers’ standard warranties will provide you with a replacement implant plus an additional one for the other breast if needed.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Most women with breast implants can breastfeed, though there are a few exceptions. Breastfeeding ability depends on the original state of your breasts before surgery and possibly the type of incision used. Breast implants may also affect the amount of breast milk you can produce.

Do I have to replace my breast implants every 10 years?

No, but according to recent studies, 1 out of 5 patients will elect to undergo some sort of revision procedure within 10 years. If you develop problems, you may need to change out your implants. With proper monitoring, however, the majority of patients’ implants will last longer. Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. All breast implants must be replaced eventually.

What factors should I consider when choosing my breast implants?

When choosing the size and shape of your breast implants, you will need to consider the current size of your breast volume, your aesthetic goals, your lifestyle, the clothes you want to wear, and your body’s proportions. Your surgeon will help you make the right choice for you.

What risks are associated with breast augmentation?

Like any surgery, breast augmentation does come with some risks, including possible infection, visible scarring, implant rupture, bleeding, severe scarring around the implant (capsular contracture), and wound-healing problems.

What is the best age for breast augmentation?

While there is no specific ideal age for breast augmentation, many candidates are between 18 and 65 years old. Younger candidates must have fully developed breasts, and understanding the potential lifespan of the implants before commitment is essential.

Can I remove my breast implants if I change my mind?

Yes, breast implants can be removed or replaced if desired. The procedure requires a consultation regarding the implications for your breast size and shape after removal.

How long does it typically take to recover from breast augmentation?

All activity restrictions are lifted at six weeks, but you will typically feel more like yourself after a week or so. Full recovery typically takes about three months for the implants to settle into a stable position.

What types of implants are available for breast augmentation?

At New Image Plastic Surgery, we offer saline and silicone implants. Saline implants consist of saline solution inside a silicone shell, while silicone implants are a silicone shell with silicone gel inside.

What incision techniques are used in breast augmentation?

The incision options you have include the periareolar incision, which is around the areola; the inframammary incision, which is in the breast crease; and the transaxillary incision, which is in the armpit. The incision used will depend on the results you are looking for and the type of breast implant you choose. In general, the surgeon at New Image Plastic Surgery utilize an inframammary fold incision because it correlates with the lowest incidence of capsular contracture and malposition.

References

  1. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
  2. ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
  3. Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/