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Who is a Candidate?

Candidates for breast enhancement are any woman who feels that their breasts are too small, asymmetrical, or are uncomfortable in their appearance due to the size and look of their breasts. Ideal candidates are healthy, nonsmokers with realistic expectations of the results of their surgery. A consultation with Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom can help to determine if this surgery is right for you.

The Procedure

For the breast augmentation procedure, patients can choose to either get silicone or saline implants. Both implants are commonly used but do have some differences, each with their own pros and cons.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with saline water inside a silicone shell. They are placed deflated, through a smaller incision, and filled with saline after in position. These breast implants tend to feel firmer than natural breast tissue.  However, if they were to rupture the body simply absorbs the saline solution without any harm to the patient.  A rupture of a saline implant is immediately noticeable.

Silicone Implants

Silicone Implants are made of a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. These implants feel the closest to natural breast tissue. Since they are inserted already filled, the incisions tend to be longer.  If silicone implants were to rupture, the silicone gel typically stays inside the scar capsule which the body forms around the implant.  As a result, the rupture is often not realized until an MRI scan or a mammogram is performed.

Regardless of which type of implant you choose, the breast implant procedure will involve an incision. The incisions that are used for breast augmentation include the periareolar incision (around the areola), the inframammary incision (in the breast crease), or the transaxillary incision (in the armpit). The type of incision pattern that is right for you can be discussed during your consultation. The breast implants will be placed through these incisions into the breast pocket either on top of or underneath the chest muscle. Incisions will then be closed with sutures.

Recovery

Dr. Homas and Dr. Brostrom will provide you with a list of detailed instructions to follow for recovery. Patients will need to wear a special surgical bra during recovery to reduce swelling and support the breasts. Any bruising and swelling that occurs will typically resolve within a month. Pain medication can be used to manage any discomfort. Physical activity should be avoided for the first couple of weeks after surgery, including pulling or pushing. You may be able to return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the nature of your job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are breast implants under warranty?

The most likely warranty scenario you will encounter is an leaking breast implant 10 years or more after your breast augmentation. In this situation, all four manufacturers standard warranties will provide you with a replacement implant plus an additional one if needed, for the other breast.

Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?

After 10 years of an initial breast augmentation, 1 out of 5 patients need some sort of revision procedure. ... So if youre having an issue, sure, you may need to change out your implants. But with proper monitoring (self-exams, physician exams), you dont need to automatically replace your implants every 10 years.

Can you breast feed after breast augmentation

Most women with breast implants are able to breastfeed, though there are a few exceptions. Whether youre able to breastfeed depends on the original state of your breasts before surgery and possibly the type of incision used. Breast implants may affect the amount of breast milk youre able to produce.

Schedule A Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation surgery in the San Antonio, TX area, contact New Image Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.