Based on your body and the results you’d like to see, Dr. Hanz will help you choose the correct implant for your breast augmentation. Implants for augmentation are made in an assortment of sizes and profiles, as well as shapes and textures — each of which is considered carefully in order to achieve your wanted appearance. Still, the most commonly chosen breast implants are silicone or saline, both widely chosen and approved to use per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

An important fact is that women considering saline breast implants must be at least 18 years old while patients must be a minimum of 22 years old in order to receive augmentation with silicone. Two other types of augmentations include a form-stable implant known as a gummy bear implant and fat grafting (known as a fat transfer). Dr. Hanz will discuss the different options with you at your consultation.

Breast implant size is distinguished based on the cubic centimeters (CCs) of silicone or saline used. To understand the appropriate amount, Dr. Hanz will measure how much native breast tissue exists and the size you hope to achieve. There are a number of different variables to consider when choosing the size of implants for your breast augmentation.

You will need to consider your breast width and circumstance, your shoulder width, the shape and width of your ribcage, the waist to hip ratio, as well as the width of your hips. Dr. Hanz will do his best to give you his professional opinion before your breast augmentation; however, it is normal that in the operating room, Dr. Hanz may temporarily switch out multiple implants to get an idea on a suitable fit.

Breast implants are made in either a round or teardrop shape. Both shapes are widely used; however, the majority of our patients select a round implant. It often looks more natural while adding a fullness to the upper breast that many patients look for.

The round implant will typically provide more lift and cleavage, whereas the teardrop implant typically provides more fullness at the bottom of the breast rather than the top. Both provide a natural look but deciding which is right for you will depend on your overall aesthetic goals and body shape. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hanz will help you when making this decision.

Implant profile equates to how far out the implant looks (projection). In other words, this is what you see from the side view. Most projections include a profile that ranges from low to extra high. Lower profile implants are relatively flat in appearance and project the chest minimally; these are typically ideal in wider-chested women.

However, high-profile implants provide the fullest and roundest results and are ideal for petite women with narrow chest walls. Choosing what implant profile is right for you will, like shape and size, depend on your natural body shape, as well as your overall goals. Dr. Hanz will help you choose what will fit your needs and goals best.

The decision to go through with breast augmentation is personal and one only you can decide. If you are considering this procedure, it is important you do it for the right reasons. You should be healthy with breasts that are developed and be the appropriate age to get implants.

If you are unhappy with the overall appearance of your breasts because they appear lifeless, you may benefit from breast augmentation. In addition, if your breasts have been affected by aging, nursing, or weight loss, this treatment can bring them back to life with increased volume. It is also a welcomed option if you lift weights or have an overall lack of natural breast tissue. Kevin R. Hanz, M.D. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is happy to answer any questions you may have about breast augmentation.

Incision placement, as well as implant placement, are discussion points that you will make with Dr. Hanz before your surgery. During your breast augmentation, an incision is created and then the chosen implant will be placed into its position.

There are two methods that may be applied for implant placement, either under the pectoral muscle or sub-mammary/sub-glandular placement (over the pec muscle). Where to place the implant depends on varying factors, including the size and type of implant, along with the expertise of Dr. Hanz.

Regardless of incision type, scarring is generally unnoticeable. Implant placement is determined based on your implant size, activity level, and your body type.

Breast augmentation is done as an outpatient procedure while you are under general anesthesia. Once the incision is made, the appropriate implant will be placed through the incision opening and deposited into a pocket created for it, and then fitted into its proper position.

Once the implant is in position, the incision is carefully secured with sutures or surgical adhesives. You will be taken into recovery and monitored before being released. You will be sent home wearing a medical sports bra to help reduce swelling. Within a few days, the bruising and swelling will begin to decrease and the breasts will start to look and feel normal as they settle into their new position.

Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days; however, physical exertion, such as exercise, should be avoided for at least 6 – 8 weeks. Breast augmentation creates beautiful outcomes that look and feel normal. This procedure, in most cases, can be life-changing for many women, offering them the chance to feel more confident.

Your total cost for your breast augmentation surgery will vary, depending on the breast augmentation you choose and if you’re getting any other procedures done at the same time. When your treatment plan is developed, Dr. Hanz will go over estimated costs and financing. To ensure you are happy with your results and they last a long time, it’s better to focus on quality over costs.

Your treatment plan may include implants, a breast lift, or both. A breast lift removes excess skin and improves the position of the breasts while implants enhance the size and shape of your breasts. In your consultation with Dr. Hanz, he will listen to your concerns and goals before explaining your best treatment options.

If you might want to breastfeed after augmentation, talk to Dr. Hanz during your consultation. It’s usually possible to breastfeed after augmentation with the right placement and technique. Breastfeeding and pregnancy can affect your results, which is why it is best to wait until after you are done having children to have breast augmentation.

You may decide that you would like to replace or remove your implants. Should this happen, Dr. Hanz offers breast revision surgery. During the revision surgery, your current implants will be either replaced with new implants or removed. If you choose to have your implants removed, you may need to have a breast lift because larger implants can stretch your skin. If you have any concerns or questions after your breast augmentation, schedule an appointment at Kevin R. Hanz, M.D. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery to learn more about your options.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is still investigating a possible link between implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). ALCL is a cancer of the immune cells. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), implant-related ALCL is very rare and easy to treat when caught early. Dr. Hanz encourages all patients with implants to get regular breast cancer screenings. In the event you see any concerns, such as swelling or other visible changes, contact Kevin R. Hanz, M.D. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.