Understanding the Breast Augmentation Procedure

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the country. This procedure can increase breast size, improve breast shape, restore volume lost from aging, weight loss, or pregnancy, increase firmness, correct mild sagging, address breast asymmetry, and create more attractive cleavage. Women who undergo breast augmentation often experience a significant boost to their self-esteem and feel more confident wearing swimsuits, lingerie, and an array of new wardrobe options.

It's important to understand that while breast augmentation can address the appearance of mild sagging, it's not an effective solution for significant sagging. If your primary goal is to correct sagging issues, you'll likely achieve optimal results with a breast lift.

At your initial consultation, Dr. Schiesel will explain all your options and help you determine which procedure or combination of procedures is right for your unique situation. You'll also receive a detailed pre-operative packet and informative video that explains how to prepare for your procedure, as well as its risks and benefits.

Meet with an Expert Breast Augmentation Specialist

Customizing Your Procedure for Optimal Results

From your breast shape and body structure to your lifestyle and aesthetic desires, you are unique, and there are a variety of options you can choose to ensure your results address your unique needs, including the type of breast implant, size of breast implant, type of incision, and placement of the breast implant. During your initial consultation, Dr. Schiesel will discuss your goals, evaluate the condition of your breast tissue, and explain how each of these options can help you achieve your desired outcome.

Types of Breast Implants

Breast implants will enlarge your breasts, but truly exceptional results depend on more than just size. The best breast implant for you is the one that best matches your unique goals and lifestyle. Achieving an ideal outcome involves several factors, including the type of implant you choose.

• Saline breast implants consist of a silicone shell that is filled with sterile saline water after the implant has been placed. This process allows for flexible volume that can be adjusted after placement. Because the saline solution is similar to the fluid that makes up most of the body, the saltwater is absorbed harmlessly in the event of a rupture.
• Silicone breast implants are pre-filled with silicone gel. Silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural than saline options and come in a variety of types to more optimally match your natural contours.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to breast surgery. Dr. Schiesel will thoroughly explain all your options and recommend the type of breast implant best suited for your body and goals.

Choosing the Right Implant Size

One of the most crucial elements of successful breast augmentation is choosing the right size of implants. As an experienced breast surgeon, Dr. Schiesel knows the importance of spending time at the beginning of the process to ensure that the breast size selected is appropriate for your goals and frame.

The process of sizing begins at your initial consultation, and Dr. Schiesel will assess numerous factors when recommending your best breast size, including:

• Your desired outcome
• Your current body dimensions
• The amount of breast tissue you have
• Skin elasticity
• Your lifestyle and preferred types of physical activity.

Your final breast size is one of the most crucial aspects of your procedure, and Dr. Schiesel will spend considerable time with you in determining what will produce the results you desire.

Breast Implant Incision Locations

Dr. Schiesel will choose the ideal location for your breast augmentation incisions based on your unique situation. That said, the most common incision placement is the inframammary incision, which is made in the crease where your breast meets your chest. This placement is hidden well both in and out of clothing, and it offers a lot of versatility and control, whether the implant is placed above or below the muscle.

Placement Options for Breast Implants

Another important factor to consider when designing your customized breast augmentation procedure is the placement of your breast implants. There are three primary breast implant placement options.

• With the subglandular method, the breast implant is placed behind the breast tissue over the chest muscle. It's an ideal choice if you have a substantial amount of natural breast tissue.
• With the submuscular method, the breast implant is placed beneath the chest muscle. This is an excellent option if you lack sufficient natural breast tissue.
• With the dual-plane method, the top of the breast implant is placed below the muscle, while the bottom of the implant rests below the breast tissue. This option is well-suited if you have slightly sagging breasts, especially if you're combining a breast lift with your breast augmentation.

Protecting Your Investment After Breast Augmentation Near You

Breast Implant Warranties and Long-Term Care

Modern breast implants are designed to be long-lasting, but they're not considered lifetime devices. While many women enjoy their implants for 15 years or longer, factors beyond anyone's control may eventually require replacement. That's why we're proud to offer breast implants from three leading manufacturers—Sientra, Mentor, and Motiva—each backed by comprehensive warranty programs that provide peace of mind for years to come.

All three manufacturers offer lifetime coverage for implant rupture, meaning you'll receive replacement implants at no charge if a rupture occurs. They also provide varying levels of financial assistance for surgical costs and coverage for complications like capsular contracture. Each warranty program has its own unique benefits, coverage periods, and terms, so it's important to understand which option best fits your needs and goals.

Our team can walk you through the differences between these warranty programs and help you choose the implant option that provides the right balance of quality, performance, and long-term protection. For detailed information about specific coverage and terms, you can review each manufacturer's warranty directly:

• Sientra Platinum20 Product Replacement and Limited Warranty Program(opens in a new tab)
• Mentor Promise Protection Plan(opens in a new tab)
• Motiva Always Confident Warranty(opens in a new tab)

We're here to answer any questions you have about warranties and help you make the most informed decision possible about your breast augmentation journey.

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast Augmentation Recovery, Scarring, and Results

For most patients, recovery from breast augmentation surgery is not terribly painful and can be managed successfully with over-the-counter pain medications instead of narcotics. Discomfort is highest on the day of surgery and the day following the procedure.

To ensure your results are progressing as expected, Dr. Schiesel will schedule follow-up appointments at 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. She provides her cell phone number to patients so you can always contact her with any questions or concerns. This level of accessibility and attentive care reflects Dr. Schiesel's commitment to ensuring you feel supported throughout your entire recovery journey.

Every surgical procedure leads to some degree of scarring, and breast augmentation is no exception. Dr. Schiesel does everything possible to minimize your scarring, and she will strategically place your incisions in a location that will ensure the scars are as discreet as possible.

There are numerous factors that will impact your level of scarring following breast augmentation, including:

• Age
• Diet and lifestyle choices
• Overall health
• Breast implant incision location
• Breast implant type
• Skin health
• Skin type
• Ethnicity
• How closely you follow Dr. Schiesel’s post-operative instructions

Dr. Schiesel will discuss these factors and explain how to best minimize scarring prior to your procedure, giving you the tools and knowledge to achieve the most beautiful results possible.