Sometimes called a boob job, a breast augmentation is perhaps the best known and most popular cosmetic surgery in our country. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for women between the ages of 18 and 50.
Breasts are uniquely susceptible to the effects of aging, childbearing, and weight loss. They often begin to sag, lose shape, and even to shrink as women age. Improving the shape and fullness of one’s breasts can give women a boost in self-esteem as well as a more youthful appearance.
- Increasing breast size and fullness
- Making breasts more symmetrical (the same size and shape as one another)
- Lifting breasts that have lost elasticity
- Adding volume to breasts that have gone flat from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Replacing existing implants
- Giving a rounder, more youthful shape
- Adding to confidence and self esteem
Whether you are interested in breast augmentation to improve aesthetic issues or simply to add to your natural breast size, this procedure can have a dramatic effect on your appearance, attractiveness, and self-image.
The First Step to Fuller Breasts
If you are interested in breast augmentation, the first step is to make an appointment with our board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Shain Cuber. He talk to you about your goals and help you to choose the right size and shape of implant. Dr. Cuber is an expert in creating an attractive fuller breast shape and can give recommendations about the size and shape that will best complement your body type.
We allow women considering implants to “try on” different size implants, using mirrors and photos to see how they look from different angles. This allows you to make an educated decision and love the end result of your procedure.
In your consultation, you will also choose what type of implant you want. In general, the two options are a silicone or saline implant. Silicone implants are placed whole and have a more natural feeling. Saline implants, on the other hand, are not filled until they are in the breast, which means patients will have a smaller incision. In addition, saline implants are easily placed under muscle, leading to a more natural shape.
Breast Augmentation Patient 1: This female patient wanted larger and rounder breasts. As seen in the “after” photo, her augmentation increased her size in a natural and attractive way.
How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?
On the day of your surgery, you will be given medication to sedate you as well as a local anesthetic. If you wish, you can also be put under general anesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep throughout the procedure.
The procedure will then be performed with strict sterile technique in a specialized room. An incision will be made, and the chosen implant will be placed either under breast tissue or under the breast muscles.
The entire surgery usually takes around two hours. The effects can be seen immediately.
Breast Augmentation Patient 2: This woman wanted her breasts to be larger and to be placed in a higher position. Her breast augmentation gave her fuller breasts in a high yet natural position.
Deciding on Incision Placement
Incision sites are chosen based on the type of implant being placed, the size of the implant, and patient preference. All incisions are made carefully to be as small as possible and leave minimal scarring. In most cases, there are three options for incision placement:
- Per-areolar: These incisions are placed around the areola, the darker colored area surrounding your nipple. The scar is usually not visible once completely healed. This type of incision may affect nipple sensitivity and future breastfeeding ability.
- Infra-mammary: This incision is placed in the fold at the base of your breast. It allows implants to be placed under muscle and is less likely to affect nipple sensitivity or future breastfeeding.
- Trans-axillary: This incision is placed under your arm. The scar is not usually noticeable. This incision is least likely to affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed or her nipple sensitivity.
In general, women recover more quickly from implants that are placed above muscle. However, there is a higher chance of having a less natural appearance. As a result, many women choose to have implants placed under muscle, which has a longer recovery time but a rounder, more natural appearance.
Regardless of the incision placement, incisions usually heal quickly and are not obvious after a few months.
Breast Augmentation Patient 3: This woman wanted to restore her former shape and firmness after having two children. After her augmentation, she had fuller, natural-appearing breasts.
Recovering from Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is usually an outpatient surgery, which means patients go home the same day. When you awaken from surgery, you will have bandages and dressings that will be kept on for several days. Any bruising and swelling should be gone within 4 to 5 weeks.
Most women can return to work in a few days and resume strenuous activity in 4 to 6 weeks. You will have to wear a special supportive bra until your breasts are fully healed. Your incision should be healed in a few weeks, although it may take up to a year for scars to completely fade.
Breast Augmentation Patient 4: Like many women, this patient was insecure about the size of her breasts. She desired larger breasts but wanted them to look natural in shape and size. As the “after” photo shows, her breast augmentation left her with fuller breasts that look completely natural.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Every woman has to decide for herself if this or any other cosmetic procedure is right for them. In general, people have the best results when:
- They are in good general health.
- They are completely developed.
- They desire fuller or firmer breasts.
- They want more symmetrical breasts.
- They have lost volume and want to replace it.
- They understand the procedure and what to expect from it.
Ultimately, the only way to find out if this surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation today. Our board-certified surgeons can help you make an educated decision.
Breast Augmentation Patient 5: This young woman wanted a dramatic change in her breast size and shape, desiring to add two complete cup sizes. She was able to meet her goals for a much larger and fuller size while keeping a natural and attractive appearance.
Breast Augmentation Patient 6: This woman wanted larger breasts that would look natural on her very small frame. With the help of our surgeons, she was able to choose implants that would be harmonious and natural while enhancing her petite figure.
If you are interested in finding out more about breast augmentation, contact us today to schedule a consultation with breast augmentation expert Dr. Shain Cuber. Our Long Island office staff can be reached through our online form or at 516-472-7846.