As you advance in age, changes occur in various parts of your body and may be apparent in others like your breast. The size, shape, and volume of your breasts may become distorted as tissues become loose. You can, however, restore the fullness of your breasts with the help of Dr. John David Mullins, who offers breast augmentation.
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What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to replace breast tissue using implants. Your surgeon may recommend a breast implant to:
- Restore breast tissue that was removed because of cancer
- Correct the results of a previous surgery
- Create symmetry in your breasts
- Increase breast fullness
There are different kinds of implants used for breast augmentation, including:
- Silicone-filled breast implants
- Saline-filled breast implants
What to expect during consultation
Your doctor may brief you on the different breast augmentation options, including saline and silicone implants and different placement approaches.
Your specialist may review your medical history to check if you have had previous surgery before and determine whether you are eligible for surgery. You may discuss with your doctor the outcome you want to achieve.
Photos of your breasts before the procedure are essential for review after the process. After the examination, your specialist may show you images of previous patients to help manage your expectations.
The next step is implant selection. This process enables you to estimate how you will look with different sizes of implants and determine which best suits you.
Your doctor may discuss with you some of the downsides of breast implants, for example:
- Implants do not last a lifetime. The average lifespan for breast implants is approximately ten years, and you may require a replacement afterward.
- You may require revision surgery in case of complications after the procedure.
- The cost of breast augmentation is not covered by insurance.
- If you decide to remove your implants, you may experience chest wall concavity, dimpling, breast tissue loss, sagging, and other unsightly cosmetic changes.
- You may develop breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in your tissues which may be treated using chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- Breast implants require regular monitoring for as long as you have them.
- Implants may rapture.
- Previous patients have reported cases of fatigue and muscle pain.
Placement of breast implants
General anesthesia is commonly used during this process. However, your doctor may use local anesthesia. These options depend on you.
There are three different approaches that your surgeon may use to make an incision including:
- Periareolar. These incisions are made around your nipple.
- Axillary. Your surgeon may cut below your arm.
- Inframammary. This incision is made on the crease beneath your breast.
Your surgeon will create a pocket on your chest wall by separating breast tissues from the muscles and connective tissue. Your specialist will place the implant inside the pocket at the center of your nipple.
Silicone implants are initially filled with gel before placement, while saline implants are filled with saltwater after being inserted.
Your surgeon will finally stitch the cut or use a skin adhesive and surgical tape to close the incision.
Schedule an appointment with your surgeon at John David Mullins, MD PC, for breast implants to regain your confidence.