Breast Augmentation Surgery in Miami
Small, uneven or misshapen breasts can significantly affect a woman’s self-esteem. Some women have been unhappy with their breasts their entire life while others feel dissatisfied due to the effect that pregnancy and breastfeeding have on the breasts. If this sounds familiar, you may be one of the many women who would consider breast augmentation with breast implants as a viable option to add fullness and volume to their breasts.
Breast Augmentation Candidates
A woman who is a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery is typically:
- Healthy, with no serious medical conditions
- Dissatisfied with the size and/or shape of their breasts
- Wanting to add volume for fuller breasts
- Unhappy with breasts that are asymmetrical (one larger than the other)
- 18 years old or older (for saline implants)
- 22 years old or older (for silicone implants)
Saline and Silicone Implants
Part of the breast augmentation process is choosing which type of breast implant to use. Dr. Bernabe Vazquez uses both saline and silicone implants, and during the consultation, he will discuss with you which implant will best fit your needs and aesthetic desires.
Saline implants are filled with a sterile salt water solution. These implants are placed in the body empty and then filled once in place; because of this, they require smaller incisions and may result in less scarring.
Silicone implants come pre-filled with thick silicone gel. Because these implants look and feel the most like natural breasts, many women prefer them to saline.
Incision Sites
There are three different incision sites used in the placement of breast implants: periareolar, inframammary and transaxillary. Dr. Vazquez prefers the periareolar and inframammary incisions, but does not perform the transaxillary procedure, as he feels that it is the least safe of the three incisions.
The periareolar incision is made in the areola, the pigmented skin around the nipple. This incision site is ideal for creating a less noticeable scar, as it will be hidden by the dark color of the areola. This incision increases the possibility of breastfeeding difficulties and loss in nipple sensation, although the percentage of patients who experience these complications remains very small.
The inframammary incision is located in the breast fold, where the bottom of the breast meets the chest wall. Due to the location of the incision, the resulting scar will be hidden underneath the breast and under clothing. This incision site is a good alternative to the periareolar incision for women who don’t wish to risk breastfeeding complications.
A transaxillary incision is made in the armpit, with the incision scar hidden underneath the arm. This incision site is often used to place saline implants, which are implanted empty and then filled once in place. The resulting scar is more visible than a scar left on the breast by one of the other incisions, which is one reason that Dr. Vazquez does not use these incisions.
Subglandular or Subpectoral Placement
Breast implants can be positioned in two locations: over the pectoral muscle (subglandularly) or under the pectoral muscle (subpectoraly). Dr. Vazquez will discuss with you the benefits and drawbacks of each during your personal pre-op consultation.
Breast Augmentation Procedure Details
Dr. Vazquez’s breast augmentation procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure and typically lasts between one and two hours, during which time the patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort. The doctor will make an incision in one of the two incision sites, and then place the implant either under or over the chest muscle. Plastic closures are used to close the incisions, and then bandages are placed over the breasts. A surgical bra may also be placed at this time in order to protect the breasts as they heal. The patient will need someone to drive them home after surgery and stay with them for the first 24 hours.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
For the first few days following surgery, patients can expect some bruising and swelling in their chest. This normally lasts between one and two weeks. Sleeping with the upper body elevated with pillows helps alleviate some swelling.. The doctor will prescribe pain medication to help with any discomfort. Patients can typically return to work and exercise at the one-week mark.
Are You Ready for a Breast Augmentation Consultation?
If you’re one of the many women who desire a fuller chest, you can find out more about breast augmentation in a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Vazquez. During this time, you can ask any questions you have about the surgery and evaluate whether you are a good candidate. Call Dr. Vazquez today at (305) 858-8222.