A surgical enhancement that accentuates the size and shape of a woman’s breasts
Breast Augmentation Surgery in Birmingham, AL
Looking your best is a quest for many women in this day and age. Consequently, breast augmentation is consistently one of the most requested cosmetic surgeries every year. Women everywhere choose to get breast implants for a variety of reasons, from creating a more feminine silhouette to boosting their confidence. Breast augmentation specialists Dr. Rob Oliver and Dr. Jason Jack can help you achieve your aesthetic goals of having beautiful, natural-looking breasts. Along with our friendly staff, our plastic surgeons will offer you attentive and personalized care from your initial consultation to your final postoperative visit and beyond.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, a breast augmentation procedure involves placing a silicone or saline implant in each breast to increase breast volume, improve breast shape and firmness, and correct breast asymmetry.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Increasing the Size of Naturally Small Breasts
If you have naturally small breasts, you may want to enhance your bust size with breast augmentation. Using implants, our surgeons can give you a fuller breast profile while maintaining a natural-looking appearance. Breast implants can transform your figure and create a more alluring feminine shape by accentuating your curves and boosting your breast size.
Restoring Volume Depletion After Pregnancy or Weight Loss
If pregnancy, nursing, or weight loss has depleted your breast volume, breast augmentation can restore the fullness to your breasts. Implants can fill deflated breasts and create a more pleasing appearance. The implants will also improve the firmness of your breasts and may provide a slight lift to counteract very mild sagging.
Addressing Asymmetry or Shape Concerns
If your breasts are naturally asymmetrical or poorly shaped, breast augmentation can make them round and even. To correct breast asymmetry, either a single implant is inserted into the smaller breast or differently sized implants are inserted into both breasts. This approach produces a balanced, full breast profile. For shape correction, implants can be strategically inserted into both breasts to create a fuller and rounder appearance.
Improved Self-Confidence
If you have struggled with decreased self-esteem due to the above-mentioned issues with your breasts, breast augmentation can help change how you feel about your body. You may feel more feminine, more self-assured when buying clothes, and even more confident around your partner.
What Are My Breast Augmentation Options?
When you choose to undergo breast augmentation, you will work with your surgeon to determine the best type of implant, implant placement, and incision location that will give you the stunning results you desire
Breast Implant Options
Both silicone and saline implants are considered safe, and last anywhere from ten to twenty years. The type of implant you choose is both a matter of personal preference and individual anatomy.
Silicone
Silicone implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a highly cohesive silicone gel. They are the most popular choice worldwide for breast augmentation because they look and feel more like natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are the preferred choice for most breast augmentation patients.
Saline
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saline (salt water) solution. They are more affordable than silicone implants but offer a slightly less natural result. Saline implants are typically not recommended for women with a small amount of breast tissue, as the edges of the implant may be visible, or your breasts may look wrinkled. Saline implants are placed while empty and filled once they are properly situated in the breast pocket, so they require a slightly
Breast Implant Placement Options
Subfascial
Subfascial breast implant placement means the implant is positioned underneath the breast tissue but above the muscles of your chest wall. Benefits of subfascial placement include a shorter recovery and a slightly more lifted appearance.
Subpectoral
Subpectoral or submuscular implant placement means that the implant is inserted underneath both the glandular tissue and the chest wall muscle. Because the muscles of the chest are manipulated during placement, your recovery may be a bit longer than if the implants were placed above the chest muscle. Subpectoral placement is a popular option because it may provide a more natural appearance and better long-term support.
Breast Augmentation Incision Options
Inframammary
Inframammary incisions are the most frequently used incision technique for breast augmentation. The incision is placed in the lower portion of the breast along the crease, where the breast meets the chest wall. This incision is appropriate for all implant types.
Periareolar
Periareolar incisions encircle the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). This type of incision accommodates many implant styles and results in less visible scarring, as the scar is typically hidden by the areola.
How Is a Breast Augmentation Performed?
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed at our state-of-the-art surgical facility. Once you are placed under general anesthesia, the procedure typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes. However, it may take longer, depending on if you decide to combine other cosmetic procedures with your breast augmentation.
The incisions are placed in the desired locations, and pockets are created in each breast (either subglandularly or subpectorally) to make room for the implants. The implants are then carefully inserted into the breast pockets. If saline implants are used, one or both implants may be filled after insertion to ensure ideal symmetry and balance. Once the implants are positioned correctly, the incisions are sealed with resorbable sutures to complete the procedure.
What Can I Expect From My Breast Augmentation Recovery?
Bandages are applied immediately after breast augmentation surgery to aid the healing process and minimize breast movement during recovery. Once the bandages are removed, a specialized surgical bra should be worn for several weeks to provide support and help reduce swelling. Drains are usually not needed, and no suture removal is required.
Once you return home after your breast augmentation procedure, you will need to rest and refrain from most activities for about one week. You will likely feel sore, and will have swelling and possibly some bruising. Any discomfort can be easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Some swelling may persist for up to six weeks, but this is normal.
You will wear a special surgical bra during recovery to help provide support and compression to minimize swelling. While you do need to take it easy for a few weeks, it is important that you engage in gentle movement like walking. Walking encourages circulation to aid in the healing process and also helps prevent blood clots from developing.
You will likely be able to return to work and other daily activities a week or two after your surgery; however, this depends on how physically demanding your job is. You will also need to refrain from strenuous activities or heavy lifting for four to six weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.
While postoperative complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by their surgeon.
What Is The Cost of Breast Augmentation in Birmingham
The cost of your breast augmentation in Birmingham will vary based on factors such as the type of implant, whether you choose to add additional procedures to your augmentation, and surgeon’s fees. For an estimated cost, you can visit our pricing overview page, and we will provide you with a complete cost estimate when you come in for your consultation.
Why Choose Plastic Surgery Specialists For Your Breast Augmentation?
Since 2006, Dr. Jason Jack and Dr. Rob Oliver Jr. have been the surgeons behind Plastic Surgery specialists. Both doctors are board certified in plastic surgery, and both have extensive training and expertise in breast procedures. Dr. Jack and Dr. Oliver strive to ensure they provide each patient with the cosmetic surgery results they desire, but more importantly, they want to make sure that every patient receives compassionate and individualized care from beginning to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for breast augmentation in Birmingham, AL?
Candidates for breast augmentation should be non-smokers in overall good health. They also:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Want to improve their confidence
- Are done having children
- Have uneven or asymmetrical breasts
- Have lost volume in their breasts, or have sagging or flattened breasts
- Have realistic expectations for their results
- Understand the potential risks associated with surgery
The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation is to schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Specialists.
Can I combine breast augmentation with other procedures?
Breast augmentation patients can undergo additional surgeries to enhance their body contours more dramatically. Some of the more popular procedures combined with breast augmentation include breast lift surgery, tummy tuck surgery, and liposuction. Breast augmentation is frequently performed as a part of the Mommy Makeover, which combines multiple procedures to reshape the body after pregnancy and childbirth.
What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with breast augmentation. General risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Seratoma (accumulation of excess fluid)
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
Other potential risks specific to breast augmentation include:
- Capsular contracture
- Breast pain
- Loss of sensation in the breast or nipple
- Implant displacement
- Implant leak or rupture
The best way to avoid complications is to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in breast augmentation and follow their recovery instructions to the letter to help ensure gorgeous results.
How long will my breast augmentation results last?
While your implants may need to be replaced at some point, your results from breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. Women who undergo this procedure can enjoy their enhancement for decades.
What type of implants should I get?
In addition to choosing between silicone and saline implants, there is a wide variety of implant styles from which to choose. During your personal consultation, your surgeon will explain the differences in material, size, shape, texture, and other implant characteristics. Your surgeon will recommend which implants will be most likely to accommodate your unique needs. The collaborative discussion will ensure that you make the best choice so that you can look forward to having the breasts you’ve always wanted.
How much larger will my breasts become?
The natural size and shape of your breasts as well as the type and size of implants you have selected, will determine how large your breasts will be after surgery. Breast augmentation can increase a woman’s breast size by one or more bra cup sizes.
Does breast augmentation leave scars?
Because incisions are required for breast augmentation, there will be some scarring. However, most implant scars are relatively small and hidden within the crease of the breast, the areola, or under the arm. The scars will fade over time, and scar care, such as applying silicone strips or scar gels and keeping the scars out of the sun, will also help them heal in an almost imperceptible fashion.
Have Questions About Breast Augmentation in Birmingham Alabama?
If you are interested in breast augmentation, contact our office in Birmingham, Alabama to schedule your consultation.
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