Breast Augmentation

Women choose to have breast augmentation surgery to balance the proportion between the breast and body, as well as gain a shapelier contour. Breast augmentation, one of the most popular and common cosmetic surgeries, involves the placement of a silicone or saline breast implant beneath or over the chest muscle to increase breast size. In most cases, the incision is made either around the lower half of the nipple or under the breast crease, which leaves practically no scar resulting in a natural appearance. Dallas, TX plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven J. White, offers both saline and silicone breast implants depending on each unique patient case and their individual aesthetic goals. He is a master at his craft, and blends surgeons skill and years of experience to create gorgeous results.

Before and After Photos

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Ideal Candidate

Good candidates for breast augmentation are women who demonstrate:

• Small breast size for body shape
• Size discrepancy of breasts
• Breasts that have become smaller and lost their firmness after having children
• Non-smokers or those who have ceased smoking two months prior to the procedure
• Overall good health

Saline or Silicone?

Both saline and silicone breast implants remain popular choices among women today. The type chosen depends on a few different factors. Saline implants are filled with saltwater during surgery and this amount can be adjusted during the procedure. These implants can feel a bit firmer than silicone implants. Silicone implants have a pre-filled amount of cohesive gel when placed during surgery and they have a more natural feel. The surgeon typically uses silicone implants for patients who have lower body weight and less breast tissue.

A couple of distinct differences between saline and silicone breast implants are that patients must be 18 years of age in order to receive saline implants, and 22 years of age for silicone. In addition, silicone implants usually cost about $1,000 more than saline. We will assess the current breast tissue, as well as discuss the patient’s goals for surgery and together make a determination as to the best implant to use to attain the best result.

What to Expect

The patient’s overall health, along with the current breast size and breast shape will be discussed during the initial consultation. Additionally, we will evaluate the underlying bone anatomy of the chest, the presence of breast masses (if any), the looseness of the skin of the breasts (if any) and the patient’s overall body shape in proportion to the breasts. Finally, measurements will be taken of the  breasts to help determine the best implant size. This evaluation will help to develop a customized and individual breast augmentation plan. 

Things to Consider

When choosing the right breast implant, the surgeon will discuss several aspects of the various implants that are offered today. Each implant is produced with varying profiles, which is the amount of projection the implant will offer. This is taken into consideration along with the chest wall and the breast base width. The goal is to find an implant that will fill the base width naturally, while at the same time offering a projection the patient will be happy with. Breast implants also come in various shapes (round or tear-shaped), and different textures (smooth or a textured surface). The incision type and the implant placement will also be addressed. Our surgeon typically places the implant under the pectoralis major muscle with a pre-made pocket that is created surgically. A common approach for the incision is either within the natural crease of the breast or along the nipple. Both of these techniques hide scarring and offer a natural result. 

After Surgery

After breast augmentation surgery, patients are placed in a surgical dressing that may include a support bra or wrap. Swelling is expected after surgery. The swelling and bruising will start to resolve 1-2 weeks after surgery, although this will vary between patients. Usually patients may return to work within 3-5 days. Most patients can resume modest activity in 2 weeks and a complete recovery can be expected between 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Results

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed among plastic surgeons. It is a surgery that produces gorgeous, natural results and the majority of women are thrilled with their outcome. If you desire shapelier breasts, please call our plastic surgery office and schedule your complimentary consultation with our doctor today.

Recovery

Dr. Steven J. White with USA Plastic Surgery offers the latest advance in breast implants: the “Optimized, Rapid Recovery” Breast Augmentation. This 7- step breast implant program is the culmination of over a decade of experience by Dr. White which allows him to optimize every aspect of the procedure. His goal is to create the most beautiful breasts for each patient. The operation seems deceptively simple — making the breasts bigger by putting in implants. Achieving exceptional results, however, requires detailed pre-op planning, precise surgical technique, and careful follow-up. Dr. White’s “Optimized, Rapid Recovery” Breast Augmentation does just that… in a series of 7 steps.

Step one involves listening carefully to understand what the patient is hoping to achieve. Does she want a natural look which is proportionate to her body? Is she afraid she will be too big — or does she instead want the largest size which still looks natural for her body? Does she want to avoid the “stuck-on” look?

Step two occurs when Dr. White takes several measurements of the breasts and chest, paying close attention to asymmetries of the breasts, which is surprisingly common. Selecting the proper size implants is one of the most important aspects of breast implant surgery. Dr. White believes this is best achieved by matching the implant to the patient’s tissues and chest wall and then adjusting the size according to the patient’s desires.

Step three is comprehensive patient education. Every patient is thoroughly informed about the procedure and what to expect before and after surgery.

The next three steps occur during surgery. Patient safety and natural-appearing results are Dr. White’s primary goals. To optimize patient safety, he only uses doctors — not nurses or CRNAs — for anesthesia. Step four involves precise surgical technique to create the “space” or “pocket” under the muscle for the implant. Dr. White’s specially-designed instruments allow him to use the smallest incision to minimize the scar. Drains are not necessary since he avoids blunt dissection. Instead, he performs a precise dissection to minimize bleeding, bruising, and pain which allows for a rapid recovery. Step five is when Dr. White uses “sizers” to carefully match the implant to the patient’s tissues and chest wall to create the most natural look for each patient. Step six is to sculpt or shape the breast tissue (when needed) over the implant to achieve the prettiest breasts.

Step seven is the last but also one of the most important: the follow-up care. Dr. White has developed a comprehensive post-op program to allow for rapid recovery and exceptional results. His surgical technique avoids bruising and minimizes pain so that his patients can begin arm range-of-motion exercises on the day of surgery. Many of his patients feel so good they go shopping or out to lunch the day after surgery.

Please explore our website at usaplasticsurgery.com to learn more. See Before & After Photos. Read Patient Reviews. See what our patients say about their experience and how they feel about their results. Discover the Difference. We believe you will agree… Dr. White is the intelligent choice to enhance your image.