BREAST AUGMENTATION QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
Mansfield. Arlington. Fort Worth. Dallas. TX
1) Breast Augmentation Procedure Explained.
Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. Over time, factors such as age, genetics, pregnancy, weight changes, sun exposure, and gravity can cause the size and shape of your breast to change. Women who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts, or have experienced changes in breast appearance can achieve a fuller, shapelier breast with breast augmentation. During breast augmentation, a breast implant is placed inside a pocket formed in your breast tissue. This can help to increase or balance the size of your breast, restore breast volume, or restore the shape of your breast after partial or total loss. It is important to realize that breast augmentation cannot correct significantly sagging or drooping breasts. In these instances, a breast lift is often necessary, which may be performed in conjunction with this procedure. Breast augmentation procedures typically last approximately one to two hours. Prior to the start of your procedure the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed and an anesthetic will be administered. Depending on Dr. Thornton's preferences and the nature of the procedure, a local anesthetic in combination with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be used. The breast implant procedure consists of Dr. Thornton making an incision either around your areola or in your breast crease and creating a "pocket," or space within your breast tissues. The breast implant is then placed in the pocket and positioned. The incision is closed using dissolving sutures and skin adhesive or surgical tape strips may be used to finally close your skin. The scars from the incisions will fade slowly over several months, but it may take up to a year for them to refine completely. As with any surgery, you will most likely experience some pain and swelling after surgery. The majority of the swelling will likely subside within a few days. However, some swelling may persist for several weeks. Dr. Thornton may place you in a special compression bra to aid in the healing process, as compression bras provide support and comfort, minimize swelling, and help to maintain the position of the implants.
Learn more about the breast augmentation procedure by visiting LoveYourLook.com
2) Subglandular vs Submuscular Breast Implant Placement?
Breast implants can be placed in two general locations, known as submuscular and subglandular placement. Submuscular placement refers to an implant that is placed partially or completely beneath your pectoralis muscle, thus lying against your chest wall. In contrast, subglandular placement refers to an implant that is placed beneath your actual breast tissue, but above the pectoralis muscle. Dr. Thornton will help determine the implant placement that is best for you. Subglandular placement may make your surgery and recovery time shorter, as it may be less painful due to less manipulation of the muscle. However, this placement also may make it easier to see and feel your implants through your skin after your surgery, so a subglandular placement is not used if you have inadequate breast tissue to cover the implant. Furthermore, capsular contracture is more likely with subglandular placement, and imaging of the breast with mammography may be more difficult. In contrast, submuscular placement may make recovery longer, as it may be more painful due to the manipulation of your pectoralis muscle. But, the possible benefits of this placement are that it may result in less palpable implants, less capsular contracture, and easier imaging of the breast with mammography. This approach is more commonly used if you have inadequate breast tissue.
Learn more about the breast augmentation procedure by visiting LoveYourLook.com
3) Saline vs Silicone Breast Implants: Which Breast Implant is Right for Me?
Choosing the best breast implant type for you depends upon your desired results. There are differences between silicone gel breast implants and saline-filled breast implants, but one isn’t always better than the other.
Silicone Gel Breast Implants
If it is important to you that your breast implants feel natural, then you will want to consider gel breast implants like the MemoryGel™ breast implants. What many women really appreciate about MemoryGel breast implants is that they feature a highly unique “cohesive” gel filling. The gel us neither a liquid nor even a semi-liquid like gel implants of the past. Instead, Mentor’s cohesive gel holds together in a uniform manner so it doesn’t leak even if the shell ruptures, and it retains a natural give that resembles your own breast tissue.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline-filled breast implants are filled with saltwater solution that is similar to the fluid that makes up most of the human body. They have a firmer feel than gel, and their fill volume can be adjusted by your surgeon during your procedure. Since saline implants are inserted empty before they are filled, they can be placed in your chest through a slightly smaller incision.
Learn more about the breast augmentation procedure by visiting LoveYourLook.com
Mansfield Cosmetic Surgery Center
Michael L. Thornton, D.O., P.A., FACOS
550 N. Walnut Creek Dr., Suite 120 | Mansfield, TX 76063
ph. 817.477.9000 | fx. 817.887.5924
office hours by appointment only
Monday - Friday | 9am - 5pm
|
