Breast Implants Breast Augmentation

(General Information)

>> I would like to get a quote from
a board certified surgeon now >>

Technical name: Augmentation Mammaplasty
Body Parts: Breasts
Recommended Age: After complete breast development
Anesthesia: Depends on the doctor and the case
Surgery time: On average, 1 hour
Clinic stay: On average, 8-24 hours
Scar: Discrete
Breast Implants: Mostly "Gummy Bear" Breast Implants
Pre-operative: Lab exams and mammogram
Post-operative: Bandage in the shape of a bra during the first 24 hours after surgery; avoid sleeping "face-down" for 10 days after surgery
Recuperation period: 7-14 days
Results duration: Due to the possible chance of implant removal or replacement, the duration may vary

Who is best for Breast Augmentation?
Expected results from Breast Augmentation
Types of Breast Implants
Anesthesia for Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Your new Appearance after Breast Augmentation
Recovery from Breast Augmentation
What else you should know about Breast Augmentation

Who is best for Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure that uses breast implants to provide fuller breasts for the ones who think their breast size is too small or to restore breast volume after weight reduction or pregnancy.
The Breast Augmentation procedure can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations, and feel free to discuss them thoroughly during your consultation.
The best candidates for Breast Augmentation are women who are dissatisfied with their breast size and looking for improvement. If you are physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate for Breast Augmentation. Your breasts also must be fully developed, that’s why the recommended age is at least 16 years old. [ Top ]

Expected results from Breast Augmentation:

Increase of projection and fullness of the breasts
To achieve balance (in case of different-sized breasts)
Enhance self-image and self-confidence

It is extremely important to understand that breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. In this case, you should do a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation. You can do both of them together or separately. [ Top ]

Types of Breast Implants:

A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either standard silicone gel, cohesive gel or a salt-water solution known as Saline.

In Brazil, nearly all of the plastic surgeons use the new "Gummy Bear Implants, for being safer, softer and longer-lasting than conventional breast implants.

Cohesive Gel Breast Implants or "Gummy Bear Breast Implants", the most used implant here in Brazil, is also known as gummy bear because they have the same consistency and feel of a gummy bear sweet when cut in the middle. They have the same ingredients of the standard silicone gel, but with more cross-linkers, which provide a more stable shape. This way, implant shape is not altered in any position and the implant shell should not fold, like it may happen with the other breast implants. The main advantage of this new implant is that, if the implant ruptures, it doesn’t leak like the others. In addition, because of the fact that they maintain their original anatomical shape, they last much more time. In a few words, the gummy bear breast implant is a safer, softer and longer-lasting implant.
Standard Silicone gel implants are filled with an elastic gel. It’s much like natural breast tissue. If it leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or may escape into the breast implant pocket. If you choose silicone implants, you may need to visit regularly your plastic surgeon, to make sure your implants are fine. An ultrasound or MRI screening can access the condition of breast implants. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women over 22 years old.
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. The amount of saline affects in the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. If the implant shell leaks, the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Saline implants are FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved for augmentation in women over 18 years old.

Further information can be found at www.breastimplantsafety.org
[ Top ]

Anesthesia for Breast Augmentation:

For a Breast Augmentation, it can be chosen between intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. In case of general Anesthesia, you will sleep through the entire operation. If the option is intravenous sedation, sedatives will be injected to help you relax. The best anesthesia method depends on your individual case and what your doctor is recommending. You will decide with him what is better for you. [ Top ]

Breast Augmentation Surgery:

The method of inserting and positioning your breast implant will depend mainly on your anatomy. The incision is usually made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, in the armpit or around the areola - the dark skin surrounding the nipple. If there is some skin laxity, usually resulting from previous pregnancies, additional incisions may be necessary.
Therefore, a Breast lift procedure may be combined with Breast Augmentation in order to obtain the best results. Every effort will be made to assure that the incisions are placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Working through the incision, your breast tissue and skin is lifted to create a pocket, usually directly behind the breast tissue or in some cases, underneath your chest wall muscle (the Pectoral Muscle). The breast implants are then centered beneath your nipples.
The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing. [ Top ]

Your new Appearance after Breast Augmentation:

For many women, the result of Breast Augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. Your decision to have Breast Augmentation is a highly personal one that not everyone may understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you have met your goals, then your surgery is a success. Once you appreciate the enhanced look in new garments or the better appearance in your existing wardrobe, you will surely be satisfied with your surgery. [ Top ]

Recovery from Breast Augmentation:

Recovery usually takes up to 24-48 hours and includes reduced activity period for a few days. You also have some swelling in the first weeks and it will disappear over time. [ Top ]

What else you should know about Breast Augmentation:

Just like any surgery procedure, there are some risks. It is important to ask your plastic surgeon everything you would like to know and share with him all your feelings and fears. [ Top ]

Remember that, for long lasting results, it is important to maintain your weight and keep a healthy lifestyle.
It is also extremely important to follow your physician’s instructions, ensuring best results. The incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the healing process.

Future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants, as some manufacturers suggest. Over time, your breasts may change and you can discuss with your surgeon about a breast lift or implant exchange. [ Top ]

I would like to:

get a quote from a board certified surgeon now

have CosmeticVacations call me

go back to the home page

Call CosmeticVacations: +1-305-433-8377