Breast Augmentation in High Point, NC
Small breasts can be a source of discomfort if you feel that they rob you of the more feminine or sensual curves you desire.
You may have always had naturally small breasts, or a recent life change (like pregnancy or weight loss) could have resulted in decreased breast volume. If you desire a fuller, more shapely bustline, a breast augmentation is the procedure for you. With newer and better implant technology, you can achieve the beautiful, natural chest enhancement you’ve always wanted.
Dr. Willard and his team at Piedmont Plastic Surgery offer breast enlargement procedures for women in High Point, North Carolina.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery or breast enlargement surgery is a procedure that increases the volume of the breasts by adding implants. These implants not only add volume and fullness to the breasts but also help with breast shape and symmetry. In some cases, this procedure can provide a very subtle lift; although, this surgery is not a replacement for a breast lift.
Breast augmentation can be combined with other breast enhancement surgeries to improve results.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
If you are unhappy with your breast size and are in good health, implants can help. We customize the breast augmentation process to your physical characteristics, needs, and aesthetic goals. You will work closely with your plastic surgeon to determine which breast augmentation factors will work best to give you the attractive bustline you desire.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
Implant Materials
- Saline: A soft shell filled with a saltwater solution. Saline implants are FDA approved for women over 18 years of age. When placed in the proper patient, saline implants provide great results. However, when placed over the muscle and in women who have thinner breast tissue, visible surface irregularities are more likely to develop.
- Silicone: A soft shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Silicone implants are FDA approved for women over 22 years of age. Silicone implants are commonly preferred because of their ability to simulate the look and feel of real breast tissue.
At Piedmont Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer Allergan™ and Mentor® implants.
Incision Options
- Transaxillary: A small incision is created in the armpit. This is a preferred technique by some patients because it eliminates the need for visible scarring around the breasts. This technique is only available for saline implants.
- Inframammary: An incision is created near the fold of the natural breast crease. The length of this incision depends on the size of the implant for placement. The final size and form of the breasts will determine if scars will be visible.
Implant Placement
- Submuscular: Implants are commonly placed under both the muscle and glandular tissue. This creates a more natural breast shape and minimizes surface irregularities. However, extremely active patients, especially those who regularly use their chest muscles, may find this placement creates some discomfort.
- Subglandular: Implants are placed over the pectoral muscle and under the glandular tissue. Recovery with this placement can be milder and quicker. However, surface irregularities are more visible in patients who have thin breast tissue.
Refining Techniques
- Fat transfer: A refining technique that can be added to breast augmentation to help shape the breasts and mask visible edges. We use patient-harvested fat and inject it into the breasts, which creates smoother, more natural transitions.
How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?
All aspects of your breast augmentation are tailored to your body and your desires.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure typically performed in one to two hours. Most patients are put under general anesthesia for their procedure, but other sedation techniques may be used if needed.
Once the surgical techniques have been agreed upon, your plastic surgeon will make the necessary incision in the armpit or beneath the breast (along the crease). A pocket will be created in the breast and the implant will be inserted and positioned.
If you are not combining your breast augmentation with any other procedure, your surgeon will close the incision and you will be able to start your recovery process.
Should I Combine My Breast Augmentation With Another Plastic Surgery Procedure?
Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift
Women who choose breast augmentation after pregnancy or significant weight loss may benefit from a combination surgery that includes augmentation and a breast lift. Breast implants address breast shape and volume; they cannot raise significantly sagging breasts. Only a breast lift can accomplish that.
Breast Augmentation and Mommy Makeover
Besides a breast lift, the most common combination procedures with breast augmentation are liposuction and tummy tuck surgery. Together, these surgeries make up a Mommy Makeover, a comprehensive breast and body contouring treatment.
How Much Is Breast Augmentation in High Point, NC?
The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on the implant chosen, the surgical techniques, any combination procedures, and surgical factors like anesthesia, facility, and surgeon fees. You will be provided with an accurate cost estimate during your consultation at Piedmont Plastic Surgery.
Financing options are available.
How Should I Prepare for My Breast Augmentation?
What Do I Need to Bring to My Consultation?
It is a good idea to come to your breast augmentation consultation prepared. You may like to bring a friend or family member with you for emotional support. Also, many women like to write down a list of questions they have so that they don’t forget what they wanted to ask on the day.
If you are taking any medications, bring a list of these with you to discuss with Dr. Willard. Include any prescribed medications as well as vitamins or dietary supplements, including herbal remedies.
Some women also bring photos to show the types of results they are looking for in their new breasts. However, it is important to understand that these images are examples and inspiration, not the exact results you will receive. Your breast augmentation is tailored to you and your body contours and measurements.
Should I Quit Smoking Before Breast Augmentation?
It’s best to quit smoking before having plastic surgery, as smoking can slow down the healing process. Aim to stop smoking at least two weeks before your breast augmentation. If you want to start smoking again, you should wait until two or three weeks after you have had surgery to allow your body to heal. Many women find that having plastic surgery is an opportunity for them to give up smoking for good.
You may like to ask your doctor for advice about smoking. There are many options, such as nicotine patches or other types of nicotine replacement, to help reduce cravings and give you a better chance of stopping smoking. However, don’t use any nicotine replacement aids immediately before, during, or after surgery, as these are as bad for the healing process as smoking.
If you are a marijuana smoker, you will need to quit this as well, as this will increase the effects of anesthesia. You will also be more at risk of experiencing anesthesia-related complications.
Can I Take Supplements Before My Breast Augmentation to Help Reduce Side Effects Such as Bruising and Swelling?
Many people find that arnica and bromelain help with the recovery process. You can ask your plastic surgeon for supplement recommendations before your augmentation.
What Should I Bring to the Office Surgery Center on the Day of My Implant Surgery?
It is best to wear clothes which are comfortable and loose-fitting. You can also bring slippers with you to wear after the operation. Ensure that you bring pain medications if you are taking any and a surgical bra or a compression garment or bandage, as suggested by your surgeon. You can also bring a pillow with you to ensure you have a comfortable ride home.
Before surgery, you can ask your cosmetic surgeon for recommendations about what to bring with you to the office surgery center. It may also be helpful to talk to other women who have had breast surgery, as they may be able to suggest things you will need or tell you what they wished they’d brought.
What Can I Do to Ease My Fears Before Surgery?
It’s worth noting that it’s entirely normal to feel nervous before having surgery. Try to relax the night before the surgery. Perhaps try having a relaxing bath and get a good night’s sleep. Before surgery, sit quietly and take some deep breaths, as this will help calm you down.
How Long Is My Breast Augmentation Recovery?
You will experience some bruising and swelling following your breast augmentation. We offer our patients the option to stay the night at Comfort Cottage with a nurse available to assist you. Most patients are able to return to work within two weeks and participate in regular exercise after six weeks. You should avoid applying significant pressure to the breasts for six weeks, and most major swelling should subside within six weeks.
Are There Risks With Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, like all surgeries, does pose some minor risks including infection, hematoma, blood clots, changes in breast sensitivity, and scarring. However, once your initial recovery period is over, your risk of future complications is very low.
Will My Breast Augmentation Results Be Permanent?
Your breast augmentation should provide you with beautiful results. No implant will last a lifetime; your implants are expected to eventually fail and need replacement, hopefully after many years.
What Happens if I Experience Problems With My Implants?
Breast implants are long lasting; however, they are not expected to be permanent. If you experience any complications with your implants, you will likely need/want to consider a breast revision procedure. These procedures remove and/or replace the implants.