Breast Services
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. and one of our most popular services. Breast augmentation can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned look through the placement of saline or silicone implants in the breast.
Our patients elect to undergo breast augmentation for many different medical and aesthetic reasons, including balancing breast size, compensating for reduced breast mass after pregnancy or surgery, and correcting a congenital breast defect. Under Dr. Baker's expert care, patients enjoy great-looking, natural-feeling breasts that are larger, rounder and fuller after the procedure.
Fully Customized Breast Enhancement
We know that every woman is unique in both her desires and her body shape. With that in mind, we take the time during the pre-operative consultations to learn what each patient hopes to gain from breast augmentation surgery and to decide which implant type and implant placement is best. In this way, every one of our patients enjoys completely customized treatment designed with her specific goals in mind.
Breast augmentation can achieve dramatic and beautiful results on its own as well as in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery or non-invasive procedures. We sometimes recommend combining breast augmentation with other procedures such as a breast lift for more satisfying results.
Saline and Silicone Gel Breast Implants
Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Both implant types are very safe, and each offers its own advantages. We will help you decide which kind is right for you. During surgery, we will place the implants behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or the chest wall muscle.
Dothan Plastic Surgery offers all types of FDA approved breast implants by Mentor, Allergan and Sientra in a range of different shapes and profiles to include round, shaped, moderate profile, moderate plus profile, and high profile implants. Dr. Baker will discuss with you the type of implant that is best for you.
After many years of intense research and studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved silicone breast implants for breast augmentation surgery. We are proud to offer patients the option of silicone gel-filled breast implants, since many people consider them much softer and to feel more natural than saline-filled breast implants.
Breast Augmentation Surgery - Incision Techniques
The breast augmentation procedure usually lasts about an hour and is performed with general anesthesia. Incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility. These may be located:
In the crease on the underside of the breast (inframammary), or
Around the areola, the dark skin around the nipple (periareolar).
Breast Augmentation Surgery - Placement Options
Implant placement beneath the muscle of the chest or placement beneath the breast tissue only are both options for implant placement. Every effort to reduce the risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and to lessen interference with mammogram examinations is made through implant placement. We will discuss which option may be best for you.
After the implants have been inserted and positioned beneath the nipples, the incisions are stitched closed, then taped and bandaged. In a few days, these bandages and incisions will be checked.
Recovery
Most patients feel tired and sore after breast augmentation surgery, but this usually passes in a day or two. Many patients return to work within the week as long as they adhere to restrictions given to them by their physician.
Stitches are clipped 10 to 14 days after breast augmentation. Post-operative pain, swelling and sensitivity should gradually diminish over the first few weeks.
Scars from breast augmentation incisions will begin to fade in a few months and will continue to fade for months or years.
Complications
Complications following breast augmentation surgery are uncommon and usually minimal. They may include capsular contracture, increased swelling and pain, infection around the implant, and breakage or leakage of the implant (implant rupture) as a result of injury or the normal compression and movement of your breast. If you experience increased pain, redness, or more swelling in one breast than the other, you should call the office immediately 334.793.3113. We have staff available after hours for emergencies.
If a saline implant ruptures, the implant will simply deflate in a few hours and your body will absorb the salt water. If a silicone implant leaks, you will need to see a doctor. Regular monitoring of breast implants after breast augmentation is recommended to ensure continuing breast and implant health.
If you would like more information about Breast Augmentation or to schedule an appointment, feel free to fill out our convenient contact form or call us directly at 334-793-3113.
