What Is a Breast Augmentation Procedure?

If you have small or uneven breasts and you are interested in methods of increasing your breast size or improving breast symmetry, we would be happy to talk to you about breast augmentation. There are many different options for achieving a larger breast size, many of which we offer at Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. 

At our practice, you can benefit from procedures performed by world-class plastic surgeons who approach each case with a desire to provide quality, individualized services for every patient. We offer breast augmentation surgeries in both our Accredited Ambulatory Surgical Center and several local hospitals. 

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation can describe a wide range of procedures that increase breast size. They can be performed using different types of breast implants as well as fat tissue harvested from the patient. These procedures can be used to enhance the size and shape of breasts, correct asymmetries, restore volume after pregnancy, and reconstruct breasts after mastectomy.

Options for Breast Augmentation

Saline Implants

Saline implants are a good option for patients who are looking for a specific aesthetic or who want to avoid having regular screenings to check for silent ruptures. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution. If they do rupture, you will be able to tell right away and the saline is harmless and absorbed quickly by the body. 

This type of implant often requires a smaller incision since the implants are filled with saline solution after insertion. Saline implants can also provide a more rounded and augmented shape that can be desirable for certain patients. However, for patients who want a breast that looks and feels as natural as possible, silicone implants or a fat transfer may be a better option.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants can offer a more natural-looking silhouette that can also feel and behave more like natural breast tissue. You can choose from many different types of silicone breast implant. There are less cohesive silicone implants that move with your body and gummy bear implants that have a firmer texture and are tear-drop shaped to mimic a natural breast. The right type and shape of implants is a decision that you can make under the guidance of your plastic surgeon.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

A fat transfer breast augmentation, also called a natural breast augmentation or an autologous breast augmentation, is a procedure that involves the use of fat harvested from another area of the patient’s body such as the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, arms, chin, and more. While natural breast augmentation doesn’t provide the dramatic results of breast implants, it can be suitable for patients who want subtle augmentation.

Autologous breast augmentation can be used to improve breast shape and add a little more volume. It can also provide the additional benefit of body sculpting in other areas that have bulges. Excess fat is removed using liposuction, and more can be taken than what is needed to transfer to the breast area. This type of breast augmentation is only indicated for patients who have excess fat somewhere on their bodies.

Breast Augmentation With Breast Lift

If you have concerns about the shape and size of your breasts and you also want to resolve sagging breasts, you may be a good candidate for a breast lift and augmentation. Augmentation will only increase breast size. Only a breast lift can resolve sagging breasts. However, breast lift and augmentation can be performed at the same time. 

How Is a Breast Augmentation Performed?

Consultation

There is a lot to discuss before your breast augmentation surgery. When you come in for a consultation, we will have a discussion about which type of breast augmentation you are interested in and talk about the pros and cons of each option. If breast implants are the right choice for you, we will discuss the implant material, size, shape, and profile. We will also talk about the incision location and whether the implant will be placed above or below the breast tissue. 

Process for Breast Implants

During a breast augmentation with implants, you will usually be put under general anesthesia. Then the incision will be made underneath the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit . Then a cavity is made for the breast implant either under or over the muscle. The implants will be inserted and adjusted until the right aesthetic is achieved. Saline implants are filled with a saltwater solution after the implant has been placed. Then the incisions are closed and the area will be bandaged. 

Process for Fat Transfer

If you and your surgeon choose a fat transfer augmentation, the areas where liposuction will be performed are mapped out and you will be put under anesthesia. Your surgeon will then perform liposuction using the chosen method to harvest viable fat cells. 

Next, the fat is processed and purified so that pure fat can be injected into the breast area. The fat is placed into syringes and is injected into the breasts to augment them and enhance their shape. 

Learn More About Breast Augmentation

While considering breast augmentation, it is important to seek the advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in both fat transfers and breast implants. At Legacy Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics we schedule plenty of time with you so that we can explore all of your options and find the one that best suits your needs. To learn more about our breast augmentation procedures or to schedule a consultation in Exton, PA, you can call us today at 610-756-1789 or request an appointment online.