One of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in Atlanta and across the nation, breast augmentation can make women feel more attractive, feminine and self-assured. That’s why nearly 300,000 American women undergo breast augmentation each year. And with three FDA-approved silicone gel-filled breast implants now available on the market, the number of women opting for this procedure is likely to increase.
Simply put, breast augmentation (or “augmentation mammaplasty”) is a surgical procedure that enlarges or changes the shape of a woman’s breast by insertion of an implant. Breast implants may be used to create a fuller bustline or to restore volume and shape that has been lost due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging. Breast augmentation can also correct problems of symmetry when there’s a difference in size or shape between the two breasts, or address congenital deformities like tuberous breasts.
Each year, Dr. Mark Deutsch performs hundreds of breast augmentation surgeries for patients in the operating room at Perimeter Plastic Surgery. With meticulous surgical skill and cutting-edge technology, Dr. Deutsch custom-tailors each breast augmentation procedure to the individual patient to achieve truly stunning yet natural results.
If you are interested in breast augmentation at Perimeter Plastic Surgery, the first step is the initial consultation. At this meeting, Dr. Deutsch will explain the breast augmentation process in detail, and you will have the opportunity to discuss the particular characteristics of your breasts and what you would like to accomplish. Dr. Deutsch will go over your health history, and evaluate the size and shape of your breasts, including the elasticity of the skin. Based on his findings and your goals, he will arrive at a surgical plan that will most benefit you.
If your breasts are sagging or severely drooping, Dr. Deutsch may recommend a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation. Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation.
Breast Augmentation Options
One of your biggest decisions will be what type of breast implant to get. Breast implants come in many different materials, textures, sizes and shapes, with differing projections. All of them include a solid silicone shell, called a lumen, which is filled with either saline (sterile salt water) or silicone (a soft elastic gel). Both implant types are very safe, each with its own advantages. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water and can be filled with varying amounts of saline for a desired shape, firmness, and feel. Silicone gel implants are filled with an elastic gel that moves and feels much like natural breast tissue.
The two main implant shapes to choose from are either round or teardrop. Teardrops are often thought to present a more natural shape and are less prone to rotation once in place. You will also have to decide on the size and placement of your implants. Dr. Deutsch can advise you on the choices best suited for your body and lifestyle, based on your goals and preferences, body frame and mass, breast anatomy and skin elasticity.
Surgery and Recovery
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure and does not involve an overnight stay in the hospital. The operation is done with general anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. Based on the techniques agreed upon during your consultation, Dr. Deutsch will place the implants either above or below the chest wall muscle, behind or under each breast, or under the arms. All the stitches will be dissolvable and underneath the skin.
At the end of the operation, patients are placed in a surgical bra to hold the implants in shape and support the breasts. Patients usually stay 2 to 3 hours in the recovery room, and then can go home. You will need to have a close friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery center and care for you during the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
You will have varying degrees of temporary bruising, swelling and discomfort. We will prescribe medication to control any pain you may feel. While you may be tired and sore for the next several days, most patients are able to return to normal, non-strenuous activities within 24 hours. Depending on your type of employment, you may go back to work within a few days to a week after the operation. Stitches will dissolve and do not need to be removed. Swelling in your breasts may take a few weeks to disappear. We will closely follow your recovery to ensure you are able to resume to a normal level of activity and exercise.
Noticeable results are seen immediately but it will take several months for swelling to settle and for the long term results to be evident. Dr. Deutsch will encourage you to perform medial implant exercises breast massage techniques) to help achieve natural-appearing breasts and keep them soft.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
To schedule a consultation for breast augmentation at either our Atlanta or Fayetteville, Georgia, offices, please give Perimeter Plastic Surgery a call at 404-255-0886. Our staff will gladly answer your questions and address your concerns. We will help determine if you are a good candidate for breast enlargement surgery and, whenever possible, will also suggest alternative treatments that can meet your unique goals. There’s no time like the present to get started on a new you!