Mask Group 64 (1)

Breast Enhancement in Fort Worth, TX

Home BREAST BREAST AUGMENTATION

If You’re Considering Breast Augmentation…

Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast for a number of reasons:

  • To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
  • To restore breast volume lost due to weight loss or following pregnancy
  • To achieve better symmetry when breasts are moderately disproportionate in size and shape
  • To improve the shape of breasts that are sagging or have lost firmness, often used with a breast lift procedure
  • To provide the foundation of a breast contour when a breast has been removed or disfigured by surgery to treat breast cancer
  • To improve breast appearance or create the appearance of a breast that is missing or disfigured due to trauma, heredity, or congenital abnormalities

By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman’s bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. If you’re considering breast augmentation, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure–when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. It can’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask Fort Worth plastic surgeon Dr. Kiran Polavarapu, if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure.

113410587_m_normal_none (1)

before and after photos

Some of our favorites

The Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have breast surgery in Forth Worth, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.

 

Types of Breast Implants

Choosing the implant for you

The choice of implant filler, implant size, shape and other features will be determined based on your breast anatomy, body type and your desired increase in size. Your lifestyle, goals, and personal preferences, as well as your plastic surgeon, Dr. Polavarapu, recommendations, and sound surgical judgment through experience performing plastic surgery in Fort Worth, are also determining factors. Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, and therefore there may be additional options available to you.

Breast implants are medical devices with a solid silicone, rubber shell. The implant shell may be filled with either saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel. Both saline and silicone gel breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approval means that an implant has been rigorously researched and tested, and reviewed by an independent panel of physicians for safety.

The size of a breast implant is measured in cubic centimeters (ccs) based on the volume of the saline or silicone filler. Breast implants vary both by filler and in size, but there are additional features to consider:

  • Texture: the implant shell may be smooth or textured
    Shape: the implant may have a round profile or one that is anatomic (teardrop or tapered shape)
  • Profile: the implant may have a low, medium or high projection (the depth of the implant from the base to the highest point of the implant curve)
  • Diameter: the width of the implant measured across it’s base (the side of the implant that will be positioned over the chest wall)

Adult women of any age can benefit greatly from the enhancement breast implants provide. It is usually recommended, however, that a woman’s breasts are fully developed prior to placement of breast implants. Saline implants are FDA approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older. Silicone implants are FDA approved for augmentation in women age 22 and older. Saline or silicone implants may be recommended at a younger age if used for reconstruction purposes.

You should be aware that breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants. Regular examinations for breast health and to evaluate the condition of your implants are important whether you have chosen saline or silicone breast implants.

Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of your breast and implant, causing the man-made shell to leak.

  • If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
  • If a silicone-gel filled implant leak or break, the elastic silicone gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket (a capsule of tissue that surrounds the implant). A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not deflate and may not be noticeable except through imaging techniques such as an MRI.

For this reason, a woman with silicone breast implants is advised to visit her plastic surgeon annually to assess that her implants are functioning well. An ultrasound exam or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants; after 3 years it is recommended that all silicone implants be properly screened.

Following the placement of breast implants mammography is technically more difficult. Obtaining the best possible results requires specialized techniques and additional views. You must be candid about your implants when undergoing any diagnostic breast exam. In many cases, an ultrasound exam or MRI may be recommended in addition to mammography.

While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your physician to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of breast augmentation.

113410547_m_normal_none

Special Considerations and Risks

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

  • Capsular contracture
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Infection
  • Over-sensitivity
  • Issues with breast feeding
  • Implant breakage and leaks

While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your physician to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of breast augmentation.

THE PROCESS

What to Expect With Breast Augmentation

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging, your doctor may also recommend a breast lift.

Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. You may want to ask your surgeon for a copy of the manufacturer’s insert that comes with the implant he or she will use — just so you are fully informed about it. And, be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Your surgeon should also explain the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. Because most insurance companies do not consider breast augmentation to be medically necessary, carriers generally do not cover the cost of this procedure.

Your surgeon will give you instructions to prepare for breast augmentation surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. A mammogram may be recommended prior to your procedure to ensure breast health and serve as a baseline for future comparison.

In addition to explaining your surgical procedure, you plastic surgeon will discuss anesthesia, the recovery process and your obligations as a patient. You will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the breast augmentation procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications of your surgery. There may be a waiting period of several days to weeks from the time of your consent to the day of surgery.

While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

Your surgeon may prefer to perform the operation in an office facility, a freestanding surgery center, or a hospital outpatient facility. Occasionally, the surgery may be done as an inpatient in a hospital, in which case you can plan on staying for a day or two.

Breast augmentation can be performed with a general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep through the entire operation. Some surgeons may use a local anesthesia, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy, so you’ll be relaxed but awake, and may feel some discomfort.

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon’s recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. In addition, a saline implant may be placed through an incision at the navel. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue (submammary or subglandular placement) or may be placed beneath the pectoral muscle and on top of the chest wall (submuscular placement). Once the implant is positioned within this pocket, the incisions are closed with sutures, skin adhesive and/or surgical tape. A gauze bandage may be applied over your breasts to help with healing. The surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete. You’ll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives with your doctor before surgery to make sure you fully understand the implications of the procedure he or she recommends for you.

Generally, breast augmentation surgery is considered cosmetic, meaning it is unlikely to be covered by medical insurance. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

After Your Surgery

Post-Surgical expectations

You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.

Within several days, the gauze dressings, if you have them, will be removed, and you may be given a surgical bra. You should wear it as directed by your surgeon. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades.

Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.

You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.

Follow your surgeon’s advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after breast augmentation surgery.

Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.

Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for women who are in the appropriate age group, although the mammography technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a reliable reading, as discussed earlier.

For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance.

Even if you believe your implants are functioning well, it is important that you follow-up as directed with your plastic surgeon to assess the condition of your breast implants. In addition, whether you choose to have breast implants or not, it is essential to your health that you practice a monthly breast self-exam and schedule regular diagnostic breast screenings.

Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you’ve met your goals, then your breast augmentation surgery is a success.

BREAST ENHANCEMENT FORT WORTH FAQS

Have a specific question? Contact us!

One of the most common reasons for breast augmentation is a woman’s desire to enlarge the size of her breasts because she feels they’re too small. An implant can increase the size of your breasts by one or more cup sizes.

Other reasons for breast augmentation include:

  • To replace lost breast volume following weight loss or pregnancy
  • To correct asymmetry in size or shape between the two breasts
  • To restore contour after breast cancer surgery
  • To correct a hereditary condition that causes disfigurement of your breasts

Breast augmentation might also be included along with a breast lift to improve the shape when breasts sag or have lost their firmness.

Implants consist of a silicone shell filled with either saline solution or a silicone gel, and both types are approved by the FDA. Dr. Polavarapu can help you decide the best type of implant for you based on your body type, augmentation goals, and breast anatomy. She offers her educated recommendation based on expected surgical outcomes as well as your lifestyle and personal preferences. Implants can vary in texture, shape, diameter, and projection.

You’re administered general anesthesia for a breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Polavarapu considers your anatomy when determining how to place the incisions and makes every attempt to minimize the resulting scars. Incisions may be in the crease underneath your breast, around the areola, or in your armpit.

Dr. Polavarapu works through the incision to lift your existing breast tissue and create space behind it to place the implant. Alternatively, she may decide that placement behind the pectoral muscle is preferable. Once the implant is positioned, she closes the incisions and bandages your chest to promote healing. The entire procedure takes 1-2 hours.

For the first few days following augmentation surgery, you’ll feel sore and your breasts will be bandaged. In 10 days, Dr. Polavarapu removes the stitches, but some swelling will persist for 3-5 weeks.

If you have a relatively sedentary job, you can return to work after just a few days. Dr. Polavarapu provides detailed instructions about when you can resume exercising and other normal activities. Expect to have some soreness in your breasts for 2-3 weeks.

For more information about breast augmentation surgery, call the office of Polavarapu Plastic Surgery or book a consultation online today.

*Individual results may vary

32366799_m_normal_none (1)

“Artist, sculptor, scientist, and physician, Dr. Polavarapu is renaissance in her scope. But more than that, she is a caring and compassionate person. I have known Dr. Polavarapu for more than 10 years, first as a colleague and then as a patient. She combines knowledge gained at prestigious institutions with her remarkable eye for the sublime and beautiful to achieve outstanding clinical results for her patients. That is why Dr. Polavarapu is one of my favorite doctors in Texas.”

Kevin H.

“Dr. P made me feel comfortable from the first visit. She explains everything very clearly and doesn't rush the appointment. She truly wants to make sure you understand all the information given. She went out of her way to make sure I received the best care possible. I'm so glad I was referred to her for my breast reconstruction after being diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Keri A

"Dr Polavarapu is AMAZING! She gave me exactly what I was wanting in my breast augmentation! She made my experience better than I could imagine & helped calm my nerves! She also answered every question I had and listened to me! If you’re wanting a breast augmentation I totally recommend Dr Polavarapu!"

Abbee G

Designation

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Scroll to Top