Breast Augmentation
During a consultation with Dr. Mancoll, he will help you figure out exactly what it is about your breasts that you would like to change. It is not enough to simply say, “I want my breasts to be bigger.” What does bigger mean to you? Bigger may mean a better shape, more fullness on the top of the breast, or more cleavage. No matter what it is, Dr. Mancoll will help you figure it out. With so many choices to make, he will help guide you through the process to achieve your best look.
The appearance of naturally small or disproportionate breasts can cause women to feel self-conscious about their physical appearance. Oftentimes, this leads them to undergo the most popular procedure in plastic surgery: breast augmentation.
A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that can increase the fullness of the breasts and improve their symmetry using saline or silicone gel implants.
The most common reasons women decide to undergo breast augmentation surgery and increase the size of the breasts include:
- To increase confidence
- To fit into clothing better
- To improve the shape of the breasts after pregnancy
- To restore volume after weight loss
- For a youthful appearance
Ideal Candidates
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are in good emotional and physical health. Ideal candidates are close to their ideal body weight and do not smoke. Patients should have realistic expectations about the procedure and choose to undergo breast augmentation for themselves, not to satisfy anyone else’s wants.
Types of Implants
Both saline and silicone gel implants provide natural-looking results that can improve the overall look of a woman’s breasts. It is not correct to say that one type of implant is better than the other, since they both usually produce safe and enduring results. The type of implant that is used during surgery will depend on your preference. Dr. Mancoll can advise you regarding which implant he thinks will be most beneficial for you.
Saline Implants
Saline implants consist of an outer silicone shell that is filled at the time of surgery with a sterile saline solution (salt water). Since saline implants are empty when they are placed, they usually can be inserted through a smaller incision than silicone implants. Once in place, they are filled to their optimal volume. An advantage of saline implants is that minor size differences between the breasts can be improved upon by placing different amounts of fluid in one side compared to the other. Another advantage of saline implants is that if later on a woman would like her implants to be a little fuller, extra fluid can be added in a simple procedure, usually done under local anesthesia. Also, saline implants are less expensive than silicone gel implants.
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants also consist of an outer silicone shell, but the shell is filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Silicone implants come in both a round shape and an anatomic shaped device called a “gummy bear implant.” These form-fitted implants provide additional fullness in the upper chest for some patients. Silicone gel implants are pre-filled before surgery and may require a bigger incision for placement. They do provide a more natural feel than saline implants, and they usually have less rippling.
* Patients must be at least 22 years of age to get silicone gel implants.
When deciding to get a breast augmentation, let Dr. Mancoll help you decide which style of implant will be best for you.
Procedure
Breast augmentation surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with the patient under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes a couple of hours to perform. During surgery, Dr. Mancoll will perform one of the following incision techniques to provide you with safe and effective results.
Inframammary
An incision is made in the crease on the undersurface of the breasts, a great place to hide a scar on the breast.
Periareolar
An incision is made around the areolas (the darker skin around the nipples) of the breasts.
Transaxillary
An incision is made in the underarms, where the scars can be hidden under the arms high up in the armpit.
Location of the Implant
Once the incision is made, a space is created to hold the implant. The implants are placed either beneath the breast gland (also called sub-glandular or sub-mammary) or under the muscles of the chest wall (also called sub-muscular or sub-pectoral). Sometimes it is necessary to do both, called a “dual plane” technique. Dr. Mancoll will help you understand the difference and, more importantly, which method will be better for you.
What else do you need to know?
A breast augmentation is frequently combined with other procedures, such as a breast lift, liposuction, and abdominoplasty, also known as a “mommy makeover.” During your consultation, feel free to ask Dr. Mancoll about these other procedures that may enhance your results.
Costs
The total cost of a breast augmentation is determined by various factors, including:
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical fees
- Breast implant fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post-surgery garments
Feel free to contact the surgical coordinator for pricing and to request more information about this or other cosmetic procedures.
*Since breast augmentation surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks, such as scars, infection, bleeding, asymmetries, postoperative discomfort, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you don’t understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again.
Recovery
After surgery, bandages and a specialized compression garment are applied to the chest. Although pain and swelling may be present, these symptoms can be alleviated by prescribed medication. Patients can usually return to work within a week, but strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided for the first 4 to 6 weeks following surgery.
Results
Breast augmentation surgery is a very rewarding procedure that typically produces noticeable results that will continue to improve over the coming months. Scarring is usually hidden so it is inconspicuous to the naked eye, and the results of breast augmentation are expected to be long lasting. Patients generally gain a renewed sense of self-confidence knowing that their breasts have more volume and appear more attractive.
One of “Coastal Virginia’s Top Docs,” Dr. John S. Mancoll is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and routinely performs breast augmentation with saline and silicone gel implants. His experience and dedication ensure a safe and effective outcome for each patient. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Mancoll, please call (757) 305-9185 or fill out our online contact form today.
