Breast augmentation surgery, an outpatient cosmetic procedure done under general anesthesia, aims to enhance the appearance and size of breasts, aligning with the patient’s aesthetic goals. Some patients opt for this surgery for breast enlargement, while others may seek breast implants to correct asymmetry or improve breast appearance post-weight loss, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Dr. Samuel M. Sohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience with using breast implants in breast augmentation procedures. At our practice serving Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, Florida, each patient’s surgical plan is personalized to their preferences, ensuring the best possible results. If you would like to learn more about breast implants with Dr. Sohn or schedule a consultation, please contact our office today.
- Breast Augmentation With Implants
- Silicone Vs. Saline Breast Implants
- Silicone Breast Implants
- Saline Breast Implants
- How To Choose Your Implant Size
- Breast Implant Placement
- Subglandular Breast Implant Placement
- Submuscular Breast Implant Placement
- Dual Plane Breast Implant Placement
- FAQs About Breast Implants
Breast Augmentation With Implants
During your plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Samuel M. Sohn will work with you to establish your breast enhancement goals. You will be presented with a range of options, including types of breast implants, implant placement, incision locations, and breast size options. To determine which options and surgical techniques are best suited for your unique body type, Dr. Sohn will perform a physical examination before working with you to select your implants. Depending on your goals, breast implant surgery may be combined with other procedures such as a breast lift to achieve your desired outcome.
Silicone Vs. Saline Breast Implants
Breast implants are medical devices utilized in surgical procedures to improve the size and shape of the breasts. The type of implant that is most appropriate for a patient is dependent on their specific needs and aesthetic goals. During the consultation, Dr. Sohn will provide a comprehensive overview of how silicone and saline implants can enhance breast volume and appearance. There are differences between the two types of implants, and assessing their respective pros and cons can assist in determining the optimal choice for you.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone implant shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel. The silicone gel is designed to mimic the feel of natural breast tissue, resulting in a more natural look and feel than other types of implants. Silicone gel-filled implants are available in different shapes, sizes, and textures to accommodate the patient’s individual preferences and aesthetic goals. It’s important to note that, while silicone breast implants are considered safe by the FDA, there is a risk of implant rupture or leakage over time, which may require removal or replacement surgery. Additionally, it’s recommended that patients with silicone implants get regular MRI scans to check for ruptures as they may not be easily detectable.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater (saline). Saline implants can be filled with varying amounts of saline, which can affect the size, shape, and firmness of the breast. One advantage of saline implants is that they typically cost less than silicone implants. Additionally, if a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater is harmlessly absorbed by the body, and the resulting deflation is noticeable. However, some people feel that saline implants don’t feel as natural as silicone implants, and may be more prone to visible rippling or wrinkling. It’s important to note that, like all breast implants, saline implants have the risk of rupture or leakage over time, which may require removal or replacement surgery.
How To Choose Your Implant Size
At the initial consultation, determining the appropriate implant volume is an important consideration. While some patients may have a specific cup size in mind, it’s important to convert this to CCs for more precise measurement. The accuracy of using bra cup sizes can vary depending on the manufacturer and is, therefore, less reliable. Dr. Sohn prefers to have patients try on various implant sizes during the consultation. This enables patients to visualize the final result and make an informed decision about the number of CCs that they desire. A form-fitting shirt can be helpful in assessing the appearance of different implant sizes.
Although many women tend to prefer a C or D cup size, Dr. Sohn is comfortable working with a range of implant sizes to help achieve your desired results. As a general guideline, an average woman with an A or B cup can expect to see an increase of about one cup size for every 200 CCs of implant volume. However, this ratio can vary depending on factors such as your body type and build. Ultimately, achieving a natural-looking result is key, and Dr. Sohn will work with you to find the implant size that feels best for you. Trying on different implant sizes during your consultation can be a helpful way to visualize the final result and make an informed decision. Dr. Sohn’s priority is to ensure that you are confident and comfortable with your treatment plan and is committed to working with you every step of the way.
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Breast Implant Placement
During a breast augmentation procedure, there are several options for surgically placing breast implants in the chest using different incisions. These include the inframammary incision along the breast crease, the periareolar incision around the bottom half of the areola, and the transaxillary incision in the armpit area. The most appropriate method for you will depend on factors such as your unique anatomy and personal preferences. Dr. Sohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in all types of breast surgeries and can recommend the best approach based on your individual needs and goals. If there are multiple techniques that can achieve your desired results, he will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you make an informed decision. Dr. Sohn’s goal is to ensure that you have all the information you need to feel confident and comfortable with your treatment plan.
Subglandular Breast Implant Placement
The subglandular approach to breast implant placement is a surgical technique where the breast implant is positioned between the breast tissue and the chest muscle, directly beneath the glandular breast tissue. This placement can be performed through various incisions, including the inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary incisions. This method is also sometimes referred to as “above the muscle” placement, as the implant is situated above the pectoral muscle. The subglandular approach may be recommended for patients who have sufficient breast tissue and do not require additional support or coverage from the chest muscle. This technique can provide a more natural appearance and may be associated with less discomfort during the recovery period compared to the submuscular approach. However, the subglandular placement may not be suitable for all patients, and the best approach will depend on individual factors such as breast anatomy, implant size, and the patient’s cosmetic goals.
Submuscular Breast Implant Placement
The submuscular approach to breast implant placement is a surgical technique where the breast implant is placed beneath the chest wall (pectoral muscle). This placement can be performed through various incisions, including the inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary incisions. This method is also sometimes referred to as “under the muscle” placement, as the implant is situated beneath the pectoral muscle. The submuscular approach may be recommended for patients who have less breast tissue or who desire additional support or coverage from the chest muscle. This technique can provide a more natural appearance, reduce the risk of rippling or implant visibility, and may be associated with a lower risk of complications such as capsular contracture. However, the submuscular placement may result in more discomfort during the recovery period compared to the subglandular approach and may require a longer recovery time.
Dual Plane Breast Implant Placement
The dual plane approach to breast implant placement is a surgical technique where the implant is partially placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle and partially below the breast tissue. This approach combines the benefits of the subglandular and submuscular methods. The upper portion of the implant is placed beneath the muscle to provide additional coverage and a more natural-looking result, while the lower portion is positioned beneath the breast tissue to enhance the shape and projection of the breast. The dual plane technique is a popular choice for patients who desire a more natural-looking breast enhancement.
Super ecstatic about how they look even to this day
It’s been two years since I’ve had my breast implants. Super ecstatic about how they look even to this day. Surgery and recovery went great. Would highly recommend Dr Sohn.
Why Choose Samuel Sohn for Breast Implants?
Samuel Sohn, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Samuel M. Sohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience with using breast implants in breast augmentation procedures.
FAQs About Breast Implants
Breast implants are typically made of silicone or saline. Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel, while saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater.
Silicone implants tend to feel more natural and have a lower risk of rippling, while saline implants are less expensive and can be filled after they are placed in the body, which allows for more flexibility in sizing.
Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to work within a week or two with full recovery around
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How long is the recovery for a breast augmentation?
ASPS
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four to six weeks
. Pain and discomfort can be managed with medication, and patients will need to wear a supportive bra and avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks after surgery.
Breast implants can make mammograms more difficult to interpret, but mammography
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Mammograms for Women with Breast Implants
American Cancer Society
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techniques
can be adjusted to accommodate implants.
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices and may need to be replaced or removed at some point due to complications or natural aging of the implant.
While breast implants are generally considered safe, they can be associated with certain complications, such as
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Risks and Complications of Breast Implants
FDA
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capsular contracture
, implant rupture or leakage, and implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Breast implants can potentially affect breastfeeding, but in most cases, they do not interfere with lactation or
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Think You Can’t Breastfeed After Implants?
Johns Hopkins Medicine
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breastfeeding
. However, it is important to discuss any concerns with Dr. Sohn before undergoing breast implant surgery.
Yes, breast implants are commonly used in breast reconstruction surgery to restore breast shape and size following a mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer.
There are several reasons why women may choose implant removal. One of the most common reasons is complications related to the implants, such as capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), breast implant rupture or leakage, and infection. In some cases, women may also experience discomfort or pain from their implants or experience breast implant illness. Additionally, changes in personal preferences or life circumstances, such as pregnancy or weight loss, may lead some women to choose to have their implants removed. Finally, in rare cases, there may be concerns about the risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a type of cancer that has been associated with textured surface breast implants.
Schedule A Consultation For Breast Implants
If you are in Tampa, Clearwater, or St. Petersburg, Florida, and considering breast implants, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sohn to learn more about your options.
1ASPS. How long is the recovery for a breast augmentation? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-long-is-the-recovery-for-a-breast-augmentation#. Accessed March 7, 2023.
2American Cancer Society. Mammograms for Women with Breast Implants. Available: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/mammograms/mammograms-for-women-with-breast-implants.html. Accessed March 7, 2023.
3FDA. Risks and Complications of Breast Implants. Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants. Accessed March 7, 2023.
4Johns Hopkins Medicine. Think You Can’t Breastfeed After Implants? Think Again. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/think-you-cant-breastfeed-after-implants-think-again. Accessed March 7, 2023.
Dr. Samuel Sohn has reviewed and approved this content.
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