Breast augmentation currently ranks as the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the US. More than 4.5 million breast implant surgeries were carried out between 1997 and 2012 in the country, according to the ASPS data. Advancements in surgical techniques and FDA approvals for high quality silicone implants have contributed to the dramatic rise in the demand for this surgery.
Breast augmentation is primarily designed to increase the size of the breasts, but may also be used to improve symmetry between the breasts or to reconstruct breasts after mastectomy. It is important to choose a trained and experienced plastic surgeon for a successful breast implant procedure. Board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin provide breast augmentation to patients in Richmond, Virginia, and surrounding locations.
Why Choose Breast Implant Surgery?
A woman may choose breast augmentation plastic surgery to fulfill one or more of the following needs:
Enhance the breast size to bring them in proportion to the rest of the body Create more voluptuous looking breasts purely for cosmetic enhancement Correct the symmetry and balance between the breasts Restore breast volume following a pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight fluctuation Address congenital defects in one or both breasts Reconstruct breasts following a mastectomy
Customization
Breast augmentation is one of the most customizable procedures that can be tailored to suit the unique needs of a woman. Experienced plastic surgeons at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery receive patients from Richmond, Virginia and nearby areas for this procedure.
Types of Breast Implants
The FDA has approved saline implants for women above the age of 18, and silicone gel implants for women above the age of 21. A more advanced quality called ultra-cohesive silicone implants or form stable implants, has also been approved by the FDA. Patients can make the appropriate choice of implant type according to their needs. Implant sizes are also available from 120 cc to 960 cc.
Placement of Breast Implants
Breast implants can be placed below the pectoral muscle or in front of the pectoral muscle directly behind the breast tissue. The breast pocket will be created according to the chosen placement. Invasiveness of the procedure will vary in both cases, and the surgeon can recommend the appropriate placement after assessing the breast anatomy and the patient’s requirements.
Surgical Procedure
The surgeon will usually perform breast augmentation using general anesthesia. The incision will be placed in a discreet location as pre-determined during surgical planning. A breast pocket to accommodate the implant will be created surgically. The surgeon will insert the implant through the incision and adjust it in the desired position in the breast pocket.
Once the implant placement is completed, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and place temporary drain tubes beneath the skin in the incision areas. The breasts will be covered with bandages after the surgery for safer healing.
Recovery
Most women can expect to resume their normal activities in about 10 to 14 days after the surgery. Vigorous activities should be avoided for about one month. Lifting heavy grocery bags, lifting small children, working hard on the elliptical machine, playing soccer with your kids, running hard on the treadmill, and so on should be put on hold for a short while.
