Breast Implant Plastic Surgery

Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure in which saline or silicone implants are placed in the breast tissue to increase the breast size. 

At present, breast implant is the second most popular cosmetic surgery in the US after liposuction. At times, breast implant surgery also can be used for breast reconstruction procedures.

Board certified plastic surgeons at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS) provide breast implant surgery to patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities.

Implant Choice

Implants come in a range of shapes, sizes, and materials. The most significant choice involves saline versus silicone gel implants. These implants have an outer silicone shell which is non-allergenic, non-carcinogenic, and non-irritating. Both implant varieties have specific benefits, and the surgeon will make recommendations on the best one for you based on your preferred look.

Dr. Sundin will assist the patients in making the correct choice of implants as a part of the planning process. Multiple factors will be considered to ensure that the implant choice agrees with the patient’s general health and aesthetic requirements.

Surgical Technique

Breast implants can either be placed under or above your pectoral or chest muscle. The judicious Dr. Sundin mostly advises placing the implants in the sub-pectoral region, which means that it is placed under the muscle. Placing the implant under the muscle provides the advantage of additional tissue coverage for the upper part of your implant, and decreases the possibility of ripples and wrinkles.

In some cases, a sub-glandular placement may be advised. This means that the implant is placed under the tissue, but above the muscle. Patients that are athletically inclined can choose this type of plastic surgery technique to avoid potential distortion while working out the pectoral muscle. In case of a slight droopiness to the breast, the sub-glandular technique may be chosen.

Procedure

A breast implant surgery usually takes about two hours and a majority of patients can head back home on the same day. The patient should arrange for a ride back home as the procedure is conducted under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation in most cases.

The procedure starts with the surgeon placing an inconspicuous incision below the breast crease, around the areola, or in the underarm. The surgeon will carve a breast pocket to hold the implant through this incision. The implant is placed above or below the pectoral muscle as per the decision made during the treatment planning phase. After adjusting the plant in place, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures.

Recovery

Breast augmentation surgeries are typically completed in one to two hours and are conducted using general anesthesia. Most patients need to set aside a week to recover. The patient will have to cautiously ease into more rigorous upper body activities in the weeks after the surgery.

Immediately after the surgery they will notice a change in your breast profile. However, it may take several weeks or even months for the implants to acquire their final correct position.

Reliable and awesome plastic surgeons Dr. Burton Sundin and Dr. Reps Sundin receive patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and nearby areas for breast implant surgery.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland, Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.