Breast Implant Surgery
Thomas Lois, MD Atlanta Ga Plastic Surgeon
Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos
After Breast Augmentation Surgery
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty is surgery designed to enlarge your breast using breast implants for a better-proportioned and flattering figure. A breast implant can be placed either under or over the pectoralis major muscle. Under the muscle results in less incidence of capsular contracture. This procedure can be performed alone or in conjunction with breast lift surgery.
What type of breast implants does Dr. Lois use?
Dr. Lois uses both silicone gel implants and saline filled implants depending on the individual. Dr. Lois prefers to use round implants. They enhance breast size, and may produce a more rounded appearance to the upper breast while still allowing for a natural down and outward slope.
How is implant size determined?
Whether you want to wear a revealing outfit that emphasizes your cleavage, change your wardrobe style or simply create the proper balance between your breasts and hips, breast augmentation allows your to scientifically customize the shape of the breast rather than just bra size. In consultation, you and Dr. Lois can discuss important dimensions like breast width; height and lateral protrusion to establish the ideal implant size to complement your figure. Breast width is significant, because it figures prominently in both cleavage and lateral (sideways from the body) protrusion. Breast implant size is determined at surgery. Dr. Lois insists that you bring a picture of a breast size that you like.
Dr. Lois will also evaluate your existing breast tissue to determine whether you have a sufficient amount to cover the breast implant. If you desire a breast implant size too large for your tissue Dr. Lois may warn you that breast implant edges may be apparent or visible postoperatively. You may even risk surgical complications. Also, excessively large breast implants may not maintain as youthful an appearance over time.
What incisions does Dr. Lois use?
Dr. Lois places the incision around the nipple or areola (the brown tissue around the nipple). He feels it heals the best and leaves the least conspicuous scarring.
Does Dr. Lois do breast augmentation through the belly button?
No. Dr. Lois feels that this incision does not give him the accuracy to find/create the pocket for which the implant will reside. Implant symmetry is vert difficult to achieve and palcement under the muscle is less precise.
One of my breasts is smaller than the other; can this be corrected with surgery?
Yes. We can use different size implants.
What if I have a little bit of a droop in my breast but don’t want to have a lift with all of the incisions?
Depending on the extent of the droop, a breast lift may not be necessary. Dr. Lois has developed procedures that will lift with less scarring. Lift procedures vary scarring, from around the areola; around the areola and vertical scar; around the areola, vertical scar and horizontal scar (inverted T).
How long does the breast augmentation surgery take?
The procedure takes approximately one to two hours depending on the extent of your procedure.
How much does breast augmentation cost?
The cost of this surgery is anywhere from $4900 and up. We do offer several options for financing.
How many followup visits will I have after breast augmentation surgery?
Typically, Dr. Lois will see you --1 day after breast implant surgery, a week after breast implant surgery and then 6 weeks after breast implant surgery. He will also see you at any time between these visits should the need arise. Included in your surgical fee is one year of follow-up visits.
Will my breasts stay as they are after breast augmentation surgery?
Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, the natural changes in skin elasticity, weight fluctuations, and hormonal factors. Also, be aware of hardening (capsular contracture).
Will I be put to sleep for breast augmentation surgery?
Yes. Dr. Lois uses general anesthesia for this procedure. It is more comfortable for the patient and today has very little complications.
How much does breast augmentation Surgery cost?
Dr. Lois charges are on average $4900. This includes the anesthesia, surgery room, Dr. Loi's fee, post operative visits, supplements and 1 garment. If you are eligible for cohesive gel implants (you would need to be in a study) the cost would be about $2000 more as the implants are much more costly.
Is there a charge for his consultation? The fee for consultation is $65 and if you schedule surgery with Dr. Lois the consultation fee will be applied to the surgeons fee.
After Breast Augmentation Surgery
How will I feel after breast augmentation surgery?
Your breasts will ache for 2-3 days, but this will subside as the swelling and bruising goes away.
When can I return to work and social activities?
You should be able to return to work in about 4 to 7days after surgery if the job is not physically strenuous.
What are the restrictions after breast implant surgery?
- During the recovery period, you must limit activities. Avoid driving, lifting, and reaching up with the arms for the first week. Your elbows must be kept at your waist during this period.
- After two days, you may resume light exercise such as walking or a stationary bike with Dr. Lois’ approval. Full exercise may not be resumed for 4 weeks.
- You will need to sleep on your back for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery.
How long do I need to wait to shower?
You will need to wait one day before taking a bath or shower. Dr. Lois will remove the dressing on the first postop day and then you may shower.
How long do I need to wait to wear a bra after breast implant surgery?
After surgery, Dr. Lois will provide you with a special bra that you will wear the first week after surgery. After that you can wear a bra as long as it has no under-wire and offers good support. Dr. Lois recommends Victoria’s Secret Body by Victoria. You can wear bras with under-wires after 6 weeks at special occasions only when absolutely necessary.
Can I go braless after breast implant surgery?
Going braless is not recommended. The implants are heavy and your breast will sag without support. You should wear a bra that offers good support and save braless times for special occasions. You may go without a bra on special occasions and at night.
Do the breast implants have to be replaced in 10 years?
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and breast implant replacement surgery may be required for one or both implants; however, you should not have to replace the implants unless you have a problem with them.
Can I breast-feed after breast augmentation?
Yes. Breast Augmentation typically does not interfere with a woman’s ability to breast-feed.
Questions about associated risks and complications of Breast Augmentation Surgery
What are the risks and complications associated with having breast implant surgery?
There can be a decreased sensation in the breasts and nipples that gradually improves over the first two years of surgery. As with any surgery, there is also a risk of infection and bleeding. Capsular contracture, rippling and implant leakage may also occur.
What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture is a condition that causes the naturally forming scar tissue around that breast implant to contract making the breast feel firmer than normal. While this condition can be addressed surgically, correction is not always permanent.
What are the risks of rippling?
If the skin is thin or the implant is insufficiently filled, rippling may occur. Having the implants below the muscle minimizes rippling although it still may be visible between the breasts and under the breast.
Will the breast implant affect the results of a mammogram?
Yes. Breast implants can obscure detection of breast cancer on a mammogram. When having a mammogram you need to tell the technician that you have implants and whether they are above or below the muscle.
Can I breast-feed after breast augmentation?
Yes. Breast Augmentation typically does not interfere with a woman’s ability to breast feed.
What happens if an implant leaks?
If an implant leaks, you will need to have surgery to replace it. Both Innamed and Mentor offer warranties to protect you against the cost of replacement surgery.
Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos
After Breast Augmentation Surgery
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