As with any cosmetic procedure, deciding to undergo breast augmentation should be carefully thought through. Even after choosing to have breast augmentation surgery, patients will need to make a number of additional selections based on their particular concerns and goals. While this may sound overwhelming, you don’t have to go through this process alone! Acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Costa and the award-winning team at Platinum Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV are committed to guiding women through each step of their breast augmentation journey, including recommending the breast implants that will help them most closely achieve their desired outcome. Read on to discover eight of the most important things to consider before breast augmentation in Las Vegas.
What do I need to know before Breast Augmentation surgery?
There’s no doubt that breast augmentation is one of the most exciting and transformative procedures available to women today. Whether a patient has undergone treatment for breast cancer or simply has small breasts naturally, the cosmetic and emotional benefits of breast augmentation can be life-changing. Before getting breast implants, however, patients should carefully consider these eight fundamental aspects of breast augmentation:
1. Types of breast implants
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make regarding breast augmentation is which kind of breast implant is best for you. Most often, Dr. Costa performs breast augmentation using either saline or silicone gel implants. In certain cases, a form-stable gummy bear implant may be recommended. Finally, fat transfer to the breast offers a fourth option for patients who are interested in a more natural alternative to breast implants. Based on your specific concerns, goals, anatomy, and other factors, Dr. Costa can recommend the most appropriate type of breast implant. Generally speaking, silicone gel implants are often considered to provide the most natural look and feel compared with saline implants, though patients must be at least 22 years of age to qualify for silicone implants.
2. Breast implant shapes and sizes
In addition to the different types of breast implants available, implants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. With Dr. Costa’s assistance, patients will be able to choose from a range of profiles – which refers to how far the implant projects out from the chest wall – and sizes, as measured by volume in ccs. Because these are some of the most challenging selections for many patients to make, Dr. Costa is proud to offer the revolutionary VECTRA 3D imaging system at Platinum Plastic Surgery to help patients visualize how various implants will look on their own bodies.
3. Breast augmentation incisions
Incisions and scarring are an unavoidable aspect of breast augmentation surgery, though Dr. Costa takes great care to place incisions where they can be concealed or disguised within the natural lines of the body as fully as possible. Most commonly, one of the following breast augmentation incisions is used:
- Inframammary: just under the breast fold
- Transaxillary: in the armpit
- Periareolar: around the nipple-areola complex
- Transumbilical: through the belly button
4. How breast augmentation works
The precise details of breast augmentation can vary from patient to patient. In most cases, breast augmentation is performed using general anesthesia and takes about 2 – 3 hours to complete. During your consultation and preoperative appointments, Dr. Costa will discuss the specific aspects of your procedure.
5. Breast augmentation recovery
Patients should also know what to expect after breast augmentation so that they can adequately prepare for their recovery period. The majority of women are able to discontinue their prescription pain medication and resume light daily activities within a few days after surgery, though most choose to take about 1 – 2 weeks off of work. Strenuous activities, lifting, and exercise will be restricted for at least 4 – 6 weeks, or until cleared by Dr. Costa. While the majority of breast augmentation swelling usually resolves after about 3 – 4 weeks, the final results may take up to 6 –12 months to develop as the implants settle into place and the tissues continue to heal.
6. Breast augmentation risks
Fortunately, breast augmentation complications are relatively rare, particularly when performed by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. However, it is important to know the potential risks of breast augmentation, which may include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Implant rupture
- Capsular contracture
- Infection
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome
- Poor scarring
- Prolonged numbness/loss of sensation
7. Procedures that can be combined with breast augmentation
Many women take the opportunity to make additional enhancements to their body by pairing breast augmentation with another procedure as part of a mommy makeover or after weight loss transformation. Most commonly, breast augmentation is combined with:
- Breast lift
- Fat transfer to the breast
- Tummy tuck
- Liposuction
- Labiaplasty
8. Choosing the right surgeon
Perhaps the most critical choice involved in breast augmentation is selecting an experienced, skilled, board-certified surgeon to perform your procedure. Not only does this greatly reduce the risk of perioperative and postoperative complications, but it also allows for the most beautiful, natural-looking, and long-lasting results. Be sure to ask questions about your potential surgeon’s experience and training, read patient reviews, and view photo galleries to get a better idea of what results may be possible for you.
You deserve to feel comfortable and confident about havong Breast Augmentation surgery in Las Vegas, NV
Every woman should feel comfortable and confident about her decision to undergo cosmetic surgery. To learn more about how to prepare for breast augmentation, what to expect during recovery, and what breast implant options you have, call the knowledgeable team at Platinum Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Chris Costa today. We look forward to helping you achieve or restore the body of your dreams with breast enhancement surgery in Las Vegas, NV!
