Breasts constitute an important part of a woman’s femininity. Shape, size, and firmness have an impact on how a woman feels daily. Very small breasts can make a woman feel self-conscious and limit her ability to wear desirable clothes. Breast augmentation can help a woman feel balanced and proportionate. Dr. Motakis views breast surgery as a balancing procedure. With any breast procedure, his goal is to offer his patients symmetric, proportionate, lifted breasts that look natural.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a procedure to increase breast size. It involves placing breast implants under the breast tissue or the chest muscle known as the pectoralis. Pre-operatively, Dr. Motakis helps the patient decide what is their ideal size using sizers. Sizers look like bra padding but correspond to a specific implant volume the way it appears after surgery. This makes it very easy for the patient to decide what they want their breasts to look like.
What Are The Different Types Of Breast Implants?
There are two main types of breast implant used: saline (saltwater) filled or silicone cohesive gel (“gummy bear”) filled implants. In your private consultation, Dr. Motakis will discuss the advantages and potential disadvantages of each implant type, as well as, incision and placement selection.
Who Is A Candidate For Augmentation Mammoplasty?
Good candidates are women whose breasts never developed proportionately and who are limited in the clothing they can wear. In addition, Women who have a noticeable asymmetry, or whose breast size or shape has decreased or changed as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss or aging, may also be great candidates for breast augmentation. Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are older than 18 years old, have good skin elasticity with minimal or moderate sagging, are in good health, and have realistic expectations about the surgical results.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
During breast enhancement surgery implants are inserted beneath the natural breast tissue or the muscle of the chest. The procedure is always performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours. Dr. Motakis makes a small one-inch incision either along the lower breast crease or around the areola, through which the implant is inserted. Once the incision is made, the breast tissue and muscle are lifted, and the implant is inserted inside the precise pocket created. The pocket and incision are then closed in a meticulous fashion, using internal dissolving sutures in order to minimize scarring.
Breast Augmentation Before And After
What Is Recovery Like Following Breast Augmentation
Recovery after surgery takes 1-2 weeks during which a supportive bra is worn. Your breasts will be slightly swollen and may feel slightly sore. You will be required to take antibiotics for a week and mild analgesics when needed. You’ll need to take it easy for a few days after your breast augmentation surgery.
When Can I Return To Normal Activity?
After one week, you should be able to return to work, but you will need to limit intense physical activity such as going to the gym for 3-4 weeks. There is no particular care required for your incision after surgery, as all sutures are internal and dissolving. There will be a tiny tape over the incision for a few weeks after your procedure to assure optimal healing.
Can Augmentation Mammoplasty Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Breast augmentation can be combined with various other procedure such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or rhinoplasty among others. When the breast is too droopy, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift procedure, which allows to tighten the breast and lift the nipple to its ideal position (breast lift augmentation, mastopexy augmentation).
“Everything about my experience here was amazing. From the front office staff to my time with Dr Motakis. He was so patient and thorough never ever rushed our appointments. I’m now 4 months post op and healed wonderful. This man is an artist. I will recommend him to anyone that will listen. ” – Shannon A.
Risks Of Breast Augmentation Surgery
The most common complications of breast augmentation are capsular contracture, re-operation, and implant removal or exchange. Capsular contracture is scar tissue that distorts the shape of the breast implant. It can present at any time after surgery, and it may require the removal of the scar tissue and the insertion of new implants. Other complications include rupture or deflation, rippling, asymmetry, scarring, change in skin or nipple sensation and infection among others. Dr. Motakis will discuss all risks in detail during your consultation and pre-operative appointments. Correcting these complications might require more surgery, either to remove or replace the implants.
In recent years, the use of implants with a textured surface has been associated with the occurrence of a disease known as Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). The incidence of ALCL with an implant is lower than 1/3,000. ALCL is not seen with smooth implants. Dr. Motakis only uses smooth implants which pose no risk of ALCL.
How Long Do Implants Last?
Breast implants last between 10 and 20 years. The longevity depends on the skill level of the surgeon and the type of implant. Regular follow-up appointments are important to ensure that your implants are in good condition.
Can I Breastfeed After the Procedure?
Since most implants are placed under the chest muscles, breast augmentation should not affect your ability to breastfeed. However, some women may experience changes in nipple sensation, including increased sensitivity.
Will Breast Augmentation Affect My Mammograms?
Some types of breast implants can make mammograms more challenging. That’s why it’s important to let the technician know in advance. There are a variety of special techniques that can make imaging easier and more accurate.
How Do I Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is crucial, especially when it comes to a successful surgical outcome. Take the time to interview several surgeons before making a final decision. Inquire about their credentials, experience, and how many breast augmentations they have performed. You should ask to see before and after photos and also ask to speak to previous clients who had the same procedure.
Schedule A Consultation
To learn more about breast augmentation surgery and to see if you are a candidate please contact us today at (416) 925-5775 to schedule an appointment.
