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Breast Augmentation

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Home > Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Maryland> Breast Surgery>  Breast Augmentation

Is Breast Augmentation Right For You?

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammaplasty) procedures have remained the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in America for the past seven years, with a total of 287,085 breast augmentation surgeries performed in 2019 alone. Breast augmentation enhances the symmetry, size, and overall aesthetic appeal of the breasts through the surgical insertion and precise placement of silicone or saline breast implants.

At Cosmetic Surgery Associates, located in Bethesda, MD, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Franklin Richards, M.D., Dr. Dean Jabs, M.D., and Dr. Keshav Magge, M.D. have more than 50 years combined medical experience. For individuals in Washington, DC looking for great care, these doctors have successfully performed countless breast augmentation procedures on patients all over Maryland with a variety of aesthetic goals.

A bigger bust can make you feel sexier, confident, and more approachable to others.

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Reasons to Choose Breast Augmentation

  • To improve body contour
  • To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy
  • To balance out a difference in breast size
  • Reconstruction following breast surgery

Breast augmentation, or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. A breast implant is a silicone plastic shell filled with a saltwater (saline) solution, or a gelatinous form of silicone gel, known as memory gel. Breast implant surgery is done on an outpatient basis and takes approximately one and a half hours. You will usually feel tired and sore for a few days following the surgery. The swelling in the breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear. You will likely be able to return to work one week after surgery.

Dr. Jabs, Dr. Richards, and Dr. Magge understand that the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is a highly personal one, and will work in close collaboration with you to safely bring your breast enhancement goals to fruition.

There is a lot of information one needs to know before undergoing breast augmentation and your surgeon wants you to be completely informed about the procedure. That is why consultations are so important to the breast augmentation process. A breast augmentation consultation provides the best way to get complete answers to specific questions that relate to your individual needs.

Choosing Your Breast Implants

Breast augmentation currently ranks as the third most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US after rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery.

As breast implant technology has progressed, patients now have a multitude of implant shapes, textures, profiles, sizes, and materials to choose from. While having a variety of implants to select from is a positive development, the plethora of implant choices may feel overwhelming at first. However, you can rest easy knowing that Dr. Jabs, Dr. Richards, and Dr. Magge will patiently guide you throughout the implant selection process, helping you to choose the most flattering implants for your physique.

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Click to download the information provided on our website in a PDF format.

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Breast Implant Types

Women in the US have a choice between FDA-approved saline-filled breast implants and silicone gel-filled breast implants. Among silicone gel implants, a new advanced quality called form-stable or gummy bear implants with an ultra-cohesive silicone gel is becoming a fantastic option for many women.


Silicone Implants

Consistently deliver results that look and feel completely natural. Silicone breast implants are less likely to ripple or cause undesirable changes in the natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are offered in moderate through ultra-high profiles and range in pre-determined sizes from 175cc to 800cc. Cosmetic Surgery Associates utilizes the Keller Funnel for insertion. This is a funnel-shaped device that allows the surgeon to insert the silicone implant into the pocket with a “no-touch” technique.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water that is naturally reabsorbed by the body should a leak occur. Unlike silicone implants, saline implants can be custom-filled to a precise size. The profile of a saline implant is moderate to high, and although this type of implant is easier to remove and requires a smaller incision, saline implants are more prone to rippling over time.

Profile

The profile of a breast implant refers to the distance the implant will project from your body. Lower profile implants create less prominent silhouettes than those with higher profiles.

Shape

Some women want a fuller, more spherical look to their breasts—round implants may be the best option for these patients. Round implants are offered in many different profiles and are currently the most popular silicone implant shape in the United States.

Implant placement

Breast implant placement can significantly impact your breast augmentation results and the overall profile of your upper torso.

Breast implants can be placed submuscularly, which means in a breast pocket created below the pectoral muscle, or subglandularly, which means above the pectoral muscle, right below the breast tissue. The invasiveness of the procedure is similar in both cases, although breast augmentation recovery can be slightly different for the two techniques.

  • Submuscular placement — underneath the chest muscle
  • Subglandular (a.k.a. submammary) placement — between the chest muscle and breast tissue

Incision Placement

There are two options for incision placement during breast augmentation.

The options for the location of incisions may include an inframammary incision below the breast crease, a periareolar incision along the border of the lower half of the areola or a transaxillary incision in the armpit.

  • Periareolar (incision encircles the lower half of the areola)
  • Inframammary (incision is made just below the curve of the breast)

After helping you to select the optimal implants and choosing the appropriate incision and placement options, Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, or Dr. Magge will create a custom-tailored treatment plan designed to safely fulfill your aesthetic goals and complement your physique.

Results And Recovery

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons released the results of a survey in 2008 that revealed that 99% of the respondents would do breast augmentation again. Overall, the respondents gave a satisfaction rating of 9.2 out of 10 following breast augmentation.

The May 2013 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery published the results of a five-year study, which revealed that 98 percent of the respondents reported that the results of breast augmentation met or exceeded their expectations. Only one percent expressed dissatisfaction with their post-op scarring, while 92 percent reported an improvement in self-esteem.

Patient Reviews

Dr. Richards did an amazing job on my breast augmentation. He was able to create volume & symmetry I didn’t think was possible. He was also very attentive to all of my concerns and made the decision to proceed with surgery an easy one! I highly recommend Dr. Richards!

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Breast augmentation surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, and is typically completed in about an hour (if performed in conjunction with a breast lift, the surgery may take longer). After your breast augmentation, you will be released to a friend or family member who will take you home to recover. Your initial results will be visible immediately after your surgery, and will continue to improve over the next 2-4 weeks, as any residual swelling and bruising subside.

Discomfort after breast augmentation surgery is usually mild to moderate. All sutures are dissolvable, so your follow-up appointments will be scheduled at one-week, one-month, and three-month intervals to ensure that you are healing properly.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are seriously considering a surgical procedure to enhance the size, shape, and profile of your breasts, we strongly recommend setting up a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to find out if you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation. Our office is only 11 minutes away from Potomac and 10 minutes away from North Bethesda & Rockville. Schedule your consultation appointment today!

Frequently Asked Question

How long do breast implants last?

Because every patient’s body is unique, and breast augmentation surgery methods are varied, a universally applicable answer to this question is impossible. However, unless your breast implants rupture or you experience capsular contracture, there is no need to replace your breast implants at any set time interval.

How does breast augmentation work?

Breast augmentation works by using customized implants to create a new shape and size of the breasts. The implants are placed either under the pectoral muscle or directly under the breast tissue.

What does breast augmentation mean?

Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty is the procedure that improves breast shape and size. Breast augmentation helps to improve the overall look of the breasts by using implants that are fitted into the breast.

What is capsular contracture, and will it happen after my breast augmentation?

Capsular contracture refers to a possible complication of breast augmentation surgery that takes place when the patient’s body reacts to the introduction of a foreign object (the breast implant) by forming a “capsule” below the implant, causing the implant to harden, and distorting its appearance. When performing breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Jabs and Dr. Richards utilize surgical techniques geared specifically toward avoiding the complication of capsular contraction and will take every precaution to ensure the complete and lasting success of your breast augmentation surgery.

Can breast implants obstruct the results of a mammogram?

Although breast implants can interfere with mammogram results, if you inform your mammography technician about your implants, they will perform additional, specialized scans of your breasts to ensure comprehensive and accurate results of your mammogram.

Will I lose sensation in my nipples or breasts after my breast augmentation surgery?

After breast augmentation surgery, patients may have temporary hyper-sensitivity or sensation loss of the nipple/areola. However, less than 5% of patients will experience a permanent loss of sensation in the nipple/areola region after breast augmentation surgery.

Do I need to postpone my breast augmentation surgery until after I am finished having children?

Patients are generally advised to wait until childbirth is completed before having breast augmentation surgery. However, at Cosmetic Surgery Associates, Dr. Jabs, Dr. Richards Dr. Magge will employ the optimal surgical techniques to minimize the impact on the nipples and mammary glands, and many of their patients have been able to breastfeed children without any difficulty.

What are the different incision options for my breast augmentation surgery?

There are different incision choices for a breast augmentation procedure, and Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge will consider your body shape, medical history, the type and size of your implants, and your personal preferences, in order to determine the appropriate incision for your specific surgery. Incision types include:nInframammary incision–within the curve beneath the breast)nPeriareolar incision–around the lower half of the areola

Should or could I have a breast lift at the same time as breast augmentation?

A breast lift alone cannot add size or volume to the breasts—in order to achieve an increase in breast size, a breast augmentation procedure is necessary. If your goal is not only to enlarge your breasts but also to correct the problem of sagging breasts, breast augmentation performed in conjunction with a breast lift may be the best option for you. These two procedures can be performed in a single surgery, or in two separate surgeries, depending on your preference. For specific information about breast augmentations with a lift, please see (link to breast augmentation with a lift document).

How long does it take to recover from breast augmentation surgery?

Recovery time varies because of the unique details of each patient’s surgery, and the diverse healing capacities of our patients. It is generally a good idea to have someone assist you for the first few days after your surgery. Discomfort after breast augmentation surgery is usually mild to moderate, and your sutures will be removed approximately seven days after your surgery. Two to four weeks is the typical duration of the recovery period for breast augmentation surgery; however, your results will be visible immediately after surgery and will continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside.

Can breast implants cause pain years later?

Breast Implant pain is generally associated with a very late stage capsular contracture, which is a rare process.

Do breast implants cause autoimmune disease?

There is no evidence that breast implants cause any type of auto immune disease or process

Can you breast feed after breast augmentation

The short answer is yes. Some patients cannot breast feed before a breast augmentation and thus wont be able to afterwords. There may be a small chance of interrupting the ability to breast feed, but this is more likely with a sub glandular implant placement through a peri-areolar approach. Generally, the infra-mammary approach and sub muscular placement which is our standard, is very safe.

Can I move my arms after breast augmentation?

Yes- we dont want you to be too limited after surgery, but care must be taken not to engage in sports or heavy lifting for the first few weeks.

Can breast implants last 30 years?

Breast implants can last 30 years and I have several patients where that is the case. There is a misconception that breast implants should be changed out after 10 years. This does not need to happen. If you are not having a problem with the implants...let them be.

Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?

There is a misconception that breast implants should be changed out after 10 years. This does not need to happen. If you are not having a problem with the implants...let them be.

Does insurance cover breast implants?

Insurance does not cover breast implants for cosmetic reasons.

How painful is breast augmentation recovery?

Great question. Pain management techniques have dramatically improved in breast augmentation surgery. Breast augmentation used to be a very painful procedure, but now most patients only feel a tightness in the recovery room and may take pain medicine for just a few days after surgery. Some dont take pain medicine at all.

Is breast enlargement possible without surgery?

Breast augmentation is not possible without surgery. It can be done in office O.R.s (same day surgery).

What is the difference between a breast augmentation and breast implants?

Breast augmentation uses breast implants to enlarge the breasts.

Does getting breast implants make you gain weight?

No.

How do I know if my breast implant is leaking?

You can tell is saline breast implants are leaking as the breast will become smaller. It is more difficult to tell with silicone implants. Often an MRI is needed to detect silicone breast implant leakage.

How do you know if you have capsular contracture?

You will know if you have a breast capsular contracture as the breast will start to feel hard and the breast implant can rise to a higher level than the implant on the other side.

Is getting a breast augmentation worth it?

Breast implant surgery has a 95% favorability rating.

What is the most common breast implant size?

The most common breast implant size is 350cc except for the Los Angeles and Miami areas where it is 450cc.

Will Cigna cover breast augmentation?

No, unless it is to correct a genetic defect. Bilateral small breasts are not considered genetic defects.

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Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers

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