Please review the frequently asked questions and answers about breast augmentation presented below. If you have additional questions and concerns, give us a call at (281) 407-7428 or use the Contact Us form to email us, and we will be happy to answer any of your questions about Dr. Vitenas’ approach to natural looking breast augmentation. You owe it to yourself to get all the facts! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul Vitenas.
Q – What is a breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as an augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to improve the volume or size of the breasts. The technique uses saline or silicone breast implants to add shape to the chest.
Q – Will I make a good candidate for a breast augmentation?
If you are in overall good health, and are looking to improve the shape or size of small, misshapen, or uneven breasts, you may make a good candidate for the surgical procedure. Potential patients should understand the technique and hold reasonable expectations for their results.
Q – What are breast implants made out of?
There are two kinds of breast implants: saline and silicone. While both type of implants are created from a silicone outer shell, the saline implant is filled with a salt-water solution, while the silicone implant is filled with a silicone gel. Dr. Vitenas has various types of implants from leading breast implant manufacturers such as, Mentor™ and Allergan- NATRELLE®. Each type of implant has different features and benefits. The implants can be moderate profile, moderate plus, or high profile.
Q- Are breast implants safe?
Silicone implants are made and pre-filled with a silicone gel that feels much like breast tissue. The implant has an outer silicone shell. Most silicone-gel filled implants are not adjustable. In the early 1990’s silicone breast implants were restricted in their use as some studies suggested that they may be responsible for connective diseases in women. However, a comprehensive study and review by many leading scientific entities, including a 12-year study by the FDA, found that “there is no definitive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, neurological diseases, neurological problems or other systemic diseases.”
Q- What is the difference between silicone and saline breast implants?
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saline solution at the time of the breast augmentation surgery. The outer shell is typically a silicone rubber shell that is sealed with a valve. On the other hand, silicone implants are made with silicone gel and are pre-filled and are not adjustable.
According to Dr. Vitenas, saline implants, for some women, don’t look or feel natural. However, improved surgical placement techniques have lessened these concerns. Dr. Vitenas advises, “Saline implants typically don’t feel as natural as silicone implants and have a shorter longevity than silicone implants. Also, saline breast implants have a greater tendency to ripple and are more easily felt by the patient.”
Q -What are breast implant sizers and why are they important for natural looking results?
Sizers are disposable implants that Dr. Vitenas has in his office so that patients can get the most accurate size and natural looking implants for patients. Dr. Vitenas has over 100 FDA breast implant sizers available and a variety of bras for his breast augmentation patients to try.
Remember, one size doesn’t fit all nor does one type. Dr. Vitenas’ approach is highly customized for each woman. Breast implant sizers are also referred to as disposable breast implants, disposable sizers, temporary breast implants, and temporary sizers.
Q – What happens at my breast enhancement consultation with Dr. Vitenas?
Your consultation will provide time to get to know Dr. Vitenas, and during the appointment, he will come to understand your personal desires and aesthetic goals. He will take a detailed medical history, perform a physical evaluation, explain the techniques for breast augmentation, and answer all of your questions. Before and after photographs of Dr. Vitenas’ recent breast augmentation results will be shown. Implant sizers will be used to help visualize the size/type of implant that looks best on your body. Dr. Vitenas will go over the recovery requirements and potential risks of a breast augmentation. The exact price of the procedure will be determined, and a patient coordinator will review payment options.
Q – Where does Dr. Vitenas perform his breast augmentation procedure?
The breast augmentation procedure is performed in one of Dr. Vitenas’ private surgical suites at the Houston Surgery Center, located in the same building as Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery.
Q – What are the anesthesia options during the breast augmentation?
Dr. Vitenas will perform the breast augmentation using general anesthesia, which is always administered by a Board Certified anesthesiologist.
Q- What are the benefits of Dr. Vitenas’ rapid recovery breast augmentation procedure?
With Dr. Vitenas’ rapid recovery breast augmentation procedure, patients report little pain and discomfort, as well as minimal bruising and swelling. Patients take one pain pill on the day of the breast augmentation surgery and usually only have to take an over-the-counter acetaminophen (pain relief) medication such as Tylenol™, as needed. In fact, there is very little downtime as women having breast enlargement surgery on Friday typically feel well enough to go out on the town on Saturday and are back at work on Monday! These remarkable results are due to Dr. Paul Vitenas advanced surgical skill and gentle technique with handling delicate breast tissue.
Q – What is the difference between an implant placed above or below the muscle?
Implants can be placed either above the chest muscle (subglandular), or below the chest muscle (submuscular). The best placement for a natural looking result will be determined by the amount of natural breast tissue present and the type of implant used.
Q – How will my breast augmentation be performed?
Dr. Vitenas’ innovative, rapid recovery breast augmentation procedure is meticulously performed, with minimal trauma to the chest. Before placing the implant, he will need to make a small incision in the breast. In most cases, the incision will be along the breast crease (inframammary). Saline implants are filled after they are placed into the implant pocket. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures.
Q – Will there be scarring after my breast augmentation procedure?
Yes, some small scarring does occur during the breast augmentation procedure. Scars will form along the incision lines, either across the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit. These scars are easily concealed under clothing or swimwear.
Q – How long is the surgery for breast augmentation?
The surgery for breast augmentation is about one hour in length and is performed in the safety of a hospital’s outpatient surgical facility.
Q – Is breast augmentation a painful procedure?
During the first few days after surgery, patients may feel tired or sore. Medication can help to control any discomfort that patients experience. However, Dr. Vitenas patients typically take pain medication for only one day and then use over-the-counter acetaminophen pain relief, such as Tylenol® as needed. Bruising and swelling rarely occur. Dr. Vitenas patients typically return to work three days after their breast augmentation procedures.
Dr. Vitenas advises his patients that their breasts may remain sensitive to stimulation for several weeks. Patients should also avoid strenuous activities for about four to six weeks.
Q – How long can I expect my breast augmentation recovery to last?
The recovery period will vary according to the type of implant used during the augmentation. For submuscular (under the muscle) implants, women should expect their recovery to take about one week. Subglandular (over the muscle) placement requires only a few days to recover.
Q – Do I have to wear a bra after breast augmentation surgery?
Patients are advised by Dr. Paul Vitenas not to wear any type of bra for at least six weeks after breast surgery. This ensures that the implant settles naturally into the breast tissue.
Q – When can I go back to work after receiving breast implants?
Most women are feeling good enough to return to work just a few days after their breast augmentation.
Q – Can I exercise after my breast augmentation surgery?
It is important that women postpone vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for four to six weeks following their breast augmentation.
Q – What are the potential risks of a breast augmentation?
Dr. Vitenas breast augmentation is a very safe procedure. As with all invasive surgeries however, there are some risks. Potential complications can include excessive bleeding, permanent loss of nipple sensation, capsular contracture, and breast asymmetry. Using a Board Certified surgeon, like Dr. Vitenas, is a woman’s best defense against possible complications during a breast augmentation.
Q – Is it possible to finance my breast augmentation procedure?
There are financing options available for plastic surgery, and we are happy to discuss the various financing mechanisms available.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you are considering breast augmentation procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul Vitenas to learn about his natural looking breast enhancement procedure. Call (281) 407-7428 or use the Contact Us form.