What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation, “breast aug”, or “boob job” is a cosmetic procedure that helps increase or restore breast volume. It can also help achieve a more rounded breast shape or improve natural breast size asymmetry.
Breast Augmentation Surgery can increase fullness and projection of your breasts, improve the balance of breast and hip contours, as well as improve your self-image and personal self-confidence. Breast Augmentation cannot correct severely drooping breasts. To solve that you’ll need to have a breast lift performed along with breast augmentation.
Who are ideal candidates for Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation is a deeply personal procedure and it is important that you’re doing it for your own well-being and self-image and not for someone else. Patients that have this procedure for themselves have a high satisfaction rate.
You may be an ideal candidate for this procedure if:
- You are physically healthy, and are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have realistic expectations of the outcome
- Your breasts are fully developed
- You feel that your breasts are too small
- You are dissatisfied with your breast shape, or feel that the shape has diminished with aging or weight loss
- Your breasts are asymmetrical
Cost
As of 2018, the average cost for Breast Augmentation is just under $4,000. This cost is only for the procedure and does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.
Consultation & Surgery Prep
When meeting with Dr. Mecham be prepared to discuss:
- Surgical goals, why you want breast augmentation, and your desired outcome
- Allergies or past treatments
- Current medications and supplements that you are taking
- Any previous surgeries
Dr. Mecham will also examine your breasts and take detailed measurements as well as photos for before and after. She will also discuss any risks and potential complications that may occur.
Types of Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. If the implant should leak, the saline solution will be absorbed naturally and expelled by your body. These implants provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel, and are FDA-approved for use in women age 18 or older.
Structured saline breast implants are also filled with sterile salt water but also contain an inner structure which helps the implants feel more natural.
Silicone breast implants are filled with a silicone gel and feels more like natural breast tissue. These implants are FDA-approved for use in women age 22 or older.
Other implants include Gummy bear breast implants, Round breast implants, Smooth breast implants, and textured breast implants. Consult with Dr. Mecham if you’d like to learn more about these types.
Implant Safety
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and there might be a need for future surgery to replace one or both implants. Regular examinations are encouraged to evaluate the condition of your implants.
The Procedure
- Step 1: Anesthesia
- For your general comfort Dr. Mecham will administer intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for the duration of the surgery.
- Step 2: The incision
- Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Dr. Mecham will discuss with you which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome and implant type.
- Step 3: Inserting and placing the breast implant
- Implants are inserted into a pocket that is either under the pectoral muscle, or directly behind the breast tissue and over the pectoral muscle.
- Step 4: Closing the incisions
- Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time the incision lines will fade.
Recovery and Results
One your procedures are complete Dr. Mecham will apply compression garments or elastic bandages to help control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours. In addition, she may place small temporary drains to remove any excess blood or fluids.
Your improved body contour will be apparent once the swelling and fluid retention subsides. This swelling is perfectly normal and expected.
Dr. Mecham will provide you with very detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions after your surgery. You may be prescribed some additional medications to aid in the healing process.
