The female breast is one of the defining characteristics of beauty, femininity, and sexuality of the human figure. Achieving an aesthetically pleasing shape and size of the breast is something most women have considered; thus making breast augmentation one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed annually.  

Women may choose to undergo breast enlargement surgery for various reasons. These personal reasons may center around breasts that are perceived to be under-developed, or because of differences in the sizes between the two breasts, or from changes after pregnancy or breast feeding.

Besides the positive aesthetic outcomes of breast augmentation, data has shown that many patients enjoy substantial psychological benefits, including enhanced self-esteem after breast implants. Breast augmentation was developed here in Houston over forty years ago. The surgical techniques and breast implants themselves are continuously being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure.

Breast augmentation can:

• Increase fullness and projection of your breasts
• Improve the balance of your figure
• Enhance your self-image and self-confidence
• Restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.
• Implants also may be used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or injury.

Breast augmentation alone, however, does not correct severely-drooping breasts.   Dr. Bidros will examine you and discuss the possible need for a Breast Lift. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation. That is called an Augmentation Mastopexy.

Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Dr. Bidros will assist you in making this decision.

Procedural Steps:

ANESTHESIA

Dr. Bidros typically recommends General Anesthesia, although the use of IV sedation and local medication is possible.

THE INCISION

Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. This can be performed through an incision under the breast, around the areola (dark pigment around the nipple), or through the axilla (armpit). Dr. Bidros will discuss these options with you.

Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference.

IMPLANT CHOICE

Breast size and shape are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when discussing this with Dr. Bidros. Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but more importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type.

We have made this process easy for you. When you come in, we recommend that you try on the different implants with in bras that we provide for you. This will give us a better idea of what you truly want.

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed naturally.

Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. After rigorous scientific review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved on November 17, 2006 the use of silicone gel-filled breast implants breast augmentation in women ages 22 and older. 

PLACING THE IMPLANT

Under the muscle or over the muscle? What is the right choice for you. 

Women seeking breast augmentation will typically hear this question when consulting with their plastic surgeons. However, some may not realize that there are actually four different pockets to place the breast implant. Newer techniques have surfaced which provide more choices for our patients. Some surgeons only utilize a single technique for every patient, but we know that every woman is different. Dr. Bidros feels that patients should have an active role in determining what is best for them. 

The four positions which breast implants can be placed are

1. The Subglandular pocket, this is directly under the breast tissue. 

2. The Sub-Fascial pocket, this is under the sheet of connective tissue under the breast, but over the pectoralis muscle. 

3.  The Dual-Plane technique, this is when the top of the implant sits under the muscle, but the bottom of the implant is within the breast tissue. 

4.  The Sub-Muscular pocket, this is when the implant is completely behind the muscle or its connective tissue. 

Why so many techniques? Well, each option has advantages and disadvantages. We take in consideration the patient’s body type, breast shape, amount of existing breast tissue, skin thickness, athletic needs, concern about implant motion, and longevity. For example, if a patient has thin skin over the breast, a submuscular or dual plane would be optimal; if a patient has mild drooping of the breast, a subglandular or subfascial is more advantageous. And there are numerous factors to consider. That is why both experience and innovation are so important. Don’t worry, we will help you make the right choice.

SEE THE RESULTS

The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. They typically appear high but will settle in the appropriate position within a couple of weeks. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade.

Different people have different pain threshold; which would explain the variable pain complaints expressed after surgery. The majority state that they feel muscle soreness especially with movement for the first few days. Within a couple of weeks, typically the only complaint patients have is wishing that they have done this sooner.