BREAST AUGMENTATION (BREAST IMPLANTS)

  Ask us about breast augmentation with Silicone gel or Saline Implants!   There is a wealth of information to discuss when considering implants including the new FDA Implant checklist which was implemented in January of 2023.  We spend a lot of time with you at this appointment to be sure you feel well educated about breast implants and confident in your choices.

    Why do patients desire implants?  Some patients wish to have larger breasts and feel more confident, have clothing fit better and feel more balanced.  Some patients' breasts are two different sizes and breast implants (sometimes only on one side) can help correct this.  We also see patients who already have implants and want them removed or exchanged for a different size.  If the scar tissue around the implant becomes tight (a capsular contracture), the patient may need the implant replaced.  If the breast implant leaks, whether it is silicone or saline, it will need to be replaced.  There are many reasons we do implant surgery.  It is a very popular procedure and patients love their new look.

     At the consultation we will examine you, measure your breast dimensions, and you will be able to try on implant sizers with a special sizing kit from Mentor (https://breastimplantsbymentor.net).  We will discuss silicone gel vs saline implants and their pros and cons. Most patients choose silicone gel, but saline (salt water) is also an option. The FDA currently recommends that patients must be age 22 to receive silicone implants.  Younger patients have the option for saline implants. We will also discuss whether the implant will be under the pectoral muscle or on top of the muscle.  We generally recommend under the muscle, to minimize disruption to the breast tissue, minimize infection risk, and maximize blood supply to the breast. There are some special situations where we might recommend placing the implant above the muscle. We will discuss whether the implant is shaped (teardrop) or round, and whether the surface coating of the implant is smooth or textured.  Currently, we tend to recommend smooth surfaced, round implants of silicone gel or saline as the preferred option.  Choosing implant size is up to the patient, but we will help guide you with the Mentor Sizing system.  If you have records from previous implant surgery, please bring them with you.

     Some patients may benefit from a breast lift in addition to the augmentation.  A breast lift can be done the same day or at a later date.  A breast lift will remove excess skin and improve shape by tightening skin around the breast and implant.   We also perform breast lifts after removing implants...sometimes the same day, and sometimes after the breast has healed from the implant removal.  There are additional scars with a breast lift, but the tradeoff is a nicer shape and dimension to the breast.  We will help you decide what is appropriate for you.

     We will give you a written cost estimate the day of the consultation for surgery and anesthesia.   Surgery is performed at our QuadA (https://www.quada.org) accredited surgical center and at INOVA Alexandria Hospital.  We also recommend our patients allow us to register their implants with the National Breast Implant Registry (https://www.thepsf.org >nbir).  This ensures that you will always have access to your breast implant information.

     We hope this is a helpful preview of what to expect and please call us or contact us online to make an appointment for a consultation!