Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center of Houston, Texas

Breast augmentation is a surgical technique that has been around for over a half century. However, over the last couple of decades, breast augmentation surgery has progressed in terms of safety and effectiveness. In this cosmetic surgical technique, a patient is able to enhance the size and shape of their breast tissue through the implementation of breast implants. Breast implants typically utilize saline, a saltwater solution, although some implants use silicone. In this surgery, the breast implants are added to increase the size of a patient's breast tissue. Additionally, plastic surgeons are able to reshape a patient's breast tissue so the patient is able to obtain the look of their breasts that they want.

Implant Insertion and Position

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Areola (Nipple) - The nipple incision is currently one of the most widely used incisions. All implant types can be placed over the muscle, partial sub-muscular, or total submuscular, or removed, via this incision. One advantage of this incision is that the surgeon is working close to the breast, versus farther away, as with the transaxillary or TUBA incisions.
Transaxillary (Underarm) - This particular incision will leave you without a scar on your breast. The incision site is in the armpit, in the natural "folds" of skin, making it well-hidden. Mine have healed beautifully, and I'm very happy with my decision to have the transaxillary incision. Should the scars not heal as nicely as you expect, chances are, most people won't associate scars in the armpit area with breast surgery of any kind. Most people don't pay that much attention to this area anyway.
Inframammary Fold (Crease) - The crease incision is probably the most common incision currently used for breast augmentation. Like the nipple incision, this incision site allows the implant to be placed over, partially under, or completely under the muscle, or removed from these various placements. It also allows the plastic surgeon to work within close proximity of the breast, meaning more control over placement of the implant. When using this incision, the implants do not pass through the breast ducts, which are known to harbor bacteria.
Trans-Umbilical (Belly Button) - TUBA (Trans-umbilical Breast augmentation) is the newest procedure available. Dr. Gerald W. Johnson (of Houston, TX) invented this procedure, and first performed it in October of 1991. Unfortunately, there are few surgeons employing this technique, because the vast majority of them are not educated on how to perform it. With this method, the implants can be placed over the muscle, or in the sub-muscular position.

Breast augmentation offers a unique opportunity to scientifically "customize" the shape of the breast rather than just bra size. You may want to wear an outfit that reveals more c l e a v a g e , change your wardrobe style, or simply create the proper balance between your breasts and hips. Generally, the larger you want your cup size, the larger the breast implant the surgeon will consider (measured in cubic centimeters, or cc�s).

Breast Enlargement or Breast Augmentation

Breast enlargement mammoplasty (also known as breast augmentation) is surgery designed to enlarge the breasts. Women who are unhappy with the size of their breasts (sometimes due to pregnancy or weight loss) seek this procedure to help restore confidence and improve the appearance of their breasts. Breast enlargement also is used as a corrective surgery for women who have breasts of different sizes.

Breast enlargement is usually quite successful at making the breasts larger and fuller. Implanted breasts tend to be a bit more round and less saggy than natural breasts of the same size. Most women consider these differences an improvement. Implants that are filled with saline or salt water are now being used for breast augmentation procedures.

A saline breast implant will be selected that will work best with your body size and lifestyle. To prepare the breast area for surgery, small incisions will be made either in the crease under your breast or under the nipple. Once the breast implant is inserted, it is then filled with saline to achieve the desired size and shape of the breast.

This surgery is normally performed as outpatient surgery under general anesthesia and takes approximately two to three hours. Most patients can return to work within five to six days following breast surgery. Sutures are removed in seven to ten days and you may need to wear a surgical support bra during the recovery period. You can resume exercise and other strenuous activities after one month.

We will also discuss with you the risks associated with breast enlargement, such as excessive bleeding, infection or desensitization of the nipples, as well as review the benefits to having this breast procedure.

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