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Breast augmentation can provide an individual with the naturally proportionate body they desire. It is a complex type of surgery that requires the skill of a board-certified professional to perform safely and successfully. But once you have chosen the right plastic surgeon in Houston, what should you as the patient be prepared for? The primer below will help you better understand what to expect from your breast augmentation procedure.

Breast Augmentation Patients

Not everyone seeking a breast augmentation procedure qualifies to receive one. A typical consultation will go over the following factors:

• General health

Patients must be able to handle anesthesia, and have no physical issues that could impede the recovery process.

• Realistic expectations

The final augmented breasts should appear natural and proportionate to the rest of the body. Likewise, patients need to understand the risks associated with the procedures they feel works best for their needs.

Once a surgeon has determined the individual considering a breast augmentation is in good health, has a realistic set of expectations for and understands the risks of the procedure, it’s time to consider various types of implants and procedures to find the most appropriate solution.

Breast Augmentation Procedures

There are several different types of implants available for breast augmentation procedures:

• Silicone implants

These contain a silicone gel that feels more like natural breast tissue than saline. In the event of a leak, they will not collapse and lose their shape. However, silicone implants may require occasional trips to the plastic surgeon to make sure they’re still working.

• Saline implants

These are made up of a shell filled with saltwater that can be safely absorbed into the body in case a small leak appears. This option works best for those wanting more volume to their breasts.

• Fat transfer breast augmentation

This yields some of the most natural-looking results, and mainly benefits patients seeking a smaller increase in bust size. It uses fat removed via liposuction as the augmentation agent.

• Textured breast implants

These involve scar tissue created to keep saline or silicone shells in place to prevent slippage.

• Gummy bear breast implants

These have a thicker gel inside than regular silicone implants, and are shaped in a manner with tapering on top and projection toward the bottom. Their shape helps lower the risk of leakage. However, when they shift, they can make the breast appear misshapen.

• Smooth breast implants

These move more naturally and have the softest feel to them, but may cause the skin to appear wrinkled or ripples in places.

• Round breast implants

These look the fullest and don’t move around much, owing to the fact that they are of a uniform shape.

Anesthesia is required for all breast augmentation procedures, so patients must be healthy enough to go under and have transportation to and from surgery.

Recovery After Breast Augmentation

Breast sensitivity, particularly around the incision site and the nipples, is very common after a breast augmentation surgery. That sensitivity should subside after 24 to 48 hours once the bandages come off and the patient returns to regular work and daily activities, but the breasts will remain swollen for two to four more weeks.

Recovery times and circumstances will vary from patient to patient. Some may need to have follow-up breast lift surgery to correct shaping issues, or require monitoring to ensure no leaks occur. Others will need to consider a wardrobe makeover to accommodate their new body type. Talk to your surgeon about what you personally can expect, and what steps you need to take to look and feel your best.

Houston Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Livingston Plastic Surgery has experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons with the know-how needed to help you achieve the results you want. If you want to know more about the services we offer you, schedule a free consultation with us today.