The female body is truly something to be celebrated. Many women feel that their breasts provide a special and personal feature, as their curves help to accentuate your feminine physique. But when the size, setting and proportion of your breasts begin to change, it can sometimes affect self-confidence.
Whether you have had small breasts your entire life or their appearance has changed through aging, pregnancy or weight loss, implants may be an effective solution to your aesthetic concerns. At Montecito Plastic Surgery, we offer breast augmentation surgery to women who wish to achieve fuller, more youthful-looking breasts.
Your decision to receive breast implants is a very personal one. As you consider cosmetic breast enhancement, there are a few important questions that you should ask your surgeon.
Which Implant is Right For Me?
There are many decisions that need to be made prior to receiving breast augmentation, most notably the implant size and type. During an initial consultation, Dr. Lowenstein will thoroughly examine and measure your breasts to help determine the size and type of implant that are best suited for you. These measurements, as well as a conversation with you to understand your aesthetic goals, will help him design an individualized treatment plan.
Our practice offers four different kinds of breast implants, including two saline-filled and two silicone gel. There are advantages and disadvantages to each implant type and Dr. Lowenstein will gladly take the necessary time to explain the differences to you. While the implant type you choose is more about preference, it’s important to keep in mind that the proper size and shape has a lot to do with your natural proportions and the amount of tissue currently on your breasts.
What is the Procedure Like?
You can expect your breast augmentation surgery to last anywhere from one to two hours. Before getting started, Dr. Lowenstein may draw pre-surgical guidelines to help him determine where to make incisions and place the implants. You will general anesthesia prior to your surgery, to maintain the safest environment for you during the procedure.
Once asleep, Dr. Lowenstein will begin to make the necessary incisions. He will then form the pocket where your implant will be placed. There are various locations to place your implants, including behind the glandular tissue/in front of the muscle, partially behind the muscle or completely behind the muscle and connective tissue. Dr. Lowenstein will help to determine the placement method that is best for you.
Dr. Lowenstein will then use special, sterile sizers to visualize how the implant enhancement actually looks on you individually. The use of multiple different implant sizers may be needed in order to optimize the outcome for your goals. Once the optimum size has been identified for your body, the same procedure is performed on the other side. During this process, though you are asleep, you will be sat up periodically to make certain your result is in line with your expectations and goals. These temporary sizers are then removed and replaced with permanent breast implants that are yours to keep!
Once both implants are in place, Dr. Lowenstein will inspect their appearance one last time to ensure they are symmetric to one another and beautiful in size and form. Your incisions will then be closed with sutures and surgical tape may be placed on the skin.
How Long Do I Need to Recover?
Breast augmentation is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you are allowed to return home the same day. Prior to your discharge, you may be fitted with a support garment to help ensure proper healing. You will also be given detailed instructions on how to care for your new breasts once home.
Similar to other surgical procedures, a breast augmentation will require some downtime. During the initial recovery period, swelling and bruising can be expected. Some moderate pain is also likely, but you will be prescribed a medication to help minimize your discomfort. Dr. Lowenstein also performs a nerve block at the end of your procedure to minimize your postoperative discomfort.
Most women are able to resume their normal, everyday activities within a week or two following breast augmentation. You are free to shower the day after surgery, but Dr. Lowenstein asks that you restrain from taking a bath or swimming until your incisions are completely healed. You should also plan to take a break from vigorous exercises and activities for at least a month to allow your body to heal.
When Will I See Results?
Although you will notice fuller breasts immediately following your surgery, it may take several months to see the final results. Once your implants have settled and your inflammation has subsided completely, you will be left with the beautiful breasts you desire.
While breast implants aren’t intended to last a lifetime, they will maintain the fuller, shapelier form that you desire for many years to come. Should you require a revision down the line, Dr. Lowenstein would be happy to rejuvenate your breasts to bring you aesthetic satisfaction.
Come and See Us
At Montecito Plastic Surgery, we want you to feel confident in your decision, so we’re happy to take the necessary time to explain your options and listen to your concerns. Whether you’re on the fence about breast augmentation or want to learn more about your candidacy, give us a call today at 805-969-9004. We can schedule you a consultation with Dr. Lowenstein and get you on your way to the fuller, more youthful-looking breasts that you desire.
