Many women find themselves dissatisfied with their breast size or shape. Breast implants offer an answer to improve the size and profile of the breasts.
Sarasota breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Brandon Lambiris has extensive training in the latest breast enhancement techniques. He understands the importance of choosing the ideal implant size, shape, and texture for each patient as no two bodies are exactly alike. His natural-looking breast implants create a balanced, proportional silhouette that is unique to each individual.
Breast augmentation usually refers to placing saline or silicone implants above or below the pectoralis muscle to improve the size and shape of the breast due to dissatisfaction with breast size, asymmetry, or loss of upper pole fullness after pregnancy.
Patients choose to have breast implants for various reasons such as to:
Various breast implant procedures are available, including:
Saline implants made their debut in the 1960s and remain a popular breast implant option today. The saline shell contains a sterile saline solution, unlike silicone implants which contain gel. Dr. Lambiris inserts the empty shell into the breast pocket and then fills it to the desired volume.
Silicone implants are composed of medical-grade silicone gel that mimics the weight and feel of natural breast tissue. They come in various shapes, sizes, and cohesiveness of the gel. Round silicone implants provide the most upper pole volume, while anatomic or “gummy bear” implants have a teardrop shape that resembles the sloped appearance of natural breasts.
Implant-based mastopexy raises drooping breasts and restores upper pole volume with the addition of implants, providing a twofold benefit for patients who want perky breasts with increased fullness. Silicone implants are best suited for patients who desire a natural feel as well as thin individuals who have an increased risk of saline implant rippling. Saline implants, on the other hand, have a smaller incision and are more affordable.
Breast fat injections involve removing fat from one body part, purifying it, and then injecting the fat into the breasts to increase fullness by up to one cup size. Fat grafting is considered a more natural alternative to breast implants. Not everyone is a candidate, however, as there must be enough body fat for harvesting as well as adequate breast laxity so the blood supply can nourish the grafted tissue.
Dr. Lambiris prescribes pain medications to ensure a comfortable recovery. Typically after breast augmentation Sarasota patients return to working and driving within a few days. Pain is minimal to moderate depending on the implant placement (above vs below the muscle) and tightness of the skin envelope. Bruising may occur after surgery; this generally lasts two weeks. Exercise is off-limits for six weeks.
It takes six months to a year for breast implants to settle into their final position. Augmented breasts appear swollen and tight at first. The implants often appear to ride high initially. As any swelling resolves, the tissues relax and the implants settle into their final shape. This process, referred to by some patients as the ‘drop and fluff’, takes up to a year.
To find out more about your options for breast augmentation in Sarasota, book your consultation with Dr. Brandon Lambiris today by calling (941) 366-9818 or click the booking link on this page. Dr. Lambiris is a top-rated, board certified, plastic surgeon serving patients in Sarasota, North Port, Bradenton, and surrounding areas of Southwest Florida.
The average breast enhancement cost nationwide is $6,550, with prices ranging from $3,325 to $9,700 or more. Geographic location, the surgeon’s years in practice, and the type of implant are the main factors that impact pricing. The cost of breast augmentation in Sarasota varies based on several factors. Under muscle breast implants may cost more than above muscle implants. Saline implants tend to cost less than silicone implants. Teardrop implants (sometimes referred to as ‘gummy bear implants’) usually cost more than both saline and silicone implants.
Insurance does not cover cosmetic breast enhancement procedures.
The operation takes approximately one to two hours. Submuscular placement involves more time in the operating room than over muscle implants, however, the time discrepancy is not significant. Dr. Lambiris is adept in both types of implant placement. His method ensures you will be under anesthesia for the least amount of time possible.
The scar may appear dark and raised at first, then usually flattens and fades to a fine line as it matures. It takes approximately one year for surgical scars to fade. Dr. Lambiris places the incisions discreetly, either in the inframammary fold or with a transaxillary incision.
The surgery itself is painless due to general anesthesia. Pain during recovery tends to be mild to moderate. Dr. Lambiris may prescribe pain control medications as needed. Patients who have a tighter skin envelope may experience slightly more discomfort than patients who have lax skin. The size of the implants compared to the pre-existing breast size, as well as the implant placement technique (above vs. below the muscle), are also factors that can affect the degree of post-operative discomfort.
Implants eventually need replacing. While they don’t have a set expiration date, most patients undergo an implant exchange approximately 10 years after the initial surgery. The most common reasons for breast implant replacement include change of heart about implant size and implant rupture.
Breast enhancement is considered a safe, low-risk procedure for most healthy individuals. Possible risks and complications include infection, seroma, hematoma, rippling, implant leaking, wound dehiscence, capsular contracture, and dissatisfaction with results, among others. It is imperative to follow all preoperative and post-operative instructions such as avoiding smoking and physical exertion in the recovery period.
The answer is it depends on the patient. Below muscle implants offer more coverage than above muscle implants, making them an ideal choice for patients who have thin skin or small pre-operative breasts. Above-muscle implants offer better cleavage but a higher chance of palpability and implant rippling among patients who have less natural breast tissue to conceal the edge of the implant.
Dr. Lambiris offers advanced 3D imaging to help you visualize how different implant sizes and shapes will look on your body. This revolutionary technology offers a more realistic and predictable preview of expected results than older methods such as rice sizers.
Dr. Brandon Lambiris believes everyone deserves the opportunity to look their best. If you’ve dreamed of having plastic surgery to unlock your true potential, we encourage you to join us for a consultation. Experience the real difference plastic surgery can have on your life at West Coast Plastic Surgery in Sarasota, FL.
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