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Breast Augmentation

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Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure commonly performed in our Fort Worth, TX office to enlarge the breasts by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue or partially or completely under the chest muscles.  Incisions are made to keep the scars as inconspicuous as possible, usually under the breast, around the areola, in the armpit, or at the belly button. You also have the choice of either saline or silicone gel implants.  The method of implant selection and size, along with the surgical approach for inserting and positioning breast implants, will depend on your preferences, your anatomy, and your surgeon’s recommendation.

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Breast implants will add size and fullness to the upper portion of the breast, but breast augmentation alone is not used to lift the breasts.  If you have droopiness to your breasts you may need an augmentation/mastopexy (implant and a breast lift).  If you have droopiness, but do not want your breasts any larger, but just want them lifted, a mastopexy alone might be the right procedure for you.  Again, Dr. Lovelace will perform a personal consultation with you at our Fort Worth office which is conveniently located in Southlake, Keller, Argyle and Mansfield to determine what the right procedure is for you.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

The best candidates for breast augmentation are healthy individuals who want to add volume to their breasts. It is recommended for those who are done with pregnancy and breastfeeding, since these can affect the results of the procedure.

It can also be performed on patients who simply want to balance their breast symmetry. Implants can be used to correct breast size asymmetry.

Breast augmentation patients must have realistic expectations—results are different for everyone. The procedure plan will be customized to provide the breast appearance that balances your overall proportions.

Breast augmentation candidates must be committed to proper preparation before the procedure. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as directed. You may also be asked to stop taking medications for at least a week before the procedure to avoid complications.

Is Undergoing Breast Augmentation Safe?

Undergoing any surgical procedure has possible risks and complications. It is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who is trained to handle all sorts of situations related to the procedure.

Dr. Lovelace, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, prioritizes excellent patient care. She will only recommend a procedure that is safe for your overall health while also providing the aesthetic you desire.

Your Consultation

During the consultation, Dr. Lovelace will discuss the surgical techniques involved and ask you about your appearance goals. She will go over your medical history, perform a physical examination, and help you choose the ideal breast implants for your goals. Dr. Lovelace will be happy to answer all questions.

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation

Dr. Lovelace will provide special recovery instructions that must be followed to achieve the best results. You will take home a kit with dressing materials, compression garments, and medication. It will be difficult to move once the anesthesia wears off. Make sure to have a companion assist you when going home.

• What are the other names for this procedure?

  Breast Enlargement

• What pain will I have?

  Moderate

• What will it cost?

  A price quote detailing the fees for the facility, anesthesia, any postoperative garments, and surgeon will be given at the consultation.  Prices will vary depending on the time that is needed to do the procedure, the size and type of implants used, and the complexity of the procedure.  Dr. Lovelace will perform a personal consultation to determine what the right procedure is for you.

• What is the hospital surgery center time?

  The surgery will be approximately 1-2 hours as determined on a case-by-case basis. Typically, this is done as an outpatient procedure.

• What is the recovery?

  Sutures that are placed are usually dissolvable and will not need to be removed.  In rare circumstances, a drain may be needed.  These drains help prevent hematomas and seromas.  If a drain is left in place, it is usually removed the day after surgery.  You will be placed in a compression garment after your surgery, and told to wear this at all times for 4 weeks, and then only at night for 4 more weeks.  You will be expected to start walking immediately after surgery to help reduce the risk of blood clots.  On average patients return to light duty work 3-7 days after surgery.  You will be able to return to non-strenuous activity approximately 1-2 weeks after surgery.   Approximately 8 weeks after surgery, strenuous activity will be allowed without restrictions.  Scars will flatten and fade between 3 months and 2 years after surgery.  No swimming pools, bath tubs, or hot tubs until the incisions are healed, and no scabs remain.  You will be allowed to shower 48 hours after your procedure and wash over your incisions with soap and water.  Your implants will be high postoperatively secondary to muscle spasm, but will drop down into position approximately 2 months after your procedure.  Final bra size can be determined within 8-12 weeks.

• What medications should I take or avoid taking with my surgery?

  You should not take any blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications for a week before your procedure, and you should hold all over the counter supplements a week before surgery.  This will help reduce the risk of bleeding intraoperatively, and help reduce the risk of postoperative hematoma (collection of blood).  If blood thinners are prescribed for you by your cardiologist or primary care physician, you should get clearance from them to hold these medications before they are discontinued.  You should hold all hormones 6 weeks before surgery.  Birth control pills should be held 6 weeks before surgery as well.  Of course, you should make sure to use alternative forms of birth control during and after this time.  Hormones and birth control pills put you at a higher risk of blood clots.  These clots can go to your lungs and cause serious illness or even death.  We call this a pulmonary embolus.  Steroids should be weaned off at least a month before your surgery, and this weaning process should be set up and cleared by your prescribing physician.  Dr. Lovelace and the staff will go through your list of medications, and let you know what exactly you need to do with those medications preoperatively.  Make sure that you bring all of your medications with you to your consultation.  You will usually be given your prescriptions for your postoperative medication on your preoperative visit so that they can be filled and at your house when you get home from surgery.

• Will I need clearances from any other physicians?

  Depending on your age and medical issues, Dr. Lovelace and her staff will set you up with your primary care physician, cardiologist, etc. for clearance prior to your surgery.  At that time any necessary labs, EKGs, or chest x-rays will be done.  If you have not had a mammogram within the last year, Dr. Lovelace will request that you get one preoperatively.

• What are the risks?

  The risks of a breast augmentation include bleeding, infection, scarring, hematoma, seroma, possible need for drains, dehiscence, contour irregularities, asymmetry, poor cosmesis, need for further intervention, numbness/hypersensation, intra-thoracic injury, skin necrosis, breast ptosis over time, stretch marks, weight gain/loss/pregnancy can change result, fat necrosis, capsular contracture, implant visability/palpability/malposition/rupture, cardiac/pulmonary/stroke/DVT/PE events, death, etc.

Contact Our Office

If you have any additional questions please contact our staff about scheduling an appointment at our Fort Worth office which is conveniently located to Southlake, Keller, Argyle, and Mansfield just off of Heritage Trace Parkway.