Breast Augmentation Surgery with Breast Implants

During breast augmentation surgeries, small incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. You and Dr. Zannis will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome.

Dr. Zannis most commonly recommends the IMF incision, in the crease beneath your breast, as these often leave an imperceptible scar and minimize interference with nipple sensation and function. The incision is about 1.5 inches long and is nearly invisible by 6 to 12 months after your surgery.

Breast Implant Selection

Breast size and shape are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when talking with your surgeon about choosing the right breast implant.

Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size, but more importantly, on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity, and body type.

Using a specialized sizing system, we can help you very accurately predict what you will look like with a certain sized breast implant and choose the option that’s best for you.

Options for Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater, also known as saline solution. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline, which will affect the shape, firmness, and feel of the augmented breast. They are less natural feeling and less durable, and for these reasons seldom used by Dr. Zannis.

Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive elastic gel made from silicone. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. Although extremely natural, they are also very durable. Gel implants are made to last indefinitely and do not require routine exchanging.

If the silicone implant ruptures, the gel should remain within the implant shell. It very rarely escapes into the breast implant pocket, as modern silicone gel breast implants do not leak like older liquid silicone implants.

This is the most popular implant type, and we offer the most current “gummy bear” gel breast implants. The implants we recommend have a lifetime warranty.

After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:
· Under the pectoral muscle, in a submuscular placement, or
· Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle, in a submammary or subglandular placement.

The method for inserting and positioning breast implants depends on your native breast tissue, the degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and your surgeon’s recommendations. Dr. Zannis will always use a nerve-sparing technique to maintain normal sensation to the nipples.

Closing the Incisions

Incisions in the breasts are closed with layered, absorbable sutures in the breast tissue and beneath the skin. Over time, the incision lines will fade to near-invisible. The results of breast augmentation are immediately noticeable. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve, and incision lines will fade.

Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for larger, fuller breasts.

Safety of Breast Implants

Modern breast implant devices are extremely safe. They have been studied extensively and are well tolerated by most women. Dr. Zannis uses only smooth devices, as there is a very rare form of lymphoma associated with textured implants. This problem has never been seen with smooth implants.

There are many other advantages to using a smooth implant as well. Click here for more information on safety and what some call breast implant illness.

After a post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days, you can return to most daily activities. This is considered a rapid recovery process following breast augmentation surgery. You can shower the same night of surgery and drive the next day.

Most patients return to work within 1 or 2 days. You will likely experience a little soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Upper body exercise and vigorous activity can resume at the direction of your breast surgeon, usually after about one month.

Post-surgical swelling will decrease gradually, and the appearance of your incision lines should be minimal. The final shape is usually apparent after 3 months.

We believe in offering a superior breast implant product and the best patient experience at a fair price. The cost quoted above is for silicone gel and includes anesthesia and facility fees. Please contact us or call us at (252) 633-1197 to consult our breast surgery experts to find out what your breast augmentation surgery will cost.