What Is a Breast Augmentation?

If you have naturally small breasts or your breast shape and size have changed because of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a mastectomy, you may be wondering what a breast augmentation is and whether it can help in your situation. Breast augmentation is a surgery that can help many women to increase the size of their breasts, make their breasts more symmetrical, or reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy. 

We offer different types of breast augmentation surgery at Ver Halen Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery. Whether you are interested in getting implants, or you want to learn more about the subtle and beautiful results that can come from a fat transfer, we can help you get the information you need. 

What Is a Breast Augmentation? 

Many people confuse the terms breast implants and breast augmentation. While getting breast implants is a type of breast augmentation, it isn’t the only kind. Breast augmentation simply refers to a procedure that is done to increase breast size. Different methods are used depending on the patient and their individual circumstances. 

Creating Your Ideal Breast Shape

When you come into our office to talk to us about breast augmentation surgery, we will spend a lot of time with you to discuss your ideal breast shape and size along with the different options that can help you to achieve the results that you want. Every patient that comes into our office has different goals for their breast shape. We always listen to you when helping you decide on the type of breast augmentation that you want. Here are some of the considerations we will guide you through during your consultation. 

Considering Breast Implant Materials

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants can be a good option for individuals who want smaller incisions. Saline breast implants can be filled after being inserted which allows us to get the implant into place without having to make large incisions. 

There are different types of saline implants available including traditional saline implants and a more structured saline implant which can mimic the more natural feel of a silicone breast implant while still being filled with a sterile saltwater solution. You and your doctor will discuss all of the options and make a decision based on your goals, your body, and your preferences. 

Silicone Breast Implants

If one of your main concerns is having breasts that look, move, and feel more natural, you can talk to us about silicone breast implants. These implants are filled with silicone gel which is made to feel more like breast tissue. If you are an athlete or you have an active lifestyle, this type of implant may be a good option for you. Silicone gel implants tend to be less heavy than saline implants. 

Today, silicone breast implants are cohesive to varying degrees so they won’t leak into your body if they rupture. They can range from softer silicone products to firmer implants with a gummy bear consistency. Larger incisions are often needed for silicone implants since they are pre-filled before being inserted, but there are more options for size, shape, and consistency when you choose silicone breast implants. We will discuss all of the available options with you so that you have all of the information you need before making a decision.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

A fat transfer breast augmentation takes fat from an area where you don’t want as much and transfers it to your breast area to help make your breasts fuller. This type of breast augmentation can be a good choice if you are already having liposuction done on another part of your body and you want subtle and natural-looking results.  Fat transfers can also be done to help soften or obscure any rippling that might be visible around the edges of existing saline breast implants. 

Considering Breast Implant Shape

If you choose breast implants, the shape of the implant that you choose will affect the results of your procedure. Some women want a more natural shaped breast with a flatter top and a rounder bottom. For this, shaped implants that already have the natural breast shape can be a good option. 

Other types of implants are round but respond to gravity, creating a more natural shape even if they rotate. If you want a more augmented look, you can choose implants with a fuller and rounder shape that keep the round shape even at the top of the breast. 

Considering Breast Implant Profile

Breast profile refers to how much the breast comes out from the body. Low profile implants create a wider effect while high profile implants will extend out further from the chest. Rather than affecting the volume of the breast, it will affect the aesthetics. Many women choose a medium profile breast implant to give them good projection and cleavage while still maintaining a natural look.

Considering Breast Implant Texture

If you choose a shaped breast implant, you may also want to talk to your doctor about textured breast implants. The texture on the outside helps the implant to stay in place to help avoid problems with the shape of your breasts if the implant moves. Smooth implants are generally considered fine for round implants since rotation will not affect the shape. 

Learn More About Breast Augmentation Through a Consultation

If you are interested in learning more about what a breast augmentation is and what options you have for increasing your breast size, you can reach out to us. At Ver Halen Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, we want you to feel confident in your body. For some women, this may mean researching breast augmentation surgery. You can schedule a consultation with us by calling us or by chatting with us online.