Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation surgery involves using implants to enlarge the size of the breasts or restore fullness and volume that has been lost after pregnancy or weight loss. Many women who are unhappy with the size and shape of their breasts may benefit from Breast Augmentation surgery. Dr. Christopoulos uses both saline and silicone implants to provide a fuller and more shapely silhouette while improving overall breast contour.

If you have severely drooping breasts, a breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift in order to improve the overall result. This is seen more often in women after pregnancy or weight loss where the combination of loss of breast volume and stretched out skin create drooping and deflated breasts. A breast lift can be performed in conjunction with a breast augmentation, or less frequently, as a separate procedure.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Christopoulos will discuss all of your options with you, including type of implant (saline vs. silicone), location of implant ( fully under the pectoralis muscle, partially under the muscle, or above the muscle), as well as location of incision (under the breast or inframammary, around the areloa, or in the armpit).

Click Here for Before and After Pictures

Ideal candidates for Breast Augmentation surgery are patients who wish to:

Increase the overall size and projection of the breasts

Correct naturally occurring breast asymmetries that may be present

Restore volume and fullness that was lost during pregnancy or weight loss

Improve the overall balance and shape of your figure

About the Procedure

Dr. Christopoulos performs her surgeries in a fully accredited outpatient surgical facility. The procedure can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on which procedure, or combination of procedures you are having performed.

Anesthesia

Dr. Christopoulos, in conjunction with an anesthesiologist, will use either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable and safe during your procedure.

Incisions and Implant Placement

Incisions are placed in inconspicuous areas on the breast to minimize visible scarring. These include under the breast (inframammary), around the areola, or in a skin crease of the armpit (transaxillary). Dr. Christopoulos will guide you through the decision making process to determine the most appropriate incision for you, based upon your anatomy, size and type of implant chosen, and desired outcome.

Implants can be placed under the pectoralis muscle (either completely or partially) or on top of the muscle. There are certain advantages to placement under the muscle such as reduced risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue and tightening that can form around the implant), less interference with mammography, and less visible rippling or wrinkling of the implants. Placement of implants on top of the muscle is also advantageous in certain women. Dr. Christopoulos will go over all of your options with you and determine the best location for your goals and individual anatomy.

Type of Implant

Saline and silicone breast implants differ in their characteristics, feel, and appearance. Both types of implants are safe and each offers its own advantages. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater and are filled after inserting the implant into the body. They tend to feel firmer and should a saline implant leak, the implant will collapse and the body will naturally absorb the saline fluid. Saline implants are FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women age 18 or older. Silicone breast implants are prefilled with a silicone gel that is thick and more resembles the feel of natural breast tissue. Should a silicone implant leak, the gel may leak into the breast implant pocket surrounding the implant; the implant does not collapse. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for breast augmentation on women age 22 or over.

Recovery and Results

The length of recovery depends on the type of procedure you have performed and the healing process does vary from individual to individual. It is natural to expect some bruising, swelling and numbness after your procedure. Most patients are able to resume daily activities within a few days and most can return to work within one week. Dr. Christopoulos will advise you to refrain from strenuous activity for several weeks after your surgery and will also guide you on the proper type of bra to wear as well as the proper massage techniques that are part of the healing process. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Christopoulos to discuss further any questions you may have and to determine what type of breast augmentation is correct for you.