Many women seek breast augmentation if they are unhappy with the shape, size, or position of their breast. There are various factors of why your breasts have changed, such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or genetically acquired imperfection. Whatever your case, a breast augmentation by Dr. Brueck in Fort Myers may be your solution! Call 239-939-5233 today to schedule your breast augmentation consultation.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to alter the shape, size, fullness, or positioning of the breast. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 279,000 breast augmentations were performed in the United States.
Women from ages 18 to 60 choose breast augmentation for many reasons. Some are hoping to correct changes in their breast tissue following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or losing a significant amount of weight. Others are searching for restorative surgery following treatment for breast cancer or a traumatic injury. Some women are ready to find a solution for asymmetry issues, and some simply want to enhance the size or fullness of their natural breasts.
None of these reasons, nor any not included here, are any more or less valid than any other. Every woman has the right to pursue her own aesthetics goals in whichever manner she chooses, and the team at Beauty by Brueck is here to help. A consultation with Dr. Brueck is necessary to determine if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation.
Who is a candidate for breast augmentation surgery?
A number of factors influence the feasibility of breast augmentation for prospective patients. In general, patients who are in good overall health and realistically understand what surgery can achieve make the best candidates for breast augmentation. During the consultation for breast augmentation, patients can expect their surgeon to have a thorough and thoughtful discussion about their goals and their health and medical history. This, along with a physical evaluation of the breasts and body, help determine the best approach to enhancing the breasts.
What types of breast implants are available?
There are several types and designs of implants available, which Dr. Brueck will help you choose during your initial consultation. He often recommends silicone breast implants because he believes they are softer and have a more natural appearance and feel compared to saline breast implants. During your consultation in his Fort Myers office, Dr. Brueck will explain many surgical options including:
- Saline, silicone gel, and “gummy bear” breast implants
- Different shapes of implants, including teardrop and round
- Placement options, including above or below the pectoral muscle
- Incision location, which is under the breast where it meets the chest wall, or at the edge of the areola
Are all breast implants the same?
You have several different options when it comes to choosing a type of breast implant. Some of the more common material options include implants filled with saline, silicone, or what’s known as “gummy bear” implants, which are molded, shaped, and form-stable silicone implant.
In addition to material type, you can also choose the shape of your implant, whether it is placed below or above your pectoral muscles, and where the incision is located. The sheer volume of choices may seem overwhelming, but Dr. Brueck listens to your goals and explains the options best suited for your specific needs.
What is the breast augmentation process like?
Once the day of your augmentation arrives, you’ll come in and change into a surgical gown. The procedure typically takes about 90 minutes and involves sedation. Once you’re comfortable, an IV is placed and your anesthesia is administered. General anesthesia ensures you’ll remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Once you’re taken into the surgical suite your chest is prepared for surgery. During breast augmentation, Dr. Brueck marks your breasts and uses those markings to create the incisions. Next, he positions the silicone, saline, or alternative composite breast implants either above or below your pectoral muscle to add immediate volume and shape.
When he’s happy with the placement, he closes the incisions with a layer of sutures, some of which are on the surface of your skin and others located deeper in your tissues. Many patients worry about scarring, but Dr. Brueck carefully closes your incisions with the stitches placed beneath the skin, which results in fine scars that are barely noticeable.
How long is recovery from breast augmentation?
After your breast augmentation, expect to feel tired and sore, which is normal. Dr. Brueck will prescribe painkillers to aid you through the first few days after surgery. You’ll likely experience some soreness and swelling in the days following your procedure. You’ll receive medication to address discomfort, and your swelling will subside naturally. Keeping your incisions and the surrounding areas clean and properly dressed is critical to helping your body heal and reducing scarring.
Generally, women can walk and move around between 24 to 48 hours after surgery. While you recover from your breast surgery, it is important to restrict any physical activity for at least one month. You should avoid heavy lifting, and regular activities can typically resume after one month.
Are there any risks involved with Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery, like all surgeries, comes with some degree of risk. Invariably, there are risks associated with anesthesia. Additional risks, though low, include:
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Breast pain
- Capsular contracture, scar tissue around the breast implant
- Changes in breast or nipple sensation
- Implant rupture or leakage
The complications associated with breast augmentation can be corrected with medication or additional surgery to replace or remove the implants.
Is breast augmentation surgery painful?
No. Breast augmentation surgery is performed using general anesthesia, which shuts down pain receptors in the body. After surgery, patients may take prescription painkillers for a few days to manage post-operative soreness and tenderness. During the first week of recovery, comfort improves significantly and most patients can switch to an over-the-counter medication.
How do breast implants feel to the touch?
Many patients ask to have breast augmentation that looks and feels as normal as possible. Generally, this is best achieved with silicone breast implants because this material is gel-like so is more malleable beneath the skin or muscle. Saline breast implants may look very natural but tend to feel firmer, so may not feel quite as much like natural breast tissue as silicone implants.
What should I avoid after breast augmentation surgery?
As incisions heal and the body adjusts to the breast implants that have been inserted, it is important to avoid certain activities. Examples include:
- Heavy lifting, pushing, or carrying objects that weigh more than a few pounds. This includes a heavy purse, pet, or child.
- Smoking. This habit should stop well before surgery and, ideally, will not resume. Smoking after surgery can impede adequate healing.
- Side- and stomach-sleeping. It is best to sleep on the back after having breast augmentation. Side and stomach-sleeping can be uncomfortable and may impact healing.
- Wearing an underwire bra. Surgeons typically recommend wearing the surgical bra for a few weeks, then a sports bra. Underwire garments can be uncomfortable and they may prevent proper breast settling.
Contact Beauty by Brueck for Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
As you go through the phases of life, your breast tissue changes. Dr. Robert Brueck at Beauty by Brueck offers breast augmentation as a means of correcting those changes. He has helped hundreds of women from in and around Fort Myers, Florida, feel great about the size, shape, and position of their breasts.
If you’re thinking about breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brueck to find answers and learn more about the procedure and the expected outcome. Call 239-939-5233 today, or complete our convenient online form. Beauty by Brueck serves patients in and around Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda, Florida.