Breast Augmentation
Women unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts often seek breast augmentation to to enhance their chest silhouette and restore their full, feminine curves that have lost shape due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or aging. Avenue Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery offers numerous breast implant options for a uniquely customizable approach to breast augmentation in Athens.
Patients can count on the skill, artistry, and meticulous attention to detail of Dr. Chelsea Venditto. She will provide the highest level of care with a compassionate and personalized approach.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, often referred to as breast enhancement or augmentation mammoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts with breast implants.
This transformative surgery has empowered countless women to achieve their desired appearance, boost self-confidence, and embrace a newfound sense of femininity.
What Are My Breast Augmentation Options?
You have many options for breast implants in Athens, Georgia, including implant materials, shapes, incisions, and placement.
Types of Breast Implant Material
- Silicone Gel Implants: Silicone gel implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. This option offers a natural look and feel with a decreased risk of rippling, making them a popular choice among women. Monitoring silicone implants with ultrasound or MRI every several years is recommended to detect ruptures. Silicone gel implants can be placed into the breast pocket with a funnel utilizing a completely no-touch technique.
- Saline Implants: Saline implants are filled with sterile saline solution (salt water) after being placed in the breast. This option allows for adjustable volume during surgery and may have smaller incisions. If a rupture occurs, saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body. Some patients find saline implants slightly less natural in feel and appearance, especially when compared to silicone gel implants. They may be more prone to visible rippling in women with little natural breast tissue.
Breast Implant Shape
- Round Implants: Round implants have a uniform shape and provide fullness in the upper and lower portions of the breast, often creating a youthful and voluminous look.
Incision Locations
- Inframammary Incision: This incision is made in the natural fold under the breast (inframammary fold). This option provides direct access for implant placement, allowing for precise positioning and symmetry with well-hidden scars that typically heal well.
- Periareolar Incision: This incision is made around the edge of the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple) and allows for direct access to the breast tissue and implant placement. The scar tends to blend in nicely with the darker areolar skin. In some cases, the incision may affect nipple sensation or breastfeeding ability. The periareolar approach to implant placement is less common and is often utilized in specific anatomical conditions such as tuberous breast deformity.
Implant Placement
- Subglandular (Over the Muscle): The implant is placed between the breast tissue and the chest muscle (pectoralis major). This placement technique may have a shorter recovery time and less discomfort postoperatively and is a suitable choice for women with sufficient breast tissue. Subglandular placement may be more prone to visible rippling, especially in women choosing saline implants with insufficient natural breast tissue to adequately cover the implant.
- Submuscular (Under the Muscle): The implant is positioned beneath the pectoralis major muscle. This placement method provides additional tissue coverage, reducing the risk of visible rippling and providing a more natural look. It may also make mammograms more straightforward to perform. Recovery may be slightly longer, and there can be temporary muscle-related discomfort.
Choosing the right breast implant options is a highly customizable process. Dr. Venditto will work closely with you to understand your goals, anatomy, and preferences and help you determine the best implant material, shape, size, incision, and placement to meet your individual needs and help you achieve the results you desire.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Ideal candidates are healthy adults who do not smoke or use other nicotine products, have realistic expectations, and desire breast enhancement. An in-depth consultation with Dr. Venditto will help determine your candidacy and the best breast augmentation options.
How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?
Before Breast Augmentation
You’ll discuss your goals, preferences, and concerns during your consultation. Dr. Venditto will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you are a suitable candidate for breast augmentation by reviewing your medical history and current health and assessing your breast tissue and skin elasticity.
During Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
Dr. Venditto will make incisions in the predetermined locations and create a special breast pocket within the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to place the implants. Once the implants are positioned correctly, she will close the incisions with sutures and either skin adhesive or surgical tape.
How Long Is Recovery From Breast Augmentation?
Following your breast augmentation, you will be monitored in the recovery room until you wake up from the anesthesia. Some discomfort is typical but should be tolerable with pain medications.
Dr. Venditto will provide postoperative care instructions, including guidelines for pain management, dressing changes, and the need to wear a supportive bra. It’s essential to follow these instructions diligently.
Most women can return to light activities within a week and gradually resume regular exercises and daily routines as directed by Dr. Venditto. The entire recovery period varies but typically ranges from several weeks to a few months.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
The cost varies based on several factors, including the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anesthesia costs, and the type of implants used. You will receive an accurate cost estimate after your consultation.
When Will I See My Breast Aug Results?
You will be able to see your initial results immediately, but it will take some time (up to six months) before your final outcome is apparent.
View Before & After PhotosBoard-Certified Breast Augmentation Expert in Athens, GA
Dr. Chelsea Venditto provides the highest level of care for her Athens, Georgia, breast augmentation patients. Contact us today to schedule your breast implant consultation!
Breast Augmentation FAQs
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What are the benefits of breast augmentation?
The three top benefits of breast augmentation include:
- Breast augmentation can significantly boost self-confidence by enhancing breast size and shape to help women feel more comfortable and attractive in their bodies.
- Cosmetic breast surgery also allows for the creation of balanced and symmetrical breasts to address several issues that may have contributed to insecurity from chest wall abnormalities or breast volume asymmetries.
- Many women choose breast augmentation to achieve a more proportionate figure that complements their overall physique.
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How long do breast implants last?
While there’s no specific expiration date, breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. Most women can expect them to last 10-20 years or more.
During your consultation, Dr. Venditto will discuss FDA recommendations for implant surveillance. Dr. Venditto sees all of her breast augmentation patients yearly once they are beyond the acute postoperative phase to ensure appropriate healing.
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Will breast augmentation affect my ability to breastfeed?
Breast augmentation can affect breastfeeding, depending on the surgical approach and technique. Discuss your plans for breastfeeding with your surgeon.
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Are there risks associated with breast augmentation surgery?
Like any surgery, breast augmentation carries potential risks, including infection, bleeding, implant rupture, capsular contracture, and changes in nipple sensation. Your surgeon will discuss these risks during the consultation.
Can I combine breast augmentation with other procedures?
Yes, breast augmentation can be combined with other procedures like breast lift (mastopexy), liposuction, or tummy tuck for a comprehensive makeover, often referred to as a “Mommy Makeover.”