If you are unhappy with the size and projection of your breasts, research has shown that women experience a huge boost in confidence following a breast augmentation surgery. As one of the most popular procedures at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS), breast augmentation is perfect for women with naturally small breasts or breasts that have been affected by pregnancy. This cosmetic procedure can help you fit into your favorite clothing in a more flattering way and restore your pre-baby body.
Board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon William Vinyard, MD, FACS is a renowned breast surgeon who performs countless augmentations with breast implants every year. During your consultation, Dr. Vinyard will take the time to help you understand the augmentation process and the options available to you. If you want to see how our facility can rejuvenate your breasts, schedule an appointment in Port St. Lucie, FL. Learn more about breast augmentation surgery, including important terms to know along the way.
Breast Augmentation and Breast Lift
Augmentation is performed to enhance the shape and size of a person’s breasts. This is done with silicone or saline implants, though there are other options available for women to explore. There are many reasons why patients opt for augmentation, including loss of volume due to pregnancy or weight loss. Augmentation is also a solution for breast asymmetry. Ideal candidates for this surgery are living at a healthy and stable weight, not pregnant or breastfeeding, and have realistic expectations about their outcome.
A breast lift can be performed at the same time as a breast augmentation. This procedure works by removing excess skin and lifting the breasts to improve their position on your chest. Patients with sagging breasts or nipples that point downward will be able to achieve more firmness through a breast lift. The size of the areolas can also be reduced so they are more proportionate to the newly shaped breasts. During your consultation with Dr. Vinyard, he will understand your goals for plastic surgery and explain if a breast augmentation, lift, or combination procedure is right for you.
Saline Implants and Silicone Implants
Implants for breast augmentation come in a wide range of sizes and profiles, all of which are considered to reach your goals. In this day and age, the most commonly used implants are saline or silicone gel. Both implant types are safe to use and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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Saline implants: to perform an augmentation with saline implants, Dr. Vinyard will insert a silicone shell into the body, then fill the shell with sterile saline fluid. With the ability to make minor adjustments, saline implants make it easier to tailor your results according to your expectations.
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Silicone implants: silicone is more viscous than saline, often creating a more natural look and feel to the breast tissue. Since the silicone gel used in the implants is thicker than saline, it is also less likely to ripple.
Those considering saline implants must be at least 18 years old, while silicone implants require a minimum age of 22 years old in order to receive treatment.
Gummy Bear Implants
Improvements in breast implant technology have had a huge impact on patients. Gummy bear implants are firmer than traditional silicone implants, allowing them to retain their shape even as the implants age. Some experts say that gummy bear implants are safer than others because they have a lower rupture rate. Just like silicone, they look and feel very much like your own natural breast. At Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery, we understand that the implant type you choose is a personal decision. Dr. Vinyard can discuss the differences and benefits of saline, silicone, and gummy bear implants at our facility.
Fat Transfer with Augmentation
Breast augmentation can also be performed without the use of implants. A fat transfer requires an additional liposuction procedure at the same time as the breast augmentation. Liposuction is used to remove fat from another location to naturally enlarge the breasts. Dr. Vinyard can perform liposuction on the abdomen, thighs, or flanks for an even more contoured appearance. A fat transfer with augmentation is normally chosen when patients desire a moderate increase in the size of their breasts but aren’t interested in implants.
Breast Implant Rupture
Breast implant rupture can occur for many reasons after breast augmentation surgery, though the most common reason is that the outer shell may weaken with age. Over or underfilling breast implants, or physical trauma, are other contributing factors. When saline breast implants rupture, the implant will deflate as the saline solution is safely absorbed by the body. If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel material does not leak. This is why our office in Port St. Lucie, FL, suggests getting an MRI every few years to make sure the implant is still working as it should. If you have any reason to believe your breast implant is ruptured, reach out to Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery right away to schedule an appointment.
Schedule an Augmentation Consultation
No matter your size or shape, you can enjoy the wonderful benefits of breast augmentation in Port St. Lucie, FL. If you are considering any of the breast augmentation options listed today, contact Dr. Vinyard at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery for an initial consultation. His utmost goal is to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals in a caring and comfortable environment.
