Breast Augmentation in Port Saint Lucie, FL

As one of the top procedures at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS), breast augmentation surgery can enhance your natural bustline with a fat transfer, saline implants, or silicone implants for a fuller appearance. If you are unhappy with the projection and size of your breasts, you may be seeking the expertise of an experienced breast surgeon. Our board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr. William Vinyard in Port Saint Lucie, FL is a renowned physician for the placement of implants or autologous fat with natural, gorgeous results. He performs numerous breast augmentations every year.

If you would like to have a consultation at VIPS, Dr. Vinyard will assess your concerns and desires to inform you of all of the options available in augmentation, while also customizing a surgical plan to reach your goals. Consultations for breast augmentation surgery typically take an hour. You will also be able to compare your current breast size with various other breast sizes. Please contact our office at VIPS and our team members will be happy to schedule an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. 

If you are thinking about having this procedure, it is important you do it for yourself and nobody else. Ideal candidates should be healthy with breasts that are fully developed and should be the proper age to have implants. Individuals who are dissatisfied with the overall appearance of their breasts because they seem lifeless may benefit from this cosmetic breast treatment. In addition, if your breasts have been affected by aging, nursing, or weight loss, this surgical procedure can rejuvenate them with increased volume and a perkier projection.

Breast augmentation usually requires 1 – 2 hours to complete as an outpatient surgery. Once you are under a general anesthesia, the surgical incisions will begin. Incision type, as well as implant placement, are decisions that are generally made ahead of surgery. During the procedure, an incision is created and then the appropriate breast implant will be slipped into its position. There are a couple of methods that may be chosen for implant placement. These include either submuscular placement (under the pec muscle) or submammary/subglandular placement (over the pec muscle). Where to place the implant is based on numerous factors including the overall type and size of the implant, along with the opinion of Dr. Vinyard. No matter where the incision is placed, scarring is often hidden within the natural creases and lines of the body. Implant placement is determined based on your body type, implant size, and lifestyle.

Dr. Vinyard will determine the best implant with breast implant sizers that help demonstrate the position of the implant in the pocket, as well as, in determining the most proportionate size and profile for your body. The decision on implant size will be defined intra-operatively by Dr. Vinyard with breast implant sizers. Although this takes some additional time, Dr. Vinyard believes it is the most accurate way to achieve your ultimate desires. It is well worth the additional time and effort to achieve the most attractive result. Following the incision, the appropriate implant will be moved through the incision and deposited into a surgically created pocket, and then fitted into its proper position. Once the implant is in position, the incision is closed with sutures or surgical adhesives. All patients will be taken to a private recovery space and carefully monitored and screened before being released. You will be sent home wearing a compression bra to assist with swelling. For your safety, you will need someone to drive you home and care for you in the following 24-hour period.

During your initial consultation with Dr. Vinyard, type of filler (implant or fat transfer) will be selected based on your body frame, as well as the results you hope to attain. Implants for augmentation come in an assortment of sizes and profiles, as well as shapes and textures — all of which are taken into consideration in order to reach the aspired look. Today, the most commonly used implant types are saline or silicone gel, both widely chosen and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is important to mention that individuals considering implants made with saline must be 18 years of age, while patients must be a minimum of 22 years old in order to receive treatment with silicone implants. Other considerations include gummy bear implants and fat grafting (known as a fat transfer). Aside from the type of augmentation chosen, there are other distinct factors to consider for candidates for breast augmentation.

Some patients will be able to achieve their desired look and feel with either type of implant, while others may achieve a better outcome by using one type versus another. Ultimately, it is your decision which is best for you. Our office keeps samples of both saline and silicone implants for you to feel while you are here. Dr. Vinyard respects the fact that throughout your lifespan, both your breasts and your desires for their appearance continue to change. What you may look like and what you hope to look like in your twenties might be different than when you are in your 40s. Dr. Vinyard will listen to your thoughts on what you would like to achieve and then makes his recommendations.

Implant size is distinguished based on the number of CCs of silicone, saline or fat being utilized. To understand the right amount, Dr. Vinyard will measure how much original tissue exists and the size you hope to achieve. 

Breast implants come in either a round or teardrop shape. Both shapes are commonly used; however, most of our patients select a round implant. It often looks and feels more natural and adds a fullness to the top of the breast.

Breast implant profile equates to the projection. Meaning, this is what is visible from the side view. The most common projections include low to extra high ranges.

If you have a fat transfer for your breast augmentation, the process requires an additional surgery to remove fat from a predetermined location on your body before surgery. You will need to select an area for liposuction on your body in an area with ample tissue for collection. Fat for a breast augmentation is usually taken from the abdomen, thighs, or flanks. This will make your augmentation a combined surgery. You will have to take great care of both incision areas after surgery.

The type of implant that you chose is a personal decision. Dr. Vinyard will spend time discussing the differences between the various breast implants. There are a lot of myths and false information about breast implants. Dr. Vinyard will explain the science and facts about breast implants to you, as needed. All of these options may be overwhelming, but selecting the appropriate implant is easy once your requests are discussed during the consultation.

Dr. Vinyard primarily utilizes the inframammary incision (in the fold beneath the breast) for breast augmentation. He feels that the visualization of the placement of the implants achieved by this approach, as well as, the decrease in damage to the breast tissue makes the inframammary approach superior to others. This also leaves a very small scar that is imperceptible in bathing suits and bras and is only seen from underneath whether you chose saline or silicone implants. Dr. Vinyard was also involved in the testing of the new device called the Keller Funnel. This device allows the plastic surgeon to be able to insert a silicone gel breast implant into a small (usually only 3.5 cm) incision. Without this device, the incisions required for insertion of silicone gel implants have been historically large (usually greater than 5 cm). A fat transfer requires the same type of incisions to add the fat tissues to the breast.

After your breast augmentation, you will be able to stay in the comfort of your own home with a responsible adult there with you. Within a few days, the bruising and swelling will start to slowly go away, and your breasts will begin to feel normal as they settle into their new position. While individual results vary, most patients can engage in normal activities within a few days; however, exercise should be avoided for at least 6 – 8 weeks. Breast enhancement surgery results in beautiful outcomes that look and feel both normal and natural. This treatment in most cases can be a life-changing procedure, allowing you the chance to feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Most patients are able to return to work after breast augmentation in approximately 3 – 7 days if their job is not physically demanding. You will be able to drive once you are no longer relying on pain medication to control your discomfort. You must avoid very heavy lifting for six weeks and will require help with certain activities during your recovery. There will be bruising on your chest for 1 – 2 weeks and have swelling for about three months.

How much does breast augmentation cost?
Your cost for breast augmentation will vary based on your choices and if you are having any other surgeries at the same time. As soon as your treatment plan is developed in your consultation, a member of our financing team will talk to you about estimated costs and financing options. To ensure your results match your goals and last a long time, it's important to focus on quality over cost.

Once you have completed your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Vinyard, you will leave the office with a written quote. The cost of your breast augmentation includes Dr. Vinyard's professional fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, breast implants, breast implant sizers, surgical brassiere, Keller Funnel (if silicone gel breast implants desired), and all pre and post-operative visits. If you are having a fat transfer, you will also have the expense of the liposuction and fat purification processes. This quote will be designed based on the plan that you and Dr. Vinyard have decided upon together.

When do I pay for my breast augmentation?
Since a breast augmentation is considered a cosmetic surgery, all fees are due prior to the date of your procedure. Our office participates with the CareCredit and Alphaeon programs. We also accept the following credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. However, we do not directly finance procedures for our patients.

Do I need a breast lift or augmentation?
Your plan may include breast augmentation, a lift, or both. A breast lift removes excess skin and improves the breasts, while augmentation addresses the size and shape of the breasts. During your consultation with Dr. Vinyard, he will listen to your needs and goals before explaining your treatment options. A combination augmentation and lift are often a part of a mommy makeover to rejuvenate the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can my breast augmentation be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is very common to perform a breast augmentation along with other body procedures. This may include liposuction of problem areas such as the tummy or thighs and/or an abdominoplasty. When breast and body contouring procedures are performed during the same surgery, it is commonly called a "mommy makeover" and produces a dramatic transformation.

Can I breastfeed with implants?
If you want to breastfeed after breast augmentation, be sure to tell Dr. Vinyard during your consultation. It is usually possible to breastfeed after implants, with the right surgical technique and placement. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter your results, so it is best to wait until after you are done having children to have breast augmentation.

Can I have my implants removed?
You may decide that you want to replace or remove your implants at any time. If this happens, Dr. Vinyard can perform breast revision surgery. During the revision surgery, your current implants can either be replaced with new implants or removed. If you choose to have your implants taken out altogether, then you may need to have a breast lift. The larger implants will stretch out the skin, and the remaining excess skin will need to be removed for your breasts to look healthy and perky. If you have any questions or concerns after your augmentation surgery, schedule an appointment at VIPS to discuss your options.

Do implants cause breast cancer?
The FDA is investigating a link between implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This is not breast cancer, but a cancer of the immune cells. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), implant-related ALCL is very rare and when caught early, it is easy to treat. Dr. Vinyard encourages all patients with implants to get regular screenings for breast cancer. You should contact VIPS if you notice any concerns, such as swelling or other visible changes.

Your breast augmentation journey begins by contacting our office to learn more. You deserve a VIPS experience with a breast implant or fat transfer augmentation, which is considered to be safe with aesthetically pleasing results. Our board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Vinyard is pleased to provide this well-established surgery and we invite you to learn more. Contact VIPS in Port Saint Lucie, FL to make your initial consultation with Dr. Vinyard when it is most convenient for you.