Free Pre-Surgery 3D Simulation
Breast Augmentation
with Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Ludwig A. Allegra
Procedure Time
55 Minutes
Recovery Time
5 Days
*This is an estimate only, actual cost will be discussed at your consultation. Prices subject to change without notice.
Innovative 3D Imaging For Better Breast Enhancement
Vectra 3D imaging
Vectra 3D imaging is technology that scans your body and creates a 3D image of your body. With this 3D image, you and Dr. Allegra can simulate the look of different types and sizes of breast implants. It is also interactive and movable, so you can view the current and future look your breasts from multiple angles and even overlaid on top of one another.
Without this technology, other methods would allow you to try on implants under your clothes, but with Vectra 3D imaging, you can get a comprehensive view of what your enhanced breasts will look like before committing to surgery.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is the surgical procedure to help enhance breast size and appearance. Many changes will occur to the breasts due to the affects of time, pregnancy, and genetic factors. Surgery can correct and improve many of these factors. The breast augmentation procedure focuses on restoring or adding volume to the breast tissue.
An ideal individual has good support and basic positioning of breast tissue but desires more volume. This patient will likely experience highly desirable results from breast augmentation. Breast augmentation surgery alone will not fundamentally change basic defects, major asymmetry, or droopiness. Other procedures may address these concerns. If there is more than mild or modest droopiness of the tissue (ptosis), then Dr. Allegra will likely recommend a breast lift for the best results, potentially along with breast implants.
Breast augmentation is a safe procedure that generally produces pleasing and satisfying results. Refinements in technique and implant technology have minimized most of the older problems and concerns. Patients who will benefit the most will be those who have realistic expectations and are psychologically stable. Overall, breast augmentation mammoplasty is a safe and effective cosmetic enhancement option with a highly satisfactory outcome.
Breast Implant Types
Modern breast implants are of dramatically better quality and stability than in the past. We predominantly utilize silicone gel implants as these result in the most natural outcomes with a very normal “feel” to the breast tissue. It is typical to not be able to feel an implant at all—just normal breast tissue. The silicone gel implants we utilize are from Mentor Corp which are the only implants manufactured in the United States. The company also offers comprehensive warranties and guarantees for our breast augmentation patients There are 3 types of gel with the key difference being the “cohesiveness” of the gel-basically the “firmness”. The most recent choice is the “XTRA” implant that has a moderately cohesive gel offering slightly better, more youthful “fullness”. The other choices are the regular (somewhat softer) gel, and lastly the firmer gel (Gummy Bears). These are reviewed with you in detail at the time of consultation.
Before and After Photos
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants have undergone immense study and review prior to their returned availability on the market. They now represent a safe and desirable option for breast augmentation. Silicone gel is ideal in terms of feel, softness, and reduced rippling tendency. It represents an ideal choice for a thin individual with little natural tissue seeking breast enlargement. The risk of leakage has been dramatically reduced and the silicone is a very thick gel rather than the more liquid prior implants which limit the problems even in the unlikely case of rupture. Modern silicone gel breast implants are the gold standard in terms of achieving reliable, natural, and great outcomes. We offer three types of silicone implants that differ in the “cohesiveness” of the gel. These are: the standard gel, the “XTRA” gel, and the cohesive gel (AKA “gummy Bear”). A good analogy is to consider these like soft, medium, or firm jello.
What is the right size for breast augmentation? Many factors will play a role in decision making. It is inaccurate to think of size by a bra cup size when considering breast implants as one manufacturer’s “C” may be another’s “D”. It is better to think of the degree of volume added in cc’s and what will this actually look like in you. A given size implant will often appear different from one patient to another given differences in one’s body size and shape. It is of little value to assume that the same size implant in one individual will yield similar results in another. This is why it is vital to seek out a plastic surgeon experienced in breast augmentation who can help guide you when picking out breast implants.
Breast augmentation cost will vary based on the breast implant type. The breast implant size and shape have little influence on the final price of breast augmentation surgery. We have addressed this issue by offering the most accurate sizing option available–the Vectra XT 3D imaging system. Your consultation will include the use of this great tool allowing us to see in real time the appearance of various implants as well as the possible changes from a lift or reduction option. Patients are rarely dissatisfied with size after the decision making process as noted above. It is, however, possible to adjust up or down although at an additional cost.
Wonder If Breast Augmentation Works Best For You?
Breast Augmentation Incision Locations
There are four choices of incisions for placement of breast implants.
Transaxillary
Although commonly utilized, this incision (armpit) may be more visible in a given individual than alternatives. Most commonly used with saline implants, it is less desirable with silicone implants given the larger incision necessary. Other limitations include reduced visibility of the area of implant placement with a more limited ability to precisely control the position and minimize bleeding and bruising.
Inframammary
This incision is the most commonly utilized for breast augmentation. Dr. Allegra places the incision in the crease of the breast fold and it is well hidden. It offers excellent access for the placement of implants. There is also complete visibility of all areas allowing for precision. This approach also allows for a gentle procedure with the added ability to precisely release some areas of breast tissue from muscle allowing for the best appearance after under the muscle placement. We believe that, for most, this is the least visible incision option.
Periareolar
Dr. Allegra places this incision at the margins of the areola. It allows good access for breast implants as well as other possible corrective surgery. It is often well hidden in a given individual; however, there is a visible line at the transition of the areola to the skin which may be evident. This approach does mandate some dissection through breast tissue in order to create the implant pocket. Thus, there is a small potential for sensory changes with this. Lastly, there is a small added risk of contamination of the implant from bacteria at the nipple that cannot be completely sterilized.
Transumbilical
This is the approach to implant placement via a belly button incision. It is limited to saline implants only but results in a minimal scar for most patients. We do not offer this approach for breast augmentation. We feel that the limitations tend to outweigh any benefits of consequence.
Breast Augmentation Incision Locations
There are four choices for breast implant placement divided into two categories–above and below the muscle. The above muscle option is “sub mammary” or “sub fascial”. The below muscle options are “subpectoral” or “total submuscular”. Placement above the muscle would be most useful for an individual desiring a very “augmented” look. This approach is also useful for someone who is a bodybuilder as a placement under muscle could result in a flexion deformity problem (creasing of the breast appearance with the flexing of the chest muscles). Placement below the muscle is generally the preferred location as there is an added layer of tissue that helps to create a natural appearance and feel.
Breast Augmentation Short Term Risks And Complications
Post-operative Bleeding Resulting In A Hematoma
This is a rare problem and is one of the specific reasons we will plan on seeing you the following day. If there is a hematoma it will likely need draining. Treatment might require implant removal and replacement at that time. If there has been a hematoma there is a somewhat increased risk for capsular contracture in the future. To date, we have not had this occur.
Infection
Postoperative infection is very rare but potentially serious. Treatment may involve antibiotic therapy and implant removal. Once resolved the implant can be replaced generally after 3 months. We treat all our patients with antibiotics to help minimize this possibility. To date, we have had no infections.
Nipple Sensation
There is a possibility of a temporary decrease in nipple sensation. This generally improves over a period of several weeks to months. A significant permanent decrease is rare. It is possible to at least temporarily experience an increase in nipple sensation.
Breast Augmentation Possible Long Term Complications
Capsular Contracture
This is a rare problem and is one of the specific reasons we will plan on seeing you the following day. If there is a hematoma it will likely need draining. Treatment might require implant removal and replacement at that time. If there has been a hematoma there is a somewhat increased risk for capsular contracture in the future. To date, we have not had this occur.
The Best Breast Augmentation Offers
Northwest Face & Body has served the Bellevue and Kirkland areas since 1983. Providing the gold standard in surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, our Bellevue and Kirkland plastic surgeons are breast surgery experts. With decades of combined experience and hundreds of surgeries performed every year, we offer the best breast augmentation provides. Dr. Ludwig Allegra is an accomplished plastic surgeon who is a specialist at providing the best breast surgery. He bridges the gap between the technical and the scientific. With a deep understanding of aesthetics and symmetry, Dr. Allegra uses cutting edge technology, experience, and skill to perform the best breast augmentation. Located conveniently in Kirkland, minutes away from downtown Kirkland and Bellevue, Northwest Face & Body is accessible from both major Eastside cities. To schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. You can also contact us online via the contact form or Price Simulator™.
FAQs
We see many patients who are seeking to achieve youthful and natural breasts but are uncertain if they need a lift. If there is some droopiness there is a general misconception that breast augmentation surgery alone will achieve a great result. Worse, there some surgeons claim that simply putting an implant above the muscle and/or a bigger implant will solve the problem. Unfortunately, this usually results in big droopy breasts! A larger implant may create fullness but the natural tissue then seems to “fall off” and droop. Not a great outcome. So, generally speaking, the answer is no, breast augmentation will not treat droopy breasts. However, there are some exceptions. As we all know breasts come in many shapes and sizes. Multiple factors determine whether or not they become “droopy”
Changes following pregnancy. If there has been a significant expansion and shrinking, this essentially results in a “deflated” appearance and droopiness.
The elasticity of the skin tissue plays a role as do supporting structures within the breasts themselves, commonly known as Cooper’s ligaments.
Gravity and time are factors. Certainly, if you have naturally larger breasts, gravity may impact them more over time.
Differential loss of tissue can result in an appearance of droopiness. If there is a loss of mostly upper pole tissues, this may result in what is known as “pseudoptosis”. It looks like there is drooping, but in fact, there are minimal changes.
The classic grading of ptosis is in 4 classes: 1-4.
Class 1: is essentially normal.
Class 2: The nipple is essentially at the level of the inframammary fold
Class 3: The nipple is below the fold
Class 4: The nipple is significantly below the fold tending to point down
Pseudoptosis: The nipple is in a good position but there is a droopy lower pole excess
High profile breast implants may be a great choice for a given individual resulting in better projection with less “widening” of the breasts. If there is mostly loss of upper pole volume and minimal droopiness then the results may be excellent. But they will not truly correct droopiness. A shaped implant offers no help in correcting droopiness.
For grade 3 or 4 ptosis, a lift is essential to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. In grade 2 ptosis, it depends and there are exceptions. There are individuals with minor ptosis who will have nice outcomes without a lift. These are the individuals who may find that having some minor residual droopiness is a reasonable tradeoff with not having visible incisions. This is particularly true with those who have predominantly undergone a “deflation” of the skin envelope with predominant upper pole loss. For these individuals augmentation alone may be an excellent option. If there is “pseudoptosis” then augmentation with the restoration of upper pole volume and improved projection is often a great option. If you can easily “hold a pencil” then probably you would benefit from a lift.
A lift basically addresses the position and size of the areola and will reduce the droopy tissues in the lower pole. Unfortunately, a lift does not restore the loss of upper pole fullness and roundness. The majority of lifts I perform include a well-sized implant to restore the upper pole giving us great results. Though, breast implants are not strictly required with a breast lift for a good result. Ultimately, there are many factors that must be carefully considered and balanced in order to achieve great outcomes. During the consultation, we review your specific anatomy and changes that have taken place in order to determine the potential need for a lift and breast implants. We utilize the Vectra XT™ imaging system which will allow us to accurately simulate a lift and/or augmentation. This system uses remarkable technology to capture a 3D image allowing us to accurately visualize multiple surgical options. You can then best understand and make the appropriate choices resulting in a great outcome.
(206) 787-0784
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