The Complete Guide to Breast Augmentation: What You Need to Know

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries today, allowing women to enhance the size, shape, and overall appearance of their breasts. If you're considering this procedure, it's important to understand the process, options, and what to expect. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about breast augmentation, from the initial consultation to recovery and beyond.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, involves the surgical placement of implants to increase breast size or restore breast volume lost after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. The procedure can also enhance symmetry and improve the overall balance of your figure.

Types of Breast Implants

There are two main types of implants to choose from:

• Saline Implants: These implants are filled with sterile salt water. Saline implants offer a uniform shape, firmness, and feel. In the rare case of a rupture, the body absorbs the saline naturally.

• Silicone Implants: Filled with silicone gel, these implants more closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast pocket, but it typically doesn’t collapse like saline.

Choosing the Right Size and Shape

Selecting the right size and shape for your breast augmentation is a highly personal decision. During your consultation, Dr. Aron Kressel will work with you to help determine the best implant size based on your body type, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.

• Projection: You can choose how much your breasts project forward, ranging from low to high projection options.

• Shape: Implants can be round or teardrop-shaped. Round implants typically offer more fullness, while teardrop implants mimic the natural slope of the breast.

Incision and Placement Options

There are several incision locations to consider:

• Inframammary incision: Made in the fold under the breast, this is the most common method and offers the surgeon excellent control over implant placement.

• Periareolar incision: Made around the edge of the areola, this approach is discreet but may slightly affect nipple sensation.

• Transaxillary incision: Made in the armpit, this option leaves no scars on the breast itself, but the procedure may be more technically demanding.

In terms of implant placement, there are two main options:

• Subglandular placement: Implants are placed above the chest muscle, under the breast tissue. This can offer a faster recovery but may have a slightly less natural look in women with less natural breast tissue.

• Submuscular placement: Implants are placed under the chest muscle, creating a more natural appearance, especially in women with thinner breast tissue. This placement also reduces the risk of complications like capsular contracture.

The Procedure

Breast augmentation surgery typically lasts one to two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. After the incision is made, the surgeon creates a pocket in which the implant is placed. Once the implant is positioned, the incision is closed with sutures.

Recovery and Aftercare

After breast augmentation surgery, you'll experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Most patients return to work and light activities within a week, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for four to six weeks.

Dr. Aron Kressel will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including how to care for your incisions and manage discomfort. It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth recovery.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, breast augmentation comes with potential risks, including:

• Infection

• Implant leakage or rupture

• Changes in breast or nipple sensation

• Capsular contracture (the formation of scar tissue around the implant)

Dr. Kressel takes every precaution to minimize these risks and will discuss all possible complications during your consultation.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. While many women enjoy their results for 10 to 15 years, implants may eventually need to be replaced due to rupture, leakage, or changes in the breasts over time. Regular monitoring with your surgeon is key to maintaining optimal results.

Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?

If you're considering breast augmentation, the best way to determine if the procedure is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Aron Kressel. During your consultation, Dr. Kressel will assess your goals, examine your anatomy, and discuss your implant options to create a personalized plan tailored to your desired results.

Breast augmentation can boost your confidence and help you achieve the figure you've always desired. Whether you're looking to enhance your curves, restore lost volume, or improve symmetry, he can help guide you through every step of the process. By choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Kressel, you can ensure a safe procedure and natural-looking results.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to explore your breast augmentation options, contact Aron Kressel, MD to schedule a consultation. Visit our office in New York, New York, or call (212) 772-6968 to book an appointment today.