Breast augmentation, also known as Augmentation Mammoplasty, offers the unique opportunity to transform your breast size, volume, and shape, resulting in a flattering new you. This procedure involves using breast implants to increase the size of your breasts and to restore breast volume that may have been reduced because of pregnancy, general aging or weight loss. Call today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Paul A. Watterson. Dr. Watterson is proud to offer patients in Draper, Salt Lake City, Sandy, South Jordan, and the entire Wasatch Front, the latest in breast augmentation and care.
Understanding Your Breast Augmentation Options
You have many options when it comes to breast implants and this is a decision we will make with you. Your breast implant size and type depend on multiple factors, such as your desired increase in size, but also on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity, and body type. Incision options can be discussed with patients in a breast augmentation consultation, but they will be made in inconspicuous areas to hide scarring.
There are many resources to help you evaluate and understand your options with breast augmentation, but sometimes it’s hard to know which source to trust. We can help answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
What Is The Right Size Of Breast Implant For Me?
Dr. Watterson uses several methods to determine breast implant size, shape and projection. First and foremost is your communication with Dr. Watterson at your consultation. He couples that with photos that you have selected or may bring to help communicate your desired outcome. He will take measurements to determine what size would fit your torso and chest wall.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
Saline Breast Implants
Saline is wonderful because our bodies are largely composed of saline and when saline implants fail or leak (all implants do at some point) it tells you that they have leaked by getting smaller. That’s terrible when you are on a cruise, but at least you know and can correct the problem. Another positive about saline implants is they seem to have less capsular contracture or tightening than their silicone competitors. The problem with saline implants is the rippling! Women hate that and choose silicone for that reason. So, you must go with what is most important to you and with what you feel best about.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants are wonderful because they don’t ripple as much as saline. They have a more natural feel. This is the most popular choice right now for women. The problem with silicone is that it's harder to tell when they have ruptured or failed, hence the term “silent rupture” unless an MRI study is ordered which is very expensive and a nuisance. The FDA suggests getting MRI’s after the third year and every other year thereafter. This is rarely done. Very, very few women do this.
Choose a surgeon with experience, skill and judgement, who is willing to listen and communicate with you and help you determine what is best. There are so many factors that go into making a wise decision, it is best to select a surgeon you can trust and partner with to help you choose the very best and unique option for yourself.
What is the Gummy Bear Implant?
Gummy bear implants are ultimately thicker than traditional implants. With silicone gel in a silicone shell, these implants are thicker towards the bottom and taper towards the top, mimicking the natural “teardrop” shape of a breast. Because of its thickness, the gummy bear implant also creates a more firm hold, keeping the breast in place and in shape, with a lower risk of rupture, ripping, and other implant problems.
What Are the Different Types of Gummy Bear Implants?
There are three different brands of gummy bear implants we offer at Watterson Plastic Surgery. At the recommendation of Dr. Watterson, our gummy bear implant process involves consultation and considering each patient’s needs and goals to determine the implant type that would benefit them the most.
Allergan Natrelle
Allergan’s Natrelle breast implants are one of the best-known implants for looking and feeling natural. With a rounded shape that holds itself, the silicone-filled implants mimic the natural shape of a breast and are known to have one of the lowest rates for ripping and rupturing on the market. Available in many different sizes, these implants are perfect for anyone, but especially for patients as young as 22 years old. These implants also work for breast reconstruction.
Mentor
Favored by many plastic surgeons, Mentor implants is one of the best brands for patients interested in breast augmentation and increasing the size of their breasts. Mentor’s silicone-based implants create a soft, yet firm hold, adding a healthy amount of volume to the natural breast tissue.
Sientra
Sientra implants are made of high-quality silicone gel, which is also form-stable, keeping them from changing shape. Although they are available in different shapes and sizes, the Sientra teardrop-shaped implant comes with a contoured top portion with additional volume at the bottom, giving breasts a natural, fuller-looking appearance.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
LENGTH: 1 hour.
ANESTHESIA: General (asleep).
IN / OUTPATIENT: Outpatient.
Breast augmentation with Salt Lake plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Watterson involves many decisions prior to your actual surgery. You’ll decide the type of implants, the size and projection of those implants, the incision location, and if you want the implants placed above or below the pectoral muscle.
For the actual breast enhancement surgery, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia. After the incision is made, the next step is to create a pocket for the implant. If you have opted for saline implants, the near empty shell is placed in the breast pocket and is then filled. Silicone implants are placed into the pocket fully filled. The size of your silicone implants can limit your incision options.
Once both implants are placed, your surgeon will check for symmetry and balance. Then the incisions are closed.
The procedure is not overly difficult and your recovery is easier than you would assume.
See examples of Dr. Watterson’s expert skills and our patient transformations
Candidates For Breast Augmentation Surgery
While many women are interested in breast enlargement surgery, for a variety or reasons, not every woman is a viable candidate. At Watterson Plastic Surgery we are zealous both for effective procedures and for patient safety, which means we carefully screen our patients to ensure they are a good fit for breast augmentation in a one-on-one consultation.
The patients who make good breast augmentation candidates are:
- In good overall health and with fully developed breasts
- Bothered by the feeling that their breasts are too small
- Worried that they have lost volume and shape following pregnancy, general aging or weight loss
- Unhappy with the upper part of their breasts feeling “empty”
- Concerned that their breasts are not the same shape or size (known as asymmetry)
In a pre-surgery consultation with your plastic surgeon, you’ll learn more about whether you are a qualified candidate for an effective and safe procedure.
How Long Will My Breast Implants Last?
Like anything that is manufactured, breast implants have a lifespan. At some point, your implants will begin to leak or rupture. With saline, the implant will generally fully deflate, as the body absorbs the saline solution. With silicone implants, the new gels are so cohesive that the gel usually remains within the shell or ends up just outside it.
How long before this happens? Manufacturers all guarantee their implants for 10 years. This means if they fail within that time the manufacturer pays for removal and replacement. Implant longevity continues to improve. Still, augmentation surgery is not a one-and-done thing. Expect your implants to last for 10-15 years. At that point, you’ll need replacement surgery, which is easier than the original surgery because we enter through your original incisions. Depending on your age when you have your first augmentation, you should expect to have at least two replacement procedures over your life.
What Is New In Breast Implant Technology?
Breast implant technology is always evolving. At Watterson Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves in remaining at the forefront of new advancements, and in offering our patients the best and safest breast implant options available today. Specifically, some of the latest implant technologies can:
- Offer better breast contour customization
- Provide better implant matches for the patient’s desired size, volume, and shape
- Create more control over some of the nuances of breast shape
- Give greater longevity of results
- Offer better results with smaller incisions
- Provide higher standards of patient safety
During your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Watterson will be glad to go over the options in greater detail.
Is Breast Augmentation Right For Me?
For those who are seeking increased breast volume, augmentation is likely the way to go—but what about women who are fine with their volume, yet worried about the shape of their breasts? For these women, I will generally recommend a breast lift, also known as a mastopexy.
Some women may wish to have both procedures performed, while others will only need one. As you meet with Dr. Watterson , you’ll get a better sense of the procedure that best matches your desired result.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Do I Need To Be Done Breastfeeding?
Yes! We want to have your breast size at normal for you so we can size you appropriately at surgery. A good suggestion and guide is to wait 3-6 months after breast feeding.
What Type Of Results Can I Expect After My Surgery?
Fantastic results of course! When we carefully assess and set expectations accordingly, you can and will have a great outcome.
Initially, you will be swollen from surgery and the implants can “ride” a little high at first, but usually settles down after six weeks.
Your pain won’t be horrible either, because we will place a long acting anesthetic in the pocket to help. After a day or so we will place you on ibuprofen and that works amazingly well for pain control.
What Is The Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Back to work: a few days. Physical contact with breasts: three to four weeks. Fading of scars: several months to a year or more.
Can Breast Augmentation Be Combined With A Breast Lift?
If you have a good deal of sagging skin on your breasts, either from pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, or from the gain and loss of a significant amount of weight, you’ll probably want us to perform a breast lift with augmentation. This removes the excess sagging skin prior to placing the implants. Adding implants alone to sagging breasts is not recommended.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities After Breast Augmentation?
Recovery from augmentation surgery is not difficult. For the first few days you will have some discomfort, but most patients don’t require heavy-duty pain medication. At first, your chest will feel tight, but this is perfectly normal as the tissue needs to stretch and the implants need to settle into place. When you first look at your new breasts, they may appear too high on the chest. But this is also normal, as settling will bring the implants down somewhat.
Most patients can return to work in just four or five days. You can begin non-impact activity in a week or so, but impact exercise needs to wait for at least one month. Specific upper body exercises can resume in six weeks.
Are There Side Effects Of A Breast Augmentation?
Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
What Are The Risks Associated With Breast Augmentation Surgery?
With any surgery, risks such as infection and blood clot exist. Our surgeons will always talk with you about potential risks specific to your procedures in your consultation. Other risks may include scarring, increase or decrease of sensitivity and mammography requiring a special technique.
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Schedule A Consultation
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about Breast Augmentation procedures, contact us today at 801-571-2020. Our practice serves Draper, Salt Lake City, and surrounding areas in Utah.
