Breast enhancement surgery with natural results by Dr. Salloum
Good news: if you’re not happy with the size of your breasts and you want to make them bigger, you have options. Many women have naturally small breasts or have experienced unwanted permanent changes in their breast size. Weight loss, weight gain, and pregnancy are just a few factors that can change the size and shape of the breasts.
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that uses implants or the patient’s own fat to increase the size of the breasts. It is consistently one of the most popular types of plastic surgery each year in the United States, especially in sun-loving communities like Miami Beach.
If you want to change the way your breasts look, a breast augmentation procedure could be the perfect solution. Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Salloum offers breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer to patients in Miami Beach, FL, who are looking for beautiful, natural-looking results.
- About Breast Augmentation surgery
- Breast Augmentation vs. Reconstruction
- Who is a candidate for Breast Augmentation?
- Your consultation for Breast Enhancement
- Types of Breast Implants
- How to choose the right breast implants
- How is Breast Augmentation performed?
- Recovering from Breast Augmentation
- FAQs about Breast Augmentation
About Breast Augmentation surgery
Sometimes called augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation surgery changes the size of the breasts by increasing their volume. There are two ways a surgeon can add breast volume: with implants or fat grafts.
The most common way to increase breast volume is with synthetic breast implants filled with silicone gel or a saline solution. Surgeons have been using implants for decades to enhance the breasts and to create natural-looking results. The results you’ll get from your surgery will depend in part on the type of breast implants you choose and they may last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
A breast enlargement that uses fat transfer is a two-step process. The first step is to harvest the fat from the patient’s body. To do this, a plastic surgeon will perform liposuction to remove fat from areas like the stomach or hips. The harvested fat is then purified before being injected into the breasts to enhance their size and shape.
Fat grafting is ideal for women who only want to subtly increase the size of their breasts with natural volume. It’s also ideal for women who might have extra fat in certain areas of the body, such as around the abdomen.
*All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
Breast Augmentation vs. Reconstruction
Dr. Salloum specializes in reconstructive surgery procedures as well as cosmetic plastic surgery. Although the techniques are essentially the same, there is a difference between breast augmentation and reconstruction.
The difference is that reconstruction is performed to restore the shape and size of the breasts after a medically-necessary mastectomy. Breast augmentation, on the other hand, is performed to cosmetically enhance the size of the breasts.
Women who need reconstructive surgery procedures may be able to get insurance to cover the costs, while augmentation procedures are cosmetic procedures and are not covered.
Who is a candidate for Breast Augmentation?
If you’re not happy with the size of your breasts, then you might be a good candidate for breast augmentation. Your dissatisfaction may be due to a variety of factors, from changes to your breast size caused by age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, to a lifelong feeling that your breasts are smaller than you would like. You might also be a good candidate for breast augmentation if one of your breasts is notably smaller or larger than the other.
Your health is an important consideration if you’re thinking about breast augmentation. Ideally, you’ll be in good health overall, without any untreated, chronic conditions. The ideal breast augmentation candidate will be a non-smoker who has realistic expectations about what a breast augmentation surgery can and can’t accomplish.
Your consultation for Breast Enhancement
An initial consultation for breast augmentation in Miami Beach, FL will give you a chance to get to know Dr. Salloum, ask any questions you may have, and learn more about the breast augmentation procedure. Dr. Salloum will use the consultation as an opportunity to get to know you, too.
Don’t be surprised if he asks you about your goals for the surgery during your meeting or if he asks what might seem like personal questions about your medical history. Any questions he asks are to get to know you better and to assess whether or not the surgery is safe and appropriate for you.
Dr. Gabriel Salloum will use any information you provide during your consultation to recommend a fat transfer or traditional implant augmentation, implant type and size, and the best surgical technique for your procedure. He might also suggest complementary or alternative breast enhancement procedures depending on your goals.
At the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery, we understand that it’s a big decision to move forward with breast augmentation. That’s why we’ve done what we can to make the experience relaxing and comfortable for our patients. Complimentary valet service is available when you drive up to our practice. When you come in through the doors, you’ll enter into a luxury spa environment, complete with well-appointed and inviting consultation rooms.
No question is too big or too small to ask during your consultation with Dr. Salloum. He’s there to listen to you and guide you through the plastic surgery process.
Types of Breast Implants
Breast implants are classified based on the material that is used to fill them. Silicone breast implants tend to be the more popular implant type, but saline implants are a good choice for some women.
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water while silicone implants contain silicone gel in various consistencies. FDA approved saline implants for cosmetic breast augmentation in women over the age of 18, while silicone implants are FDA-approved for cosmetic reasons in women over the age of 22. Either implant type can be used for breast reconstruction in women of all ages.
Implants can also differ in shape. Anatomical implants are made of a cohesive silicone gel and feature a tear-drop shape. They have a textured surface and are designed to mimic the shape of the natural breast better than round implants.
Finally, implants can vary considerably when it comes to size. The best implant size for you not only depends on the type of results you want but also on your build and height. If you have a small frame, then very large implants might look unnatural and oversized. If you have an athletic build or are very tall, you might need larger implants, even if you don’t want to make your breasts that much bigger.
Keller Funnel™ Breast Implants
BENEFITS: The design of the Keller Funnel™ allows surgeons to reduce incision lengths. Because of the ease and precision of the delivery of the implant with the Keller Funnel™, the options for placement are increased. These factors benefit patients (especially those who scar easily) because there is greater opportunity to conceal incisions. The Keller Funnel™ can also reduce the risk of complications for patients by minimizing the potential for implant damage.
DOWN SIDE: An axillary incision (the armpit incision) is a highly specialized technique that often requires use of an endoscope. So although it may result in a smaller scar, the patient risks lack of symmetry because of the distance from the breast. The dangers of peri-umbilical incision include more area of possible infection, and the possibility of leaving abdominal scars because a tunnel is created from the navel to each breast. Although not a remote incision, there is also the areola incision, which as the name suggests is around the areola of the nipple. The danger with this incision, though it is well camouflaged, is the much-increased change of nipple or partial breast numbness. If revisional surgery is needed for any reason later, the surgeon will have to create an incision in the crease beneath the breast anyway.
Contoured Anatomic Breast Implants
BENEFITS: This is the newest in breast implant shapes. These implants are known as, Memory Shape, Anatomic or Contoured. Unlike round breast implants, these have a tear drop shape. They are thinner on top and slope to a fuller projected point near the bottom of the implant. This closely imitates the shape of a natural breast. Contoured implants only come in silicone and are textured. They are textured to help keep them in place and carry the same benefits as “gummy bear”, silicone implants.
DOWNSIDE: If they shift it will make the breast look unnatural. This implant mostly gives fullness at the bottom of the breast. Tear drop implants are also more expensive than both silicone and saline.
Saline Implants
BENEFITS: Saline implants are breast shaped silicon shell placed into the body empty but then filled with sterile salt water. This type of implant tends to feel firmer or fuller than silicone implants, which means the feel is not as close to that of natural breast tissue. Because saline implants are filled to a precise size by Dr. Salloum, this gives him the ability to produce a more exact result. Saline implants are a less invasive procedure because they are inserted empty and filled once they are inside the body.
DOWN SIDE: If a saline breast implant ruptures, the implant will deflate — causing the affected breast to change in size and shape.The leaking saline solution will be absorbed by your body without posing any health risks, but you’ll probably need surgery to remove the silicone shell. If you wish, a new implant can likely be inserted at the same time. Another possible down side to this type of implant is that some women complain of being able to manually detect the outer edge of the implant as well as a higher risk of “rippling”.
Silicone Implants
BENEFITS: Many people find Silicone implants to look and feel the most natural. Silicone breast implants are a cohesive gel or “gummy” consistency. For example Mentor Lumera Memory Gel implants are thick with a jello appearance and when cut will not spread or spill. When these implants are under pressure they will then return to their original form. This type of implant is preferred for those with a low level of soft tissue coverage.
DOWN SIDE: Silicone implants also risk of rupture and capsular contracture, which is a hardening of the tissue around the implant. Silicone implant ruptures are more difficult to notice then saline. When the implant breaks, the leaking silicone stays in the body. It can sometimes spread outside the breast and into distant lymph nodes. As unnerving as that sounds, studies haven’t found that this results in any increased risk of disease. Nonetheless, if a silicone implant ruptures, you will need to remove it along with any loose silicone.
How to choose the right breast implants
Dr. Salloum can help you pick the right implants for your needs during your consultation. Choosing the implants that are best for you goes beyond picking a size. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each type of implant material and to consider how the shape of your implants will affect your results.
It’s also important to understand that different implants will feel differently in your body. Saline implants tend to feel firmer to the touch, while silicone breast implants often create a softer, more natural breast feel.
How is Breast Augmentation performed?
The process of performing breast augmentation with implants varies based on the surgeon, the type of implants, and the patient. Depending on the amount of natural breast tissue a woman has, implant placement might occur over or under the chest muscles.
There are also multiple ways for a board-certified plastic surgeon to make the incisions that are necessary to place the implants. Common incision techniques used during a breast augmentation are:
- Transaxillary
- Inframammary
- Periareolar
Dr. Salloum specializes in the transaxillary approach during breast augmentation, which involves making the incisions in the patient’s armpits. The transaxillary incision is a special technique that results in a smaller, less noticeable scar. The technique requires precision and often the use of an endoscope to provide visibility during surgery.
Before breast augmentation surgery, the patient will be given anesthesia. General anesthesia, which puts the patient completely to sleep, is the most common choice for breast enhancement. A benefit of general anesthesia is that patients will not remember any part of the surgery.
Once the patient is anesthetized and Dr. Salloum has made the appropriate incisions, he will focus on placing the implants. Since every patient is different and there are many variables involved in breast surgery, Dr. Salloum will decide on a case-by-case basis which techniques are the most appropriate.
The last step during breast augmentation is to close the incisions. Once the incisions are closed, the patient can go into the breast augmentation recovery room to wait for the anesthesia to wear off. Initial results will be visible right away, but there is likely to be some swelling and bruising affecting the appearance of the new breast contours.
Recovering from Breast Augmentation
Initial recovery after breast augmentation can take one or two weeks. During that period, stay home from work or school and give yourself time to rest and relax. Dr. Salloum will provide you with activity restrictions and detailed instructions on what to do to improve your comfort and reduce swelling after your surgery as well as let you know when you will be able to return to work.
Why choose Dr. Salloum for Breast Augmentation?
Gabriel Salloum, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who is renowned for providing patients in South Florida with natural-looking surgical results. He is certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He’s passionate about working one-on-one with his patients and giving them the focus and attention they need.
Whatever your reasons for wanting breast augmentation may be, Dr. Salloum is happy to work with you to help you choose the right type of breast augmentation surgery for your goals. He’s available to answer any questions you may have and to explain the procedure to you during or after your consultation.
FAQs about Breast Augmentation
During breast augmentation, your plastic surgeon might make incisions around the nipples, in the crease under the breasts or in the armpits. Dr. Salloum prefers the transaxillary approach through the armpits to minimize scarring.
The incisions made during breast augmentation do leave scars. However, the location of the incisions means that the scars will be discreet and mostly invisible. They should also fade somewhat over time.
Yes, you can combine breast augmentation with other cosmetic surgeries to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. It’s common for patients to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift, to elevate the breasts while increasing their size. Some patients also combine breast augmentation with other body procedures, such as a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), abdominoplasty, or liposuction.
Every surgical procedure carries risks and breast augmentation is no different. Possible risks include bleeding and infection, as well as problems with the implants. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is one way to reduce any risks associated with surgery.
Breast implants (silicone or saline) do have problems from time to time and sometimes need to be replaced or completely removed. Implant rupture can occur if you are hit in the breasts with a lot of force. In the case of saline implants, it’s easy to see if a rupture has occurred, as the implant will deflate. Ruptured silicone implants will not decrease in size and can cause what is known as a “silent rupture.”
plants is capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue squeezes the implant. Dr. Salloum can discuss implant issues with you and let you know what steps are taken to reduce the risk of implant failure.
Real Patient Testimonial
Breast implants are not designed to be lifetime devices and you might reach a point where you want to remove your current pair or replace them. You might decide to replace your implants to change the size of your breasts again or if you’re no longer happy with them. In some cases, women need to replace their implants because of issues like rupture or capsular contracture.
If you live near Miami Beach, FL, Miami Center For Plastic Surgery offers breast augmentation among its services, and is conveniently located at 4308 Alton Road #720 Miami Beach, FL 33140
See results in our Before and After Photo Gallery
If you’re ready to learn more about breast augmentation, request your free, private consultation with Dr. Salloum in Miami Beach, FL today. To schedule a breast augmentation consultation at the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery, call 305-405-6910.
