more aesthetic
Breast implant surgery is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. A woman might be interested in or choose to have breast implants for medical-aesthetic reasons such as recovering after mastectomy or correcting a congenital breast defect. Implants are also placed for more aesthetic reasons such as to replace breast volume lost after pregnancy, to improve symmetry of the breasts, to change size or improve breast shape.
For women who already have breast implants, some may need revision or replacement of implants, or desire changes in size or improvement of their current results. At Villages Institute of Plastic Surgery, we strive to deliver the best breast implants The Villages has to offer and aim to help each patient achieve great results. And for most, this means a comfortable and natural appearance with lasting results. Dr. Yi consistently achieves this goal by employing only the safest techniques within our on-site state-licensed ambulatory surgical center. If you are considering breast implants, you'll be interested in the following information about the different types of breast implants, incision locations, and what to expect after breast implant surgery. We hope you find this information helpful and look forward to speaking with you about your particular goals.
About Breast Implant Surgery
At VIP in The Villages breast implant surgery is performed in our on-site state-licensed ambulatory surgical center by Dr. Yi and a full staff of nurses and technicians. The location of the incision depends on your preference and your particular anatomy and is decided during your initial consultation with Dr. Yi. Below we have provided greater detail about the benefits of each incision location. After the incision is made, the surgeon will insert the implant either under your breast tissue and over your chest muscle (sub-glandular placement) or completely under or partially under your chest muscles (sub-muscular placement).
The benefit of Sub-glandular placement (above the muscle) is that it allows for a faster recovery and is typically less painful during recovery than the alternative sub-muscular placement. However, sub-glandular placement may also be easier to see and feel through your skin and appear less natural. It also carries a higher risk of capsular contracture, or thickening an tightening of scar tissue around the implant. Sub-muscular placement typically requires a longer recovery time with more pain, but any pain can be mitigated with pain medication. Sub-muscular placement can reduce the risk of scar tissue development around the implant, clinically referred to as “capsular contracture”, is less likely to produce visible rippling, and can result in a more natural appearance and feel. Both placement options have their benefits, and you will be able to discuss both options in detail during your initial consultation.
Designing Your Best Look
The right breast implant for you is usually based on preferences such as your desired appearance and firmness. Fortunately, there is a variety of options available at Villages Institute of Plastic Surgery. Breast implants are available in different shapes, such as traditional round implants or anatomically shaped. They can be filled with saline (salt water), silicone, or shaped gel. And the texture of the implants can vary as well.
During your consultation with Dr. Yi, you will be able to hold and feel the differences between the various types of implants before making a final decision. However, if you would like to learn more about the breast implants we use at Villages Institute of Plastic Surgery before your consultation, we encourage you to visit the manufacturers’ web sites below for some initial information and an idea of which implant you might prefer.
Discreet Results
The two most common incision locations used in breast augmentations today are the Periareolar Incision made at the outer edge of the areola and the Fold Incision where the lower area of the breast meets the chest. Both locations have their benefits which you should discuss with our Doctor during your initial consultation.
The periareolar incision is made at the outer edge of the areola, where the darker pigmented skin tone of the areola meets the lighter skin tone of the breast. This strategic location, while more complicated to perform, allows any scarring to be almost invisible due to the camouflage provided by the dramatic edge of the areola and change in skin tone. This incision does carry a higher risk of capsular contracture compared to the fold incision and potential interference with breast feeding. The periareolar incision may be indicated in specific breast types to allow for reshaping of the breast or reducing the size of the areola. And placing the implant through the center of the breast also allows the surgeon to place the implant under all four muscles behind the breast.
A fold incision is made in the natural crease under the breast where the breast meets the abdomen and is typically well hidden from sight. In smaller breasts, it may be visible without clothing on.. Based on the size of the implants you have chosen, your your surgeon will have to accurately estimate the exact location in this area to ensure that any scarring from the incision will appear in the new location of the fold after the breast implants are placed, and not on the bottom of the breast.
The fold incision offers the benefits of being relatively hidden, and carries a much lower risk of capsular contracture compared to the periareolar or armpit incisions. It is also commonly used in revision surgeries, so if you were to want or need additional surgery, you may not need additional scars. There is increased risk of the scar being located on the bottom of the breast, particularly with larger changes in breast size. If you choose to have your implants placed under all four of your chest muscles, you should know that full sub-muscular placement is not possible with the fold incision because of the location of the lower chest muscle. However, many patients enjoy beautiful, great and lasting results with implant placement partially under the muscle or above the muscle.
When implant placement is done in combination with other breast surgeries, such as a lift (mastopexy), the incisions may also include circumareolar (around the areola), lollipop, or anchor incisions. When discussing your surgical options, Dr. Yi will explain what you may expect in your individual case.
smooth recovery
In order to help your body recover and heal as soon as possible after breast implant surgery, Dr. Yi will advise you to plan on a few days of downtime. The number of days will depend on your particular procedure. In order to assure a smooth recovery, Dr. Yi will provide you with specific instructions. Closely following these instructions is important in assuring proper healing and a beautiful result.
After surgery, you will be instructed not to drive for a few days, again depending on your particular procedure. For this reason, you should make arrangements with a friend or family member to drive you home upon your release. On the day of your procedure, bring loose-fitting clothes to wear home after your surgery. We will be providing a surgical support bra after your surgery, so you will not need to bring one. In the first 2-3 days, you will be instructed to go easy! No lifting, no driving, and no vigorous activities. From there, Dr. Yi will ease your restrictions depending on your recovery rate. Most often, breast implant patients are able to return to normal daily activities and to work within a few days. The day after your surgery, you will be asked to return for a 24-hour follow-up appointment. This will allow Dr. Yi to examine your initial results, discuss how you are feeling and assure that your recovery is well on track, and also allow for your dressings and bandages to be changed.
Expect to experience some pain and discomfort in your breast area. But again, this can be mitigated with pain medication. Expect some swelling of the breasts and bruising around the breasts and in the chest area. Small spots of blood on dressing and bandages may also occur. It is also possible that you will feel a little nauseated or sick to your stomach - you will be provided anti-nausea medication. Expect to make a series of follow-up visits to our office in the days and weeks after your surgery. We want to make sure you are healing properly and are as comfortable as possible during your recovery.
Want to Learn More about Breast Implants?
One of the most common cosmetic procedures worldwide is breast implant placement. Every day, hundreds of procedures are carried out, and locating a facility that does the surgery is simple. However, cheaper usually doesn't equal better when the invasive surgery has the potential to significantly alter your appearance.
Finding a surgeon with the necessary skill-set like Dr. Yi, who also makes you feel at ease, informed, and valued, is what makes breast implant surgery at VIP an ideal solution. Schedule a consultation to learn more about the different types of breast implants and the techniques Dr. Yi uses to help patients achieve the look that is perfect for you. Call us at (352) 259-8599 or use the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
During your consultation, you can talk to Dr. Yi about your implant alternatives. The complexity of your breast augmentation procedure and what is optimal for your body's size and form will determine the size of your breast implants.
The specifics of your treatment plan determine the cost of any operation. Your patient coordinator will explain the cost of your treatment and give you information on how to prepare for surgery following your appointment.
Medical insurance frequently does not cover breast implants. However, asking your insurance company about your coverage alternatives is essential. For your convenience, the Village Institute of Plastic Surgery provides payment and financing alternatives.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
At Village Institute of Plastic Surgery, we offer our patients a wide variety of plastic surgery techniques.
We specialize in facial plastic surgery, offer more laser cosmetic procedures than any other regional provider, and are Central Florida's premier cosmetic injectors. VIP is the best option for plastic surgery and advanced cosmetic procedures in The Villages and throughout Central Florida. Plastic surgery from our experienced and highly-trained plastic surgeons can lead to incredibly positive and life-changing results. Schedule your consultation today.