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Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
Your consultation appointment with Dr. Reis at his Houston office is a very important part of your treatment. One of the things that breast surgery patients appreciate about Dr. Reis is his collaborative approach. He takes the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and have an in-depth discussion to ensure that he has an accurate idea of your desired results and that you understand all your options. The consultation appointment is an opportunity for you and Dr. Reis to make sure that you are on the same page regarding your reasons for breast augmentation and your proposed treatment plan.
At your consultation appointment Dr. Reis will have you “try on” different sized implants, so it is optimal to wear a simple, stretchy top (you can also bring several tops if there are particular styles you’d like to see with the sizers.) It is very useful to bring photos with you that represent the breast size and shape you would like — photos that depict women who are of a similar build to you are the most helpful.
Choosing Your Breast Implants
“How do I choose the right implants?” is one of the most frequently asked questions from women who are thinking about breast augmentation. It is important to understand that breast implants are not one-size-fits-all and there is no “best implant”. You are unique and there are several factors that should go into your breast implant choice. During your consultation appointment, Dr. Reis will walk you through your options for sizes, shapes, and types of breast implants. Bra sizing is varied, so implants are sized by volume, not cup size. There are benefits to both silicone and saline implants. Once Dr. Reis establishes your individual goals, he can make recommendations on the ideal breast implants for you.
How Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Work?
Breast augmentation surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Reis prefers to use total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) as opposed to inhaled general anesthesia. TIVA allows patients to breathe on their own without intubation, which offers a quicker recovery and reduces postoperative nausea. There are several types of incisions that can be used to insert breast implants. Dr. Reis most often uses an inframammary incision, which is placed in the natural fold under the breast where it is never noticeable in clothing, swimsuits or bras, making it naturally and easily concealed. There are several benefits of inframammary incision placement, including a lower risk of a complication called capsular contracture and a lower risk of infection and other
Trusted Source
Effect of Incision Choice on Outcomes in Primary Breast Augmentation
Jacobson J, et al
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potential postoperative complications
. Once the implants are placed, Dr. Reis will check to ensure the placement is symmetrical and in line with the treatment plan that was discussed with the patient before surgery. The incisions will be sutured closed with buried absorbable sutures that don’t require removal, and bandaged.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
You will need a friend or family member to drive you home from surgery. You will be scheduled for follow up appointments and given detailed post-op instructions — it is important to follow them and call Dr. Reis’s office if you have any questions. After surgery, you can typically expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Dr. Reis can administer a long-acting, non-opioid, injectable nerve blocking pain medication that can provide longer lasting comfort and pain relief for three full days. Many patients feel ready to return to work and some day-to-day activities as early as the day after surgery. However, exercise, heavy lifting, and strenuous activities will be restricted for several weeks while you heal. At first, your implants may seem larger or higher than expected, but the minor swelling will subside and your implants will settle into place after several months. Some patients benefit from using an elastic band similar to a belt over the top part of the chest in order to help speed the implants settling into proper position.
Treating & Preventing Surgical Scars After Breast Augmentation Surgery
While scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process, some patients feel hesitant to undergo breast augmentation surgery due to concerns about developing unsightly surgical scars. To optimize results and minimize the appearance of any scars that develop, Dr. Reis provides pre- and post-operative skincare scar regimens that reduce the appearance of suboptimal surgical scars. He also offers CO2 Laser Resurfacing treatments to dramatically improve the overall appearance of scars. Learn more about treating and preventing surgical scars here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation
How can I be sure I choose the right size implant?
Some breast augmentation surgeons have certain treatment ideas in mind before they even hear what kind of results you would like. Dr. Reis’s personalized approach and attention to your goals will help you feel confident in your choice.
What will my breast augmentation scars look like?
Your scars will depend on the specifics of your surgical plan, but typically patients have a short scar (about 2 inches depending on implant size chosen) that runs along the underside of the breast, in the natural inframammary fold. This type of incision is completely concealed in clothing, bras and swimsuits. Dr. Reis will advise you on post-surgical care to minimize scarring.
What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?
Every surgery carries some risk of complications or side effects. Fortunately though, breast augmentation surgery is extremely safe, tried and true and has a very low incidence of a complications in the proper hands. The
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Breast Augmentation
Mayo Clinic
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risks of breast augmentation surgery
are similar to that of many surgical procedures, and they include bleeding, infection, scar tissue, capsular contracture, and change in skin or nipple sensation. Dr. Reis always prioritizes patient safety and always uses the most modern and scientifically proven methods to minimize any issues during or after surgery.
Are breast implants safe?
Breast implants are medical devices that are regulated and approved by the FDA. They have been
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Breast Implants: What Patients Need to Know. Available
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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studied extensively
for the last four decades and experts engage in continued research to support patient education and safety regarding breast implants. They are in fact the most studied implantable medical device currently used in all specialties of medicine and have a long track record of safety. The rumors that they can contribute to connective tissue disorders, rheumatologic disorders, or long term inflammation or pain, have been proven false over and over again in blinded and randomized studies (the highest level of medical evidence or “proof”).
Very rarely, textured implants can be associated with a rare and treatable disease called
Trusted Source
Questions and Answers about Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
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anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
. Although
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BIA-ALCL Resources
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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worldwide studies
indicate a prevalence of between 1 in 30,000 cases to 1 in 300,000 cases, these have all been associated with textured, NOT SMOOTH implants. Although again, ALCL is extremely rare, Dr. Reis makes your safety his top priority and he exclusively uses smooth implants which have not been associated with ALCL.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Some women choose to wait for surgery until they feel that their family is complete, since pregnancy and breastfeeding can change breast size and shape. However, breast augmentation should not impede your ability to breastfeed.
Trusted Source
The impact of cosmetic breast implants on breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Breastfeeding
Schiff, M, et al
Go to Source
Studies show
that it is safe to breastfeed with breast implants; however, changes in nipple sensation and sensation to the lower part of the breast can be altered slightly.
How Common is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the U.S., and 313,735 breast augmentation surgeries were performed
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2018 National Plastic Surgery Statistics
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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in 2018
.
Am I a candidate for breast augmentation surgery?
If you would like fuller, larger, more youthful breasts then breast augmentation may be right for you. Ideal candidates are adults in good general health who are not pregnant or nursing.
Contact Dr. Reis for Breast Augmentation in Houston
Dr. Reis is dedicated to using his surgical training and skills to help people look and feel better. Contact us with any questions about breast augmentation or to schedule your consultation appointment.
Sources
1 Jacobson J, et al. Effect of Incision Choice on Outcomes in Primary Breast Augmentation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 32, Issue 4, May 2012, Pages 456–462, https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X12444267
2 Mayo Clinic. Breast Augmentation. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178 Accessed December 18, 2019.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Implants: What Patients Need to Know. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/breast-implant-safety Accessed December 18, 2019
4 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers about Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/questions-and-answers-about-breast-implant-associated-anaplastic-large-cell-lymphoma-bia-alcl Accessed January 14, 2020
5 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. BIA-ALCL Resources. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/for-medical-professionals/health-policy/bia-alcl-physician-resources/by-the-numbers Accessed January 14, 2020.
6 Schiff, M, et al. The impact of cosmetic breast implants on breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Breastfeeding Journal 2014; 9: 17.10.1186/1746-4358-9-17
7 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2018 National Plastic Surgery Statistics. Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2018.pdf Accessed December 18, 2019.
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