Breast Augmentation in Houston, TX
Breast Implants
- OVERVIEW
- CONSULTATION
- PROCEDURE
- RECOVERY
- RESULTS
- ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS
- Mammograms & Breast Implants
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MRI Screening For Implant Rupture
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Breast Implant Warranty
Breasts are a universal symbol of femininity, nourishment, nurturing, and sexuality. Many women choose to enhance their feminine silhouette in order to achieve fuller and more voluptuous breasts via bilateral breast augmentation with implants. At Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, Dr. Bachilo is able to help you improve your cleavage and get to your desired aesthetic goal whether you are looking for a natural look or a more augmented look.
Breast enlargement also called “breast augmentation” and simply “boob job” is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures. During the procedure, breast size is enhanced with an implant. For many women, this boosts confidence and allows them to feel better in clothes, improves cleavage, or improves breast symmetry and balance. Dr. Bachilo will counsel you on different implant options and placement and recommend the best Houston breast augmentation plan of action for you and your desired look. Implants may be placed through a variety of different incisions and either directly behind the breast tissue or under your chest muscle. Dr. Bachilo will walk you through this decision process.
What to Expect During Breast Augmentation Consultation?
IMPLANT CHOICES
SILICONE
| SALINE
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How Is Boob Job Done?
Breast augmentation is performed in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital under general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 2 hours. The patient is discharged home the same day.
Skin incision – breast augmentation skin incision may be placed in the fold under each breast, around the areola, or through the armpit. Dr. Bachilo will counsel you on the incision type that is best suited for you as not every patient or every implant type used is a candidate for every one of these incisions.
Implant pocket – implants may be placed under the chest muscle or above the muscle. Dr. Bachilo utilizes a touch-free technique to insert your implant to minimize the risk of infection and capsular contracture. She follows a thorough sterile technique and uses a medical device called Keller Funnel designed specifically for silicone implant placement. Incisions are closed using all absorbable sutures. You will not need any suture removal after your procedure.
Post-Breast Augmentation Recovery Time and Process
How Long Does it Take to Recover from Breast Augmentation?
After a short post-op breast augmentation recovery at the surgery center, you are sent home. You will most likely be seen for your first post-operative visit by Dr. Bachilo the next day after surgery. You will be asked to bring a comfortable post-operative bra or sports bra with no underwire to your follow up visit. You will be changed into the bra which will help with implant positioning and post-operative comfort.
You will be sore for about two weeks after your Houston breast augmentation surgery. Dr. Bachilo will prescribe pain medications and muscle relaxants to help with discomfort. Please do not drive while taking these medications. Most of our patient is able to return to work within a week, but you will need to refrain from doing any heavy lifting or any bouncing activities for 6 weeks. You will receive instructions on breast implant massage and exercises which need to be initiated a few weeks after surgery. You should not wear bras with an underwire for several months after your breast surgery. Most patients are able to return to all normal activity and exercise after 6 weeks of recovery.
What Results Can I Expect With Breast Augmentation?
You can expect the final breast implant position and final breast shape about 3 months after your surgery. Our patients report being pleased with their new breast appearance and report feeling more confident with their new shape.
Everything You Need to Know About Breast Implants
For patients seeking Houston breast augmentation procedures with implants, Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa is a premier cosmetic facility that provides these procedures, performed by the skillful hand of Dr. Olga Bachilo, a plastic surgeon with years of clinical experience and a portfolio of satisfied patients spanning Katy, Sugar Land, and the greater Houston area.
Many of Dr. Bachilo’s patients want to know what type of breast implants are used at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa. The three top brands of breast implants that Dr. Bachilo uses are:
- Allergan Natrelle Implants
- Mentor Implants
- Sientra Implants
Additionally, breast implants may vary as far as material, style, and shape, meaning that patients have a wide variety of options to choose from depending on personal aesthetic goals. Each Houston breast augmentation patient can choose between saline breast implants, silicone breast implants, or silicone gel breast implants. The most popular breast implants in Houston at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa are the following:
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are made of a soft, clear plastic shell and filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Saline breast implants are popular because they provide a uniform shape and firmness, and a natural look and feel. Saline implants are FDA-approved for breast augmentation procedures in women age 18 or older and have the lowest risk factor, because if the implant shell should rupture or leak, the implant will collapse or deflate, and the harmless saltwater solution will be absorbed by the body and eliminated through the body’s natural mechanism. If this should happen, you will need to return to your plastic surgeon to have the saline implants replaced through a breast revision surgery. Often the surgeon will recommend replacing both implants for a more uniform look.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants differ from saline implants because they are filled with silicone gel, which moves and feels more like natural breast tissue. If a silicone implant should rupture or leak, the silicone gel may remain encased within the implant shell, or may gradually leak into the breast implant pocket or capsule, but typically a silicone implant will not collapse and deflate fully. The FDA has approved silicone breast implants for augmentation procedures in women who are at least 22 years of age. Patients who choose silicone implants will typically require regular visits to their plastic surgeon to ensure that the implants are properly positioned and not leaking. While silicone gel is not associated with any risk of breast cancer or other dangerous illness, your surgeon may recommend a periodic ultrasound or MRI screening to evaluate the condition of breast implants and make sure they are not leaking.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Recently developed form-stable gel implants are sometimes referred to as gummy bear implants because they retain their shape even when the implant shell ruptures. A type of silicone gel breast implants, gummy bear implants have a thicker consistency than traditional silicone gel implants, which also gives these implants a firmer feel than traditional silicone gel implants. Gummy bear implants also require the use of a slightly longer surgical incision than other implants.
Form-stable gummy bear breast implants are shaped rather than round, with more projection and volume at the bottom, and tapering to a smaller size at the top. In the rare instance that a gummy bear implant shifts from its position or rotates, it may produce an irregular appearance that will require a breast revision procedure to correct.
Round Implants vs. Shaped Implants
Round breast implants typically provide a fuller look than shaped gummy bear implants, and more projection may be achieved with higher profile options. The advantage of round implants is that they are of a uniform shape and fullness so that if they shift or rotate out of place, it will not create an irregular or lumpy appearance, as may be the case with shaped implants.
Smooth Breast Implants
Smooth breast implants feel softer than textured or shaped implants and move more naturally within the breast implant pocket or capsule, providing a more natural look, feel, and movement. The downside to smooth implants is that in some cases they may develop visible rippling or wrinkling under the skin that may be visible on the skin’s surface.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured breast implants are designed to form scar tissue that will stick to the implant, making these implants less likely to shift or move out of position within the breast implant capsule, reducing the risk of capsular contracture by reducing the risk of a tight scar capsule that may constrict around the implant and cause it to lose its shape.
Implant manufacturers occasionally launch new styles or types of breast implants, providing an increase in options for breast augmentation patients. Whether you select saline or silicone implants for your procedure, regular visits to your plastic surgeon will be required in order to monitor the condition and position of your implants.
At Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, many women who are considering breast augmentation in Houston often ask how their new breast implants may affect their regular mammograms. Although some studies have concluded that breast implants may potentially interfere with the results of routine mammograms, you can still get accurate screening results with breast implants.
Inform Your Radiologist that You Have Breast Implants
To ensure the best results from your routine mammograms, the radiologist, technician, and/or mammography facility performing the checkup should be informed when patients have breast implants. With the rising popularity of breast augmentation procedures, most technicians and radiologists know how to perform mammograms on women with breast implants and still get the results they seek. The radiologist may choose to use a special process known as “implant displacement views” or other specialized techniques that help him or her visualize all the areas of the breast tissue, ensuring accuracy in mammogram results in patients who have undergone breast augmentation surgery.
When Is it Time for a Mammogram?
Routine mammograms are a woman’s best defense against breast cancer by helping to identify and locate potential tumors to encourage early detection, the single most important factor in ensuring a healthy recovery from this deadly disease. The American Cancer Society recommends that women over age 40 should get routine mammograms every one to two years, and Dr. Bachilo encourages her patients to follow this general guideline, as well as baseline mammogram prior to breast augmentation surgery for women in this age group. She may also recommend an additional mammogram one year following surgery in order to have a mammographic image of your breasts with properly positioned breast implants. Some women may have a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer, due to a pronounced presence of this disease in their family history, or a history of heavy smoking. These patients may be advised to begin routine mammograms before they reach the age of 40 may need to have them more often. Dr. Bachilo also recommends regular routine self-breast exams to feel for lumps and will teach her patients how to carry out this self-exam with breast implants in place.
Will a Mammogram Damage My Breast Implants?
While some women express concern that their breast implants may rupture during a mammogram screening, it is highly unlikely that this will occur. Breast implants are made of durable plastic and are designed to withstand normal forces and impact, such as that associated with mammograms. Your health and safety should be your highest priority, so it is extremely important that you continue to undergo routine mammograms even after you get breast implants.
Additional Breast Cancer Screening Procedures
Other forms of breast imaging may be used to search for solid masses and cysts in addition to a mammogram. Ultrasound is another advanced imaging technique that is often used to diagnose problems or growths in the breast tissue. Ultrasound procedures are gentle and totally safe for women with breast implants, and the implants do not interfere with the effectiveness of an ultrasound imaging procedure. Women who are not at an increased risk of breast cancer and below the age of 40 may choose to undergo routine ultrasound treatments to screen for possible problems with breast health.
If you’re at an age where you should be getting regular mammograms, please don’t hesitate to do so. If you have any additional questions about mammograms and breast implants, feel free to contact our knowledgeable office staff at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Houston.
MRI Screening For Implant Rupture
Women who have undergone breast augmentation surgery, particularly those who select silicone gel implants, will occasionally need to undergo an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in order to evaluate the condition and position of their breast implants. This diagnostic technique provides excellent views of the breast tissue, helping your doctor to assess whether a breast implant is intact or has shifted from its original position. Because silicone implants don’t deflate like saline implants, it is harder to confirm a silicone gel implant rupture, since the thick silicone gel typically holds its shape, making leaks difficult to detect and feel without medical imaging such as an MRI. For this reason, the FDA recommends that women with silicone gel breast implants undergo a baseline MRI 3 years after surgery and a follow-up MRI every 2 years after that.
If you have any additional questions regarding breast implants, mammograms, MRIs, or other radiographic studies, feel free to contact our knowledgeable and friendly staff at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, serving residents of Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, and nearby communities in Texas.
Breast Implant Warranty
Among the many questions patients ask when seeking breast augmentation with implants is whether or not the implants are covered by a warranty. At Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Houston, noted plastic surgeon Dr. Olga Bachilo will explain the various types of breast implants that may be used in your breast augmentation surgery, and recommend the most appropriate implants to meet your aesthetic goals, as well as the warranty plans for each type and brand of breast implants.
Fortunately, most of the leading breast implant manufacturers, including Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra, which are provided at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, provide warranties that cover failure or manufacturer defects in their products. Patients are automatically enrolled in the warranty programs, and basic warranty coverage is free for all patients who undergo breast augmentation procedures.
What Kind of Coverage Do Breast Implant Warranties Provide?
Typically, manufacturers’ warranties cover problems that may occur as a consequence of implant failure, such as rupture or deflation of breast implants, but do not typically cover problems such as the implant shifting from its proper position. Most manufacturers offer a variety of warranty plans that may cover the cost of the implant itself, and in some cases include doctors’ fees, anesthesia, and other expenses, for a limited time period.
Each implant manufacturer is different, and warranties vary between companies. Be sure to read your warranty thoroughly and ask Dr. Bachilo any questions you may have about warranty coverage, so you can be prepared in advance and know exactly what may be covered and what is not covered.
Many common complications that may arise with breast augmentation surgery but are not related to a failure in the implant itself may not be covered by these warranties, including such problems as capsular contracture, infection, and rippling or wrinkling that may become visible through the skin are generally not covered, as well as problems where the implant shifts out of its proper position. Some implant manufacturers offer an extended warranty option that may be a good investment for some patients who want more coverage. Dr. Bachilo can advise you as to the best option for you.
How Do Breast Implant Warranties Work?
All breast implants are distributed as part of a production lot and are individually numbered with a serial number that is used for identification. Your post-operative instruction package should provide the serial numbers of any implant or implants used in your breast augmentation surgery. Be sure to keep this information close at hand, and store it with your other important documents.
These serial numbers are typically sent to the implant manufacturer, along with each patient’s social security number and any pertinent information regarding their surgery. In the rare instance that a problem should arise with an entire lot of breast implants, the implant manufacturer can easily identify those patients that might be affected.
Allergan Breast Implant Warranty Plans
Allergan provides a standard implant warranty through its warranty plan, ConfidencePlus. This program covers lifetime product replacement for both saline and silicone implants, as well as 10 years of additional costs up to $1,200 for other expenses associated with any necessary breast revision surgery caused by implant failure. As of April 1, 2002, all patients receiving Allergan implants are enrolled automatically in this program at no cost. Allergan also offers an extended ConfidencePlus Platinum Program for $100, which covers as much as $2,400 in additional surgery expenses, in addition to the replacement of the other implant if necessary.
Mentor Breast Implant Warranty Plans
The Mentor Advantage Limited Warranty covers saline implants manufactured by Mentor for all patients receiving Mentor implants beginning on May 1, 2005, and thereafter. All Mentor implant patients are automatically enrolled at no cost upon completion of their breast augmentation procedure. This warranty plan covers the cost of the implant in case of implant failure, as well as replacement of the other implant if the surgeon recommends it. Additionally, this plan provides 10 years of coverage in the amount of $1,200 for other expenses incurred as part of the required breast revision procedure. The Mentor Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty costs $100, and may only be purchased within the first 45 days following your breast augmentation procedure and applies exclusively to Mentor saline implants. This extended warranty provides up to $2,400 financial assistance for additional surgical costs in cases where one or both saline implants need to be replaced.
For patients who select Mentor’s MemoryGel implants, the Mentor Lifetime Product Replacement Policy covers expenses related to one or both implants should one of your implants rupture. In case of a confirmed and properly diagnosed implant rupture or other implant failure, the patient may choose replacement gel implants of a different size than the originals, as long as they are of a similar style. So if you should need a breast revision surgery, under this plan, you may take the opportunity to try a different size implant. There is also a warranty plan that specifically covers MemoryGel round breast implants in patients who received these implants beginning on May 1, 2009, or thereafter. The Mentor Premier Advantage Limited Warranty provides coverage for up to $3,500 in financial assistance for a period of up to 10 years from the date of surgery, in cases of a confirmed rupture, and covers replacement of the other implant if recommended by your surgeon.
An additional extended warranty plan is available for patients who want additional protection, for a one-time fee of $100. The Mentor Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty extends for a period of up to 10 years and provides a one-time payment of $2,400 to cover surgical expenses including the cost of the operating room, anesthesia, and other services associated with the revision surgery that are not typically covered by insurance.
Sientra Breast Implant Warranty Plans
For patients who choose Sientra implants, Sientra’s Limited Warranty Program covers up to $3,600 in costs directly related to required implant revision surgery is performed within a period of 10 years after the date of the original implant procedure. This coverage includes free lifetime replacement of the implant in case of implant rupture, as well opposite side implant replacement at no cost, if required and confirmed by a licensed plastic surgeon. Patients are automatically enrolled in the warranty plan at no cost upon receiving Sientra implants.
To add vivacity to your appearance with fuller, more voluptuous breast contact our office today to schedule your free cosmetic consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure in which saline or silicone implants are used to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Any woman in good health who is looking to enhance the appearance of her breasts is a good candidate for breast surgery. Examination by the surgeon will further determine what kind of operation will achieve your desired look, whether it is augmentation with an implant, breast lift, or a combination of both.
WHAT TYPES OF BREAST IMPLANTS ARE AVAILABLE?
In the USA there are three main implant manufacturers: Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra. All implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with either saline (saltwater) or silicone gel. The newest generation of silicone breast implants are filled with a thick silicone gel and are often called “gummy bear implants”. Implants come in a round shape, which is the most commonly used implant, and teardrop-shaped, called anatomic implants. These shaped breast implants may be better suited for very thin patients or someone looking for a very natural breast shape.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE BREAST AUGMENTATION COST IN HOUSTON TX?
Breast implants cost in Houston varies and depends on the type of implants being used for augmentation and the complexity of an individual patient’s anatomy and surgery. So how much do breast implants cost? Saline implant breast augmentation in Houston is generally cheaper than silicone implants. For low-cost saline implants, the price may start as low at $4,000 and affordable silicone implant breast augmentation in Houston may start at $6,500. Anatomically shaped breast implants in Houston will cost even more -around $8,000.
HOW IS BREAST IMPLANT SIZE SELECTED?
Breast implant type and size selection are done through a collaboration between the patient and the surgeon. Your chest anatomy is the main factor determining the size of the implant that can safely be implanted. Dr. Bachilo will make recommendations on the implants that would best enhance your breasts and produce the appearance you want to achieve.
An implant of approximately 150-250cc is needed to increase your breast size by one cup size, and size varies with your body shape. Your chest width, body shape, breast thickness, and skin laxity will determine what size of implant you will need. A very large breast augmentation implant may not work for every patient.
CAN BREAST AUGMENTATION BE DONE WITHOUT IMPLANTS?
Autologous fat transfer or fat grafting, most commonly from the abdomen, can be done to enhance the shape and size of your breasts.
HOW DOES BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH AUTOLOGOUS FAT TRANSFER WORK?
Using your own body fat to fill out your breasts is an alternative to using breast implants for breast augmentation. The fat for the transfer is harvested from areas where you want to eliminate excess fat – such as love handles, bra bulges, bulges in the hips and thighs – and injected into the breast to enhance the size and shape.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA DO I NEED FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Usually, general anesthesia is used for breast augmentation, which allows for the most comfortable procedure for both the patient and the surgeon.
WHERE IS BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Breast augmentation may be performed in the office operating room or in the outpatient surgery center. Patients go home after their procedure.
HOW LONG DOES BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE TAKE?
Breast augmentation generally takes about one hour to perform. Occasionally for revision cases procedure may take longer.
WHERE WILL MY INCISIONS BE WITH BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Incisions are made in the lower breast crease during breast augmentation and measure two to three inches in length. Occasionally incision at the border of areola and breast skin may be used.
WILL I HAVE SCARS WITH BREAST AUGMENTATION?
There are scars with any surgical procedure. Breast augmentation incision is placed in the lower breast crease and is thus well hidden. Most patients heal with a fine line scar that is barely perceptible.
SHOULD MY IMPLANT BE PLACED ABOVE OR BELOW THE MUSCLE DURING BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Placing an implant below the muscle is a preferred method to maximize the best breast augmentation result and to decrease the risk of complications. Multiple clinical studies showed that the risk of capsular contracture is decreased with implant placement under the muscle.
HOW DO I PICK MY IMPLANT SIZE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Implant size is a decision that is made by you and your surgeon working together. Your surgeon will ask you for your desired breast size, but your chest anatomy is the ultimate deciding factor for the size of the implant that will work best for you.
HOW MUCH PAIN WILL I HAVE WITH BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Discomfort after breast augmentation is usually minimal and is described more as pressure on the chest from the implant. Your doctor will prescribe you pain medication and muscle relaxants to keep you comfortable.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION?
The risks of breast augmentation as with any surgery are bleeding, infection, and hematoma. Additionally, there is a risk of nipple sensation changes, capsular contracture, and most importantly dissatisfaction with breast size or shape. Revision surgery after breast augmentation is very common and most often due to the patient's desire for larger implants.
HOW LONG IS BREAST AUGMENTATION RECOVERY?
Breast augmentation recovery is 2-3 days, but patients need to continue not to do any heavy lifting for 6 weeks after surgery.
WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO WORK AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Most patients are able to return to work in about 3 days, however, that will depend on the type of work you do. Jobs that require heavy lifting or strenuous activities need to be postponed for several weeks.
CAN I BREAST FEED AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Yes, it is safe to breastfeed after undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Breast implants will not interfere with milk productions and incision under the fold is the least likely to cause issues with milk flow.
HOW SOON AFTER PREGNANCY CAN I HAVE A BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH IMPLANTS?
I advise my patients to wait a full year after they are done breastfeeding to pursue breast surgery, especially if the surgery will involve the use of breast implants. Residual milk in the breast may contaminate the implants and cause infection.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
You will see improvement in your cleavage immediately. Breasts will be swollen and implants will sit very high immediately after surgery. As everything heals, implants settle down, and you’ll be able to enjoy your final shape.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT MY BREAST IMPLANTS?
While breast implants may remain in place for many years, they also offer the option of being removed or exchanged. You can decide to replace your implants with different implants, or a fat graft, or you may decide to forego implants altogether, in which case you may need to surgically tighten the remaining skin around the breast.
CAN I FINANCE MY BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY IN HOUSTON?
We offer financing through CareCredit for our breast augmentation patients. We can work with you to find your breast augmentation payment plans that will work best for you. You can enjoy your new bigger breasts while making a low monthly payment for your breast augmentation procedure.
HOW CAN I FIND BREAST AUGMENTATION SPECIALS IN HOUSTON?
To learn about breast implant specials in Houston and promotions visit our Specials page or sign up for our e-mailing list.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT MY BREAST IMPLANTS?
While breast implants may remain in place for many years, they also offer the option of being removed or exchanged. You can decide to replace your implants with different implants, or a fat graft, or you may decide to forego implants altogether, in which case you may need to surgically tighten the remaining skin around the breast.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN BREAST AUGMENTATION TYPES?
The two main breast augmentation options include implant-based breast enlargement and fat transfer to breasts.
Implant-based breast augmentation can be performed using saline or silicone breast implants. Saline implants are softer, while silicone implants are more rigid. However, both types have unique characteristics. Your plastic surgeon will help you determine the type that best fits your body.
There are also a few types of inserting the implants: transumbilical or TUBA breast augmentation means that implants are inserted through an incision near the navel (belly button).
Transaxillary breast augmentation is conducted by inserting implants through an incision near the armpits and uses an endoscope - a special device with a camera helping your cosmetic surgeon navigate. Such breast augmentation is virtually scarless - it leaves a tiny scar almost impossible to see.
Another technique is the insertion of implants through the incisions on the bottom of the breasts.
Fat transfer to breasts is performed by withdrawing unnecessary fat from other body parts such as stomach or buttocks and injecting it into each breast.
The procedure can also be combined with a breast lift.