Yes, breast implants have warranty. Most silicone implants have a lifetime warranty on their shell and during first 10 years have some additional benefit coverage.

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure in which saline or silicone implants are used to enhance the size and shape of the breasts.

Any woman in good health who is looking to enhance the appearance of their breasts is a good candidate for breast surgery. Examination by Dr. Bachilo will further determine what kind of operation will achieve your desired look, whether augmentation with an implant, breast lift, or combination of both.

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 \u201cgummy bear implants\u201d. 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 very natural breasts.

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.

Autologous fat transfer or fat grafting, most commonly from the abdomen, can be done to enhance the shape and size of your breasts.

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 breasts to enhance the size and shape of your breasts.

Usually, general anesthesia is used for breast augmentation, which allows for the most comfortable procedure for both the patient and the surgeon.

Breast augmentation may be performed in the office operating room or in the outpatient surgery center. Patients go home after their procedure.

Breast augmentation generally takes about one hour to perform. Occasionally for revision cases procedure may take longer.

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.

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.

Placing 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.

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.

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.

The risks of breast augmentation as with any surgery are bleeding, infection, and hematoma. Additionally, there is 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 patients desire for larger implants.

Breast augmentation recovery is 2-3 days, but patients need to continue not to do any heavy lifting for 6 weeks after surgery.

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.

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.

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 breasts may contaminate the implants and cause infection.

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.

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.

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.

To learn about breast implant specials in Houston and promotions visit our Specials page or sign up for our e-mailing list.

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 breasts.

The procedure can also be combined with a breast lift.

You can move your arms and raise them about 90 degrees immediately after surgery. Within few days you can start doing full range of motion with your arms including raising them over your head, but no heavy lifting can be done for 4-6 weeks.

Yes. Your own fat can be used to perform natural breast augmentation. Liposuction may be performed and fat is transferred to the breasts to create fuller bust.