Breast Augmentation
As one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery, breast augmentation in St. Louis improves the size and shape of breasts that may have always been small or have lost volume due to pregnancy or weight loss. Breast augmentation (also known as breast enhancement or breast implants) adds volume to breasts by inserting implants into the chest wall and restores volume that has been lost over time.
A number of factors can lead to small breasts that lack volume. It is common for breasts to lose volume following substantial weight loss and pregnancy. Breasts may also have always been small and lacking volume. In these cases, a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Michele Koo can perform St. Louis breast augmentation to create shape and volume to the breasts.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants
Silicone implants offer a much more natural look and feel than saline implants, and overall have a much more natural consistency compared to saline implants. Larger incisions are required for silicone implants which can affect visible scarring, but generally, all breast augmentation incisions will be place in inconspicuous locations along the natural lines and folds of the breast to reduce visible scarring.
The main disadvantage to silicone implants is that unlike saline, they are unlikely to collapse if ruptures. If a saline implant is ruptured, the breast implant will noticeably collapse, and the saline will be naturally absorbed by the body. A rupture in a silicone implant will not noticeably collapse, and the silicone will remain in place. Since a rupture is not as obvious, the possibility of a rupture can lead to anxiety about whether or not anything is wrong with the implant. It is important to note that there is no convincing data of any health risks related to silicone gel implants after exhaustive studies. If a silicone breast implant is ruptured, it can be identified with and ultrasound or MRI.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
As breast augmentation has become more popular, three common incision locations have been used to deliver the best results. The incision location will be determined during a consultation and examination and will depend upon the type of implant, size of enlargement, and patient anatomy. The different incision locations include:
- Inframammary Incision: This incision is made along the natural fold between the base of the breast and the chest wall.
- Transaxillary Incision: This incision can be hidden in the armpit of patients allowing Dr. Michele Koo to access the breast mound through the underarm to limit visible scarring.
- Periareolar Incision: This is a circular incision that is made around the circumference of the areola (dark skin surrounding the nipple).
Once the incision is chosen and made, Dr. Koo will use silicone or saline implants to change the size and shape of breasts. The breast implants can be placed above or below the pectoral muscle and the placement can affect the appearance and feel of the breasts following the procedure. Each option available had advantages and disadvantages and all patients seeking breast augmentation St. Louis should consult Dr. Koo to ensure the best results for their individualized procedure.
Breast Augmentation Results
Results from breast augmentation are immediately visible following the procedure. Initially swelling will affect the appearance of breasts, but as swelling subsides, the full results of the procedure will become apparent. Most patients will be able to resume light activity after 4-7 days, and return to strenuous activity after about 6 weeks.
