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How to Enhance Your Breast Augmentation Results in Fredericksburg, Virginia?

You probably already know that breast augmentation is the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States, with very high patient-satisfaction ratings. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, you learned that it’s also one of the most customizable plastic surgeries, offering various implant sizes, types, shapes, and placement options.

Whether you want to go ahead with your breast augmentation, or if you’ve already had breast implant surgery, it might be that you just want a little more volume and perkiness. Well, there are procedures to help you get the most out of your new curves while at the same time retaining your completely natural aesthetic results.

Read on and be sure to schedule your next visit to get our experts’ advice on how they can enhance your breast implant surgery results, maximize the gains of your augmentation, and complete the transformation you have already started.

Banish the Bra Roll in Fredericksburg, VA

As for other breast enhancement patients, you might find you are focused on improving your front and profile views. However, for the perfect results, perhaps you should take a 360° approach and consider all sides of your torso?

Like other women often develop stubborn pockets of fat in the upper- and mid-back region, as well as on the sides of their torsos, you might be done trying to conceal those bothersome bulges that show underneath your form-fitting clothing. If you want to banish that bra roll for good, liposuction, or even better, our less intensive Smartlipo™ can do the trick! Your long-lasting “bra bulge” procedure can be completed under local anesthesia in an hour or two.

Touch Up the Teacup Area

Even if your breasts are the size and shape you’ve always wanted, you might still be reluctant to rock that strapless dress. It could be that you have small pillows of fat underneath your armpits in what is known as the teacup area. Well, it’s back to some more liposuction!

Liposuction or Smartlipo™ will remove those fat pockets in the area just above your breasts, near your armpits and shoulders, and create an appealing “frame” for your breasts together with a smoother appearance in strapless tops and dresses. As an even bigger bonus, reducing the fat near your breasts will also visually enhance the shape of your breasts and make them appear more visually appealing.

As an especially great choice for women who are not yet decided about exactly what size breast implants to choose for your augmentation, you may be satisfied with a smaller cup size once you’ve added that extra firmness and visual impact with liposuction.

Want to Love Your Breast Augmentation?

Deciding to get breast augmentation surgery can be a challenging decision. To learn about your cosmetic breast surgery options in Fredericksburg, Richmond, Fairfax, and beyond, contact or call us today at (540) 371-7730.

In May 2021, Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg was honored to have been chosen as the Best Plastic Surgery Practice in the Best of Burg 2021 contest in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Drs. Heppe, Bautista, and Aflaki would like to thank everyone for their vote!

Breast Lift, Breast Implants… Maybe Both? Which Option Is Best for You to Perk up Your Look!

You might have started noticing that the appearance of your breasts is beginning to have a huge impact on your self-confidence. Perhaps you’re experiencing some sagging or are simply not in love with the size, shape, firmness, and tightness of your breasts. Because of this, you may have wondered if cosmetic breast surgery in the form of a breast augmentation or a breast lift, or both is what you need.

Breast lifts (mastopexy) and breast implants (augmentation) are cosmetic surgeries that change your breasts’ shape and size. A mastopexy helps reshape breasts that have lost their firmness or have started to sag or droop. Augmentation involves inserting breast implants on top of or below the chest muscles, making the breasts larger and more shapely. Performed together or separately, these procedures can transform your contours and improve your self-esteem.

You might be surprised to learn that, depending on your doctor’s assessment of your needs, it might be possible to have a lift and implants inserted at the same time. Some patients choose one or the other of the surgeries, or have two separate procedures with time in between for healing. Our professional staff will help you determine the best approach for you during your initial visit.

Do I Need Breast Implants?

Breast augmentation through implants is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure for women in the U.S. today. With this procedure, a saline or silicone implant is inserted into the breast, adding volume and improving the breast’s shape. The results typically last for many years.

Breast augmentation may be right for you if:

  • You want to correct breast asymmetry
  • You want to increase your breast size
  • You have lost volume in your breasts after pregnancy or weight loss

Breast augmentation is a top choice for many patients, but it isn’t right for everyone. On its own, it does not correct sagging, but it is an excellent option for increasing bust size.

Do I Need a Breast Lift?

If you have sagging, a breast lift could be the solution to restore your breasts to their youthful shape and position. This surgery removes excess skin and reshapes and reforms the breasts for a truly rejuvenated appearance. If you are experiencing saggy breasts after childbearing, you’ll be interested to learn that women often choose to have a breast lift as part of a Mommy Makeover, including a tummy tuck.

A breast lift may be right for you if:

  • You have breast sagging
  • You want to rejuvenate the breasts after pregnancy or breastfeeding

A breast lift does not increase breast size on its own but repositions breast tissue, typically similar to the way your breasts currently look when supported in a bra.

Breast Lift and Breast Implants — Do I Need Both?

Combining breast lift and breast augmentation procedures in one visit to the operating room can save you both money and reduce the amount of time spent in recovery.

Choose a breast lift with implants if:

  • You want to increase the size and correct sagging
  • You have both breast asymmetry and sagging

Love Your Breasts!

If you have breast sagging or want to increase your breast size in Northern Virginia, you may find it to be more affordable than you think. To learn about cosmetic breast surgery costs, including any special promotions, visit our fees and financing page. We take care of patients from Fredericksburg, Richmond, Fairfax, and beyond.

For a consultation regarding your breast lift or other plastic surgery procedures, call us today at (540) 371-7730 or contact us online by completing our consultation request form.

3 Ways to Choose the Best Breast Implant Size for You

Over 300,000 women in the U.S. choose breast augmentation every year. The procedure has a well-documented history of safety and satisfaction, and it appears that more women are choosing to enhance their breasts with silicone implants.

One of the most frequent questions we hear at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg is: “how do I select my ideal breast implant size?”

Here, we explain three of the best ways you can use to determine just how big or small you want your implants to be.

Find a Celebrity to Emulate

One of the best ways to visualize implants on yourself is to consider how they look on other women. Fortunately, there is no shortage of celebrities with varying implant types.

To imagine realistically, you should find celebs who have a similar body frame to yours. When it comes to the breasts, relativity is everything; a small to medium-sized implant on a larger woman may be quite large on you.

Look at height and weight to get an accurate idea of how you measure up to your ideal celebrity. These comparisons can provide a better understanding of the aesthetic you’re looking for, so be ready to discuss them with your surgeon.

Consider your Lifestyle

The number of breast augmentation surgeries has gradually increased over time, but the average size of the implants themselves has actually decreased. Trends in appearance, lifestyle choices, and other factors likely contribute to this shift.

It’s a given that almost everyone focuses on aesthetics. Many, though, do not recognize how these changes may interfere with their daily lives. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, err on the slightly smaller side. Going smaller can prevent any interferences with your workouts, comfort, and daily activities.

Overly large implants relative to your body frame can also lead to health complications – primarily in posture, shoulder health, and back health.

Do the Rice Test

The best way to see for yourself how different sized implants look on you is to do a simple at-home test.

Cut the foot portion off an old pair of pantyhose, and fill this with varying amounts of dry rice. You can then put this makeshift rice-implant into your bra and see how you like the look. Increase or decrease volume as you see fit until you find an implant size you like, and then take this with you to your consultation. This will assist your surgeon in recommending the most suitable implant.

Want to Learn More?

Deciding to get breast augmentation surgery is a significant decision. So too is choosing the size of the implant. If you follow this advice, you can avoid revision surgeries such as breast implant removal or exchange surgery.

Please contact Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg at 540 371 7730 or via our online form to arrange your consultation today. Our friendly and professional staff would be happy to meet you and let you test-drive your new implants!

Selecting the Right Implant Profile

Breast augmentations are by far the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S., with over 300,000 implant surgeries done each year. As techniques have evolved, and implant design has developed, women can now choose from an array of implants sizes and shapes that result in different breast profiles.

As the number of breast implant surgeries has increased, however, so too have the number of breast implant revision surgeries. There are many reasons why patients may change their minds about their implants; change of lifestyle, change of aesthetic goals with age and career development, or dissatisfaction with the results from the initial procedure are just a few.

To minimize the likelihood of needing revision surgery and getting complete satisfaction from your breast augmentation treatment, patients must choose an appropriate breast implant to begin with. A critical component of this process is selecting the correct “profile.”

What is Breast Implant Profile?

Essentially, the profile of an implant is the height or depth of the implant. The higher the profile, the more volume the implant has. The implant’s profile determines how much the implant causes the breasts to stick out from the chest; the higher the profile, the more augmented the breasts appear.

To use an extreme example, in her Baywatch heyday, Pamela Anderson had implants with a particularly large profile. Her breasts were obviously augmented, and this aesthetic had been popular during the ’90s and early 2000s.

Increasingly, however, women are turning away from high-profile, larger volume implants and moving towards lower-profile implants that provide more structure to the breasts as opposed to obvious size.

The Differences Between High and Low Profile Implants

High profile implants provide a thoroughly buxom aesthetic, causing the breasts to protrude off of the chest significantly. They can also positively benefit nipple position, moving it into a higher, more forward spot.

However, complications are more likely to arise with higher implant profiles. Many petite women who have chosen high profile implants have gone on to experience shoulder, back, and postural problems caused by the disproportionate weight of the implants relative to their natural frame.

On the other hand, lower profile implants cause the breasts to sit higher on the chest in a firm, supple position while providing subtle shape and structure.

This aesthetic aligns much more with a fit appearance, which is why plastic surgeons are noticing a trend towards smaller breast implants. These options better reflect the increasingly active lifestyles of women around America.

Implants with a lower profile provide stunning aesthetic results, which are more subtle than higher profile implants. In some cases, patients opt for a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation, which often provides an incredibly satisfying, youthful aesthetic to the breasts, with firm, youthful positioning high on the chest, with nipples and areolas proudly facing forward.

The choice is ultimately up to you, so you should do everything you can to give your surgeon the best idea of what you want.

The Rice Test

One handy technique to help visualize your breast implants is the rice test, which offers a great way to test drive your implants before surgery.

To get started, cut off the foot part of old pantyhose, fill it with rice, tie it off, and place it in your bra to see how it changes the aesthetic of your breasts. Changing the amount of rice and the shape of your “rice bag” can really help give you a clear idea of what you want your breast implants to look like. You can then take your pantyhose-rice-implant to your surgeon to help them visualize the correct implant size and profile for you.

The critical thing to know, going into any breast augmentation surgery is to be clear on the results you want. We suggest you be ready to discuss this thoroughly with your surgeon and do your own research.

Get Started Today!

The expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg have decades of experience recommending implant profiles. We invite you to call 540 371 7730 or arrange a virtual consultation now to begin your implant selection process today!

Can I Change My Breast Implant Size?

Breast augmentation with breast implants is by far the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the U.S., with over 300,000 surgeries done annually.

Interestingly, an emerging trend in the cosmetic and beauty industry has been the increased number of breast implant exchanges and removals, with approximately 30,000 women opting to change their implants in 2019.

There are several reasons which may lead women to consider changing the sizes of their implants. Fortunately, with a trained, certified, and experienced surgeon, changing breast implant sizes is a highly successful and highly satisfying procedure for many patients.

Here, the expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg offer their industry-leading insight into how implant sizes can be changed and ways to ensure you are content with the results from your revision surgery.

Why Do Women Consider Changing Implant Sizes?

As time moves on, most things in life change. From physical appearance, body shape, personal preferences, career goals, and lifestyles, things may now not be what they once were.

For many women, losing or gaining weight can be a significant factor compelling them to reconsider the size of their breast implants. Others, who once desired a buxom, Pamela Anderson look, may now enjoy a more active lifestyle, which involves rigorous exercise that can be hampered by overly large breasts.

For whatever the reason compelling you to consider changing the sizes of your implants, know that the procedure will differ depending on whether you desire bigger or smaller.

Smaller Breast Implants

For women wanting smaller breasts, there are three options – exchange for a smaller implant size, fat transfer, or removal of the breast implant entirely. This is achieved via breast revision surgery, in which the surgeon reopens the initial implant incision, through which to exchange or remove the implants. This minimizes scarring. While this reduces the size of the breasts, going smaller can have other aesthetic implications such as breasts appearing deflated.

In many cases, surgeons often offer breast reduction in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries. Procedures like fat transfer can provide the added shape to your breasts that you may need after a breast reduction.

Breast lifts are another procedure that can restore breast shape and volume after a reduction and can position the breast higher on the chest in an appealing, youthful manner. Some women with naturally large breasts also benefit significantly from breast reduction surgery.

Larger Breast Implants

The case for most breast revision surgeries is that women went too small initially and wish to get larger implants.

Similar to going smaller, the surgeon will reopen the first incisions and insert new, larger implants into the breast pocket. This procedure is more complicated than the initial breast augmentation due to scar tissue formation and capsulation. The surgeon must be incredibly precise and artistic with the operation to ensure the correct position of the new, larger implant and minimize scarring.

Although changing your breast implant size can be an inconvenience, women who are unhappy with their initial implants are always glad that they made the decision to have them corrected. As you consider changing the size of your implants, consider a virtual consultation with the expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg to have any questions answered. Alternatively, book your appointment by calling 540 371 7730 or by filling out our  online form.

What Do Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal?

Breast implant removal is an increasingly common procedure in the United States. With over 30,000 women opting for the operation in 2019, there was a 6% rise in the number of treatments since 2018.

Lifestyle changes, medical complications, and personal preferences are the main reasons driving this trend.

Implant removal surgery is a simple procedure in which your surgeon looks to extract your implant through the existing incision. Generally taking between 30 minutes to an hour, this procedure is usually straightforward, unless there are other complications. Although many patients opt for this surgery, you should know that it does not necessarily resolve all issues. We regularly recommend that patients consider fat transfer with liposuction or breast lift surgery after their implant removal, which we will explain below in more detail.

Despite the increase in breast implant removal surgeries, many women considering the operation rightfully ask what their breasts will look like after they have their implants taken out. Here, Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg discusses the factors compelling breast implant removal, what breasts will look like after the procedure, and what you can do to restore breasts that you can be proud of.

Why Are More Women Choosing Breast Implant Removal?

In our experience, we have found that the most common personal reasons for breast implant removal are:  

  • Enjoying a more active lifestyle, which can be hampered by implants.
  • A shift in aesthetic ideals, with women pursuing a trimmer, more athletic physique.

For other women, the aesthetics of the original implants can encourage them to consider implant removal:

  • One problem with implants is that if they are done poorly, do not heal correctly, or if there is an incident, the implant can become dislodged. This can lead to an irregular, unbalanced look between the two breasts.
  • If the patient gains or loses significant amounts of weight, the appearance of the breasts with the implants relative to the body shape will change drastically.

For some, medical complications with the initial procedure can lead to essential modification of the implants:

  • Concerns with pain or illness, sometimes referred to as breast implant illness, have not been proven but can potentially be associated with the implants.
  • Capsular contracture, the hardening and thickening of the scar tissue surrounding the implant, is often painful.

What Do Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal?

No breasts look identical after implant removal, as there are many influencing factors. 

Depending on the size of the original implants, bodily changes, and how long the implants have been in, breasts can appear to lack volume once implants have been taken out.

Of course, this is to be expected. Implants add extra weight to the skin connecting the breasts to the chest, and as such, stretch the skin. They also fill out the area with more volume, so once they are removed, the absence of material can lead to a deflated look.

Luckily, there are increasingly effective cosmetic procedures that aim to reverse these issues. If you do have a reason for implant removal surgery, be it medical or aesthetic, we can assist with implant removal. Furthermore, our skilled plastic surgeons provide great options to restore a more supple, youthful, and well-positioned appearance to post-implant removal breasts. 

What Procedures Can Improve the Appearance of Breasts After Implant Removal?

As discussed, breasts may appear deflated after implant removal. For this reason, we offer cosmetic techniques that aim to reverse these effects. These methods seek to restore a more natural look by clearing out excess skin from the breast, repositioning the nipple higher on the chest, and reviving volume and shape without increasing the size of the breast.

The breast lift is one of the most common surgeries performed in conjunction with breast implant removal. The surgeon removes skin from predetermined areas of the breast, which tightens the breasts and positions them in a higher location on the chest. Breast lift surgery can provide your breasts with a tighter, more youthful appearance.

Another option that we highly recommend is fat transfer. In this technique, we will use liposuction to take fat from another part of your body and insert it into your breasts. While this option may not look as full as before, it can add volume and shape to your post-implant breasts.

Breast Implant Removal in Fredericksburg, VA

Depending on your reasons for considering breast implant removal surgery, and how your body has changed, your breasts will appear less full and stretched after the procedure. With corrective surgeries, such as breast lift and fat transfer, the expert team at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg wants to reassure you that even after removal, there are options that can help restore a younger and more natural appearance. Contact us at 540-371-7730 or fill out our online form to discuss your surgery with us today.

How to Determine the Right Breast Implant Size for Your Figure

With more than 300,000 women reshaping their bust every year, breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S.

However, breast implant revision surgeries are also on the rise. Over half of these breast augmentation revision surgeries are performed because women initially choose the wrong size implant, and consequently need to get the implant size changed.  

For this reason, it is crucial to choose the right breast implant size when you first get your breast augmentation. By getting your size right the first time, you will avoid unnecessary revision surgery and complications later on.

There are numerous factors you need to consider when deciding the right breast implant size for you. Here, our surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg outline which factors to take into consideration, and how you can estimate the correct size implant for yourself

Measuring Breast Implant Size

Brassiere cup sizes are unreliable measurements of actual breast size. As such, breast implants are not measured in cup size – they are measured in cubic centimeters (CC’s).

This is because brassier cup volume differs between countries and bra manufacturers – a B cup from one manufacturer may be a different size than a B cup from a separate manufacturer. For this reason, plastic surgeons use the precise and universal measurement of volume to standardize measuring the size of breast implants in cubic centimeters.   

Breast implant sizes vary greatly, anywhere from 120 ccs to 850 ccs. The size of the implants you should choose depends on a variety of factors.

Bigger Is Not Necessarily Better

Breast implant surgery is a highly personalized process. In the end, the decision is up to you about the size of your implants, but you should carefully consider these factors:

  • your desired aesthetic result
  • natural amount of breast tissue
  • height, weight, chest, breast and shoulder dimensions
  • skin elasticity
  • lifestyle

For pleasing aesthetic results, many women are beginning to choose more moderately sized implants that give a full, perky profile without being overly large.   

Choosing breast implants that are too large often leads to complications such as the implants becoming displaced or your skin sagging, and in some cases, breast implant revision surgery.

Breast implants that are too large for your frame can also increase the chance that you will experience back and neck pain. They may also lead to postural issues, so the size of implant you choose must be proportional to your frame and musculature.

Visualizing Breast Implant Sizes

Two easy, at-home tests that are very effective in helping you visualize the actual sizes of different breast implants are the rice test, and the water test.

Both tests work because 1ml of rice or water equals 1 CC.

To perform the rice test: 

1. Measure out 200 ml of rice

2. Cut out a section of some old pantyhose

3. Tie a knot in one end and fill the pantyhose with the rice 

4. Tie off the top end.

This shows you the size of a 200 CC breast implant.

You can manipulate the shape and profile of your jerry-rigged implant, and varying the amount of rice will help you see the difference in breast implant sizes.

The water test is very similar; only you use a balloon with different volumes of water to help visualize the different implant sizes.

Try wearing larger brassieres with different items of clothing and placing your home-made implants into the bra cup to get an idea of how you look and feel with various implant sizes.

Remember that you also need to consider the profile and shape of your implants. This is best done with an on-site consultation so you can see and ‘try’ the different implant shapes and sizes which are available to you.

Deciding on the size of your breast implants takes a lot of consideration. If you’re thinking about breast augmentation surgery in Fredericksburg and whether or not it’s right for you, Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg can help.

In a one-on-one consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeons will consider your specific circumstances, your physique, lifestyle, and desired results and recommend the best implant sizes for you. 

To book your appointment, please don’t hesitate to call 540 371 7730 or fill out our online form. We look forward to hearing from you.

How Should I Prepare for my Breast Augmentation consultation?

“Your body is a temple, but only if you treat it as one.” This beautiful quote by author and psychologist Astrid Alauda revisits a popular view of our bodies. Our body is indeed a temple, a sacred place of worship, but like all holy places, we must respect, honor, and love it. 

Cultures the world over offer homage to sacred places in hundreds of different ways. Gifts and offerings have venerated goddesses from Aphrodite to Kama for centuries. Your choice to meet our team at Plastic Surgeries of Fredericksburg for your breast augmentation consultation is an expression of your well-deserved self- respect, self-love, and self-worship.

To continue your passage of honoring and gifting your body, we at Plastic Surgeries of Fredericksburg would like to offer you some guidance. It is essential that you understand and properly consider all aspects of your breast augmentation surgery. With this in mind, allow us to offer you some material for your consideration so you can adequately prepare for your visit with us.

You should ask yourself the following questions before your consultation, as our surgeons will want to discuss these topics with you;

1)     Why do you want to undertake a breast augmentation? Despite the growing popularity of these procedures in America, breast augmentation surgery is still surgery. When opting for any procedure on your body, your reasoning and motivation must be clear. Whether you want to look better in your skin or recover the appearance of your breasts after pregnancy, clarity, and honesty for your motivation behind the surgery is essential.

 2)     How do you expect to look after the procedure? So that we can offer you the best advice, you need to be clear with yourself and us what you want out of the procedure. Perhaps you want more symmetry between your breasts or to increase your bust appearance? First determining this with yourself helps you explain what you want to us. 

 3)     What is your current relationship with medication, tobacco, alcohol, supplements, and drugs? The customers who enjoy the best results from breast augmentation are healthy individuals who enjoy life in moderation. If you already treat your body with fairness, care, and respect, you are well on the way to being a standout candidate for breast augmentation.

 4)     When have you undergone any other medical treatments or faced any medical conditions? By understanding your entire medical and clinical history, our surgeons can accurately advise you on anesthesia, post-op medication, and what your procedure and recovery will look like. The more information you can provide during your consultation, the better. 

Once you have honestly answered these questions with yourself, it is time to start considering questions you may have for us! Your consultation with us at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg is your chance to get to know your surgeon and clarify any uncertainties about your procedure. 

The following is a good list of questions for you to pose to any of our staff, and particularly the surgeon who will be performing your procedure.

  • Are you an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeon?
  • Did you specifically train in the discipline of plastic surgery?
  • How many years of training and practice have you had?
  • Where will my breast augmentation surgery be performed?
  • According to my body, what incision site, shape, size, and placement do you recommend?
  • How long after the procedure will it be before I can resume my regular routine?
  • What are the potential risks associated with my breast augmentation, and how will you handle any complications?
  • Will I need subsequent implant-related surgeries?
  • How will the appearance of my breast change over time and after pregnancy and breastfeeding?
  • Will my ability to breastfeed be affected?
  • What can I do if I am unsatisfied with the outcome of my procedure?

Do you have a portfolio of before-and-after photos or past patient commendations I can look at to see your previous work?

By entirely understanding all components of your breast augmentation surgery, you fully equip yourself for a satisfying, confidence-building, rewarding gift to yourself. Remember, nerves are perfectly normal, and our team looks forward to discussing any feelings you have about your procedure in your consultation.  

Reach out to us at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg via phone call or by filling in our online form if you have any unanswered queries about booking a consultation with us.  

Can Breast Reduction Benefit Your Health?

It is no secret that a woman’s breasts are one of the most sexualized features of the female body, with cup size being the main contributor. The pursuit of bigger and more voluptuous breasts has been the main driving force for breast augmentation, leading it to be one of the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures the world over.

However, not all women are happy with having large, heavy breasts leaving them to seriously consider undergoing breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty). Carrying several extra pounds on a daily basis can take a toll over time leading to the development of pain, discomfort, and an overall decreased quality of life. 

The Negative Impact of Having Large Breasts

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to remove excess tissue, fat, and skin of the breasts, helping to reshape and reduce their overall size and weight. It has been a popular option for women suffering from macromastia, or excessively large breasts, becoming increasingly more common in recent times.  

While those small to modest breast sizes often desire a larger cup size, their negative impact on a woman’s life is often underappreciated. Large breasts are generally associated with the development of several unwanted physical symptoms, such as neck, shoulder and back pain. This is thought to be due to changes in the center of gravity leading to prolonged bending postures and continued tension on the middle and lower fibers of the trapezius muscle and associated muscles groups1. 

 Additional unwanted symptoms of large breasts include:

  • The production of tender, potentially permanent, grooves overlying the shoulder area (over the trapezius near its insertion site on the acromion) caused by the need for study support bras 
  • Friction rash development in the areas where the breast and chest meet
  • Emotional stress caused by chronic pain 
  • Impaired ability to live an active lifestyle 
  • Sleeping and breathing difficulties
  • Nerve pain 

Resulting pain caused by having large breasts often lead to the continued use of pain relievers, which can have their own negative effects on the stomach, liver, and kidneys if consumed in excess over long periods of time2.  

Reshape Your Breasts

Women with large breasts may simply be dissatisfied with the shape, size, and firmness of their breasts, becoming self-conscious due to a perceived asymmetry. This can be emphasized by difficulties fitting into bras and clothing.  A breast reduction will often include a breast lift (mastopexy) that will help women achieve a more appropriate breast size, raise sagging or drooping breasts, and can elevate the nipple to better suit to their body type. 

Breast reduction surgery is considered an outpatient procedure, with most patients going home that very day. The procedure itself takes approximately three hours to complete with most patients returning to normal activity in a week with full recovery in about six weeks. 

Taking Charge of Your Own Wellbeing

Many women who are considering breast reduction surgery often face a lot of cultural backlash. They are told to they should feel lucky to be blessed with such attributes or that they may regret it after getting the procedure. But these other people simply don’t know the truth about how living with very large breasts can affect everyday life. 

Breast reduction surgery can be liberating for women, allowing them to feel more comfortable; positively impact their lives. The elimination of pain symptoms alone is the sole reason many women undergo the procedure, making breast reduction surgery to be consistently reported as one of the highest rated in satisfaction among all cosmetic procedures3.

If you suffer from undue pain caused by large breasts, speak to the highly trained and experienced plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. Their knowledge and expertise in regard to cosmetic surgical procedures are second to none and they are more than happy to guide you through every step of the way. 

 

To schedule a personalized consultation, call the Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg at (540) 371-7730 today!

 

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3322448/ 
  2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-you-taking-too-much-anti-inflammatory-medication-2018040213540
  3. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/01/1402022/0/en/New-Statistics-Reveal-the-Shape-of-Plastic-Surgery.html

Breast Feeding After Breast Augmentation

mother with infant and breastfeeding bottle

Many women are interested in breast augmentation surgery. It is a popular choice since many women are interested in trying to bring back their appearance before getting pregnant. Often, women choose an augmentation in conjunction with other procedures, like a tummy tuck. Many wonder if they are able to breastfeed after augmentation. The good news is the vast majority of women will be able to do so, but risks can pop up depending on the type of augmentation. Here is what you need to know about breast augmentation and the different circumstances when it comes to breastfeeding.

The Basics Of Breast Augmentation

There are two different types of breast implants. Saline implants are plastic shells that are filled with a sterilized salt water solution. The process for saline implants leaves a relatively small incision and often results in little scarring. Silicone implants are shells filled with silicone. Many women say they feel more natural, but they do require a longer incision to be inserted. Most plastic surgeons prefer round implants because they are easier to implement and have less of a chance of leading to problems. Teardrop implants have a more natural shape but might need to be realigned or rotated since there is a small chance of them shifting. These types of implants are often popular for women post-pregnancy who are looking to breastfeed.

What To Expect With Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that usually lasts for one to two hours. An incision will be made so the implant can be placed into a small pocket near the pectoral muscle and breast tissue. The incision will then be closed with sutures. Most women are able to return to normal activities in just a couple days after an augmentation. There is a chance of swelling and bruising near the incision area as part of the healing process. Most surgeons recommend massaging the breast until about three months after the procedure to keep the soft tissue pocket open. This gives the implant space to move and should prevent any shrinkage that could push the implant out of shape. Capsular contraction is only able to be prevented by massaging the breast.

Can I Breastfeed After An Augmentation?

 Most women are able to breastfeed with implants, but success will hinge on how and why the augmentation was done. If the incisions were made across the areole or nipples, breastfeeding might not be possible if the milk ducts and nerves were cut. Most surgeons work to make incisions under the breasts or near the armpits to avoid the milk ducts so you will still have feeling in your nipples.

The ‘Why’ Of Breast Augmentation Is Also Important

If you chose to have a breast augmentation just for cosmetic reasons, you will probably have no issues with breastfeeding. Women who received implants because of poor breast tissue development or due to asymmetry might have some issues. Most women are not aware they might have a natural lack of breast tissue, but this could mean you do not have the inherit ability to product milk due to a lack of glandular tissue.

Your Consultation With Plastic Surgery Services Of Fredericksburg

Breast augmentation is a popular surgery, which means any licensed doctor can perform one even without any sort of specialized training. At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, we are professional and well-qualified plastic surgeons who can perform breast augmentations that will still allow you to breastfeed. Schedule a consultation with our team today if you are interested in a breast augmentation. We look forward to working with you!

Contact us today or call 540-371-7730