Breast Augmentation in Tampa

Breast augmentation is one of the most common Tampa plastic surgery procedures. The augmentation is accomplished by inserting an implant to increase breast volume and fullness. This results in an aesthetic change to the overall appearance of the breast and can also help to restore volume and fullness lost as a result of pregnancy or weight loss. The most common types of implants are saline and silicone. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. The implant is placed in a surgically created pocket of the breast and filled to achieve the desired outcome. This type of implant allows the implant to be filled as needed in order to achieve the desired size and can help correct any possible asymmetry. Silicone implants are prefilled with a silicone gel, which results in fuller breasts that look and feel natural. Since these implants are prefilled, we will be unable to correct a slight asymmetry. Placement of the implant is another component of the surgery. The incision is made typically around the areola, which allows for minimal visible scarring and the cleavage you desire. An implant can be placed behind the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue. The best option for you will be determined by the doctor.

Are You a Breast Augmentation Candidate?

Typically, patients over the age of 18 years of age are candidates for breast augmentation surgery and eligibility is determined based upon a physical examination and your health history. If you are over the age of 40, a mammogram is required if a recent one is not available. If you are interested in learning more or consulting with Dr. Harrell, a board certified plastic surgeon in Tampa FL, please complete the following form. More information on breast implants in included below.

Tampa Breast Augmentation Consultation

When you arrive at the Fountain of Youth Institute ® , you will be greeted by our expert, warm and caring staff who will answer your preliminary questions. Dr. Harrell will discuss your specific areas of concern and develop a treatment plan that will achieve your desired results safely and at the best value. You will also be able to see before and after photos of actual patients who have had breast augmentation surgery. Be sure to ask any questions about the procedure, recovery period and to address any concerns you might have. The following information can assist in educating you on the process, what to expect and how to make the best decision for you.

The first step: Choose a surgeon you can trust Plastic surgery involves making a series of decisions with the first and most important being the selection of surgeon you can trust. A doctor being board certified is a good indication of his or her background and training. You can request a doctor’s certification credentials from the American Board of Plastic Surgery ASBS, the only one of the 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). They are charged with certifying physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. To become ABPS board-certified, a doctor must meet these rigorous standards: • Graduate from an accredited medical school • Complete at least five years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of two years of plastic surgery residency training • Pass comprehensive oral and written exams American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPA) and American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) Members must: • Be certified by the ABPS or in Canada by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada • Complete continuing medical education including patient safety each year • Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities

Enhancing appearance with breast augmentation

If you are not happy with your current breast size, augmentation surgery is an alternative worth considering. Breast augmentation can: • Increase the fullness while protecting your breasts • Improve the balance of your figure • Enhance your self-image and self-confidence Also known as an augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure involves using implants to fulfill your desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. Additionally, implants can be used for breast reconstruction following either a mastectomy or injury.

What a breast augmentation won’t provide Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you wish your sagging breasts to be lifted and to look fuller, you will need to consider having a breast lift in conjunction with your breast augmentation. These surgeries can be performed simultaneously or may require separate operations depending on your condition. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will assist you with deciding on the best approach.

Is it right for me? Having a breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure and you need to be comfortable that you want it for yourself and not because someone else wants you to have it or to fulfill an ideal image of what you think you will look like. Breast augmentation may be a good option for you if: · You are in good health · You have realistic expectations · Your breasts are fully developed · You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small · You are not happy that your breasts have lost shape and volume because of age or after pregnancy or weight loss · Your breasts vary in size and shape · One or both breasts failed to develop normally.

What you can expect during your consultation The success and safety of your breast augmentation procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. Your plastic surgeon will ask you a number of questions not only about your health, but also your desires and lifestyle.

Be prepared to discuss: · Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcomes · Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments · Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs · Previous surgeries · Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies.

Your Surgeon may also: · Evaluate the general status of your health, risk factors and any pre-existing health conditions · Examine your breasts, take detailed measurements including the placement of your nipples, as well as their size and shape · Take photographs for your medical record · Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment · Discuss likely outcomes of breast augmentation and any risks or potential complications · Discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast augmentation.

Preparing for surgery Prior to surgery, you may be asked to: · Get lab testing or a medical evaluation · Take certain medications or adjust your current medications · Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue · Stop smoking well in advance of surgery · Because they can increase bleeding, you will need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements Special instructions you’ll receive will include: · What to do on the day of surgery · Post operative care and follow up · Breast implant registry documents (when necessary) Your plastic surgeon will also discuss where your procedure will be performed. Your surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, a hospital or outpatient ambulatory surgical center.

You’ll need help You will require someone to drive you to and from your breast augmentation surgery if it is performed on an outpatient basis and ensure that someone stays with you for at least the first night following your surgery.

Breast Augmentation Tampa – Procedure Steps:

Step 1 – Anesthesia Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the best option for you.

Step 2 – The incision To minimize visible scarring from the surgery, your incisions will be made in inconspicuous areas. You and your plastic surgeon will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incision options include: · Inframammary incision (bottom of breast) · Transaxillary incision (armpit) · Periareolar incision (under nipples) Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy and patient-surgeon preference.

Step 3 – Implant choice Breast shape and size are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when talking with your surgeon. While your desired increase in size is important, the implant type and size will be determined by your body type, breast anatomy and skin elasticity. Breast Implant Options Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. Silicone implants are filled with an elastic gel that moves and feels much like natural breast tissue. In the event that the implant leaks, the gel will either remain in the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket. A silicone gel filled implant may not collapse if it leaks. To ensure that your silicone implants are properly functioning, you may need to schedule regular visits to your plastic surgeon. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of the breast implants. Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, so there may be additional options available. Additional Information Current Saline implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older. Currently, Silicone implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 22 years of age and older. If required for reconstructive purposes, both saline and silicone implants may be recommended at a younger age. See www.breastimplantsafety.org for current information.

Step 4 – Inserting and placing the implant After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either: A. Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or B. Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/subglandular placement) The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type and your surgeon’s recommendations.

Step 5 – Closing the incisions Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissues and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin.Over time the incision lines will fade.

Step 6 – See the results The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for fuller breasts. Important facts pertaining to the safety and risks of breast augmentation The decision to have a breast augmentation is very personal and you’ll have to decide if the derived benefits will match your goals compared to the potential risks and complications. Your plastic surgeon or a member of his or her staff will explain the associated breast augmentation surgical risks. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The risks include: · Unfavorable scarring · Bleeding (hematoma) · Infection · Poor healing of incisions · Changes in nipple or breast sensation, may be temporary or permanent · Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant · Implant leakage or rupture · Wrinkling of the skin over the implant · Anesthesia risks · Fluid accumulation · Blood clots · Pain, which may persist · Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications · Possibility of revisional surgery Breast implants do not impair breast health. Careful review of scientific research conducted by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine has found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or systemic diseases.

Other important considerations: Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants. Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime.

Breast Augmentation Tampa Recovery” After a post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Your plastic surgeon will advise you as to when you can resume exercise and normal activity. Over time, post surgical swelling will decrease and incision lines will fade.You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period. · Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete? · What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery? · Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed? · Are stitches removed? When? · When can I resume normal activity and exercise? · When do I return for follow up care?

When you go home If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although you will expect good results from your breast augmentation surgery, no guarantee can be provided. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Be careful Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

The results will be long-lasting The results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. You will find it easier to wear certain styles of clothing and swim wear. Like many women who have had breast augmentation, you may also have a boost in self confidence.

Implants may need to be replaced or revised It is important to know that your breast implants are not permanent and may require replacement during your lifetime. It is advisable that you plan to have future visits with your plastic surgeon to discuss potential changes in your breasts. Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. After several years, if you become unhappy with your breast’s appearance, you may choost to have either breast lift surgery or exchange your implants to restore a more youthful contour.Continue to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow up visits as scheduled.

What is the cost of breast augmentation surgery? Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. The cost of your surgery will vary based upon what will deliver the results that you desire safely and at the best value. Ensure that you inquire about the financial plans and options available from your plastic surgeon.

Cost may include: · Surgeon’s fee · Hospital or surgical facility costs · Anesthesia fees · Implant cost · Prescriptions for medication · Post-surgery garments, and · Medical tests Most health insurance plans will not cover cosmetic breast augmentation surgery, related complications or another surgery to revise the appearance of your breasts. Some carriers even exclude breast diseases in patients who have breast implants. You should carefully review your health insurance policy.

Your satisfaction involves more than a fee When choosing a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation, remember that the surgeon’s experience with breast implants and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery. Contact us today to schedule your breast augmentation consultation.

Breast Augmentation Terminology:

Areola: Pigmented skin surrounding the nipple

Augmentation mammaplasty: Breast enlargement by surgery

Breast Augmentation: Also known as augmentation mammaplasty. Breast enlargement by surgery

Breast Implants: Medical devices placed in your body to enhance an existing breast size or to reconstruct your breast. Breast implants can be filled with either salt water (saline) or silicone (elastic gel).

Capsular contracture: A complication of breast implant surgery which occurs when scar tissue that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant and becomes firm.

General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.

Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.

Inframammary incision: An incision made in the fold under the breast.

Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.

Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.

Mammogram: An x-ray image of the breast.

Mastectomy: The removal of breast tissue, typically to rid the body of cancer.

MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging; a painless test to view tissue similar to an x-ray.

Periareolar incision: An incision made at the edge of the areola.

Saline implants: Breast implants filled with salt water.

Silicone implants: Breast implants filled with an elastic gel.

Submuscular or subglandular placement: Breast implants placed directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle.

Submuscular or subpectoral placement: Breast implants placed under the pectoral muscle, which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall.

Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.

Transaxillary incision: An incision made in the underarm area.

Ultrasound: A diagnostic procedure that projects high frequency sound waves into the body and records the echoes as pictures.

The Fountain of Youth Institute hopes that you have found this information educational and that you will contact us to schedule your Tampa breast augmentation consultation today. Remember, do not trust your body to just any plastic surgeon. If you are seeking Plastic Surgery in Tampa, you should visit the Fountain of Youth Institute to ensure that you are provided with the correct evaluation according to your expectations and desired outcomes.