Breast Enhancement
Breast augmentation increases breast size and provides fuller, more shapely breasts using either Saline or Memory Gel implants.View Our Breast Enhancement Gallery
What happens at my breast augmentation consultation?
At your breast augmentation consultation, you will meet with Dr. deLeeuw or Dr. Lonergan to discuss your concerns. The doctor will examine your breasts and take some specific measurements of your breasts to assist in selecting implant size. You will have an opportunity to view before and after photos of some of Dr. deLeeuw's other breast augmentation patients and meet with Dawn or Marietta, our patient care coordinators, who will assist you with financing and scheduling.
Why should I expect such a quick recovery?
Our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons use a specific technique to maximize healing time and keep you comfortable after breast augmentation. You should expect to go home from your procedure with small, clear adhesive dressings over your incisions and wearing a regular bra. Most of our breast augmentation and breast lift patients are able to have their procedure on a Friday and return to work on Monday.
Are breast implants placed above or below the muscle?
Generally, the implants are placed underneath the muscle (submuscular) rather than immediately underneath the breast tissue (subglandular). This provides more coverage over the implant and makes it less likely that you will see or feel the borders of the implant, thus creating a more natural, softer feeling breast.
Are Saline or Silicone breast implants better?
Saline and silicone gel breast implants each have advantages. The new silicone gel implants or Memory Gel implants, feel softer than saline implants. Memory Gel implants are generally the best choice for patients with very little breast tissue and subcutaneous fat. Saline implants have been used for many years and hundreds of thousands of women have had saline implants with excellent results. If a woman has a little bit of subcutaneous tissue and some breast tissue, there usually is very little difference in the result between saline and silicone gel breast implants.
What are saline breast implants filled with?
Implants are inflated after they are inserted into the body and are filled with sterile salt water (saline). The saline is transferred from the sterile bag into the implant through a special "closed tubing system" to ensure complete sterility. These implants have been approved for use by the FDA.
Can I still get a mammogram?
Patients are encouraged to continue to do routine monthly breast self-exams and receive routine mammogram's, just as they did prior to getting implants.
Where are the incisions placed?
Breast implants can be placed through one of four incisions: in the crease under the breast, through the areola (at the border of the colored part around the nipple), through the armpit, or through the belly button. During your personal consultation, we will recommend the approach that will give you the most natural result.
How do I select my breast implant size?
You will select your breast implant size at your preop appointment, a few weeks prior to your procedure. Based on the measurements taken at your consultation, along with what you tell us you'd like to achieve, we will help you select your implant size. You will have the opportunity to try on various size breast implants. We will assist you in placing the sizers in a bra (which we provide), and you'll look in the mirror to get an idea of how you'll look with a particular breast implant size. You should bring a form fitted shirt to this appointment as you'll want to try your shirt on with the implants in your bra.
How long does breast augmentation surgery take?
Breast augmentation surgery takes approximately 1-2 hours and is generally performed in our fully accredited on site surgical suite under general anesthesia. In some instances the procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. A breast lift with or without implants will take 2 -3 hours. After surgery, you will have a small paper tape and a clear adhesive dressing over your incisions and a good support bra.
What can I expect after surgery?
You should expect only minimal discomfort after your breast implant procedure. Most patients are pleasantly surprised at the minimal discomfort they experience. You should expect to be able to return to driving, work, most regular activities after just a weekend recovery. You will not have any bandages except the small tapes over your incisions and will wear a regular support bra home from the office and for the first week following surgery.
Can a breast lift be done at the same time as breast augmentation?
A breast lift can be performed alone or in conjunction with a breast augmentation. A breast lift repositions sagging breast tissue into the upper portion of the breast and lifts the nipple and areolar complex. The nipple and areola remains attached to the breast throughout the procedure. If indicated, the size of the areola (the colored part around the nipple) is reduced. If only a small degree of lift is needed, the incision used to lift the breast can be limited to just around the areola. If more lift is needed, the incision around the areola will be extended straight down in the shape of a lollipop. In most cases, an incision is not needed in the crease under the breast.
Does Dr. deLeeuw perform the T.U.B.A. procedure?
Dr. deLeeuw does perform Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation (T.U.B.A.). This procedure eliminates any scars on the breast by inserting the implants through a small incision in the bellybutton.
The same "before" and "after" results may not occur for all patients