Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation Is an Upgrade to Your Whole Appearance

Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. Many women consider Breast Augmentation to give their beauty a boost! Your wardrobe and your workout routine will take you far, but only so far. Belza Plastic Surgery will empower you to make a significant improvement in your appearance. 

Dr. Anna I. Wooten founded Belza Plastic Surgery to bring the world’s best aesthetic services to the beautiful people of Pittsburgh. Contact us to begin your transformation into the most beautiful version of you. Call 724-759-7777 (in Sewickley, PA) or 412-877-9388 (in Pittsburgh, PA) to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Anna Wooten has invested in a secure, HIPPA-compliant platform in order to offer 3D Virtual Surgical Consultations at Beleza.   

About

For women of all ages—and most body types—who are seeking an enhanced bust, breast augmentation can be an effective solution. When performed by a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Anna I. Wooten, it is also a safe procedure, with a rapid recovery. Here at Beleza, Dr. Wooten’s protocols and expertise deliver a smooth experience and beautiful results to our Pittsburgh-area breast augmentation patients. 

See all the ways that Beleza can enhance your life by reading our blog regularly!  

Breast Implant Before & Afters

One Beleza Patient tells her story *

Types of Breast Implants

All breast implants consist of silicone shells filled with either a saltwater solution known as saline or a silicone gel.^[1] Beleza Plastic Surgery uses only implants from Allergan, Mentor, or Sientra, the three breast implant manufacturers approved by the FDA.

Saline

Saline implants are a popular option for women undergoing breast augmentation. So, what is saline? Saline refers to a sterile salt water solution inside the silicone shells (elastomers) of the implants. Essentially, the size of your breasts will depend on the amount of saline inside the implant. Because saline is a liquid filler, Dr. Wooten can insert your implant shells first. She then fills them, after they have already been positioned. Ultimately, this method will result in a smaller scar. We should also note that your body is able to absorb saline solution harmlessly in the event of a leak or rupture.

Silicone

Silicone is widely used and deemed completely safe. In fact, breast augmentation patients with a smaller bust often prefer silicone implants. This is because silicone can seem softer and more natural to touch. Unlike saline implants, silicone gel implants come pre-filled by the manufacturer. The type of implant that is best for you depends on factors such as your desired cosmetic result, lifestyle, anatomy, current breast size and personal preference.

Anatomical Implants

Anatomical implants fall under the category of silicone implants. Because anatomical, or “teardrop,” implants mimic the natural slope of a woman’s breast, breast augmentation candidates who have small breasts may be interested in anatomically shaped breast implants. The shape of the anatomical breast implant allows women without much existing breast tissue to achieve a natural and tapered breast slope.

Your Private Consultation at Beleza Plastic Surgery

Dr. Wooten warmly welcomes you to Beleza Plastic Surgery. She is a compassionate and accomplished doctor who completed her plastic surgery residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Department of Plastic Surgery, one of the top plastic surgery training programs in the United States. Today, it is her mission to guide her patients on their own journeys to fulfill their dreams.

Find out more about Breast Augmentation surgery by scheduling a consultation. During your appointment, you’ll encounter a number of options and choices. With Dr. Wooten’s guidance, you will select the type and size of your breast implant.

Placement

The location of the incision shall determine the course of your procedure. Dr. Wooten will determine your incision pattern based on the patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals. 

Subglandular

During your private consultation, we will decide on implant placement. Both silicone and saline implants can be placed in a pocket either above or below the pectoral muscle. Placing them above the muscle, in a subglandular position, typically results in less discomfort following the procedure. This is because the implant only displaces only a small amount of surface tissue.

Submuscular

Many patients and surgeons feel that placement below the muscle achieves a more aesthetically pleasing result. This is also known as submuscular placement. Submuscular placement hides tiny imperfections like ripples or exposed edges.^[2] However, this method can cause more discomfort during breast augmentation recovery.

Split-Muscle Technique

The split-muscle technique combines the advantages of both subglandular and submuscular placements. When Dr. Wooten employs the split-muscle technique, she places the upper pole of the breast implant beneath the pectoral muscle. The bottom part of the implant is placed above the muscle, but under the mammary gland. The split-muscle placement technique is especially appropriate for patients who are very athletic because it helps to conceal any animation deformity, as well as prevent undesirable results, such as a “double bubble.”

Incision Methods

Dr. Wooten’s incision methods are her roadmap for the course of your operation. The path of her scalpel shall determine the progression of your procedure. 

Inframammary Incision

Dr. Wooten’s preferred method of insertion of breast implants is the inframammary incision. The incision is made in the lower fold of the breast. This allows direct access for placement of the implants, future replacements or modifications of the implant.^[3] Scarring caused by inframammary incisions are hidden under the breast fold.

Peri-Areolar Incision

The peri-areolar incision is made along the border of the areola. In time, this incision becomes practically invisible since it is placed at the junction of two different skin tones (where the darker nipple meets the lighter skin). It’s also the optimal option when correcting nipple asymmetry or performing a simultaneous Breast Lift.

Transaxillary Incision

A transaxillary incision enters underneath the armpit. It is one way to achieve a “scarless” breast augmentation. However, revision surgeries most likely will require additional incisions.

Transumbilical

A transumbilical breast augmentation is performed by placing an opening in the navel and tunneling towards the breast. This involves the use of an amazing micro-camera to ensure correct placement of the implant. It is important to note that this technique is only used for the placement of saline implants.

Recovery & Results

Following breast augmentation, it can take up to 6-7 months before your breasts look their best. Your implants may initially ride high on your chest. Also, they may feel very firm. This is completely normal. Generally speaking, a feeling of tightness will occur after surgery.

Be patient. Allow the swelling to recede and the implants to settle. Over time, they will drop into a more natural position. Your breasts will also soften. While it could take half of the year before you look and feel your best, you should be able to wear a bikini comfortably anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks after your breast augmentation.

Ideally, most bruising, pain, swelling and discomfort will abate after 2-3 weeks. However, it may take longer before you can comfortably sleep in any position but flat on your back. Allow several weeks before undertaking serious physical activity. Overexertion will only impede your healing and your end result.

Dr. Wooten’s post-operative plan emphasizes quick recovery. She recommends specific stretches and movements very soon after surgery. Exercises like arm raises will help to decrease swelling and stiffness. Following your surgeon’s post-surgery advice will allow for a swift recovery time.

What About the Non-Surgical Alternatives to Breast Augmentation?

There are limited options for women who want an enhanced look. Surgery is clearly the most effective way to augment the breasts. Patients should be cautious. Non-surgical options, such as pills and creams which are supposed to “naturally” augment breasts, are largely ineffective. These products make claims that are often based on little or no clinical evidence. These products by no means offer a guaranteed result.

Breast enlargement pills are typically sold as herbal supplements. This means they are regulated by the FDA as foods, as opposed to pharmaceuticals. As “foods,” herbal supplements are not required to meet the same strict standards as drugs and over-the-counter medications for effectiveness, safety, or proper manufacturing practices.

How Can I Enlarge My Breasts Without Implants?

For women who don’t want implants, Dr. Wooten performs Breast Augmentation with Fat Grafting—a procedure that results in a more natural look and feel.

FAQ

References 

1. Adams, W. P., & Mallucci, P. (2012). Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 130(4). doi: 10.1097/prs.0b013e318262f607
2. Headon, H., Kasem, A., & Mokbel, K. (2015). Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation: An Update for Clinical Practice. Archives of Plastic Surgery, 42(5), 532. doi: 10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.532
3. Hidalgo, D. A., & Spector, J. A. (2014). Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 133(4). doi: 10.1097/prs.0000000000000033