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Breast Augmentation & Breast Implants

At Volpe plastic surgery in Boston, breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed breast procedures. Breast augmentation with implants, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that most effectively enhances the size and shape of a woman’s breast for a number of reasons:

  • To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
  • To restore the fullness of the breasts one may lose after a pregnancy.
  • To balance a difference in breast size.
  • To improve the fullness at the upper part of the breasts when one is undergoing a breast lift.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

By inserting an implant behind the muscles deep into each breast, Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Volpe is able to increase a woman’s bustline by one or more bra cup sizes. If you’re considering breast augmentation whether you want a modest improvement or a dramatic change in your figure, the following will give you a basic understanding of the procedure – when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results from you can expect.

Breast Aug Before & After
Breast Aug Before & After

* Individual results may vary.

Photo Gallery

View before-and-after pictures of real patients of George Volpe, M.D., F.A.C.S.

View Before & Afters

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Breast Augmentation

Dr. Volpe is considered by his patients and voted by his peers as one of the top plastic surgeons in New England and offers a natural-looking breast augmentation Boston residents can rely on. At Volpe Plastic Surgery, we focus on understanding the unique aesthetic needs of our patients so that we can provide the best breast augmentation Boston residents can depend on. 

“I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am”

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Written on June 18, 2019

“I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the “twins”.

 

by Anonymous

Who Is The Best Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Volpe. In general, you should have no or mild sagging of your breasts. If your nipples are lower than the creases under your breasts, a breast lift (with or without implants) could be a better choice. Differences in sizes from one breast to another are very common and can be dramatically improved with augmentation. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. Dr. Volpe can let you know if breast augmentation with a lift or a breast lift without implants is the right choice for you. 

Breast Augmentation

What Are The Types of Breast Implants? 

A breast implant is a silastic silicone shell filled with either a salt-water solution known as saline, silicone gel, or a cohesive silicone gel often referred to as gummy bear implants. There are some small differences between the types of implants- for some women either may work well. For other women, the choice between implant types may make a difference in the outcomes. Implants also come with different types of coverings and shapes. such as high-profile breast implants. Except in special specific circumstances, Dr. Volpe utilizes smooth-walled round implants placed behind the muscles.

Implant sizes range from small breast implants for women who want more subtle breast enlargement to large breast implants for more noticeable results. Breast implant sizes vary and are measured in milliliters (also known as cc’s), and choices can range between about 250 cc’s and 900cc’s. Dr. Volpe uses implants manufactured by Mentor, Sientra, and Allergan. Below you will find a link to a video on choosing implant sizes.

Implant Types

There are two types of breast implants- saline breast implants (saline is sterile water with a dash of salt equal to the normal concentration of the body) and silicone gel-filled implants. There are different advantages to each implant type. Click here to learn more about the differences between saline and silicone implants.

Breast augmentation can also be combined with a breast lift procedure if you have noticed considerable sag and loss of breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss. It is also a useful technique for the correction of asymmetries of the breasts.

Are Breast Implants Safe?

Because of concerns that there was insufficient information demonstrating the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) placed a moratorium on silicone gel-filled implants on women undergoing first-time cosmetic breast augmentation from 1991 to 2006. Studies performed during that time and ongoing studies have not shown an increase in either breast cancer or autoimmune disease with smooth-walled saline or silicone gel implants. More recently studies have linked textured implants with a rare lymphoma (ALCL) which is a type of blood cancer. Although certain brands of textured implants are still in use, Dr. Volpe does not use this type of implant for augmentation. Studies will continue to be performed to ensure that your choice for breast augmentation is a safe one.

Planning Your Surgery

During your initial consultation, Dr. Volpe will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging, he may also recommend a breast lift. Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with him. Marcela, our plastic surgery coordinator will go over with you the scheduling details, preparations, and costs for the procedures including financing options. There are no fees for any future follow-up visits.

Your Consultation

During your initial consultation, you and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Volpe will discuss all of your options, from sizes to implant types. A typical consultation lasts about an hour in which we will review your body frame, your desires, and all of your options. Bring lots of questions.

What Breast implant Size Should I choose?

One of the most important questions and discussed issues during your consultation is sizing. There is no perfect sizing method. We have sizes available and before and after photos to view. However, sizers have their limitations and no two individuals are identical, as height, weight, shoulder and chest width, skin type and such often are different. We also utilize the Crisalix 3D imaging system to help determine the right implant size choice. It is helpful to bring in photos of models from magazines or the Internet to give an idea of your expectations. Dr. Volpe will go over all aspects of choosing the best size for you.

Breast Implant Sizing

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Boston

The pricing for breast augmentation can vary. As an experienced Boston breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Volpe will meet with you in his office to discuss all options and pricing. You can also give us a call for typical pricing for gel or saline breast augmentation.

Preparing For Your Surgery

Dr. Volpe will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.

Where Your Surgery Will Be Performed

Most breast implant surgeries are performed at The Boston Center for Aesthetic Surgery in Boston’s Back Bay. This private and elegant acclaimed surgicenter is the only licensed surgicenter in Boston devoted solely to plastic surgery. All anesthesiologists are board certified.

The Surgery

The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy, desires, and Dr. Volpe’s recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple) or rarely in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Resulting in scars improving tremendously with time.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
These include capsular contracture, infection, and implant leakage. Capsular contracture is a build-up of deep scar tissue and is minimized by the placement of the implant under the muscle and also using an incision below the breast in the crease, the preferred placement site.

As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain. To help avoid this we have you stop all medications that can contribute to this such as aspirin and ibuprofen for 2 weeks before the surgery. There is no evidence that breast implants will affect fertility, pregnancy, or your ability to nurse. We do recommend waiting at least 3-4 months after breastfeeding.
Occasionally, breast implants may break or leak. If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate over several days and the body will harmlessly absorb the salt water. Silicone gel implants can also develop breaks in the outer envelope. The newer style implants use cohesive gel, which some call “gummy bear” filling. In most cases, this will keep the implant from deflating. We will discuss with you all aspects of implant rupture and the warranties the implant makers have for this. While there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer, they may change the way mammography is done to detect cancer. When you request a routine mammogram, be sure to go to a radiology center where technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get a reliable x-ray of a breast with an implant. Additional views may be required. Ultrasound or MRI examinations may be of benefit in some women with implants to detect breast lumps or to evaluate the implant.
While the vast majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with Dr. Volpe to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of breast augmentation.

After Your Surgery

You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by the medication prescribed. Stitches are underneath the skin and dissolve.

Getting Back To Normal

For most women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they appreciate their fuller appearance. Your decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one. The important thing is how you feel about it. If you’ve met your vision, and you are happy, then your surgery is a success.

Your New Look

You should be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Dr. Volpe will give you advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Although most swelling subsides within several weeks, your final shape may not be appreciated for 3 to 6 months. Follow-up appointments and examinations by Dr. Volpe will help assure that any complications if they occur, can be detected early and treated.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Dr. Volpe Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation in our Newton or Boston offices for your breast augmentation. We are here to provide you with the attentive excellent care you need throughout the entire process and we are dedicated to providing you with the larger, fuller, and more attractive-looking breasts you want.

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