Breast Augmentation
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and Sugar Land, TX
Breast augmentation is a procedure to enhance the size, shape, and projection of a woman’s breasts. Patients opt for breast implants as a means to volumize their breasts in a dramatic way with customization in mind. If you’re considering a breast augmentation, you’re not alone; a 2020 study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that even during the pandemic, it remained in the top 5 most performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. (1) Since their initial development in the 1960s, implant design and surgical techniques have improved drastically, making it safer than ever and offering incredible, long-lasting results.
When you come to Avante Plastic Surgery in Houston and Sugar Land, TX, Dr. Ahmadi will walk you through every step of your treatment, ensuring you understand everything concerning preparation, the procedure itself, and the recovery you can expect. Our photo gallery features Dr. Ahmadi’s dedication to his craft and real before & after photos of his patients. With over two decades of experience, he prides himself on offering some of the best plastic surgery results in Houston.
Call (281) 265-2639 or use our contact form to request a consultation at one of our practices in Texas to get started today, and a member of our team will assist you in answering any questions you may have.
Before and After Photos
Contents
Breast Implant Options
The quality and material of your breast implants are some of the most important factors that will contribute greatly to your results. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Ahmadi stays up to date with the pros and cons of each type of implant, ensuring that every patient receives proper education on this major decision.
Saline v.s. Silicone Implants
Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, a liquid similar to the salt water that makes up most of the human body. On the extremely rare occasion that these implants rupture, they won’t cause bodily harm, and the body can easily absorb the solution. Dr. Ahmadi inserts these implants utilizing smaller incisions since he will fill them once they are properly placed within the breast pocket. Saline implants are also equipped with several saline chambers, allowing the solution to evenly distribute within the implant and prevent the risk of skin-rippling.
Silicone gel implants are loaded with a thick, sticky silicone gel enclosed in a silicone shell. The gel feels a bit like thick jelly. Gummy bear implants are one of the most modern types of silicone-only implants available; they are made of a thicker, more cohesive gel that promotes greater resiliency against gravity and deformation, making them one of the most durable options available. (2)
Smooth vs. Textured Implants
Saline and silicone implants also come in two forms related to the design of the outer surface: smooth and textured surfaces. Smooth implants offer a more natural look and feel and promote less skin-rippling. Textured implants have a rougher surface that helps them adhere to the surrounding tissue, making them less likely to move around inside the pocket. Depending on your unique body structure and the applied surgical techniques, Dr. Ahmadi will figure out which type is best for your situation.
Round vs. Teardrop Implants
Round implants are the preferred shape for most cosmetic surgeries, promoting a more dramatic, lifted appearance. Teardrop, or anatomical implants are thinner at the top and fuller at the bottom, facilitating the look of a natural breast. These are most commonly used for women who are seeking breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.
Low, Medium, and High Profiles
Your implant profile refers to how far your implants will project from the chest wall– another aspect for women to consider. Dr. Ahmadi will help you choose which profile will look most flattering to your body shape. Low-profile implants are ideal for women with small frames, while medium-profile implants provide more fullness but are still relatively natural-looking. High-profile implants are the most noticeable and are ideal for women who want a very full chest.
Implant Placement
Dr. Ahmadi will also discuss with you the possible options for where to place the implants within the chest. There are 3 main types of implant placement, each delivering different results. For naturally slimmer women with less breast tissue, Dr. Ahmadi will likely use a submuscular placement, or implant placement just under the pectoral muscles. This will allow the volume of the implants to show through with the added tissue coverage of the pectoral muscles, providing smoother, more natural contours.
For women with more natural breast tissue, he may use a sub-glandular placement in which he will place the implants overlying the pectoral muscles, as this can create a more lifted and perky look. When appropriate, Dr. Ahmadi can use dual plane placement in which he will place the implants partially underneath the pectoral muscles and partially behind the natural glandular tissues of the breasts. This type of placement can resolve cases of mild breast sagging without requiring a breast lift as well.
Personal Consultation
The first step in getting breast augmentation at Avante Plastic Surgery is to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ahmadi. When you come to his office, you will be able to discuss your goals and expectations and ask any questions you may have about the surgery and recovery process. He will evaluate your breasts and your health history to determine if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation and if you require any additional procedures to help you achieve the best outcome possible. He will help you choose the right size and type of implant that will align with your vision of your ideal breasts.
Once Dr. Ahmadi has created an outline for your treatment, our patient coordinator will help you schedule the date and time. Dr. Ahmadi works to foster an environment of acceptance and openness, allowing you to make the right decision concerning this highly personal procedure.
To find out if breast implants are for you, call our offices in Sugar Land or Houston, TX at (281) 265-2639 or reach out online today. To get to know other procedures Dr. Ahmadi performs, read through our blog.
Procedure Steps
Dr. Ahmadi performs breast augmentations at the Sweetwater Surgery Center, a QuadA-certified facility that has earned accreditation for maintaining high standards in patient safety. This facility is adjacent to our office, offering convenience and privacy during surgical procedures.
Before your surgery, Dr. Ahmadi’s anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia so that you will be completely asleep for the duration of the procedure. More often than not, Dr. Ahmadi will make one inframammary incision in the crease below each breast to insert the implants. If possible, he may choose to make periareolar incisions closely following the outline of each areola or transaxillary incisions within the armpit instead.
After performing one of the three incision techniques, he will create breast pockets in each breast that will snugly hold the implants in place. After this, he will place layered sutures to provide additional support and ensure that the surgical area is properly sealed with skin adhesives or surgical tape. From beginning to end, the procedure only takes about 2 hours to complete.
Breast Augmentation with Lift
Breast implants can help improve breast volume and mild, sagging breasts, but if you have a more serious case of drooping breasts, Dr. Ahmadi may recommend a breast lift alongside your augmentation. With this surgical method, he will be able to place your implants utilizing the same incisions required to remove excess skin that contributes to a sagging appearance. When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Ahmadi will evaluate your condition and make the best suggestions for you.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
For a fat transfer breast augmentation, Dr. Ahmadi will use liposuction techniques to suction unwanted fat from another area of the body, purify it, and prepare it for reinjection into the breasts. He can perform it as a primary means of enhancing the breasts or alongside breast implants for the most natural, soft feel. Although fat transfer provides effective results, it is not as precise as implant placement; roughly 40 to 60% of the transferred fat may be lost due to fat cell death or the body reabsorbing the fat. (3)
Recovery and Results
Since breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to return home to recover. Within the first few days, you’ll likely have some swelling and bruising. You might also have some pain and soreness, but Dr. Ahmadi will prescribe pain medication to help with this. Typically, after a couple of days, he will remove the drainage tubes from your breasts. Downtime is usually about one week, then you will be able to return to work. You’ll need to wear a surgical bra for the next few weeks after surgery, and you’ll also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks. Dr. Ahmadi will let you know when it is safe to continue your usual workout routine and other activities.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Houston
The cost of your breast augmentation at Avante Plastic Surgery will depend on the cost of the implants themselves, the surgeon’s fee, facility and anesthesia fees, and any post-operative medications. It will also depend on any additional procedures performed at the time of the breast augmentation, such as areolar reduction, breast lift, or internal in the case of constricted breast deformity.
Please contact our office at (281) 265-2639 or request your consultation using our online form. Your patient coordinator will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the costs. Since breast augmentations are considered elective cosmetic surgery, insurance providers will not cover any of the costs. However, we have several cost-effective financing options for all interested patients.
FAQ
Is breast augmentation permanent?
Both silicone gel implants and saline implants have an average lifespan of about 10 to 15 years before requiring implant removal or revision surgery.
When will I see the final results of my breast augmentation?
It will depend on your breast implant size, but you should see results immediately. There will be some swelling and bruising for the first few weeks. After these expected side effects subside, you can expect to see your final results in about three to four months.
Will breast augmentation cause scarring?
The scars from breast augmentation are usually minimal, well-hidden, and barely visible – if visible at all, thanks to modern surgical techniques and a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon too.
Your surgeon will typically make incisions either in the lower breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit. All of these result in scars that will fade significantly within 1 year.
Is it possible to breastfeed after a breast augmentation?
Yes, it’s possible to breastfeed after getting breast augmentation, but it may be more difficult than if you have not had the surgery. The position of the incision can significantly affect milk production. For instance, a periareolar incision can be more damaging to the milk ducts than an incision placed in the breast fold.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Plastic Surgery Statistics Report.; 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2020.pdf
- Shridharani SM, Bellamy JL, Mofid MM, Singh NK. Breast Augmentation. Eplasty. 2013;13:ic46. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3685325/
- Gabriel A, Champaneria MC, Maxwell GP. Fat grafting and breast reconstruction: tips for ensuring predictability. Gland surgery. 2015;4(3):232-243. doi:https://doi.org/10.3978/j.issn.2227-684X.2015.04.18