Breast Augmentation in Miami, FL

Have you been considering getting breast implants, but want to know more about the surgery first? You are not alone. Breast augmentation surgery, or breast implants, is one of the most popular and common procedures plastic surgeons across the nation are performing on an annual basis. Miami, FL board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. LaGrasso, performs this surgery from start to finish without exception, and has a meticulous and practiced surgical technique.

Whether your breasts are under developed, are two different sizes, or have changed over time from aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations, our plastic surgery team members would be happy to discuss breast implantation surgery with you. Your reasons are personal to you, and we will respectfully offer you a private consultation with Dr. LaGrasso.

A personalized breast augmentation procedure performed by Dr. LaGrasso can help you achieve the look you want with a number of great benefits, including:

• Offers customizable implant options
• Enhances breast size, fullness, and volume
• Revitalizes breasts affected by childbirth, aging, or weight loss
• Rebuilds breasts after a mastectomy
• Evens out asymmetrical breasts
• Improves the overall aesthetic appeal of the breasts
• Creates natural-looking, long-lasting results

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation? One or more of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:

• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
• Clothes that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bust line
• You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top
• Your breasts have become smaller and lost their firmness after having children
• Weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breasts
• One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size and anything else related to the appearance of your breasts that you feel is important. This will help your board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. LaGrasso, understand your expectations, and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

Saline implants have always remained a positive choice for patients when deciding what type of implant to use for breast augmentation. Because these implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, any potential leakage does not pose a threat as the solution is safely absorbed by the body. Saline implants also cost less than the silicone type. One of the disadvantages of saline implants is that in some cases, rippling can appear. This is especially something to consider for women who are thin and have low breast tissue. Those who opt for this type of implant must be at least 18-years-old.

Silicone breast implants are very popular today and are highly recommended by surgeons for patients who are thin and desire a natural look. Since the FDA validated their safety and efficacy, safety concerns surrounding these implants are today almost no different than that of saline. The silicone shell is prefilled with silicone gel and comes in different sizes, shapes and textures. Unlike saline implants in which leakage is absorbed by the body and implant volume appears visibly flat, it is difficult to tell when a silicone implant ruptures. An MRI is required to detect any rupture. Patients considering silicone implants must be at least 22-years-old.

For patients who desire fuller breasts but do not want an artificial implant to achieve this look, there is also an option known as a fat transfer. In this procedure, the doctor will harvest fat from donor sites of the patient, such as the flanks, abdomen and thighs via liposuction. The fat collected will undergo a process of refinement and purification, and then gradually reinjected into the breasts with smaller syringes so the shape is evenly distributed.

There are several manufacturers approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• Natrelle® by Allergen – silicone and saline-based implants
• Mentor® – silicone and saline-based implants
• Sientra® – silicone-based implants

Breast implants come in a variety of different profiles. The selection is based on how enhanced the breasts’ projection would be, as well as how wide the implant will be on the chest wall in relation to the base width. Since the silicone implants are already pre-filled, the standard profiles come in low, moderate, high and extra high. Saline implants, however, come in variants that are either prefilled; or, the silicone shell is inserted then filled with saline solution up to the patient’s preferred profile. Choosing the right profile can sometimes be a difficult decision and it is up to a skilled surgeon to help guide the patient accordingly. High profile breast implants will have greater projection, but less width on each side, whereas a moderate profile, for example, will not have as much projection, but will be broader. 

The standard shape of a breast implant can either be rounded or tear-shaped. Each shape serves a different aesthetic function as it pertains to the patient’s goals. Rounded implants produce a shapelier curve on the top portion of the breast. The teardrop implants are shaped to copy the natural appearance of the breast, so they will not appear as high.

Implants are made with either a smooth or a textured surface. In general, smooth implants cost less and are more common. The textured implants were initially conceived out of the idea that it reduces the chances of capsular contracture (the constriction of scar tissue around the implant) although there is no valid claim to this. The textured type is more common with the teardrop shape as the rough texture adheres to tissues helping the implant stay in place.

The two most common placements are on top of the chest muscle or under it. When the implant is placed under the muscle, a pocket is created within the pectoralis major muscle. A pocket is also created if it is placed in front of the muscle, but many surgeons do prefer the submuscular approach (behind the muscle). This helps to keep the implant in place for a longer period of time and takes into consideration factors such as implant size, weight, gravity, and time. Placing the implant behind the muscle also provides a natural look and provides the implant with the long-term support it needs to stay in position.

There are several standard incision approaches for breast implants. The most common is known as an inframammary incision, which is an incision near the breast fold. Second, is an incision made under the areola, which is known as a periareolar incision. A third option is to place the incision within the armpit, known as a transaxillary approach. There is also an incision approach that takes place around the belly button, but this is the least recommended way. It is up to the patient’s desires and surgeon recommendation as to what approach is best to take. Scarring is also discussed at this time with each method.

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that may last from an hour to several hours. It is performed using general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. All activities must be limited within 48 hours after surgery. There will be bruising and swelling, and a compression support bra will also be worn to help in healing. It is normal to feel tightness around the chest area as the skin adjusts to the breast’s new shape. 

Each patient will be taken into recovery after their breast augmentation procedure and carefully monitored before being released. Most patients can resume normal activities within seven days, and exercise should be avoided for 4 – 6 weeks. It takes approximately six months for the breasts to look, feel, and function normally regarding softness, sensation, and final placement. Cosmetic breast surgery results in beautiful outcomes that feel and appear natural. This treatment, in most cases, can be life changing for many patients, allowing them the chance to feel more self-assured.

This depends on the patient’s breast make up. Those who opt for implants may choose between saline or silicone as each has its own advantages. Generally, patients who have low breast tissue will benefit from silicone implants; otherwise, saline implants are recommended. For fat transfer, the advantage is that it poses less risk since there is no introduction of foreign material in the body. However, the results do not last long compared to artificial implants as fat can be reabsorbed by the body.

Negative notions about silicone started back in the early 90s when there were cases of leakage and complications. With today’s advancements in engineering, the silicone-based shells are made durable and safe, and have been proven so by the FDA. Today, in fact, silicone is more preferred than saline since they last longer and feel more natural. The rates of reported complications have significantly decreased in the last decade.

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to enlarge breasts while a breast lift is designed to tighten the loose skin of a droopy breast. Both resolve different breast issues. There are cases that the procedures are simultaneously done when it is agreed that a breast lift with augmentation is necessary.

Today’s silicone implants are strong, durable and safe. Technical advancements have come so far, that even if a silicone implant does rupture, the shell of the implant will keep the silicone gel encased and protected from entering the body. In a rare case that a silicone implant does rupture, an MRI will be needed to detect the rupture. This is the main reason why MRI checks are recommended 3 years after surgery and every 2 years succeeding the first MRI.

Implants can last up to 15 years. As long as the implant shows no signs of damage or visible defects, such as breast rippling or a deformity, replacing them is not necessary. What’s necessary, however, is a periodic check of the implants to make sure that they are still intact.

Follow-up appointments typically occur a few days after surgery, then a few weeks later, and annually. These visits ensure proper healing and monitor the condition of the implants.

Breast enhancement surgery with implants is sought out for many excellent reasons. It is FDA approved for safety and effectiveness, and produces outstanding results. With numerous available options, you can get the appearance you have always wanted. Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso is pleased to offer this proven procedure, and we invite you to learn more. Contact us in Miami, FL to plan your first office visit.