What is a Breast Augmentation?
Traditionally, breast augmentation refers to the cosmetic enhancement of the breasts with the use of implants. The surgery is best suited for individuals who would like to:
Add or restore volume to their breasts
Contour the shape of their breasts to better flatter their entire figure
Restore the breasts following the effects of trauma, injury, or disease
Improve breast symmetry
Dr. Hinojosa will listen to your every question and concern in order to help you feel as comfortable and confident as possible throughout the treatment process. For a preview of the results that Dr. Hinojosa has achieved for her patients, please visit our breast augmentation gallery.
What Type of Breast Implants Are Right For Me?
At Coastal Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center, we offer several types of implants, including:
Saline
Saline implants are composed of a saltwater solution encased in a silicone shell. They are highly versatile, and are generally the least expensive type of breast implant.
Traditional Silicone
Traditional silicone implants consist of a silicone outer shell filled with a thick silicone gel. Their texture is designed to resemble breast tissue, and most patients report that they feel almost identical to natural breasts.
Highly Cohesive Silicone Gel
Also known as “gummy bear implants,” highly cohesive silicone gel implants are filled with a more concentrated silicone solution than traditional silicone implants. As such, they often look and feel firm, malleable, and extraordinarily natural.
In addition to the different compositions available, implants also come in a range of different shapes and sizes. During your consultation, Dr. Hinojosa can help you determine the best implant type, size, and placement location to meet your needs.
How is the Breast Augmentation Procedure Performed?
While breast implants can be placed using several different incision patterns, Dr. Hinojosa typically adheres to the inframammary method, in which an incision is made along the natural crease under the breast. This technique allows for the placement of any type of implant and enables Dr. Hinojosa to best visualize the outcome of the procedure in order to optimize your results. It also enables a wider range of implant-placement options.
Implants can be placed above or below the pectoralis (chest muscle) depending on the size of the implant and particular anatomy of the individual. Most often, Dr. Hinojosa uses the dual plane submuscular technique, in which the implant is placed behind the pectoral muscle and breast tissue. This technique typically creates a more natural-looking outcome, allows for clearer mammogram images, and reduces the chance of capsular contracture (a rare condition in which the immune system has a negative reaction to the implants and a hardened tissue capsule forms around the implant).
The procedure rarely exceeds two hours in length, and patients are usually placed under general anesthesia. In addition, Dr. Hinojosa typically performs a pectoral nerve block (also known as a “nerve block” or “pec block”), which involves an anesthetic injection to subdue the pectoral nerves. This technique can significantly reduce post-operative discomfort.
What Is Recovery From Breast Augmentation Like?
The recovery process after breast augmentation surgery typically varies from patient to patient, as everyone heals at different rates. While a full recovery for most patients can take about six weeks, many individuals are able to resume work and other routines during that time. Dr. Hinojosa may advise you to take at least a week off of work following surgery to better facilitate healing and enhance your comfort.
You may experience some discomfort and soreness after surgery, but this should subside within a week or so and can typically be mitigated with prescribed pain medication. Any strenuous exercise or other physically-demanding activities should not be resumed without clearance from Dr. Hinojosa, as intense movement may disrupt your healing process.
Will I Have Scars After Breast Augmentation?
Because breast augmentation is a major surgical procedure, some scarring will be present. That said, Dr. Hinojosa carefully conducts each breast augmentation surgery to ensure that scarring is as minimal and discreet as possible. One of the major advantages of placing incisions in the inframammary fold is that any scarring typically blends in with the natural crease of the breast. Immediately following surgery, scars may be raised and discolored. They typically flatten and fade over the course of the next six months to a year. If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your scars for any reason, Dr. Hinojosa offers a number of skin treatments—including scar revision techniques and skin care products—that may be able to help.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
In general, the starting price of breast augmentation at our practice is around $7,000. Please note that the precise cost will vary depending on the extent of treatment, the type of implants placed, hospital and surgeon’s fees, and other important factors.
Our team can provide you with a personalized price quote following your consultation. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore our financial options, which include a variety of payment methods. We also work with CareCredit®, a trusted third-party lending service with programs that can help eligible patients pay for their treatment in low- or no-interest installments.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, please contact Coastal Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center today. A member of our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer your questions or help you schedule a consultation.
