Breast Augmentation Denver

Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. and one of our most popular services. Breast augmentation can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned look through the placement of saline or silicone implants under the breast.

Our patients elect to undergo breast augmentation for many different medical and aesthetic reasons, including balancing breast size, compensating for reduced breast mass after pregnancy, breast feeding or surgery, and correcting a congenital breast defect. Patients enjoy great-looking, natural-feeling breasts that are one or more cup sizes larger after the operation.

Fully Customized Breast Enhancement

We know that every woman is unique in both her desires and her body shape. With that in mind, we take the time during the pre-operative consultations to learn what each patient hopes to gain from breast augmentation surgery and to decide which implant type, size and placement location is best. In this way, every one of our patients enjoys completely customized treatment designed with her specific goals in mind.

Complementary Procedures

Breast augmentation can achieve dramatic and beautiful results on its own as well as in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery or non-invasive procedures. We sometimes recommend combining breast augmentation with other procedures such as a breast lift or nipple lift for more satisfying results.

Saline and Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Breast implants are silicone shells filled with either saline (sterile salt water) or silicone gel. Both implant types are very safe, and each offers its own advantages. We will help you decide which kind is right for you. During surgery, we will place the implants behind each breast, underneath either breast tissue or breast tissue and chest wall muscle (pec muscle).

After many years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved silicone breast implants for breast augmentation surgery. We are proud to offer patients the option of silicone gel-filled breast implants, since they are much softer and feel more natural than saline-filled breast implants.

Breast Augmentation Surgery - Incision Techniques

The breast augmentation procedure lasts 2-3 hours and is typically performed with general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Incisions are made in inconspicuous places on the breast to minimize scar visibility. These may be located either around the nipple, called a periareolar incision, or under the breast, called an inframammary crease incision. In either case. a pocket is created either under the breast tissue itself, or under both the breast tissue and the chest wall pec muscle (pectoralis muscle). The implant is inserted into the pocket.

Breast Augmentation Surgery - Placement Options

Implant placement beneath the muscle of the chest offers a few advantages over placement beneath the breast tissue only. These include reduced risk of capsular contracture (post-operative tightening around the implant) and less interference with mammogram examinations. Possible disadvantages include slightly more pain and swelling when going under the muscle. We will discuss which option may be best for you.

After the implants have been inserted and positioned beneath the nipples, the incisions are stitched closed, and a surgical bra placed. In one week, the surgical bra is removed, as well as stitches.

Recovery

Most patients feel tired and sore after breast augmentation surgery, but this usually passes in a day or two. Many patients return to work within the week.

Stitches are removed in one week after breast augmentation. Any post-operative pain, swelling and sensitivity will diminish over the first few weeks.

Scars from breast augmentation incisions will begin to fade in a few months and will continue to fade for months or years.

Complications

Complications following breast augmentation surgery are uncommon and usually minimal. They may include capsular contracture, swelling and pain, infection around the implant, a change in nipple sensation, inability to breast feed, and breakage or leakage of the implant (implant rupture) as a result of injury or the normal wear and tear on any implantable device.

If a saline implant ruptures, the implant will simply deflate in a few hours and your body will absorb the salt water. If a silicone implant leaks, it usually maintains its normal volume and can often be diagnosed by an MRI scan. Regular monitoring of breast implants after breast augmentation is recommended to ensure continuing breast and implant health. A ruptured implant, whether saline or gel, should be replaced within several weeks of the rupture. It is not an emergency but it should not be ignored.