Breast Implants: Types, Surgery, Recovery

Choosing to enhance your breasts is a personal decision that can boost confidence and improve body image. Whether you’re looking to increase breast size, restore volume lost over time, or rejuvenate the chest area, various options are available to meet your needs. From utilizing your body’s natural fat to opting for synthetic implants, the methods for achieving your desired look have evolved significantly.

Knowing the different types of breast implants and the procedures involved can help you make an informed choice. Additionally, there are non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments designed to lift and rejuvenate the breasts, offering alternatives for those seeking less invasive solutions.

Types of Breast Implants

When considering breast augmentation, it’s essential to understand the different types of implants available and the specific benefits they offer. At MilfordMD, two primary methods are used for breast augmentation: using your own natural fat and synthetic breast implants.

Breast Augmentation Using Your Own Natural Fat

Fat grafting and autologous fat transfer (AFT) provide a natural option for increasing breast size. This method involves removing unwanted fat from areas like the abdomen, hips, and thighs and then injecting it into the breasts.

One significant advantage of this technique is that the fat cells that survive the transfer are natural and integrate seamlessly with the existing breast tissue. This method can increase breast size by up to one cup per session, providing a subtle and natural enhancement without the use of synthetic materials.

Breast Augmentation Using Synthetic Breast Implants

For those seeking more significant changes, synthetic breast implants are a popular choice. MilfordMD offers two types of synthetic implants:

1. Natrelle Inspira Smooth Round Gel Silicone implants are known for their natural feel and appearance. They are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that mimics the consistency of natural breast tissue. These implants are designed to maintain their shape while providing a soft, natural look and feel.
2. Natrelle Smooth Round Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution. They offer a slightly firmer feel compared to silicone implants but can be adjusted for size during the surgery, providing flexibility in achieving the desired breast size.

Each type of implant has its advantages, and the choice between them will depend on individual preferences and goals. Consulting with a skilled surgeon can help determine the best option for your body and aesthetic objectives.

Breast Surgery Procedure

On the day of the surgery, you’ll be given anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Depending on the complexity of the surgery and your personal preference, different types of anesthesia options are available, including general anesthesia and local anesthesia with sedation.

1. Incision and Placement: To minimize visible scarring, the surgeon will make incisions in predetermined locations. Common incision sites include the inframammary fold (under the breast), periareolar (around the nipple), or transaxillary (under the arm). The choice of incision site depends on the type of implant, your anatomy, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
2. Insertion and Placement of Implants: For synthetic implants, the chosen implants will be inserted either under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement). Each placement option has its benefits, and the decision will be based on your body type, implant type, and desired results.
3. Fat Transfer Process: If you are using your own natural fat, the surgeon will first perform liposuction to harvest fat from areas with excess fat deposits, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. The fat is then purified and carefully injected into the breasts to achieve the desired volume and shape.
4. Closing the Incisions: Once the implants are in place or the fat transfer is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures, skin adhesive, or surgical tape. Dressings and a supportive bra are applied to aid the healing process.

Post-Surgery and Recovery

After the surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for your breasts during the recovery period, including managing pain, preventing infection, and ensuring proper healing.

1. Immediate Post-Surgery Care: You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which are normal parts of the healing process. Pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed to manage discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
2. Long-Term Recovery: Recovery time varies depending on the individual and the type of surgery performed. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days but should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks. Your surgeon will provide a timeline for resuming normal activities and follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
3. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are crucial to ensure proper healing and address any concerns or complications. It is also important to follow all post-operative care instructions and attend all scheduled check-ups.

Non-Surgical and Minimally-Invasive Breast Lifts

Breast lifts can rejuvenate and enhance the appearance of the breasts without traditional surgery. Non-surgical and minimally invasive techniques offer practical solutions with shorter recovery times and less discomfort. MilfordMD provides several advanced treatments to help you achieve a lifted and youthful look.

Non-Surgical Breast Lift: Ultherapy

Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to lift and tighten the skin on the breasts, targeting deep skin layers and stimulating collagen production.

• How It Works: Ultherapy delivers focused ultrasound energy to the deep layers of the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and promoting fresh collagen production.
• Benefits: Ultherapy is non-invasive with no downtime. Patients see gradual improvements in lift and firmness over a few months, with full results visible after three to six months.

Minimally-Invasive Breast Lift: ThermiTight

ThermiTight uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten and lift the skin, effective for mild to moderate sagging.

• How It Works: ThermiTight inserts a small probe under the skin to deliver controlled RF energy, heating tissues and stimulating collagen production.
• Benefits: ThermiTight offers noticeable lifting and tightening with minimal downtime. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two. Results improve over several months as collagen increases.

Chest and Decolletage Rejuvenation

MilfordMD offers treatments to rejuvenate the chest and decolletage, addressing signs of aging and enhancing skin quality.

• Ultherapy and Thermage: These treatments tighten skin and improve the appearance of the decolletage by stimulating collagen production.
• Aquagold: This treatment uses microchanneling technology to deliver customized serums directly into the skin, improving texture and hydration.
• Fillers Including Sculptra: Sculptra and other fillers restore volume and smooth wrinkles in the chest area by stimulating collagen production.
• Laser Treatments: Laser technologies address pigmentation, fine lines, and skin texture, promoting collagen production and enhancing skin appearance.

Takeaway

Ready to enhance your confidence and rejuvenate your appearance? MilfordMD offers a range of advanced breast augmentation and rejuvenation options tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re considering natural fat transfer, synthetic implants, or non-surgical lifting treatments, our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals. Contact MilfordMD today to schedule your assessment and discover how our specials lead to a more confident you. Don’t wait—take the first step towards your transformation now!