Breast Augmentation

Many women are not content with the size or shape of their breasts and want them to be bigger and fuller. This dissatisfaction is especially common among women who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or weight loss. If this sounds like you, breast augmentation could be what you desire. Call (203) 453-6635 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Derek Steinbacher!

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast Augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure performed by Connecticut Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Derek Steinbacher, that increases the size of a woman’s breasts through the use of either breast implants or a patient’s own tissues. Unless you desire a small change, implants are usually the most effective.

Types Of Breast Implants

During your consultation, Dr. Steinbacher will discuss your breast implant options. There are three options available: saline, silicone, and the new IDEAL implant.

Saline Implants:

Saline breast implants contain sterile salt water. The surgeon inserts them into the breast implant pocket prior to filling, allowing smaller incisions and custom sizing.

In case the implant shell leaks, the implant will collapse and the sterile salt water will be absorbed and processed by the body, much like a sports drink. Saline implants are available to women aged 18 and above.

Silicone Implants:

These implants contain silicone gel that feels like natural breast tissue. If the implant ruptures, the gel may remain in the implant shell, or it may leak into the breast implant pocket. A silicone gel implant will not collapse even when it leaks.

If you do have silicone implants, you will need to visit your surgeon on a regular basis to ensure that the implants are maintaining their structural integrity. Silicone breast implants are available to women aged 22 or older. A wide variety of silicone implants for different body shapes, sizes, and types are available.

IDEAL Implant:

Women have wanted a new type of breast implant for breast augmentation. These women were able to express their desire for an implant that would combine the natural feel of a silicone gel with only saline inside for safety and peace of mind. The IDEAL implant was engineered to highlight these key desires. Its unique internal structure controls movement of the saline and gives the IDEAL IMPLANT both its natural look and feel.

Breast Implant Incision Options

Inframammary incision

• This is below the breast, where it connects to the chest. This is the most popular location because the incisions are camouflaged fairly well and there’s little risk of affecting nipple sensation.

Periareolar incision

• A small incision is made just below the areola, or the dark area surrounding the nipple. This incision could be used if your augmentation is combined with a breast lift. Women who may want to breastfeed after having children should be aware that their milk ducts could be affected by this option.

Transaxillary incision

• This is a much less common option where the incision is made in the horizontal crease of the armpit. The surgeon may have a difficult time seeing final implant placement with this type of incision, but there are cases when it may be appropriate.

Choosing The Right Breast Implant Size

Women are fortunate to have access to the Vectra® 3D imaging system at Dr. Derek Steinbacher’s practice. This innovative system provides a preview of how you might look with implants of different sizes. The process helps patients feel confident in their decisions and more satisfied with their results.

How Does Breast Augmentation Work?

Dr. Steinbacher often places breast implants under the chest muscles to achieve a beautiful, natural contour. It is sometimes necessary to have the implants placed directly underneath breast tissue. These decisions are best made in consultation with your surgeon, based on your own unique shape and desires. Incisions are usually hidden in the fold under the breast, but can be placed in the armpit, or around the areola (the dark skin that surrounds the nipple).

In the case of sagging breasts, some women opt to have a breast lift. In some cases, a breast lift is done in tandem with breast augmentation.

Where Is The Breast Enhancement Surgery Performed?

Our office in Connecticut has its very own private surgery center. Dr. Steinbacher’s facility is licensed by the state of Connecticut as an ambulatory surgical center and is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF). Our center is staffed by surgical, anesthesia, nursing, and technical personnel with extensive experience with plastic surgery.

Can Breast Implant Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes. Many women have Breast Augmentation as part of a combination operation called a Mommy Makeover, a custom procedure that aims to make mothers feel and look great after pregnancy and childbirth. During a Mommy Makeover, Dr. Steinbacher creates a personalized treatment plan that includes:

• Breast augmentation
• Breast lift
• Liposuction
• Tummy tuck

and any other procedure that targets areas affected by pregnancy.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

In Connecticut, Dr. Steinbacher is one of the few plastic surgeons offering fat grafting breast augmentation. Fat grafting is already fairly common for breast reconstruction procedures, but the technique is now becoming more common for cosmetic breast enhancement. This alternative is typically for women who want a modest increase in breast size. The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for the procedure is to speak with Dr. Steinbacher.

What is the Difference between Breast Augmentation Surgery and a Breast Lift?

If you wish to increase breast size and sagging is not your main concern, breast augmentation is most probably what you need. A Breast Lift, on the other hand, changes the position of your breasts without increasing their size. Dr. Steinbacher will help you determine the best way to achieve your aesthetic goals. If you are concerned about both sagging and size, Dr. Steinbacher can combine both procedures into one surgery.

*How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Although breast implants are very durable, they will not last forever. Most implant manufacturers say their products have a life span of 10 to 20 years. Once your doctor decides that your implants are no longer useful, the next step is to remove or replace them.

What is Recovery like after Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Most patients take 1 to 2 weeks off work for recovery. You should resume light activity such as walking as soon as you feel ready after your procedure in order to prevent blood clots and promote healing. More strenuous activities such as exercise or heavy lifting can resume gradually over the course of several weeks. Dr. Steinbacher will give you specific instructions for when you can get back to certain activities, as well as information about medications, incision care, and follow-up appointments.

Discomfort is generally manageable with prescription medications and over-the-counter painkillers after the first few days, and you may need to wear a special bra for a while after surgery. You may have to wear a special bra for a period of time following your breast augmentation surgery.

Contact Dr. Derek Steinbacher For A Breast Augmentation Consultation In Guilford, CT!

Your Breast Augmentation consultation with Dr. Derek Steinbacher will be very thorough, so he can tailor his approach to your unique situation. If you have any more questions about breast augmentation, please bring them with you when you meet with Dr. Steinbacher. You can request a consultation online to meet personally with Dr. Steinbacher, or call his office at (203) 453-6635 to schedule an appointment.

Share this Article