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Breast Augmentation & Breast Implants

Conveniently located to serve Jacksonville, FL

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty, also known as a breast enlargement, breast enhancement or boob job) is a surgical procedure to enhance the shape and size of a woman’s breast. Women choose to undergo this procedure for a number of reasons:

• To increase the the size of a woman’s breast if she feels that they are too small
• To improve the volume and shape of the breast after pregnancy or dramatic weight loss
• To correct an imbalance between the size or shape of the breasts
• To help restore a youthful appearance to breasts that have sagged, often combined with a breast lift
• To recreate the shape of a breast that has been affected by breast cancer surgery, trauma or abnormality in breast development.

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The Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater solution similar to that found in the human body. They are filled after they have been placed in the breast which allows for a smaller incision and more control over the size and firmness of implant. If the implant should ever leak then the saline will be absorbed and harmlessly expelled by the body. Saline implants are FDA approved for use by women aged 18 years and over.

Silicone implants are filled with an elastic memory gel that holds it’s shape and more closely resembles the feel of natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are FDA approved for use by women of 22 years and over. Both types of implant come in a range of sizes and shapes. Your surgeon will discuss which implant is right for your at your consultation.

The Procedure

The breast augmentation surgery procedure takes approximately 60 minutes and involves a small incision made in one of three places; along the crease underneath the breast (infra-mammary incision), in the armpit (transaxillary incision) or along the lower edge of the nipple/areola (periareolar incision). Where the incision is made will depend upon the individual requirements and physiology of the patient and the type of implant used, saline or silicone.

Your Breast Augmentation will be performed by Dr. Sofia Kirk at her office in Jacksonville, FL.

Before

After

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The implant is placed in one of two places; either behind the pectoral muscle (sub-muscular placement) or in front of it (sub-mammary/sub-glandular placement). The advantages of sub-muscular placement are that the implant is held in place by the muscle thereby reducing the chances of the breast sagging over time. Some people also believe that the final result is a more natural looking breast enhancement. If the patient lives an active lifestyle or does a lot of sport then it can be preferable to have the implant placed in front of the pectoral muscle.

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After the Procedure

Recovery time varies depending upon the health and age of the patient, however as a general guideline you can expect to be back to work in 5-7 days if you do something light like a desk job or 2 weeks for something more active like bar work. Most patients are able to return to light exercise within a month and full exercise after 6 weeks. Make sure you check with your surgeon before increasing your activity level during the breast augmentation recovery period.

Breast feeding is possible after having had breast augmentation however you must be sure to tell your surgeon if you have plans for future pregnancy. A breast augmentation can cause damage to milk producing glands depending upon where the incision is made and how the implant is inserted. If you discuss this with your surgeon they can advise you on the best type of treatment.

Things to consider

Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently.

Many women today feel pressure to match up to media images of beauty and perfection. If you are considering having any kind of cosmetic surgery then you should be certain that you are doing it to feel better about yourself and not because of how you think you will appear to others. If you are unsure about your reasons for undergoing any kind of cosmetic surgery then you should discuss them with your surgeon and not be afraid to ask any questions you may have. A good surgeon will always make sure you have a realistic expectations about the outcome of your surgery before you decide to proceed.

For some patients augmentation alone may not be enough to restore the shape and appearance of the breast to the patient’s satisfaction. If so then a breast lift and augmentation together may be required. You will see results of your breast augmentation immediately however it does take about 3 months for the body to adjust and for the implants to ‘settle’. Once this has happened they should have a more natural look and only then will you be able to see the final results of your surgery.

Breast Augmentation FAQ

• Will My Results Be Permanent?
  Breast implants are designed to last for a long time, but they are susceptible to wear and tear and can be damaged. If a saline implant ruptures, the saline can be safely absorbed by the body. However, the implant will need to be replaced to restore the appearance of the breasts. Sometimes, silicone implants may rupture but still retain their shape. These implants can be replaced safely to preserve your results.
• Will There Be Noticeable Post-Surgical Marks on My Breasts?

  Every surgical procedure that requires incisions will leave a post-surgical mark on the surgical site. When it comes to breast augmentation, each incision is precisely made along a specific area of the breasts, like around the areola or in the breast crease, where there is a natural border in the skin.Borders are an excellent way to camouflage, and the strategic placement of these incisions is intended to make it difficult to notice any post-surgical marks that form once the patient is fully healed.

• How Big Can I Go?
  There is a limit to how large your breast implants can be. The amount of skin in the area, the build of your body, and your overall size play an important role when determining how big is too big. While the muscle and skin can be stretched to accommodate larger implants, there is a limit to how much the tissues can be stretched before they are compromised.
• How Long Before I Can Return to Work?
  While the recovery period varies depending on the individual’s natural healing rate, most patients prefer to take a week off from work to allow for optimal healing. The breasts will still be healing after this time, but there should be no difficulty working as long as your job does not involve strenuous activities.