Breast Augmentation

Breast surgery is really all about self-confidence. This is the most frequently requested cosmetic procedure around the world, and I love to see the physical and emotional transformation that a well-performed breast augmentation brings each of my patients. As an integral part of a woman’s femininity, a woman’s breast appearance can strongly impact her self-esteem and lead to self-consciousness if things just aren’t right.

Whether or not you trace your decision for breast augmentation back to a desire for improved self-confidence, you can have outstanding results that will provide years of satisfaction with a breast augmentation performed by Dr. Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery. A breast augmentation can improve many common problems that affect the appearance of a woman’s breast, including breasts are too small or simply disproportionate to the rest of the body.

What is breast augmentation surgery?

Breast augmentation uses an implant to enlarge or reshape your breasts. Ultimately, the goal is to add fullness to the breasts. Through the insertion of an implant, Dr. Andrews can change the size, shape, weight and feel of your natural breasts, giving you the precise outcome you want.

Why choose to have breast augmentation?

Everyone has their own reasons for undergoing breast augmentation surgery, and Dr. Andrews will discuss your personal cosmetic goals during a consultation. Typically, women desire breast augmentation to address:

• Small breast size
• Asymmetric breasts
• Deflated breasts
• Breasts that lack significant upper breast volume

Together, you and Dr. Andrews will discuss the ways in which he can utilize breast augmentation to give you the feminine figure you’ve been looking for. During an examination, Dr. Andrews will determine the optimal technique that will provide the most beautiful and natural result.

Along with augmentation, it may be beneficial to consider having a breast lift. Breasts with excess skin tend to sag, a lift in addition to an augmentation can provide better breast shape and a more youthful profile.

Breast augmentation is also part of the “mommy makeover” procedure — a series of body contouring procedures that address the cosmetic changes that occur in the abdomen with pregnancy and the deflation and stretching that occur with lactation.

What are your breast augmentation options?

Breast augmentation is one of the most customizable plastic surgical procedures that you can undergo. With the varying shapes, sizes, textures, and materials that make up different implants, along with the alternatives in placement and incisional techniques, you can truly have a breast enhancement procedure that specifically addresses your breast shape and aesthetic goals.

Dr. Andrews has performed hundreds of successful breast augmentations, and his goal is to produce the most natural results possible. He’ll discuss the best technique for you, which most commonly includes implant placement underneath the pectoral muscle through an incision placed in the crease under the breast. He will also help you select the implant that best suits you.

The implant and placement technique that you and Dr. Andrews decide upon depends on your individual breast size and shape. The natural size of your breasts, along with the amount of skin available and extent of volume loss can dictate the size and shape of your implants. Other factors that will be discussed include your timeframe, budget and cosmetic goals.

Will I be able to fit a breast augmentation procedure into my busy schedule?

Yes, you can. One of the biggest misconceptions about a breast augmentation surgery is that you will need a lot of downtime after your surgery to recovery. Patients will need to focus on rest during the first 48 to 72 hours and, in addition, avoid strenuous physical activity, contact sports and heavy lifting for a few weeks. However, women who have had a breast surgery can manage discomfort easily with pain medications and, if they are careful not to stress their incisions, they can return to work or school quickly.

It’s not uncommon for a woman to have her surgery on a Thursday or Friday and find herself comfortable enough to return to work on Monday safely. The key is to listen to your body; if you do not feel ready to resume normal activities, it is best to wait. If you are unsure at all, call and schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Andrews. You will remain under Dr. Andrews’ thoughtful care throughout your recovery. He will be happy to review your progress and clear you for certain activities if you are uncertain.

What will happen during my breast augmentation procedure?

Breast augmentation surgery typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete, and general anesthesia is administered during surgery to ensure your comfort throughout. After anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Andrews will mark where your incisions will be located. The surgeon will then make the incisions and open up the breast pocket, ensuring there is enough room for your selected implant. Next, Dr. Andrews will insert a “sizer” to making sure the implant will fit into the pocket he has created.

The sizer will be replaced with the breast implant you have chosen, which will be placed either over the muscle (sub-glandular) or under the muscle (sub-muscular) as discussed during your surgery consultation. Once the implant has been introduced into the breast pocket, the surgeon will verify proper positioning before closing the incisions with dissolvable sutures (in most cases) and applying surgical dressings. Many patients will also be fitted with a surgical bra to protect the surgical area and support healing.

Is recovery from a breast augmentation difficult?

Because breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to return home a few hours after surgery, but it’s important that you follow the post-operative instructions Dr. Andrews gives you. You’ll receive guidance on how to care for your breasts following augmentation, which includes removing surgical bandages, use of a surgical bra, and taking oral medication to reduce pain. Most patients find that they can return to work two to three days after the procedure.

You can expect your breasts to feel swollen and sore for the first few weeks after surgery, and Dr. Andrews will recommend that you refrain from any rigorous activity while you heal. All breast implants “ride high” in the immediate post-operative period, that “push-up bra” look will subside as the breast implants “settle” into a more natural position in your breasts. If you have questions or concerns about the recovery process, you can contact Dr. Andrews and his staff at any time. He will also schedule follow-up appointments to check your progress after your procedure.

When can I begin enjoying my results?

While your incisions will be fully healed around six weeks after your surgery, your full results may take more time to develop. However, you can slowly return to your daily routine. As you heal and adjust to the look and feel of your new breasts, you’re sure to experience increased confidence in your body image.

Are there ways to finance my breast surgery?

If you are having a breast augmentation surgery for cosmetic reasons, your surgery will not be covered by insurance. However, this does not mean that you can’t have your surgery. If you would like to have your surgery and finance it, you have many options available; cost does not have to prevent you from having your surgery. If you are committed to having your surgery but are concerned about paying for it, raise this issue during your consultation and Dr. Andrews and his staff can walk you through your financing options. For example, Dr. Andrews proudly offers CareCredit, an easy and convenient way to pay for your surgery over time. Care Credit offers:

• Low monthly payments
• Low or no interest on plans
• No upfront costs, fees or penalties

Dr. Kahlil Andrews of Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery Provides Patients With the Informed and Compassionate Care That Women Deserve

Women have many choices to make when considering a breast augmentation surgery. They will need to decide what kind of procedure and implants they want and, more importantly, they will need to select their surgeon carefully. Their choice of surgeon, however, can have the most dramatic impact on the quality and outcome of their surgery. Surgery and your breast appearance are not commodities; the differences between surgeries and final outcomes can be dramatic.

Your best results will come when you select a surgeon who takes a consultative and involved approach in your breast augmentation choices, who will recommend only the options that will give you the most attractive look and will best express your personality and unique spark. Further, while the risks of breast surgery are minimal, you can further enhance your safety by selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Kahlil Andrews, who will employ only the safest techniques with the highest levels of excellence.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Andrews today by calling 319-800-6877 and learn more about the benefits a breast augmentation has to offer. You can have the breast appearance you want — and a sense of satisfaction and wellbeing — for years to come.

Dr. Andrews proudly serves the community of Cedar Rapids and the neighboring towns of Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Waterloo and the Quad Cities.

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