Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in North America as well as in Dr. Sinno’s practice. It is estimated that more than 50 million women worldwide have breast implants. This procedure can help to empower a woman to be able to enhance the shape and size of her breasts as she sees fit, helping to make her perceived body shape more symmetric, proportionate and aesthetic.
What is Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty)?
A breast augmentation procedure involves the surgical placement of one’s own body parts (autologous tissue fat injections or transfers) or implant based (prosthetics: saline or silicone filled breast implants) in front of or behind the chest muscle to enhance the shape, size and overall aesthetic appearance of the breasts.
In Dr. Sinno’s busy breast practice, the majority and most common type of breast augmentation remains implant-based surgery. Fat injections and transfers in the breast are becoming more popular and Dr. Sinno has extensive experience in helping enhance the shape and size of his cosmetic and reconstructive patients’ breasts.
Who is a Breast Augmentation For?
A breast augmentation is for women of all ages (18+), who wish to increase the size and/or enhance the shape of their breasts. Women who wish to have larger, fuller, shapelier breasts or who have lost volume or fullness in their breasts due to weight loss, motherhood (post pregnancy and breastfeeding) or aging are likely candidates for this procedure.
Breast augmentation can also help balance asymmetries in the breasts, such as significant differences in shape and/or size. It can address unwanted differences in the look of the breasts, whether from genetic outcomes or mastopexy surgery where part of the breast has been removed.
Dr. Sinno and his team will work hard to help you achieve your desired breast augmentation results.
It is important to note that having a breast augmentation should be your choice, not the result of having pressure to do so from someone else. Breast augmentation can be effective in helping you achieve your desired breast appearance in the well-informed and healthy candidate.
breast augmentation before & after Photos
When considering your options for breast augmentation, take the time to find several examples (photos or videos) of the type of breast augmentation you would like to have. Because breasts vary so much in size and shape, it is important to try to find out what exactly you like about the breast shape. This will enable you to distinguish your preferences from other breasts that are similar but may not be exactly what you prefer. It will help paint a more accurate picture of your aesthetic goals.
During your initial consultation, you can show these examples to Dr. Sinno, who will help you understand how closely your results can reflect your preferences based on your anatomy. Ideally, these examples will be photos of the individual standing with their breasts nude, so that their natural shape is evident (without the external pressure of a bra, swimsuit, or other top that could alter their shape).
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Breast augmentation can be beneficial to a person in a variety of ways. The aesthetic enhancement of breast augmentation can:
- Add volume and fullness to the breasts
- Address the imbalance of asymmetrical breasts (breasts that are different sizes)
- Restore lost volume to depleted breasts after childbirth, breastfeeding or dramatic weight loss.
- Provide you with breasts that are better suited aesthetically for your body, based on your opinion of what changes would make you happiest
- Dr. Sinno can give you his professional opinion based on his knowledge and experience of breast aesthetics and your goals. However, it is crucial to understand that your body is your body, and the person who needs to love it and find it beautiful is you!
- Increase self-confidence and comfort in clothing and swimsuits
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
What are beautiful breasts? What is the “perfect” breast size? What is the “perfect” breast shape?
The perfect breast, the perfect breast shape and the perfect size is completely dependent on personal opinion and tastes. In North America, the trend of the “perfect breast” is a fuller sized breast that can fill at least a C-cup. In Europe, breast size is seen to be more ideally in the smaller range of full B. The plastic surgical medical literature quotes the ideal or “perfect breast” measurements of 21 cm from nipple to nipple and up to the sternal notch (dot between the clavicles just above the sternum below the neck). Some quote the pencil or pen test where a pencil or pen is placed at the lower part of the breast (at the inframammary fold), and the breast should not hold that pen, otherwise the breast is considered too ptotic (or saggy). People come in various forms, shapes and sizes. A C-cup in one woman may look spectacular but may be too small or too large for another woman. A woman may have larger hips and shoulder ratios that would allow a larger breast size to appear more aesthetically proportionate for her. Some cultures, such as Latin, South American or Middle-Eastern, prefer a more voluminous body type.
At the end of the day, the most important person to measure the perfect breast shape and size is each woman herself. What does she want for herself? What breast size and shape does she desire?
In my practice, I have had the privilege to surgically help over 3000 patients with “their” desired breast shape and volume. I have helped women that like “natural” shaped “teardrop” or pear shaped breasts, I have helped women achieve a round and voluminous breast, I have helped women enhance their cleavage and I have helped women achieve more “side boob”. There is a breast size and shape for all tastes. With my understanding and knowledge of what my patient wants, I will counsel her and provide her with my professional advice regarding what would look the best knowing her tastes, desires and what will fit with her personal anatomy, while upholding my highest priority for her satisfaction and safety.
Post-Operation Recovery Tips After Breast Augmentation Surgery
As part of our commitment to your well-being, Dr. Sinno and his team have compiled essential post-operation recovery tips to support a smooth healing process after your breast enhancement procedure. These tips will help you understand what to expect during recovery and equip you with the necessary information to optimize your results.
General Healing After Breast Surgery
Following breast augmentation surgery, allowing your body time to heal is crucial. Our experienced team will provide specific instructions tailored to your unique needs. Learn what to expect right after your surgery, how to manage discomfort, and how to monitor any potential signs of complications.
Sleeping Properly After Breast Augmentation Surgery
Understanding the ideal sleeping position can greatly contribute to your recovery. Our experts advise patients to sleep on their backs with slightly elevated upper bodies to reduce swelling and improve blood circulation, supporting the healing process. Dr. Sinno’s team will provide you with tips on how to sleep properly after breast augmentation surgery.
Post-Operation Exercise
While rest is crucial during the initial stages of recovery, incorporating light exercises into your daily routine can enhance your healing process. While heavy lifting is not recommended, gentle activities like walking can help you heal and keep you healthy as you recover. Dr. Sinno has created an exercise video to perform post-breast augmentation surgery to help you heal and to create a more natural-looking breast.
At Dr. Sinno’s clinic, we believe that post-operation recovery is just as important as the surgical procedure itself. By following our expert advice and listening to your body, you can ensure the best possible outcomes. To learn more about the recovery process after your surgery, visit our breast augmentation recovery tips page.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact our clinic, and we will assist you every step of the way, helping you achieve the beautiful and natural-looking breasts you desire.
WHAT IS THE BEST SIZE AND SHAPE FOR ME?
Personal preferences regarding ideal breast aesthetics vary significantly among patients. Beauty and, therefore, breast appearance preference, is in the eye of the beholder. In this case, the beholder (and the decision-maker) is you!
WHAT KINDS OF IMPLANTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Breast augmentation surgery is highly customizable. Patients can select from a vast number of alternatives in terms of the aesthetics, size and texture of their breast implants. During your initial consultation, you will be able to see, hold and feel the implant options that are available. There will be “sizers” available for you to try on in your bra or over your breasts to get a better idea of how certain shapes and sizes would look on your body frame.
In addition to implants, fat injection options are also available. However, breast implants are a much more popular choice.
Basic implant options include:
Saline breast implants
allow for a smaller surgical incision, because they are filled with a sterile salt-water solution after insertion. Saline implants are generally seen as safe with minimal health risks should the implants rupture or deflate. However, they are more prone to rippling than silicone implants. Although they are very rare, implant ruptures can occur. Dr. Sinno recommends the removal of any ruptured or defective breast implant.Silicone breast implants
are filled with a silicone cohesive gel, and are preferred by some patients because of their ability to closely simulate the authentic feel and density of human breast tissue.Size of implant
implant sizes are not measured in traditional bra cup measurements, but rather in volumetric measurements known as cubic centimeters (cc). Standard breast implants range in size from 110 cc to 960 cc. In general, one cc of saline fill is one gram of weight.Implant profile
breast implant profiles indicate the projection of the implant from the patient’s body—patients desiring more prominent silhouettes should select implants with higher profiles, and vice versa.Shape of implant
‘Anatomical’ (or ‘teardrop’ shape) and ‘round’. In Dr. Sinno’s practice, the most common breast implants that women have chosen are the round smooth type. They can provide cleavage, augmented volume and natural shape.
WHAT TYPES OF INCISION TECHNIQUES AND IMPLANT PLACEMENT OPTIONS ARE THERE?
In addition to the customizability of the breast implants themselves, the breast augmentation procedure is also customizable. It enables the surgeon to select from different implant placement options and surgical incision techniques.
Breast augmentation incision techniques:
Infra-mammary
Incision made beneath the curve of the breastTrans-axillary
Incision made in the underarm regionPeri-areolar
Incision encircles the lower half of the areola
What are breast implant placement options?
- Sub-muscular—implants are placed underneath the pectoral muscle
- Sub-glandular/sub-mammary—implants are placed over the pectoral muscle and behind the breast tissue
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN MY INITIAL CONSULTATION FOR MY BREAST AUGMENTATION (MAMMOPLASTY)?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY
How do I prepare for my surgery?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Sinno will inform you about how to prepare for the surgery. This mainly has to do with coming with clean skin to the surgery and the food choices you make the day before and the day of the surgery. On the day of the surgery before you come into the operating room, you will be required to wash your skin with an antibiotic body wash. This may help further reduce the risk of complications due to infection, in addition to the careful cleaning of the skin that will be done before the surgery.
What happens during the breast augmentation procedure?
After you arrive at our plastic surgery clinic, you will be welcomed and greeted by our certified and highly qualified nurses and staff. You will be helped with changing into a surgical gown. You will then meet our anesthesia team and be made ready for the surgery.
Dr. Sinno will then do the surgical markings with you and discuss the surgery and breast size and shape with you one last time before you are put to sleep. Based on the selections you made regarding the type of implant, incision location and implant placement, Dr. Sinno will then proceed with the surgery. You will be provided with a safe and sterile surgical environment that utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to minimize complications. This will result in the easiest and quickest recovery while providing you with the results that you seek.
How long is a breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery typically lasts one to two hours.
Do I have to stay overnight in the surgical center after my breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. Patients are typically monitored in the recovery room for at least two hours after their surgery. After a non-eventful recovery, most patients can return home walking and accompanied by a companion.
What kind of anesthesia is used for breast augmentation?
IV sedation or general anesthesia are the two available anesthesia options that are used for breast augmentation. The most common type of anesthesia is general anesthesia.
For more information on this specific procedure and to watch a 3D video animation, please visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE AFTER A BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Will I experience pain after the procedure?
Following your breast augmentation surgery, you can expect to experience mild to moderate discomfort, for which you will be given prescription pain medication. You will have periodic follow-up appointments with Dr. Sinno to ensure that your breasts are healing properly. You can be assured that you will be able to contact Dr. Sinno and his professional staff, if you are experiencing any concerns or discomfort. They will try their best to assist and comfort you immediately.
How long does it take to heal after breast augmentation surgery?
The average post-operative recovery period for breast augmentation surgery is two to four weeks. However, this can vary from patient to patient. It is dependent upon the unique healing capacity of each patient. Although the initial results of your breast augmentation will be visible immediately following your procedure, you will continue to improve over the next few weeks, as any residual bruising and swelling subsides.
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery. It will usually subside within two to six weeks. Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising and duration may vary depending on the patient and the extent of the augmentation.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE ADVICE AND CARE AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATION?
Can I go home after breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery generally takes one to two hours, after which you may be released (depending on your medical condition and health state) to a friend or family member and may return home to continue your recovery.
When can I remove the bandages after breast augmentation?
Dr. Sinno and his team will apply a special dressing and initial bandages that should be kept dry and clean for the first week. At that point, the bandages will be removed and your post-operative state will be evaluated.
Wearing bras should be avoided until the first bandages are removed. Bras with metal underwire should be avoided for six weeks after surgery.
When can I shower after breast augmentation?
The bandages are usually removed within a week after surgery. Dr. Sinno recommends that all bandages remain dry and clean after your surgery, until your first follow-up appointment. Showers should be avoided until authorized by Dr. Sinno. This is usually after all bandages are removed at the first post-operative visit. Until then, sponge baths are recommended.
White non-scented shampoo and soap are recommended to be used along with running water on the incisions after the bandages are removed and when given medical authorization to do so.
When can I exercise after breast augmentation?
You will be advised to refrain from moving your arms above your shoulders immediately following your breast augmentation procedure. This is usually advised for a two-week duration.
Dr. Sinno recommends that patients refrain from all activities that may increase their heart rate or blood pressure, including exercise, sexual activity, stressful situations, etc. in the first week after surgery.
However, it is recommended that patients walk and perform their usual activities within the limitation of the medical advice given and their tolerance to their comfort. No lifting more than 10 lbs. (4 kg) is recommended for at least two weeks after the surgery.
Sleeping on your stomach should be delayed at least two weeks after surgery.
Can I drive after surgery?
It is recommended that patients do not drive when taking narcotic pain medications and when having bulky dressings that may hinder their normal reflexes and reactivity.
General Healing
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery, and usually subsides within two to six weeks. Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising and duration may differ, depending on the patient and the extent of the breast surgery.
3 exercises to perform post breast augmentation
These are three of the breast implant exercises that Dr. Sinno suggests his patients do IF they need them. This is NOT a medical recommendation.
WHAT FOLLOW UP SHOULD YOU EXPECT AFTER YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION?
The day following your surgery, our lead nurse will call you to see how you are feeling, to answer any questions and to assure you that you are always welcome to reach out with any questions or concerns that may come up.
Follow-up appointments are recommended one week, six weeks, three months, six months, and one year post-op. Appointment frequency can vary, depending on each individual patient’s healing process.
All of these appointments are included in the procedure fee. After one year, it is recommended to come in for an appointment every three to five years, depending on how you feel.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION & IMPLANTS?
The ideal patient is a healthy woman over 18 years of age who is motivated to enhance the shape and size of her breasts. She is a patient who knows what she wants and understands that although complications and risks are rare, they are real. The ideal candidate for breast augmentation is a realistic woman who is doing this procedure for herself and not for anyone else.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A BREAST AUGMENTATION (MAMMOPLASTY)?
In addition to informing you about your potential surgical options, Dr. Sinno will also brief you on the most common risks as well as the risks that may be increased based on your individual condition. All medical and surgical procedures have inherent risks and potential complications that are associated with them. It is imperative that you understand the potential risks, complications and consequences that can arise after the medical or surgical procedure you undertake. This understanding will better allow you to weigh out the benefits and risks of your desired procedure and provide informed consent.
Although the materialization of inherent risks is rare and developing complications is unlikely, these are real events that can occur. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sinno will help you to understand the risk/benefit profile of your desired procedure.
During the consultation, you will be able to ask any questions you may have regarding any part of the surgical process (such as what to expect before, during, and after surgery).
HOW MUCH DOES A BREAST AUGMENTATION COST?
You could consider breast augmentation surgery for various reasons. Whether to increase the size of your breast, correct asymmetries or regain your femininity back, most patients agree that breast augmentation surgery was worthwhile.
The type of augmentation, materials used and level of work necessary to achieve your ideal results all contribute to the price of the procedure. It is also important to take into account the experience, training and reputation of the surgeon and support staff.
The average cost of a breast augmentation procedure is $10,350 plus applicable taxes.
