Breast augmentation surgery, performed using saline or silicone breast implants, is an excellent solution for women who desire to enhance the shape and contour of the breasts. Forma Plastic Surgery is committed to helping patients achieve their ideal look. In a consultation with our expert surgeons, patients learn about their options and choose the implants and placement techniques that will provide optimal results. To learn more about the exciting options that we offer for breast augmentation surgery with breast implants in the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas, contact Forma Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.

Before Breast Augmentation Surgery

Our surgeons meet all of our patients who desire breast augmentation in a comprehensive consultation to decide which procedure and breast implants will provide the best results. Our skilled surgeons outline the course of treatment that best suits the patient's goals and body type. We feel that it is important that our patients be informed of all of their treatment options so that they can come to an informed decision.

Patients must avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 10 days prior to breast augmentation surgery due to the blood-thinning effect of these medications. Patients who smoke cigarettes are also asked to stop for at least four weeks prior to the procedure because smoking complicates the healing process.

Patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery with breast implants should wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of their procedure, and they must arrange for transportation home after surgery. Further instructions will be provided during consultations.

Types of Breast Implants We Use

At Forma Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer a wide array of breast implant options that represent the latest in implant technology.

Saline breast implants are essentially a silicone bag that is filled with a sterile saline after placement within the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle. Because saline implants are filled after placement, scarring is minimal.

Silicone breast implants were approved for use in breast augmentation surgery by the FDA in 2006, and they have a texture that more closely resembles that of natural breast tissue. Because silicone breast implants are fully inflated when they are placed, a larger incision is necessary.

Depending on a patient's desires and body type, the surgeon places saline and silicone breast implants either within the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. In consultation, patients will discuss of all of the options available for breast augmentation surgery and breast implants. Patients are assured that they will receive all the information they need and skilled guidance from our surgeons so that they can achieve the best possible results.

Click here for FDA information on silicone implants.

Breast Augmentation Surgery — T.U.B.A. and More

Over the past several years, there have been numerous breakthroughs in breast implantation techniques that have made the procedure safer, less-invasive, and more effective. The latest of these developments is placement of saline breast implants using the T.U.B.A. (trans-umbilical breast augmentation) incision technique.

During a T.U.B.A. procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the navel, and he uses an endoscope to tunnel to the precise location where the implant is to be placed. He then inserts a deflated saline breast implant and moves it to the desired location. Once the implant is in the proper position, it is filled with a sterile saline solution. The T.U.B.A. technique provides excellent results and eliminates any scarring on or near the breasts. The small scar in the navel is virtually unnoticeable.

Other Breast Augmentation Surgery Techniques

There are several other approaches to breast augmentation surgery, including incisions made in the underarms (transaxillary), in the crease under the breasts (inframammary), and around the nipple (areolar). Each procedure has its own advantages. Scarring from transaxillary incisions remains hidden in the underarms. The inframammary and areolar procedures are two of the most commonly performed approaches to breast augmentation surgery. In consultation, patients will decide on the optimal incision site based on the type of breast implant selected.

Recovery and Results

Post-surgical recovery from a breast augmentation procedure generally takes from 24 to 72 hours. Swelling and soreness will likely persist for a few weeks. We advise patients on a case-by-case basis when they can fully resume their normal daily activities. Full recovery takes a number of weeks to a few months.
Breast augmentation with implants provides long-lasting results and can improve self-esteem and body image. Patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery should understand that breast implants are not permanent and may have to be replaced sometime in the future. Complications such as capsular contracture (squeezing of the implants by scar tissue) and implant rupture are rare but may occur. If breast shape changes over the years due to age, gravity, hormonal changes, or other factors, patients may consider replacing the breast implants and/or undergoing a breast lift.

Learn More about Breast Augmentation Surgery

Having complete information is essential before making the decision to undergo a breast enhancement procedure. Our skilled surgeons at Forma Plastic Surgery are committed to ensuring that our patients have all the information they need so that they can make the decisions that are best for them. For more information about breast augmentation surgery and breast implants, contact us.