BREAST AUGMENTATION

There are times when we look in the mirror and notice certain aspects about our body that we’d like to change. Many women may be generally happy with the way they look, but there may be one specific area they’d like to alter: their breasts. Some don’t like the fact that their breasts are too small or are out of proportion with the rest of their body. Others might have breasts that sag or look “deflated”. If you fall into one of these categories, and you’re ready to make a significant change in the appearance of your breasts, then a visit to Dr. English at his Little Rock, AR, practice to discuss cosmetic breast surgery/augmentation, is the first step towards realizing your desired goal. 

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WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Breast augmentation, also known as mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to add volume and contour to the breasts. During a breast implant procedure, Dr. English can increase your breasts by several bra cup sizes through the insertion of a silicone or saline implant behind your natural breast tissue. Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic and cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States today, and thousands of women have chosen to alter the size of their bust line through breast implants.

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WHAT ARE BREAST IMPLANTS?

Breast implants are saline or silicone-filled shells that are placed underneath the breast mound to provide an increase in cup size. Gummy bear implants are often used, and are form-stable shells that are more likely to maintain their shape should a leakage occur. Among saline, silicone, or gummy bear implants, there are a number of shapes and sizes available that will allow you to choose the look that is right for you. Some women want only a modest boost, while others prefer more dramatic changes that involve a more noticeable projection from the chest wall.

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WHY CHOOSE BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Many women feel unattractive because they are flat chested or have lost breast volume due to age or fluctuating hormones. These ladies often notice an increase in self-confidence after having breast implants placed by Dr. English.

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BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL

After having implants for a while, many women decide they no longer want them. Some women may also wish to switch their current implants for ones that are a different size or shape. For these ladies, Dr. English performs breast implant removal surgery, an outpatient procedure that can be performed in our office under local or general anesthesia. 

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An important part of the preoperative consultation with Dr. English includes a determination of the desired breast size and shape. Although many different breast contours can be achieved, a decision must be made that coincides with total body size, shape and the existing breast tissue. When performing breast augmentation at his Little Rock practice, Dr. English usually prefers to place the implants beneath the chest wall muscle. This technique typically results in softer and more natural looking breasts both standing and lying down. This placement also decreases the possibility of unnaturally firm and painful breasts while also improving the reliability of mammograms.

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HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

Breast augmentation surgery is carried out under general anesthesia and is performed at our accredited surgical facility. Prior to surgery, Dr. English will make marks on breasts to guide him in making the necessary incisions. Every effort is made to reduce the length of scars and to make them as inconspicuous as possible.

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WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?

Discomfort following breast augmentation surgery is generally very mild or moderate, and can easily be alleviated with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Clients undergoing breast augmentation may wear a special bra for several weeks and may be asked to limit certain activities that interfere with the healing process.

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Swelling and discoloration may occur but usually subsides in a few days or weeks. Areas of numbness, firmness and tenderness around the incisions and under the skin are common. Normal feeling returns several weeks to months after surgery; however, the sensations of the breasts may never be quite the same (this is uncommon with these types of procedures). Scars resulting from the incisions are typically permanent, although they do tend to fade significantly as time goes on. Eighteen to 36 months may be required for this fading process to be completed.

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Most of our breast augmentation patients plan to take seven to ten days off from work and other obligations. Strenuous activities must be avoided for a month to six weeks.