Breast Augmentation
Dr. Cassie Hartline understands that the journey to self-confidence is deeply personal. With a dedicated focus on plastic surgery procedures for the breasts including breast augmentation in Houston and The Woodlands, TX, she consistently strives to restore and uplift her patients’ confidence. Her commitment goes beyond aesthetics; patient safety and well-being are paramount. Combining a meticulous approach with advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Hartline is a board-eligible surgeon who ensures that every patient feels valued and informed throughout their transformative journey. Her unwavering dedication to both exceptional results and patient safety has established her as a trusted name in the field of plastic surgery.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, medically referred to as
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Breast augmentation
Mayo Clinic
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augmentation mammoplasty
, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Specifically, breast augmentation with implants involves placing silicone or saline-filled implants either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle, providing a fuller, shapelier appearance.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation can offer a myriad of benefits, helping women feel more self-assured and satisfied with their appearance. Some of the prominent benefits include:
- Enhanced breast volume and curvature
- Balanced breast size, perfect for those with asymmetry
- Improved body proportion and silhouette
- Restoration of breast volume post-pregnancy or weight loss
- Boosted self-esteem and confidence
Preparing For Breast Augmentation
Your initial consultation is the first step in preparing for breast augmentation. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals with Dr. Hartline, ask questions, and review any concerns you may have. It is also during this appointment that you’ll receive a detailed surgical plan designed for your unique anatomy. When preparing for breast augmentation, patients should maintain good health, avoid smoking, and discuss any medications or supplements they are taking with Dr. Hartline.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia in our state-of-the-art surgery center and offers a variety of procedural options tailored to each patient’s specific needs:
Subglandular
This approach places the implant directly behind the breast tissue but in front of the chest muscle. It is ideal for patients who already have a substantial amount of breast tissue, offering a natural look with a quicker recovery time.
Submuscular
Here, the implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle. This method may be more suitable for those with less natural breast tissue, as it offers a more natural slope and reduces the risk of visible implant rippling.
Fat Transfer
Fat transfer has emerged as a natural alternative or supplement in breast augmentation procedures. It involves harvesting fat from elsewhere on the body—like the abdomen or thighs—purifying it, and then injecting it into the breasts.
The best approach will depend on your unique anatomy, desired outcome, and Dr. Hartline’s expert recommendation.
Types of Breast Implants
Breast implants are
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What types of breast implants are available?
ASPS
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FDA-approved
medical devices that come in two primary types: Silicone and Saline.
Silicone Implants
These implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that feels much like natural breast tissue. They are known for their natural feel and are available in various shapes and sizes. Silicone implants also come in the form of “gummy bear implants” , a specific type of form-stable cohesive silicone gel implants.
Saline Implants
These are filled with sterile salt water (saline). If the implant shell leaks, the implant will collapse, and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
Both implant types have their merits, and the choice typically depends on patient preference and Dr. Hartline’s advice.
Breast Augmentation Recovery & Results
Recovery from breast augmentation can vary, but most patients can resume normal activities within a week. It’s essential to follow post-operative instructions, including wearing a support bra and avoiding strenuous activities. Swelling and sensitivity are expected initially but will subside over time. As for breast augmentation results, patients can expect fuller, more contoured breasts that enhance their overall physique and boost self-confidence.
Schedule A Consultation For Breast Augmentation
For a personalized consultation with the Houston area’s best plastic surgeon for breast augmentation, contact us today. Serving The Woodlands, Texas, and beyond, we’d be happy to provide you with more about how breast augmentation surgery can transform your life.
FAQs about Breast Augmentation
For a personalized consultation with the Houston area’s best plastic surgeon for breast augmentation, contact us today. Serving The Woodlands, Texas, and beyond, we’d be happy to provide you with more about how breast augmentation surgery can transform your life.
Who is a candidate for breast augmentation?
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Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
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Ideal candidates
for breast augmentation are individuals over 18 years of age for saline implants and 22 for silicone, in good overall health and free from active infections or serious illnesses. They should have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes and not be pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s vital that candidates are non-smokers or are willing to quit. An understanding of the procedure’s risks and realistic expectations is essential.
Will I be able to breastfeed after augmentation?
Many women can
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Think You Can’t Breastfeed After Implants?
Johns Hopkins Medicine
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breastfeed successfully
after the procedure, but it’s essential to discuss this with Dr. Hartline during the consultation.
Are there risks associated with breast augmentation?
Breast surgery has never been safer, however, as with any surgery, there are
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FDA wants women to understand the risks and benefits related to breast implants
Harvard Health
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potential risks
. Dr. Hartline will discuss these in detail during your consultation, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Can I combine any other procedures with breast augmentation?
Yes, many of Dr. Hartline’s patients choose to combine breast augmentation with other cosmetic surgery procedures for more comprehensive and beautiful results. One popular combination is a breast lift alongside breast augmentation, which not only enhances the size but also elevates the position of the breasts for a youthful appearance. Additionally, the post-pregnancy mommy makeover is often sought after, which can include breast enhancement, a tummy tuck, and liposuction to rejuvenate multiple areas of the body at once. By blending procedures, patients can achieve a holistic transformation that enhances their overall silhouette.
1 Mayo Clinic. Breast augmentation. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178#. Accessed September 20, 2023.
2 ASPS. What types of breast implants are available? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants. Accessed September 20, 2023.
3 ASPS. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/candidates. Accessed September 20, 2023.
4 Johns Hopkins Medicine. Think You Can’t Breastfeed After Implants? Think Again. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/think-you-cant-breastfeed-after-implants-think-again#. Accessed September 20, 2023.
5 Harvard Health. FDA wants women to understand the risks and benefits related to breast implants. Available: https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/fda-wants-women-to-understand-the-risks-and-benefits-related-to-breast-implants. Accessed September 20, 2023.
Cassie Hartline M.D. has either authored or reviewed and approved this content
Page Updated: June 25, 2024