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What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as enlargement or enhancement, is a surgical procedure that can help make the breasts more proportionate to the rest of the body. The objective is to improve the appearance of the breasts by increasing their shape, fullness, and size using implants. For some, receiving breast augmentation in Houston can also address aesthetic concerns that arise from weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or age. Dr. Courtney, a breast surgeon in Houston, works with saline, silicone, and gummy bear implants, placing them under the chest muscles or breast tissue to achieve optimal results.

Breast Augmentation Before & Afters

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Benefits of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can be a life-changing procedure, and can greatly improve confidence for women who have struggled with their breast size, shape, and symmetry. It is one of the most popular procedures we offer because it provides such significant benefits, including:

  • Restoring breasts that have “deflated” due to pregnancy and aging
  • Providing aesthetic breast symmetry 
  • Creating feminine, curvy proportions and a shapely appearance
  • Restoring the breasts after a mastectomy procedure
  • Improving self-esteem and boosting confidence 
  • Providing a better and more attractive fit in clothing
close up of breast augmentation

Breast Augmentation Videos with Dr. Courtney

Dr. Courtney talking to a patient about breast augmentation

Dr. Courtney doing an interview in a purple suit

Breast Implant Placement

In general, breast implants can be placed submuscular, under the pectoral muscle, or sub-glandular, which is under the breast glands and fatty tissue of the breasts. They can also be placed on top of the pectoral muscle, which is called a “pre-pectoral” breast implant placement.

The placement of the implant will be determined by your body’s natural figure and proportions, as well as the size and shape of the implant. Each choice has its advantages. Dr. Courtney will work together with you to determine how these details figure into your personal aesthetic goals and overall health. Generally, women who have little natural breast tissue achieve a better outcome with the implants placed below the muscle.

Sexy woman with larget breasts in black lingerie in bed

Will There Be Scaring After My Breast Augmentation? 

After breast augmentation surgery, several types of scars may develop, depending on the surgical technique used. The most common type of scar is the inframammary scar, which is situated beneath the breast fold. This scar tends to be well-hidden within the natural crease of the breast. Another type is the periareolar scar, located around the edge of the areola. While this scar can be inconspicuous due to its placement, it may be more visible on individuals with lighter skin tones.

Additionally, some individuals may have scars in the axillary region (in the armpit) or even along the umbilicus (belly button) if transaxillary or transumbilical approaches were utilized. Proper postoperative care and adherence to the surgeon's instructions can help minimize the appearance of these scars over time.

What Are The Different Types of Implants? 

Saline Implants

Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with saltwater. The saline shell can fit into a smaller incision than the incision created for a silicone implant, as they are filled after placement. Dr. Courtney adjusts the amount of liquid in each implant to ensure your new breasts are round and symmetrical.

Saline-filled implants can have less of a natural feel and move less naturally than silicone implants, but they have the advantage of requiring a smaller incision.

Pros of Saline Implants

Saline implants have several advantages. These are the only implants that are FDA-approved for patients 18-21. In the rare case that a saline implant ruptures, it is immediately noticeable as the implant will deflate, but the saline is harmless. When a silicone breast implant ruptures, the cohesive silicone gel may stay in place, with the gel slowly entering the surgical pocket. These complications are very rare but even so, you may consider saline implants as an option.

Gummy Bear Implants

Introduced in the mid-2000s and FDA-approved for women over 22, “gummy bear” implants are made with cohesive silicone gel shaped into a teardrop. They are called gummy bear implants because of their consistency, which is known for realistically mimicking the form and feel of natural breasts. Gummy bear implants can help provide a larger cup size without sacrificing elegance or sophistication in the breast contours.

Pros of Gummy Bear Implants

There are several distinct advantages to gummy bear implants. Because of their consistency, there is a reduced risk of rupture when compared with other types of implants. However, you will need to undergo regular medical screenings to ensure that your implants haven’t migrated or leaked. MRIs are recommended every three years following your procedure. Another advantage is that gummy bear implants have a much lower risk of rippling or folding due to the security of their form. Finally, these implants typically leave the patient with less scar tissue. Note that gummy bear implants are not suggested for patients who are currently pregnant or nursing.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants consist of a silicone shell containing a viscous silicone gel. This gel feels very natural to the touch and retains a very natural shape and “bounce”. Silicone implants are often chosen by women seeking breast augmentation, as the new breasts look and feel very natural.

Patients can select which level of silicone gel viscosity and projection (shape) they prefer. One popular option for gel viscosity is “form-stable” (gummy bear). The gel viscosity has a firmer texture and achieves the plumpest, most natural-looking level of projection. These implants maintain fullness over the life of the implant better than saline implants other types of silicone implants. The teardrop shape of gummy bear implants was developed to more closely mimic natural breast tissue.

Pros of Silicone Implants

Rounded implants containing the less cohesive gel can provide more fullness to the top portion of the breasts, while anatomical or teardrop-shaped implants provide more fullness in the middle and bottom of the breasts. For women with significant asymmetry or those who are undergoing a revision or reconstruction breast surgery, it is not uncommon for implants of different sizes to be placed in each breast to create better symmetry.

During your consultation with Dr. Courtney, you can discuss all your options for size, shape, projection, and type of implant in detail. He will allow you to test different-sized implants to see how they look and feel on your body.

Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Candidates for breast augmentation are women who would like to enhance the shape and size of their breasts. Candidates meet the following requirements:

  • You are physically healthy
  • You aren't pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You do not smoke
  • Your breasts are fully developed
  • You have realistic expectations about what this surgery can do for you
  • You are unhappy about deflated, empty-looking breasts 
  • You feel your breasts are too small 
  • Your breasts are noticeably asymmetrical
  • Your breasts have lost shape and volume after children or due to age 
beautiful woman with large breasts smiling and looking into a mirror with Dr. Courtney behind her.

Cost of Breast Implants in Houston

Getting breast implants in Houston tends to run between $7,500 and $12,600. We can provide you with financing options from reputable healthcare lenders with reasonable rates. Make sure you entrust your body to an experienced, credentialed practitioner who has your best interests at heart.

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation

Breast massage after Breast implants with Dr. Courtney

How to Choose Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Choosing the right Houston plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation is crucial for ensuring your health, safety, and satisfaction. This decision can profoundly impact your results, influencing your physical appearance, confidence, and comfort. It is essential to select a surgeon whose skills, experience, and approach align with your goals and expectations, as Dr. Courtney's does.

What Credentials and Experience Should You Consider?

It's essential to thoroughly evaluate your potential surgeon’s qualifications and expertise to ensure they meet the highest standards of medical practice and aesthetic skill. Factors to consider include:

  • Board Certification in Plastic Surgery: Confirm that he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which indicates they have met rigorous standards of training, ethics, and research in plastic surgery.
  • Specialized Experience in Breast Augmentation: Assess the surgeon's number of breast augmentation procedures and ensure they have a deep understanding of various techniques and challenges associated with different types of breast implants.
  • Educational Background: Review the surgeon’s academic credentials to ensure they have received training from accredited and reputable medical schools and residency programs.
  • Affiliations and Memberships: Look for memberships in recognized medical societies, such the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which suggest a commitment to staying current with advancements in the field.

The Role of the Surgeon’s Patient Reviews

Patient reviews and testimonials offer valuable perspectives on a surgeon’s skill and patient care. These accounts can provide a glimpse into the experiences of others, helping you gauge the level of satisfaction with the surgical outcomes and the surgeon’s bedside manner. Positive reviews often highlight a surgeon's ability to create a comfortable and supportive environment, while critical reviews can make  you aware of potential red flags.

Seeing the Surgeon’s Results with Actual Patient Photos

Before-and-after photographs are critical in assessing a surgeon’s capability in breast augmentation. These images showcase the surgeon’s work and provide an idea of the results you might achieve. Look for a gallery demonstrating consistency and excellent results across various body types and aesthetic wishes.
 

The Importance of Meeting with a Potential Surgeon

Arranging a consultation with potential surgeons is pivotal. This meeting lets you ask questions about their approach, discuss your aesthetic goals, and express concerns. It also allows you to evaluate if you feel comfortable with their communication style and if they understand your desires. This personal interaction can be instrumental in deciding whether a surgeon is the right fit for this significant and life-changing decision.

Making Your Decision

After gathering information, reviewing credentials, and meeting with potential surgeons, deciding who will perform your breast augmentation involves weighing all the factors you've considered. Trust your instincts about the interactions you've had. A surgeon who makes you feel understood and safe, communicates openly and shows a genuine interest in achieving your desired outcomes should rise to the top of your list.

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Your Breast Augmentation Recovery

You will wake up from your surgery in our surgical center with one-on-one nursing care. You will have a compression bandage around your chest to support and protect your breasts and limit post-surgical swelling. After spending a couple of hours in recovery, you will be released to return home the same day. During your first few days of breast augmentation recovery, it is best to have someone stay with you and assist you.

One of the aspects of Dr. Courtney’s personalized care includes a visit from a healthcare specialist, at your home, to monitor your recovery and needs. We send a homecare nurse to you the day after your surgery. He or she will check your incisions, and bandages and ensure all is proceeding as it should. If you are one of our out-of-town patients, the nurse will visit your recovery center or hotel room.

Within a week or two, most women return to their normal daily activities with some limitations. For instance, you should not lift anything over five pounds and must avoid lifting your arms above your shoulders. You will be required to avoid all vigorous exercise or physical activities until cleared by Dr. Courtney.

While you will see immediate results with your new breasts in place, your body will continue to heal over the coming weeks to months. Once the swelling subsides, the implants will settle into their final position. During this time of recovery, carefully follow all postoperative instructions Dr. Courtney provides to maximize your healing and results. 

Why Choose Dr. Courtney For Breast Augmentation?

In your one-on-one consultation, you’ll be able to learn more about the breast augmentation procedure, explore your other surgical and non-surgical options, ask any questions, and get to know Dr. Courtney. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he knows that any cosmetic procedure can be a challenging decision to make, which is why he will make you feel comfortable and never pressured. His goal is to help all of his patients find the best version of themselves. Contact us to book your consultation with Dr. Courtney for your breast augmentation in Houston

Dr. Courtney Plastic Surgery

Breast Augmentation FAQs:

Do breast implants feel heavy?

Breast implants themselves do not weigh much, but you may feel a tightness and heaviness in your chest as the breast tissue heals around the capsules. These are perfectly normal sensations, and they will fade with time. Most women say that after a few months, they feel like their implants were always there, and they can’t remember what their chest felt like before.

How will I choose my implant size?

Choosing the best implant size for your body is a personal decision and one that your plastic surgeon can assist with based on years of expertise. The choice will depend on several factors, including your lifestyle and activity level, your aesthetic tastes, and your body frame. Most surgeons will let you “try on” your implants under your blouse during your consultation.

Will I be able to breastfeed after augmentation?

Breast implants do not typically affect your ability to breastfeed, as long as the incisions do not interfere with the nerves surrounding your areolas. Certain types of incisions, such as those within the armpits, are less likely to cause nursing problems later on. If you are planning to breastfeed again after surgery, make sure you speak with your doctor about your options.

Will my nipples lose sensation?

Temporary loss of sensation and sensitivity in the nipples is common after breast surgery, as the nerves surrounding the areolas may be impacted by your incisions. Most times, nipple sensation will return within a few months after your procedure. You can gently massage the breasts each day to help restore full feeling. After exploring your concerns, your surgeon will choose the best incision type, implant type, and implant placement for preserving your nipples after surgery.

Is breast augmentation painful?

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia so that the client will feel nothing during surgery. Afterward, pain can be well-controlled with prescription painkillers provided by the doctor. As long as no complications occur, the recovery process for breast augmentation is typically smooth and seamless.

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