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What is a Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation in Houston is a surgical procedure that can help make the breasts more proportionate to the rest of the body. The goal is to increase the shape, fullness, and size of the breast. For some, a breast augmentation can also help with other circumstances.  These can include weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding or age where the breasts lose their fullness or volume.  Dr. Courtney works with saline, silicone and gummy bear implants under the chest muscles or breast tissue.

How is Breast Augmentation in Houston Performed?

You will undergo surgery in our AAAHC-certified ambulatory surgery center, which is more personalized and private than undergoing surgery in a hospital. Our surgery center delivers more comfort, convenience, and safety than is offered in a hospital with hundreds of patients undergoing treatment. As an important health and safety fact, the infection rate in a certified ambulatory surgery center is half that of hospitals, with bacterial and viral presence dramatically reduced, and a far more comfortable experience overall.

During your breast augmentation in Houston, an implant is inserted either under the soft tissue or under the muscle to enhance breast shape and size. The surgical incisions can be placed in one of several different locations to create the pocket in which to place the implants. Incisions are commonly made in the following areas:

  • Under the crease of the breasts (inframammary)
  • Around a portion of the areola (periareolar)
  • In the natural folds of the armpits (trans-axillary)

Several factors are considered when choosing incision placement. These include the type and size of the breast implants. Whether you will undergo an accompanying breast lift procedure also figures into the incision placement decision. Dr. Courtney carefully examines your body architecture when making a recommendation regarding where to place incisions. Of course, the goal is to leave your skin as smooth and natural-looking as possible.

Breast Augmentation with Dr. Courtney

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.

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. You and Dr. Courtney will work together to determine how these details figure into your personal aesthetic goals and overall health. Generally, women who have little natural breast tissue achieve a more beautiful outcome with the implants placed below the muscle.

Sexy woman with larget breasts in black lingerie in bed
Breast Augmentation in Houston Breast Augmentation in Houston
Breast Augmentation in Houston Breast Augmentation in Houston
Breast Augmentation in Houston Breast Augmentation in Houston

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What is the Cost of Breast Augmentation in Houston?

Breast augmentation in Houston tends to run between $5000 and $10,000, depending on the extent of the work performed and other factors such as age, health, and the type of implants chosen. We can provide you with financing options from reputable healthcare lenders with reasonable rates. Breast augmentation is not a procedure where one should look for a bargain. Make sure you entrust your body to an experienced, credentialed practitioner who has your best interests at heart

Types of Breast 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, lovely, 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 to 21. In the rare case that a saline implant ruptures, it is immediately noticeable as the implant will deflate, and 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-2000’s and FDA-approved for women over 22, Gummy Bear implants are made with cohesive silicone gel shaped into a teardrop. They are known for their ability to realistically mimic 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 3 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 clients 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,” commonly referred to as “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.

Silicone breast implants are some of the most extensively studied of all medical devices. In 2006 the FDA reviewed all research involving leaked silicone’s impact on the body and found no connection between silicone gel implants and systemic diseases.  Silicone implants are approved for all women over 21.

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. You can test different-sized implants to see how they look and feel on your body.

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation

Breast massage after Breast implants with Dr. Courtney

You will wake from your surgery in our state-of-the-art 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 health care 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, 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 that Dr. Courtney provides to maximize your healing and results. Breast massage during your recovery will help you achieve the most beautiful, natural results.

We Listen. We Care.

Whatever your reasons and goals wanting a breast augmentation in Houston, Dr. Courtney will make sure he understands your expectations when developing your surgical plan. He understands that every person he works with has unique goals. He will listen closely to your vision for your breasts and your figure to ensure you achieve the beautiful outcome you expect, bringing you happiness and confidence in all of life’s journeys.

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3D Imaging Technology

Using Vectra XT 3D Imaging technology, Dr. Courtney makes it possible to visualize various sizes of implants and how they will appear on you. The device superimposes images on a 3D image of your body, changing implant size and shape so that you can make an educated decision about implant size and shape, and what size will produce the most natural and flattering results.The 3D imaging step can give you confidence and peace of mind about what to expect when your surgery is complete. Vectra XT 3D Imaging technology is available at only a few plastic surgery practices in the Houston area.

Every consultation is a personalized experience, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions. The goal of the consultation is for Dr. Courtney to fully understand your aesthetic concerns and your personal vision of physical beauty.

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What is an Internal Bra?

An internal bra provides a temporary scaffolding for a more youthful, shapely breast appearance. Several different types of materials are used to create the internal bra, and the best selection for your needs will be chosen at the time of your consultation. Any of these will help support cell growth and aid significantly in the development of a sculpted, youthful-looking chest.

    • GalaFLEX – Made from a degradable polymer similar to the material used in absorbable sutures, the GalaFLEX mesh fortifies collagen and elastin growth over time, strengthening your internal soft tissues. 
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    Implant Projection

    Breast implants are available in various levels of projection, called the profile. This is the degree that your new breasts will project outward. The option for breast implant profile include:

    • Low-profile: These implants offer less projection from the chest wall, are wider, adding soft volume, and are appropriate for women with a wider chest.
    • Moderate profile: These implants have a higher level of projection, with a smaller width of the base. These implants achieve a very natural level of projection and could be the ideal choice for women with narrower chests.
    • High profile: These implants are the narrowest at the base, allowing for maximum projection, and the fullest, most rounded-looking breast structure.
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    Breast Revision Surgery

    Women seek revision breast surgery after an unsatisfactory result of an augmentation surgery or to replace older or ruptured implants. Dr. Courtney prides himself on truly listening and strives to ensure he understands what you hope to achieve in your revision, whether larger, smaller, or returning to your natural breast size in a breast revision. It can be a personal tragedy to be disappointed after a primary breast augmentation, and Dr. Courtney is often called upon to correct these issues. Dr. Courtney is an exceptionally talented and meticulous surgeon and can help you resolve problems associated with an unsatisfactory outcome from another surgeon. Click here to learn more.

    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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