If you want to improve the appearance of your breasts, restore what cancer has taken, or improve your overall body proportions, breast augmentation will help you reach your aesthetic goals. At Manuel Gigena MD, FACS Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, we are proud to offer this procedure as a way to help women improve their breasts and, in doing so, increase their self-esteem and confidence.
What Is a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a procedure that increases the size and improves the shape and proportion of the breast. Most people think that an augmentation only uses implants to transform the breasts, but this procedure can be customized with different methods. It is a good procedure for women who:
- Have always wanted to improve the aesthetics of their breasts
- Have undergone a surgical procedure that has negatively affected their breasts
- Have undergone one or multiple pregnancies, and nursing and hormone fluctuations have left their breasts looking less than desirable
How Does It Work?
When it comes to breast augmentation, you may think you know exactly what you want but at the same time have no idea what you want. That’s the importance of an initial consultation. When you schedule an initial consultation at our office, you will meet with our esteemed surgeon Dr. Gigena who will sit down with you, discuss your health history, and confirm that this procedure is right for you.
Customizing Your Procedure
This is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Dr. Gigena will discuss every aspect of the procedure with you, and you’ll create your dream breasts by choosing everything from the augmentation method to the incision location. If you choose an implant over a fat transfer, you will spend time choosing the type of implant, size, shape, and proportion of that implant.
These are all critical decisions, and while it may seem like an overwhelming process, Dr. Gigena will walk you through the decision-making process. He will make recommendations based on your desired outcome and help create the perfect procedure that will help you achieve the breasts of your dreams.
Choosing the Right Method
At Manuel Gigena MD, FACS Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gigena can perform breast augmentation with three methods. None of these methods are superior to another; they are just different and will meet different patients’ goals. During your consultation, Dr. Gigena will discuss these methods in detail so you can make an educated and informed decision about which is right for you.
Augmentation Using a Fat Transfer
A fat transfer is one of the methods we can use to augment the breasts. This procedure involves the use of liposuction to remove healthy and viable yet stubborn and unwanted fat cells from one area of the body to increase the size of the breasts. The benefit of this method is that not only will it increase the size and improve the shape of your breasts, but it also helps reduce the total fat volume in an area in one of your problem areas.
How It Works
This procedure begins by harvesting fat from the donor area. The treatment area will be completely numbed, and then Dr. Gigena will use liposuction to gently suction fat cells from that area. The fat cells will then be examined carefully, and only viable, healthy, and undamaged cells will be prepared in injectable form. Once the cells are prepared, they will be strategically injected into different areas of the breasts.
You’ll get increased fullness, and it will be completely natural. No implant is necessary. All that’s needed to successfully complete this procedure is an area of the body with enough healthy fat cells to help you achieve your desired look. An augmentation that uses a fat transfer is a good option for those who don’t want to significantly increase the size of their breasts but also want to make them a little bit bigger yet still get the most natural-looking results.
Augmentation Using Implants
Breast augmentations are most often performed with the use of an implant. There are different types of implants, and during your consultation, Dr. Gigena will discuss each one in detail and help you make the right choice. In choosing your implant, he will help you select the right size, shape, and proportion.
He will take different factors into consideration in helping you choose the right implant type, size, and shape. He will assess your body structure and anatomy to help you get beautiful yet natural-looking results.
How It Works
An incision will be made in a preplanned location during the procedure based on your discussion with our surgeon. The implant will be placed in the chest wall to lift, reshape, and improve the size and appearance of the breasts.
Augmentation With Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is similar to a fat transfer, but the main difference is that fat transfers involve liposuction and the use of injections to transfer fat cells from a donor site to the breasts. Fat grafting involves the surgical removal of a large section of fat from one area of the body.
How It Works
Dr. Gigena will then create an incision and graft that large section of fat to the breasts. During this procedure, we will use your fat tissue to increase the size of your breasts and enhance the shape for a completely natural appearance. Typically, fat is harvested from the stomach, buttocks, or thighs to complete this procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prepare For My Procedure?
The best ways to prepare for breast augmentation are to plan ahead and enlist help. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment, and you will also need someone to help you with household work. Think about your daily schedule and find someone who can meet all of your daily needs, including helping with children, carpooling, household chores, and even walking the dog.
You should prepare your meals in advance so that you can easily reheat your frozen pre-made meals without having to do a lot of cooking. Also, expect to spend the first several days of your recovery resting. Rest is one of the single most important parts of your recovery because it will help you heal faster so that you can enjoy your results that much sooner.
When Can I Return to Work?
Most patients can safely return to work within two weeks of their procedure. Recovery times may vary among patients based on their health at the time of the procedure, the extent and complexity of the procedure, and their age. During your initial consultation, we can provide you with a better idea of what type of recovery you can expect and when you can plan on returning to work.
When Can I Resume My Workout Routine?
Patients can typically return to their normal workout routines within one month of their procedure. You may be asked to wear a compression bra during your healing process to help protect your new breasts during your early workouts.
Can I Breastfeed After My Procedure?
Although most patients have no problem breastfeeding after breast augmentation, let our surgeon know during your initial consultation if you plan on getting pregnant and breastfeeding post-op. He will walk you through the details of the procedure and if any of the methods will affect your ability to breastfeed successfully.
Which Augmentation Method Is Right For Me?
The different augmentation methods used during this procedure offer different benefits for different patients. The best one for you will completely depend on your aesthetic goals, your preferred size, and the overall look you want to achieve.
An initial consultation is so important because it helps determine which method is right for you. You’ll be able to ask questions and learn more about the procedure and the details of each method. You’ll know exactly what type of results you can expect by the end of your appointment.
Am I a Candidate?
Many women qualify for breast augmentation. The best candidates are in good health and have realistic expectations regarding their procedure, recovery, and results. Women born with naturally small breasts who want to increase the size, improve the shape, and improve the proportions of their breasts make good candidates for augmentation.
Women who have undergone a whole or partial mastectomy also make good candidates for this procedure since it can restore what cancer has taken from them. It will increase their confidence and help them feel feminine and beautiful despite their medical past. Women who have experienced one or more pregnancies and have spent years nursing only to be left with less than desirable breasts make good candidates for this procedure as well.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
If you’re ready to take the first step and achieve your dream breasts, we can help. Contact us today at Manuel Gigena MD, FACS Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ, to schedule your initial consultation for breast augmentation.
