Breast Augmentation in Kirkland, Washington
Kirkland plastic surgeon Dr. Gavin Dry provides breast augmentation surgery using saline or silicone implants, including the latest cohesive silicone gel breast implants. Breast augmentation has become very popular in the U.S. (over 2 million Americans have undergone the surgery) because many women desire larger, fuller breasts.
After breast augmentation, patients commonly report benefits such as improved self-confidence, a more feminine appearance, and a greater number of wardrobe options.
Should I Consider Breast Augmentation?
Women choose to have breast implants for the following reasons:
- Dissatisfied with small breast size or body proportions
- Loss of breast fullness due to aging, pregnancy, weight loss
- Noticeable asymmetry in breasts
- Desire for enhanced body shape
The choice to have cosmetic surgery is a personal one. If you’re considering breast augmentation, make the choice based on your own values and goals, not based on outside influences telling you to look a certain way. A good candidate meets one of the above criteria, but is also capable of weighing both risks and benefits of breast augmentation.
Breast Implant Choices and Variations in Technique
Today’s patient has many choices for breast augmentation. Implants come in different shapes, sizes, textures, and also come filled with saline, silicone gel or the new cohesive silicone gel. There are also variations in surgical technique that can impact your results. Dr. Dry can explain all of these aspects during a consultation at our Kirkland office. Our general goal is to provide a safe procedure and excellent aesthetic results that satisfy your breast augmentation goals.
Silicone Breast Implants
The use of silicone implants has been approved for breast augmentation as well as breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Silicone implants have been one of the most studied medical devices in history. For breast augmentation, Dr. Dry uses mainly silicone implants but saline implants can be an option. Silicone implants are filled with FDA approved, medical grade silicone and are designed for durability as well as being backed by strict standards. It is ultimately the patient and surgeon’s decision on what type of implant will best suit the outcome and look from the surgery.
Allergan Style 410 Cohesive Gel or "Gummy Bear" Implants
Dr. Dry has been chosen as one of the 50 surgeons in the country approved by the FDA to use the new Allergan 410 Cohesive “Gummy Bear” implants. At this time, these implants are restricted for use in patients with previous breast implants and those that have undergone a mastectomy. All silicone implants may be called “cohesive” but the 410 implants differ from regular silicone because they retain their shape (the shell does not fold), they are teardrop shaped and they cannot leak. We are very pleased that we can offer the latest in Implant technology and safety to our patients.
Risks of Breast Augmentation
Uncertainty and risk is an inherent part of all surgery, whether it’s cosmetic or reconstructive. Before you undergo breast augmentation, you should be aware of these risks so you can make an educated decision. Adverse events that can occur include inflammation, infection, seroma, hematoma, altered nipple sensation and other early onset complications.
There are also delayed complications that could affect you months or years after breast augmentation. Capsular contracture, implant rupture, or implant malposition are among these adverse events. Most complications are resolved through a subsequent procedure, sometimes referred to as “revision breast augmentation.”
What happens during breast augmentation surgery?
During surgery, a breast implant is inserted either behind the breast tissue of each breast or behind the pectoralis major muscle, the major muscle of the chest wall, thereby increasing the size of the breast. In order to insert the implant, an incision is necessary, typically placed in the breast crease, underarm, navel or around the nipple.
How will I feel after breast augmentation?
You will feel tired and sore after your breast augmentation. You may also experience some unexpected changes in sensation around the nipple and areola. Dr. Dry will prescribe pain medications to help you manage discomfort during the recovery. You will probably be advised to walk around after 24 hours. Typical recovery time is about 1 – 2 weeks and sutures may be removed in 10 days.
How will I look with breast implants?
The aesthetic results will vary. Don’t expect to achieve the same exact result as your friend or family member that has a breast augmentation. During your consultation, Dr. Dry may help you visualize the expected results using before and after photos and other resources. Please view our animated breast augmentation videos to learn more about this procedure.
Contact the office of Seattle area plastic surgeon Gavin Dry M.D. to learn more about breast augmentation in Kirkland, Washington.