What’s trending in breast augmentation?

Posted by Laurence Weider on May 22, 2019

Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2016, more than a quarter million procedures were performed. Currently, there are a wide variety of choices including a variety of sizes, profiles, and gel types. There are also new structured saline implants (Ideal Implant) available as well. These options allow the experienced plastic surgeon to best tailor the breast augmentation to the goals of each patient.

Gummy Bear Implants

“Gummy Bear” implants refer to silicone gel-filled implants that contain a firmer, more cohesive gel that holds its shape better. In addition, these implants retain their shape even when cut, reducing the risk of gel migration in the unlikely event of an implant leakage or rupture. Dr. Weider offers a full complement of implants with three different levels of gel cohesiveness from least to most “gummy bear-like”. During your consultation, he will show you examples of each one and review the pros and cons of each. In addition, in conjunction with your personal preferences, he will suggest the one that he thinks will best achieve your goals.

Faster Recovery

Using meticulous technique, Dr. Weider’s breast augmentation patients generally have a quick recovery. Most patients describe the discomfort after surgery to being similar to the muscle soreness associated with a very difficult workout combined with some swelling. Although Dr. Weider provides his patients with prescription painkillers, most patients only need them for a few days. He usually places the implants under the pectoralis muscle for more natural looking and longer lasting results.

Lift Procedures

Some women, most notably those over 40, those who have lost a lot of weight or who have had multiple pregnancies, may notice their breasts have lost volume and have begun to sag. As a result, they may achieve the best results with a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation surgery. Some women who have minimal sagging and good skin quality may be good candidates for breast implants alone. Dr. Weider will help you make this decision and review the pros and cons of each.

Some patients who want more fullness in the upper part of the breasts and who also have sagging or nipples that hang low are good candidates for a breast lift (mastopexy) combined with the placement of implants. During your consultation with Dr. Weider, he will discuss this option with you and help you determine if it is right for you. Many women who would benefit from both procedures can have them done at one time, which leads to less recovery time and overall less expense. However, depending on the amount of sagging and your skin quality as well as any other medical conditions, he may suggest that this be done in two stages. If that is the case, the breast lift will usually be done first and the augmentation can then be performed a few months later. Staging the surgeries into two separate procedures sometimes reduces the risk of wound healing problems and allows for a wider choice of implant sizes.

The incisions necessary to perform a lift can vary from just going around the nipple (periareolar) to around the nipple and also down to the bottom of the breasts (vertical lift) to that as well as a transverse scar in the crease below the breasts (full or inverted “T” lift). The nipple position and amount of sagging will determine which one is best for you.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

One of the newer trends in breast augmentation is the fat transfer procedure. Fat transfer involves removing fat from areas where there is excess such as the abdomen, flanks or thighs and injecting it into the breasts. It works best for women who only want a slight increase in breast size, but who also desire to have liposuction. This option also carries the added benefit of not requiring implants with their added expense and the potential maintenance associated with them. However, the procedure is not for everyone. 30 to 50 percent of the fat doesn’t integrate into the breasts, which makes fat transfer augmentation unpredictable.

Schedule a Consultation

If you wish to augment your breasts but are unsure which procedure would be most beneficial for you and the results you desire, then talk with Dr. Weider. After discussing your goals and performing a thorough examination, he will go over all the options and help you choose the best ones for you. If you wish to set up a consultation, please call our office or fill out an online form.

Laurence Weider

Dr. Weider, a native of Southern California, is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who has maintained a private practice in Dallas, TX since 1999. After attending Stanford University, he obtained his medical degree (M.D.) from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then completed a one year surgical internship in Los Angeles at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, followed by a four year general surgery residency in Dallas at Methodist Medical Center, and a two year plastic surgery fellowship in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University.