Breast augmentation is a procedure that can enhance the volume of the breasts as well as improve their fullness, firmness, and shape. Breast augmentation achieves its results through the insertion of implants into the breasts. By taking careful consideration of your anatomy and aesthetic goals, Dr. Schaefer strives to create personalized results for breast augmentation. Dr. Schaefer employs meticulous planning and his eye for balanced, harmonious structures to create natural results that work for you.
Why Consider Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation
- Asymmetry – If your breasts are asymmetrical in size, breast augmentation can even them out through breast implants. This will improve your appearance and make it easier to find clothes that will fit.
- Post Pregnancy – Maybe you would like to regain your pre-pregnancy figure after your last child is born. Breast augmentation can be part of a Mommy Makeover, a combination of procedures that Dr. Schaefer can implement to help regain your body to pre-pregnancy form. The Mommy Makeover may include a tummy tuck, breast lift, liposuction, or other procedures as well as breast augmentation.
- Breast shape – Breast augmentation can help you achieve rounder, fuller breasts. Dr. Schaefer can explain the difference, and help you decide the right procedure for you.
Your Initial Consultation
Breast augmentation surgery is an extremely personal and major decision. That’s why you’ll be able to discuss the details of your breast augmentation one-on-one with Dr. Schaefer during your consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Schaefer will perform a thorough medical analysis and discuss your aesthetic goals with you in detail. If found to be a suitable candidate for surgery, he and his professional staff will help you decide which technique is most suited to your body and desired goals.
Everything from the type of breast implants, the type of incisions, and the placement of the implants will be customized depending on your specific needs. Dr. Schaefer and his staff will explain every single step of the process so that you can understand.
Type of Implants
Dr. Schaefer offers both Saline and Silicone breast implants. Both saline and silicone implants are proven to be incredibly safe and offer outstanding results. Both are FDA approved and have provided great results for our patients.
Saline breast implants
Saline breast implants have a silicone outer shell that is filled with a sterilized salt water solution. These implants are inserted while deflated, then filled after placement. This requires a smaller incision that reduces the risk of scarring.
Silicone breast implants
Silicone breast implants are silicone shells filled with a smooth silicone gel. They tend to feel more natural than saline, but they are pre-filled, which requires a longer incision.
Gummy bear implants
Gummy bear implants are called “form stable” breast implants because they have a thicker silicone filling than their earlier counter parts, making them firmer and, according to some studies, less likely to rupture.
What Implant Size is Right for Me?
Round and teardrop (anatomic) are the two basic shapes available for breast implants.
- Round breast implants – are the preferred choice of most plastic surgeons because they’re easy to insert and have low revision rates. If breast implants rotate, their shape remains the same due to their isometric shape.
- Teardrop (anatomic) breast implants – have a more natural shape. If these implants rotate after placement, a revision is required because the breast will appear crooked. The advent of texturing has reduced the risk of rotation and revisions. These implants are more expensive and are not ideal for every patient. It is important to have a discussion about implant shapes with your surgeon.
What is a Breast Augmentation Surgery Like?
Breast augmentation surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, so you should be able to return home soon after your operation. You will be put under general anesthesia for your surgery, which will last 1-1.5 hours, depending on the specific technique used.
Before inserting the breast implants, Dr. Schaefer will create a small pocket between the pectoral muscle and the breast tissue, or underneath the pectoral muscle. The implant will be placed inside the pocket, and the incision will be closed with sutures. Dr. Schaefer primarily places the breast implants in the submuscular position, but he will place it subglandularly if you happen to be a candidate and desire the benefits of this placement. Your breasts will be supported by a post-surgical garment to wear with the healing process.
Incisions
Dr. Schaefer will use one of three incision patterns for your breast augmentation: transaxillary, inframammary, or periareolar.
The transaxillary access for breast augmentation surgery involves inserting the implant through a 1-inch incision in the armpit area. This incision can be well concealed and is used for saline implants that will be inserted while deflated.
The inframammary access for breast augmentation surgery involves a horizontal incision beneath the breast that is intended to lie within the breast crease.
The periareolar access for breast augmentation involves making an incision around the outer perimeter of the areola. The dark pigmented skin conceals the scar.
Recovery from Breast Augmentation
Dr. Schaefer implements an “enhanced recovery” for his breast augmentation surgeries. Using evidence-based methods, Dr. Schaefer and his professional medical team implement a recovery process that leads to a faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay.
After surgery, you may feel sore for several days. Dr. Schaefer will offer you the non-narcotic Celebrex for controlling pain and swelling post-breast augmentation. Dr. Schaefer has seen strong data to suggest a decrease in the use of narcotic pain medications while on Celebrex, making it a much safer option for pain control. Bruising should be minimal, but swelling can last for several weeks.
Due to the swelling, the final results of your breast augmentation will not be visible for a few weeks. You will, however, see an immediate difference in the appearance of your breasts.
You should be able to return to work within a week after your surgery. During your recovery, a surgical bra should be worn and physical activities should be limited for several weeks. Rest and sleep are important to the healing process, but it’s essential that you sleep on your back to avoid disturbing the healing tissue. Regular examinations and routine mammograms can help ensure that issues are detected and treated early.
Can I Exercise After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Your body is the best indicator to determine when you can return to your regular workout routine. Returning to workouts too early can cause serious setbacks, like muscle tears, implant shifts, and internal bleeding. When in doubt, err on the side of waiting. We typically recommend waiting at least 4 weeks before engaging in strenuous activity. Our team will advise you with your recovery plan.
Choosing a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon for your breast augmentation, or any surgery for that matter, is of paramount importance.
It is vital for your plastic surgeon to have the right qualifications and credentials. Your surgeon should have board certification, be in good standing with the various medical boards, and have extensive experience performing breast surgeries.
Why Dr. Schaefer?
With his careful planning and problem-solving approach, Dr. Schaefer customizes his strategy so that the breast augmentation is right for your specific goals. Through detailed personalization, Dr. Schaefer can create balanced, proportional results that look natural.
Dr. Schaefer is known for his work in the Minneapolis community restoring women’s pride and self-confidence. Dr. Schaefer has been honored as a BEST DOCTOR and BEST DOCTOR FOR WOMEN by the Minnesota Monthly Magazine. He was named a TOP DOCTOR FOR PLASTIC SURGERY by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.
Schedule Your Consultation Appointment Today
Dr. Schaefer is proud to perform a procedure that can dramatically improve a woman’s self-confidence and sense of femininity. Dr. Schaefer is passionate about helping women like you improve your outward appearance and quality of life. To learn more about how Dr. Schaefer can help you achieve natural, balanced results, please contact us today.
To schedule your consultation appointment at our Minneapolis office, please call 952-920-2600 or go to our contact page and fill out the necessary information to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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