Women who want larger and more shapely breasts, or who have one breast noticeably smaller than the other, often discover a more positive self-image after a breast augmentation. Maryland plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Kress is ready to help you achieve your desired look. Many women considering breast augmentation also may want a breast lift to regain their youthful look.

“I am so happy I had this done. I feel good about my body, no matter what I’m wearing-knit sweaters, bathing suits, low-cut blouses. They all look so much better on me now.” —M.W. (age 24)

About the Procedure

Breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. A small incision is usually made in the crease under the breast and a space or “pocket” is developed for the implant.  This pocket can be above the muscle, below the muscle or below the fascia of the muscle.  This decision is usually made based on percentage of body fat, the type of implant, and the ability of the tissues to provide safe coverage of the implant.  A saline or, more frequently, a cohesive gel implant is then placed in the pocket and the incisions are closed.

Recovery Time

The first week after the surgery, the patient should not lift anything over 15 pounds but light stretching exercises are essential to optimal recovery.  The second week, patients can progressively exceed the 15 pound restriction but must avoid “bouncy” activities such as running, horseback riding, motorcycles, and jet skis.  Except for some of the extreme professions, everyone can resume full normal activities in the third week.  A single suture is present on each side and is generally removed on the eighth day. Patients with light desk or computer jobs can return to work in 2-3 days, while more strenuous jobs could require a full week or longer.

About the Implants

There is no known association of implants, either saline or cohesive gels with any disease. There is no effect on future risk of breast cancer development. The saline implant consists of a fully-cured silicone bag filled with intravenous quality saline solution which is added though a sealed system for extra safety. Modern Cohesive Gel implants are pre-filled with a medical grade silicone gel. What are the differences?

Results

A more shapely breast contour in and out of clothing. Better balance and symmetry between breasts. The result is a soft natural appearing breast, an improved self-image, and a whole new way to shop for clothes with tops and bottoms that match.

Breast Enlargement FAQ’s

• What happens if a silicone implant leaks?
  The silicone implant is very stable. Any leakage or rupture can easily be detected via an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Most often the only side effects noted are a slight burning, some breast hardness or an irregularity of the breast implant itself. The silicone does not travel through the body, but rather stays confined to a fairly specific area right around the implant (within the capsule) and is quite easily removed and replaced with a new implant. Learn more about silicone breast implants.

• What happened to the soybean oil implant?
  The soybean oil implant has been withdrawn from the market and there are class action suits pending – incidentally most of the “experimental” implants have been withdrawn.

• What are teardrop implants?
  The teardrop implant, as its name suggests, has a fullness of the lower portion of the implant similar to a natural breast shape. Recent detailed studies in Dallas have shown that after the first two weeks the teardrop shape makes little difference in appearance, costs more, and may have serious problems if they are rotated

• Can fat be injected into the breast for fullness?
  Technically, this is possible and is being done. Fat injection should be avoided, however, because after a few years the fat, much of which dissolves, leaves scar tissue which cannot be distinguished from cancer. This could be considered procedure malpractice.

• Will implants affect breastfeeding?
  There is no known effect of implants on breastfeeding, pregnancy, risk of cancer, risk of fibrocystic disease or other known diseases. There have been numerous studies to support this finding.

• Does fungus grow in saline implants?
  There were just a few cases years ago of fungal growth within saline implants. Implant manufacturers now recommend a closed system of filling the implants, which virtually eliminates the risk of fungus getting into the implants.