Dr. Elisa Burgess offers breast augmentation for patients with round saline, structured saline, round silicone, or shaped silicone implants, as one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries available. This surgical procedure enhances breast volume and fullness to improve a woman’s appearance.
Reasons for Breast Augmentation
There are many reasons our patients choose Dr. Burgess for their breast augmentation procedure including:
- To provide greater volume to breasts for those that feel their breast size is generally too small
- To enhance body proportion or to create symmetry between two unequal breasts
- To regain the breast shape that women may have had prior to having children or weight loss
- To increase self-confidence
Ideal Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Dr. Burgess’ breast augmentation procedure is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the Oregon area. Ideal recipients of breast augmentation should be capable of weighing the benefits and risks of the procedure, and they should be making an autonomous decision—meaning the patient wishes to undergo the surgery by her own choice. Women should be in good health and over the age of 18 years with good family support. If over the age of 30, one should have a healthy mammogram within one year of surgery. One should not be pregnant or nursing, and smoking is advised against.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants
Saline or silicone breast implants may be used during your breast augmentation procedure. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile saltwater during surgery. Because saline implants are initially empty, they can be placed through a small incision which makes the size adjustable. Silicone breast implants come pre-filled and sometimes require a slightly larger incision. Some people believe silicone may have a more natural feel.
Currently, the FDA recommends that a woman be at least 22 years of age and understand that other studies (like an MRI) may be recommended to follow the silicone implant. Another implant option is the Ideal Implant® which is a structured saline implant that has a silicone shell but no silicone gel. It offers a more natural look and feel of a silicone gel. By using a series of encased implant shells, it is able to control the position of saline giving you the benefits of both saline and silicone implants.
Breast Implant Options
Burgess Plastic Surgery offers different types of breast implants, from 4 different implant companies: Mentor, Sientra, Ideal Implant, and Allergan. It is important to keep up with breast exams, mammograms, and other breast studies for your general breast health regardless of the type of implant chosen.
Sientra breast implants are FDA-approved silicone gel breast implants made from a silicone elastomer. These implants are now available for Portland breast augmentations. The shell is filled with a high-strength clear silicone gel and the implants are designed to resemble the breast in shape, weight and feel. Sientra implants come in a variety of sizes in both round and shaped.
Their high-strength cohesive silicone gel may be similar to a form-stable silicone gel, cohesive silicone gel, tear drop, or gummy bear breast implant. Both Sientra’s round and anatomic or shaped implants, allow board-certified plastic surgeons the opportunity to select the proper implant for the individual’s body type. Sientra’s silicone implants offer a unique design, developed using high-strength cohesive silicone gel that retains its shape even when twisted, pulled, or stretched.
Sientra’s more viscous, formed-gel implant can be a great alternative for women considering a silicone breast augmentation in the Portland area.
Allergan breast implants are also FDA approved. In addition to saline and silicone implants, they have Natrelle cohesive silicone gels. Some people also call this classification of implant a gummy bear implant due to the feel of the gel.
Mentor breast implants are FDA approved. These implants are available in round saline, round silicone, and Memory Shape silicone. The Memory Shape silicone implants are anatomic, or teardrop shaped with a cohesive 5th generation silicone gel. These are the gummy bear implants. They come in many different sizes and projections to tailor a desired look.
Another FDA approved implant that is an option that combines the simplicity of saline implants with the natural look and feel of silicone implants. It is saline filled and offers a more natural look due to its internal structure. This type of structure controls the position of the saline as well as reducing wrinkling and rippling. Possibly one of the best benefits, is there is no need to get an MRI to detect a silent silicone leak because it is filled with saline. If there is a saline leak or rupture, then the saline is harmlessly absorbed in the body.
Choosing Breast Implant Size
Implant size is another decision. With Dr. Burgess, you receive complimentary implant sizing, so you can feel confident that you will receive implants that conform to your desired body type. Crisalix 3D implant sizing is also available. Your body is scanned and then rendered into a 3D fitting room. You can view this in real time through Oculus goggles provided through Samsung, which will allow you to “try on” implant sizes and shapes prior to surgery.
Patients can now use this 3D simulation from the comfort of their own home during a virtual consultation with Burgess Plastic Surgery. Breast implants come in different shapes and varying sizes, typically ranging from 200 to 600ml. When choosing an implant, the basic goal is to increase projection of the breasts while maintaining a proportional appearance. Implant placement (typically below the muscle), implant profile (low, medium or high projection), and the implant diameter and shape, are also considered prior to surgery. The incision is typically made in the breast crease, or inframammary fold, but other options can be discussed at your consultation.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
The procedure itself takes around one hour to complete and is done under anesthesia. Dr. Burgess will make the incision, and a pocket is created for each implant by lifting the muscle, breast tissue, and skin. The implant is then inserted and centered below the nipple. Once completed, the incisions are closed with sutures and adhesive surgical tape is applied. A special implant supporting bra is applied following surgery to assist in holding the implants at the desired position.
Recovering from Breast Augmentation
Standard breast augmentation surgery in Portland, Oregon is performed as an outpatient surgery, so patients typically go home the same day with friends or family. You should prepare for 1-2 weeks of recovery, and will need to wear a special bra during this time. Individualized instructions may be given with regard to breast massaging and the required length of time to wear the special bra. Dr. Burgess will encourage you to walk around after surgery, and your pain can be managed with medication.
It is imperative to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks, sometimes longer depending on healing. Traveling long distances is not recommended in the first month following surgery. Ensure that you attend all scheduled follow-up exams and understand that implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime–they may require future revision surgery.
Possible Complications of Breast Implants
As with any surgical procedure, complications and side effects are possible and may include changes in nipple sensation, hematoma or seroma, infection or inflammation, implant rupture, implant position issues, scar formation, ALCL (anaplastic large-cell lymphoma), BII (Breast Implant Illness), or other unforeseen risks. Make sure to talk with your provider if you have serious concerns.
High resolution ultrasound for implant integrity
After having breast augmentation surgery, it is often recommended to get routine MRI screenings to check for implant integrity. Some silicone implant ruptures can go undiagnosed, which is where the name “silent rupture’ comes from. Ultrasound imaging is the most convenient way to ensure that your silicone implants are still intact. Burgess Plastic Surgery is proud to offer HRUS to our breast implant patients. High Resolution Ultrasound is being used as an imaging tool for Dr. Burgess and her nurses to visualize the breast implant.
Book A Breast Augmentation Consult Today!
If you are interested in learning more about Breast Augmentation with implants, or if you wish to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure, then be sure to schedule a one-on-one appointment with Dr. Elisa Burgess. Call 503-699-6464 or fill out the appointment request form on this page. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
