Breast enhancement is a term that has recently come into popular use, mostly when referring to breast enlargement (breast augmentation). Breast enhancement is probably more appropriate because breast augmentation procedures improve the aesthetics of the breasts, as well as enlarge them. The aesthetics of the breast include not only the size of the breast (the breast mound), but also the condition of the skin and the position of the nipple on the breast.
What to Expect During a Breast Augmentation Consultation
Optimum outcomes in breast enhancement require a comprehensive evaluation of these qualities, as well as the patient’s body type, width and size of the chest wall, and of course the patient’s postoperative expectations. Since there is a wide variation in people’s proportions, body shape and size, and breast shape and size, breast enhancement is highly individualized. It certainly is not a “one size fits all” operation. A myriad of options is available, regarding:
- Placement of the incision (inframammary, peri-areolar, axillary, umbilical)
- Placement of the implant (submuscular, subglandular, biplanar)
- Type of implant (textured vs. smooth, round vs. anatomic, saline vs. silicone, high-profile vs. moderate-profile)
Breast Augmentation Procedure
A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure requiring anesthesia for patient comfort. You will receive either sedation or general anesthesia depending on what your doctor recommends. Incisions will be made based on what you discussed during your consultation. No matter which type of incision is right for you, your surgeon will do their best to disguise the incision lines to minimize the appearance of scarring. The breast implant is then placed through the incision and into the breast pocket. Incisions are closed with layered sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Following surgery, Dr. Carpenter will provide you with post-op instructions. You should refrain from physical activity for at least three to seven days. You can expect soreness and tender breasts for a few days, but this should reside within a week and be managed with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Carpenter. You may be required to wear a support bra for the first few weeks and it is important to follow post-op instructions for a healthy and quick recovery.
Breast Augmentation Results
Larger breasts can be noticed immediately after surgery, however, swelling and redness might distort your actual results. Final results can take a few weeks to experience as this swelling decreases. A breast augmentation will leave you with fuller, reshaped, and more symmetrical looking breasts you can be happy with.
Dr. Robert Carpenter Results
Scheduling a Breast Augmentation Consultation
All of these choices actually allow the surgeon to enhance the breast in a highly individualized way. During your consultation, a thorough evaluation of the characteristics of the breast and your body type will be performed. The questions on implant style, volume, placement of the implant, and incision placement will be discussed and an individualized operative plan will be formulated for each patient to yield the best result possible. Patients in the Cumberland, Morgantown, and Hagerstown areas can schedule a consultation; they can learn about an augmentation procedure.
