Breast Augmentation

What is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure done to increase the size of the breasts using breast implants or using your own fat. This treatment can help women to enhance or restore a balance to their figures.

Who is a Candidate?

Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. Women consider this procedure for a variety of reasons, such as:

• You feel that your breasts are too small for your frame
• You feel uncomfortable wearing a swimsuit or low-cut tops due to your small breasts
• You have small or deflated breasts due to weight loss
• You have asymmetrical breasts

If you experience one or more of the above concerns, you may be able to benefit from breast augmentation. An in-office consultation with Dr. Fichadia is the best way to determine candidacy.

The Procedure

There is a selection of breast implants to choose from including saline, silicone, and “gummy bear or tear drop shaped implants. Saline implants are made up of silicone shells filled with a sterile, saline solution, while silicone implants are made up of silicone shells filled with a silicone gel. “Gummy bear” implants are silicone implants but are filled with a more cohesive silicone gel,  which is more like a solid than liquid, giving it a “gummy bear” consistency.

There are also a number of incision patterns that can be used for breast augmentation. Dr Fichadia offers breast augmentation through both areolar and breast fold incisions. The type of incision used will depend on the type of breast implant, the desired results, and your individual anatomy.

After the appropriate incision pattern is created, the breast implant will be inserted into a breast pocket located either under the chest muscle or over the chest muscle.

Results and Recovery

After your breast augmentation surgery, you will be placed in a bra to help minimize swelling and support your new breasts as they heal. Mild swelling, discoloration, tightness, and discomfort is expected. Excessive physical activity should be avoided for the first 2 weeks, though light walking is recommended. Dr Fichadia believes in applying principles of a rapid recovery breast augmentation, which starts with your preoperative office visit, includes gentle handling of tissues and meticulous control of bleeding during surgery and gentle stretches in the post operative period. Most patients are able to go to a desk job in 2-3 days. While most of the physical and emotional recovery occurs within 1-2 weeks after surgery, the recovery of the augmented breasts to their final appearance usually takes several months. Following Dr. Fichadia’s post-op instructions can ensure a safe and happy recovery.

If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation in Portland, contact our office today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Fichadia.