Breast Augmentation Houston

If you would like to improve the appearance of your breasts, breast augmentation could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Many women find that this procedure gives them more self-esteem, poise, and confidence in their appearance. In fact, that’s what makes it one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the Houston area.

Breast augmentation by plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg can improve the size, shape, and positioning of your breasts. Every woman has unique needs when it comes to the appearance and comfort of her breasts. Dr. Steinberg understands this and takes a personalized approach to each and every one of her patients, making sure to include her female perspective.

Optimize your body’s silhouette and improve the size, shape, and symmetry of your breasts with breast augmentation surgery.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a procedure that aims to enlarge and reshape the breasts using implants or fat transfer. This procedure is usually for women who would like to go up one or several bra cup sizes, but it can also be used to create more breast symmetry. It’s a common procedure for those who may have lost volume due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Breast Augmentation Benefits

Patients opt for breast augmentation surgery for a variety of reasons. The biggest benefits you’ll see with this surgery include:

Increase in volume
Improved projection and contour
Breasts that look more proportional and shapely
Improved symmetry
Breasts that don’t sag or droop (this is not augmentation – this is a LIFT)
More attractive shape and contour of the breasts
Attractive cleavage
Wider variety of clothing options
Enhanced appearance in beachwear

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

The best candidates for breast augmentation surgery are in overall good physical health. Basically, this means that you not being treated for cancer or dealing with an active infection or illness. If you’re a smoker, it’s important to talk to Dr. Steinberg about quitting for at least a certain duration of time before your procedure.

Another critical prerequisite is that you’ll be able to take time off from work or school for your surgery. You’ll need that time to get the procedure done and to allow your body adequate rest during your recovery.

It’s also crucial that those seeking silicone breast implants be older than 22 and those seeking saline breast implants be older than 18. Essentially, the patient needs to be at a mature adult age.

Lastly, make sure you have realistic expectations about breast augmentation. Getting breast augmentation surgery can be a wonderful personal decision, but you should understand the magnitude of your decision and focus on a realistic and honest set of goals for the outcome.

You will receive personal one-on-one attention and a customized breast augmentation approach that focuses on achieving your ultimate aesthetic goals.

Types of Breast Augmentations

Breast Augmentation Using Implants

The most common types of breast augmentation surgeries use implants. There are two main types of implants. Once Dr. Steinberg has an understanding of your unique anatomy and goals for surgery, she will help you make the best implant decision for you, but ultimately the choice is yours based on the information provided to you.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. These are filled after they are inserted into the breasts, which allows for smaller incisions. While saline implants were once quite popular, they have become less popular in recent years because they tend to look less natural than silicone implants. Furthermore, the use of saline implants runs the risk of deflation if a rupture occurs.

Silicone Implants

Silicone breast implants are filled with a thick silicone gel. When you touch and squeeze a silicone implant, it feels very much like real human fat. The result is that silicone breast implants tend to be extremely natural-looking. Most surgeons like to see patients who have silicone implants every few years to check for “silent ruptures” (leaks) because they may not be noticeable at first. This can usually be seen on a screening mammogram.

Gummy Bear Implants

Gummy bear implants are the newest type of silicon implants and have become quite popular. These are made of a dense silicone gel, which is encased in a less-dense silicone shell. They are a good option when the individual’s breast tissue is thinner; however, because of their firmness and shape, they do require slightly larger incisions.

Breast Augmentation Using Fat Transfer

Some patients may benefit from fat transfer breast augmentation. This procedure takes small amounts of fat from areas of your body like the abdomen or buttocks and injects it into your breasts to add volume or change their shape.

Many patients like that fat transfer breast augmentation feels more natural. The results can also look more natural in many cases. Patients also like that they can reduce body fat in other areas of their body at the same time that they’re having breast augmentation surgery.

One of the downsides of this option, however, is that there is a limit to how much bigger you can go with fat transfer augmentation. If you’re hoping to go up several cup sizes, this option may not be for you. Also, in some cases, the fat that has been harvested and injected into the breasts may not survive and will instead be reabsorbed into the body, ultimately not producing a significantly enhanced appearance. You can ultimately go up 1-1.5 cup sizes with fat transfer.

Breast Implant Placement

In addition to deciding on what type of implant you’d like to use for your surgery, you also need to discuss breast implant placement with your plastic surgeon.

It’s important to know that placement really matters. Many patients don’t even know that they have a choice when it comes to placement. Dr. Steinberg will outline what your optimal placement option will be for surgery, but in general, you’ll be choosing between submuscular breast implant placement and subglandular breast implant placement.

Submuscular

Submuscular placement refers to under-the-muscle placement of the implant. It is the most common type of breast implant placement. With this option, the implants will be put partially beneath the pectoralis major chest muscle.

The biggest drawback is that there may be slightly more discomfort after surgery with submuscular placement, and recovery times may be slightly longer. On the other hand, most patients and surgeons agree that submuscular implants produce more natural-looking results and have less minor complications. This is especially true when the patient doesn’t have an especially large amount of breast tissue to start with.

Subglandular

Subglandular refers to over-the-muscle placement, so in this case, the implant will go over the muscle, between the breast tissue and the chest muscle itself. In this position, patients frequently have less discomfort directly after surgery. They will usually be able to breastfeed in the future if they choose to as well.

The biggest drawback to subglandular placement is that the patient’s results may look slightly more artificial than submuscular placement. There is also a possibility of implant visibility, or rippling. Still, surgery is often easier, recovery times are usually reduced, and subglandular placement can often raise the nipple slightly, approximately 1cm.

Breast Augmentation Revision

Breast augmentation revision or breast implant revision is surgery that replaces or corrects work from a prior breast augmentation surgery. With a breast implant revision, you may be switching out old breast implants for a different size or material, or you may be addressing specific issues that you were never happy with after your initial procedure or long term complications that require further surgery, such as capsular contracture.

The most common reasons for breast augmentation revision include:

Unsatisfactory appearance results after the first implant surgery
Unsatisfactory implant positioning after the first implant surgery
Problems with the initial surgery that caused a shift or change of the implants over an extended period of time
The desire for a different cup size or breast shape
The need to replace an implant that has ruptured
Capsular contracture

Before breast revision surgery, be clear about your concerns so that your surgeon can address and revise these precise issues and achieve your desired results.

Planning for Your Consultation Appointment

If you are seriously considering breast implants, your first step will be to book a consultation appointment.

This appointment is essential in the sequence of events that must take place before your surgery. During the appointment, you will speak with Dr. Steinberg along with a Patient Care Coordinator. Dr. Steinberg will spend a significant amount of time with you, asking you questions about your aesthetic goals for surgery, giving you a short physical examination, and talking with you about your medical history.

If Dr. Steinberg feels you would be a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery, you can then discuss your options, including what type of breast implants would work best for your goals and body type, where incisions might be made, and optimal implant placement options.

To help yourself prepare fully for this appointment, here are a few tips:

Get specific about your goals. Decide on a cup size or a detailed description of what you’d like to see for your breasts after surgery.
Bring pictures of celebrities or clippings from magazines if that helps describe what your goals are.
Write down any questions you have beforehand. Leave space after each question, and bring a pen so you can take notes.
Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history. Have a list of your current medications and/or supplements, and make note of any other medical events, surgeries, illnesses, or other information that is relevant to your health.
Wear comfortable clothing. Avoid a jumpsuit or dress, and instead wear bottoms and a top that you can easily take off.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation in Houston

What is the cost of breast augmentation in Houston?

The total cost of breast augmentation in Houston typically ranges from $5,000 to $12,500. This wide range is due to the fact that each breast augmentation surgery will inevitably be different. For example, some women are only looking to have one breast augmented in order to improve symmetry. Others may want a breast lift in addition to implants. Others require more complicated surgeries for revisions.

In order to get an accurate picture of the total cost of your surgery, you should meet directly with Dr. Steinberg for an in-person consultation. Keep in mind that most breast augmentation surgeries are not covered by health insurance because they are considered elective procedures.

How can I get natural-looking breast implants?

Today, most breast implants can look extremely natural as long as you have a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. Still, there are certain additional measures that can be taken to provide for a more natural appearance.

First, when implants are placed under the muscle, the gradual slope at the top of the breast tends to look more natural. Next, if natural-looking breasts are your goal, you should choose smaller implants whenever possible. Finally, patients who opt for fat transfer to the breast tend to have more natural looking results as well (however, this method is best for smaller changes in size and patients who have viable options for donor fat).

What is the most common breast implant size?

The best implant size for you and your body will depend on your body type, breast shape, height, age, ultimate goals, and several other factors. With that being said, the most common sizes for implants usually range from 200cc to 800cc. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters. You can expect your breast size to go up one cup size for about every 150 to 175cc.

Can I damage my breast implants?

It is possible for breast implants to rupture, but it is rare. Essentially, a rupture is a leak that occurs in a very low amount of breast augmentation patients. Ruptures can occur in either silicone or saline implants. If they do occur, your plastic surgeon can either remove the implant entirely or replace it for you.

When do breast implants need to be replaced?

Most implants won’t need to be replaced. However, you should return for regular checkups according to your plastic surgeon’s guidance. If an implant ruptures (leaks), it will need to be removed and replaced. You may also get your implants removed and replaced if you decide you’d prefer a different size or material.

Can you get a breast enlargement without implants?

Yes. If silicone or saline breast implants don’t interest you, there are other options available. First, many women are able to achieve desired size and fullness with a simple breast lift (mastopexy). This procedure uses the patient’s own breast tissue and repositions it higher on the chest wall. Excess tissue is tightened, and any excess skin is then removed. This will raise your breast on your chest, making them appear larger but you will likely go down half a cup size.

There is also the option of a fat transfer breast augmentation. This procedure naturally enlarges the breasts with the use of the patient’s own fat. Excess fat is harvested from elsewhere on the body (usually the stomach, flanks, or thighs), and it is used to enlarge and reshape the breasts.

What can I expect after surgery?

You will have an ace wrap around your chest. This will remain on for 48 hours, at which time you can remove the wrap, shower, and put on a soft, front close bra without underwire. You will have some soreness of the muscle – almost as if you had done a weeks worth of chest exercises. The implants will be high and tight – don’t worry! They will gradually descend and be come apart of you over the next 3-6 months. You will see Dr. Steinberg for post operative visits and photos starting at 2 weeks. You can return to work in 3-7 days, depending on what you do. Swimming, exercising, and bathing are allowed at 4 weeks and by 6 weeks you are in your new cup size and cleared for all activity.