Breast Augmentation in Glastonbury, CT
Dr. Beam offers breast augmentation surgery for patients in Glastonbury, New Britain, Hartford, New Haven and surrounding areas of Connecticut.
One of the most popular choices for cosmetic surgery for women is a breast augmentation. Also called breast implants or mammoplasty, this procedure can give you the larger, fuller breasts you desire. Dr. Bream is praised for the natural, beautiful results his patients have achieved.
How is Breast Augmentation Performed?
Each patient has an individualized breast augmentation procedure based on their anatomy, skin elasticity, and cosmetic goals.
Once the breast incision is made, Dr. Beam will insert the implant. He adjusts the implants to make sure they are even and look natural, then he closes the incisions using dissolvable sutures.
How Much Does a Breast Augmentation Cost?
The cost of breast augmentation varies from person to person, depending on their goals and type of implant used. Also, since this is an elective surgery, insurance companies will not cover the cost. Dr. Beam and his staff will discuss all pricing and financing options with you at your initial consultation.
What age is best for breast augmentation?
While there is no perfect age for breast augmentation, we typically suggest that patients wait until their early to mid-twenties to ensure their bodies are done developing before. We see patients as young as 20 and as mature as 80 coming in for breast augmentation to boost their confidence and refresh their look.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Augmentation?
Women who are looking to increase the fullness of their breasts should consider breast augmentation. A breast augmentation can improve your self-image and make your figure look more proportioned. Patients who are in good health with fully developed breasts, and those who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, are good candidates for surgery. However, if you are looking to correct sagging or droopy breasts, a breast lift may be necessary. At your initial consultation, a surgical plan will be developed to best meet your goals. If you feel you are a good candidate for a breast augmentation, call today to schedule your consultation.
Does breast augmentation require breast implants?
A breast implant is commonly used when performing a breast augmentation procedure. Patients can also receive breast augmentation through body fat transfer; however, fat transfer breast augmentation does come with its own drawbacks. These drawbacks include limited volume added to the breast and an unclear vision of how the fat will settle in the breasts following surgery.
What Can I Expect After a Breast Augmentation?
After breast augmentation surgery, your breasts may be sore so Dr. Beam will prescribe pain medication to alleviate the discomfort. Patients should refrain from arm activity for at least a week; it may be two to three weeks before patients can return to normal activity. Finally, we ask that you wait four weeks before any heavy lifting.
When performed by a quality surgeon like Dr. Beam, breast augmentation can help a woman feel more sensual and feminine. Call our plastic surgery office in the Glastonbury, Hartford and New Britain areas to schedule your consultation today.
What Can I Expect Before and After a Breast Augmentation?
Preparing for Breast Implant Surgery
For most women, impending breast implant surgery is a time of both excitement and stress. In some cases, women are thrilled at the idea of their new breasts but at the same time they worry about exactly how it will change their figure and their look.
To help you through the process, Dr. Beam will go over, in detail, how the implants will impact your figure. In many cases, your current clothing such as bras and swimsuits may no longer fit properly, requiring you to replace them with new garments that fit your new curves.
Recovery from Breast Implant Surgery
After breast augmentation surgery, your breasts will be sore, tender, and swollen—which is typical following this type of procedure. At the time of your pre-op, you will be given prescriptions for pain and nausea/vomiting.
Following the surgery, you must rest for at least two days, so it is important to ensure that you have the necessary time available after the surgery for this rest. After approximately three days, you will most likely begin to feel relief from these symptoms and will start to feel more mobile.
Patients should refrain from arm activity for at least one to two weeks, and it may take three to four weeks before returning to normal activity. Additionally, we ask that you wait four weeks before any heavy lifting.
At the time of your consultation and pre-operative appointment, more specific post-operative care instructions and expectations will be discussed with you based on how the implant is inserted and whether it is placed above or below the muscle.
By following these instructions carefully, you will begin to see the full results of the surgery in about four weeks.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
What is the difference between breast augmentation and breast implants?
A breast augmentation is a surgical cosmetic procedure that involves enhancing the overall size and shape of the breasts by adding to their overall volume. That volume is typically added in the form of breast implants, which are specially designed medical-grade materials made to mimic the natural look and feel of the breasts once introduced into the body.
How painful is breast augmentation?
Because breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during your actual breast augmentation surgery. Following your breast augmentation, patients report feeling aching, swelling, tenderness, and bruising around their chest for up to four to six weeks following their procedure. During this time, you will have prescription medications to make you more comfortable.
What age is best for breast augmentation?
While there is no perfect age for a breast augmentation, we typically suggest that patients wait until their early to mid-twenties to ensure their bodies are done developing before coming in for a breast augmentation. We see patients as young as 22 and as mature as 60 coming in for breast augmentation to boost their confidence and refresh their look.
Does breast augmentation require breast implants?
A breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves enhancing the overall size and shape of the breasts by adding to their overall volume. That volume is typically added in the form of breast implants. Breast implants consist of a medical-grade silicone outer shell filled with either saline or silicone. These materials are made to mimic the natural look and feel of the breasts once introduced into the body.
What are the benefits of breast implants?
There are many benefits of having breast implants placed during a breast augmentation procedure. With so many options available, women seeking treatment can take control over their bodies and their appearance to create a look that makes them proud. Some of the benefits include:
- Improves size and shape of the breast
- Enhanced confidence and improved self-esteem
- Improve breast size and shape after weight loss and pregnancy
- Improved and balanced figure
- Provides reconstruction after a mastectomy due to breast cancer
How long do breast implants last?
While breast implants don’t necessarily expire, the FDA recommends patients get their breast implants checked every 3-5 years after implantation via an ultrasound. If an ultrasound is inconclusive, an MRI will then be ordered to further evaluate the implant integrity. Implants do not necessarily need to be exchanged after 10 years. Dr. Beam will discuss this in further detail with you at the time of your consultation. For more information on implant warrantee, please click HERE.
Breast Implant Options
Patients seeking breast augmentation surgery have many different options available to them, including:
- Incision location: periareolar or inframammary incision
- Implant placement: above or below the muscle
- Implant type: saline or silicone
- Implant shape: Dr. Beam only uses smooth shell rounded implants
- Implant profile: low, low plus, moderate, full, extra full
- Implant size: with saline starting at 120cc and silicone starting at 110cc and both going all the way up to 800cc+
Based on the patients’ goals, anatomy and lifestyle, Dr. Beam will make his recommendation to best suit the individual patient.
Incision Location
There are two incision types that Dr. Beam offers:
- Periareolar Incisions: Made at the outer edge of the areola, allowing implants to be placed above or below the muscle. Can be used with all implant types.
- Inframammary Incision: Made in the crease beneath the breast, allowing for better control when placing the implant above or below the muscle. Can be used with all implant types.
Implant Placement
Breast implants can be placed either above or underneath the chest wall muscles. Whether the implants are placed above or below the muscle will largely depend on your breast anatomy and lifestyle.
In most cases, implants are placed under the muscle tissue to allow for a more natural shape and feel. However, this may result in longer recovery times and increased discomfort.
Implant Type
The most common types of breast implants today are made from silicone, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants. Saline implants are also available but are less commonly used today. Both options are FDA-approved and offer unique benefits.
Dr. Beam generally prefers silicone implants because they provide a more natural feel, less rippling, and are lighter in weight compared to saline implants. One downside is that ruptures are not easily noticeable without imaging such as an ultrasound.
Saline implants are filled with sterile saline solution. If a rupture occurs, the body safely absorbs the fluid and the breast visibly deflates. Both implant types are considered safe, and rupture is rare, often requiring significant force.
Dr. Beam uses Natrelle® implants by Allergan®. These implants come in three silicone gel consistencies: Responsive, Soft Touch, and Cohesive. Each varies in density and shape retention.
The most commonly used option is Soft Touch gel, as it provides a natural feel with minimal rippling.
Implant Shape
Dr. Beam uses smooth shell round implants exclusively.
Textured implants are no longer available in the United States due to their association with a rare immune system condition known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
There are two primary implant shapes: round and teardrop. Round implants are preferred because they maintain a consistent appearance regardless of movement. Teardrop implants may shift position, leading to an unnatural shape.
Implant Profile
Natrelle® implants by Allergan® are available in five different profiles. Implant profile refers to the width and projection of the implant.
The most commonly selected profiles are moderate and full. Dr. Beam will recommend the most suitable profile based on your anatomy and desired outcome.
Implant Size
Implant size varies depending on the type and profile selected.
Saline implants are filled during surgery, allowing for flexibility in sizing and adjustments, which is especially helpful for correcting asymmetry. Silicone implants come pre-filled, and multiple sizes may be available during surgery to ensure the best fit.
In some cases, different implant sizes may be used to correct asymmetry.
Most patients choose implant sizes between 300 and 400 cc, typically resulting in a C or D cup size, though results vary based on inidual anatomy.
