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Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure to enlarge a woman’s breasts. During breast augmentation surgery, plastic surgeons use implants to restore fullness and achieve the desired breast appearance. Dr. Christian Arroyo brings keen professionalism and a commitment to results to the operating table. If you are looking for one of Houston’s top plastic surgeons for breast augmentation, get in touch with Dr. Arroyo’s office today.

You could be an ideal candidate for breast augmentation surgery if:

  • You are in good physical and emotional health.
  • You have breasts that are sagging, elongated, flattened, asymmetrical, or lacking proper volume or cleavage.
  • You clearly understand the risks as well as rewards of this procedure.
  • You have realistic expectations about the outcome of your breast augmentation treatment.
  • You are above the age of 18 (to receive saline implants) and above the age of 22 (to receive silicone implants).

During your consultation, Dr. Arroyo will listen to your concerns, examine your breasts, and let you know whether you are a candidate for this procedure. Using a state-of-the-art virtual consultation tool, he will show you in real-time what the surgery will entail and craft a customized treatment plan. Dr. Arroyo may ask that you have a combined breast lift and augmentation surgery to alleviate your aesthetic concerns for women who have drooping breasts.

How Durable Are Breast Implants?

How Durable are Breast Implants? Durability Test

Types of Breast Implants

Plastic surgeons typically use artificial implants to achieve the desired breast size and shape. There are three main types of implants available in the market today:

Saline implants - Saline breast implants are made up of a silicone shell that contains a saline (saltwater) solution. These are usually inserted into the body during surgery and later filled with the saltwater solution to suit the patient’s desired size increase. Incisions resulting from augmentation with saline implants are usually smaller. On the downside, saline implants are susceptible to rippling and sloshing.

Silicone implants - Women who are above the age of 22 can receive silicone gel implants. These consist of a silicone shell that contains a silicone gel solution. Silicone breast implants come pre-filled with the gel and thus require larger incisions during surgery. While the result is a more natural outcome, silicone implants tend to be more expensive than saline implants.

Gummy bear implants - Also referred to as form-stable implants, their silicone shells contain a thicker, cohesive silicone gel. Gummy bear implants have a tapered shape with a bigger projection at the bottom. They do not lose their shape even when the shell is broken. Furthermore, they tend to be firmer compared to traditional silicone implants. On the downside, placement of this type of implant requires a bigger skin incision.

Dr. Arroyo understands that different women have varying preferences when it comes to breast size. He utilizes his years of experience performing breast augmentation procedures to help each patient make the right implant choice.

Dr. Arroyo's Breast Augmentation Technique

The incision size and pattern Dr. Arroyo makes during your breast augmentation will be influenced by the implant selected, as well as the goals of the surgery. He may make a cut in the underarm area, at the lower border of the nipple-areola complex, or under the breast itself. Most breast implant patients prefer to have their incision placed under the breast or under the arm because it eliminates all anxiety associated with scarring after the procedure. Dr. Arroyo utilizes advanced surgical methods to make sure the resulting scar is minimal and well concealed from sight when using other incision techniques.

During a breast augmentation procedure, Dr. Christian Arroyo uses a sedation method called Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) Sedation. TIVA sedation is generally considered safer, as it requires less intravenous medication and is free from side effects commonly associated with general anesthesia. The process begins before surgery with an oral medication to ease nerves and pain. Then an IV is administered, and sedation begins. One of TIVA’s key benefits is that it allows the patient to breathe on their own without intubation, which allows for a more pleasant experience and recovery.

Saline vs Silicone

One of the critical decisions breast augmentation patients have to make is choosing saline or silicone implants. Saline implants are inserted as empty silicone shells then filled with a sterile saltwater solution later. This means a smaller incision is needed when surgically placing the implant in the breast pocket. Silicone implants, which are more common, come pre-filled with a silicone gel and thus require a larger incision. Silicone implants look and feel more natural than saline implants, so most of Dr. Arroyo’s patients prefer them. While a saline implant will appear deflated if it ruptures, silicone implant ruptures are hard to notice. Dr. Arroyo recommends that women who receive a silicone implant undergo periodic imaging scans (MRI) to check for anomalies.

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Breast Augmentation FAQ

Will my implants leak?

How long will my implants last?

How much does breast augmentation cost?

What is the difference between breast augmentation and breast lift?

How long will my recovery be?

Will my implants leak?

It is normal to be concerned about your implant leaking. In the past, this used to be a prevalent problem. However, today’s technological advancements have enabled the development of silicone-based shells that are safer and more effective. This means that the risk of complications such as rupture and leakage has reduced significantly. Nonetheless, Dr. Arroyo will ask you to get in touch if you are concerned about your implants or experiencing strange sensations.

How long will my implants last?

Modern breast implants can last up to 15 years, sometimes even more. There is no need to have the implant removed unless there are signs of leaking, rippling, deformity, or other complications. Dr. Arroyo recommends periodic checkups to ascertain that the implants are intact and not damaged. In the unlikely event that there is a rupture or leakage, breast implants come with a manufacturer warranty of up to 10 years.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on the implant type, implant placement, incision type, and procedure’s extensiveness. Patients can expect to pay between $6,000 and $7,000 for this cosmetic treatment. Health insurance companies typically do not cover breast augmentation because it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure (and not a medical necessity). During your initial breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Arroyo, the surgeon’s team will provide a cost estimate so you can arrange for financing.

What is the difference between breast augmentation and breast lift?

Breast augmentation plastic surgery aims to enlarge the size of female breasts, while breast lift procedures remove excess skin to give sagging breasts a perkier appearance. During your initial consultation visit with Dr. Arroyo, the surgeon will examine your breasts and let you know which procedure is best suited to meet your goals. In some cases, the surgeon will recommend a combined breast lift and augmentation treatment to lift the breasts while also improving their shape and volume.

How long will my recovery be?

Recovery after breast augmentation varies from one patient to the other, but most women feel fine after a week. Full recovery takes about 6-8 weeks, and you will be asked to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activities during this time. If you have any questions or are worried about anything during this healing process, Dr. Arroyo’s office will be available to provide the support you need.

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