Breast Augmentation with Implants
Conveniently located to serve Washington DC, Arlington, Bethesda
Breast augmentation with implants can increase volume, improve symmetry, and help restore fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and/or natural development. At District Plastic Surgery in Washington, DC, breast augmentation with implants is performed by expert plastic surgeons Dr. Praful Ramineni and Dr. Sarah Eidelson.
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Breast Implant Before & After Photos
What Is Breast Augmentation With Implants?
Breast augmentation is a surgery that increases the size and improves the contours of your breasts using either saline or silicone implants. Many women choose this procedure because their breasts naturally developed smaller than desired, changed after pregnancy and breastfeeding, or lost fullness following weight loss or aging. Breast implants can also improve asymmetry and create a more proportionate figure.
Unlike breast augmentation with fat transfer, which uses a patient’s own fat to provide a more modest increase in volume, breast implants offer greater flexibility in terms of size, projection, and shape. Modern implant technology also allows for highly natural-looking and feeling results.
Good Candidates for Breast Augmentation With Implants
Healthy patients with no post-surgery healing issues are the best candidates for breast augmentation with implants. Ideal candidates are also non-smokers who are unhappy with the current size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts.
Breast augmentation may be appropriate both before and after having children. Many women seek implants after pregnancy and breastfeeding when the breasts appear deflated or have lost upper fullness. In some cases, patients might also benefit from combining breast implants with a breast lift to address sagging and restore a more youthful position.
Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
During your initial consultation at District Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ramineni or Dr. Eidelson will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and perform a physical evaluation. You will also have the opportunity to review implant options and sizes to help determine the look that best fits your body proportions and desired outcome. In some cases, implant sizing may be finalized during a second visit to ensure optimal planning.
Saline vs. Silicone Implants
The vast majority of patients have silicone implants placed. They tend to feel/look more natural and have increased longevity. District Plastic Surgery uses advanced cohesive gel implants, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants, that maintain their shape while remaining soft and natural. Saline implants (filled with sterile saltwater) remain an option for some patients, depending on their preferences and anatomy.
Over the Muscle vs. Under the Muscle
We perform both over and under the muscle placement, depending on how much preexisting breast tissue you have. Patients with more natural breast tissue are often excellent candidates for over-the-muscle placement, while under-the-muscle insertion may create a softer upper breast contour for thinner patients. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that best supports your anatomy and long-term aesthetic goals.
Incision Placement
A small incision is made either under the breast, at the areolar border, or through the armpit. The inframammary incision beneath the breast fold is most common because it allows excellent implant positioning while remaining well-concealed. Other incision techniques may be appropriate depending on implant type, anatomy, and patient preference.
The Procedure
Breast augmentation surgery usually lasts 1-2 hours and is performed under anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Once anesthesia has been administered, Dr. Ramineni or Dr. Eidelson makes the planned incision and then carefully creates a pocket either above or below the chest muscle to accommodate the implant.
After irrigating the pocket with an antibiotic solution, the implant is inserted using a device called a Keller funnel. This no-touch technique helps minimize implant handling during placement. After the implants are positioned and symmetry is confirmed, the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures, dressed appropriately, and a supportive surgical bra is applied.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Recovery after breast augmentation with implants is generally straightforward. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting until cleared by their surgeon. A surgical bra or supportive sports bra is typically worn during the first month to support healing and minimize swelling as the breasts settle into their new shape. Patients are typically allowed to shower after 72 hours, exercise after 2-3 weeks, and swim at the four-week mark.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Implants
- Enhanced size and fullness
- Improved symmetry
- Restoration of volume after pregnancy or weight loss
- Greater clothing and swimwear confidence
- Long-lasting results
- Personalized implant sizing and shaping
- Natural-looking results with modern implant technology
How Much Does a Breast Augmentation With Implants Cost?
The cost of breast augmentation with implants varies because it is a highly individualized surgery. The overall price depends on several factors, including implant type, surgical complexity, anesthesia fees, and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m unhappy with my size after surgery?
Although we spend a significant amount of time helping you choose your ultimate size, patients infrequently wish they had gone larger or smaller. In this unlikely event, a new implant can be placed with your desired size, most times under local anesthesia. We want you to be happy with your new breasts, so if this happens, we don’t charge any professional fees to change out the implants (you would just be responsible for the actual cost of the new implants and equipment fees).
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Breastfeeding is still possible after breast augmentation for many patients. Certain incision choices, such as a periareolar incision, may carry a slightly higher risk of breastfeeding disruption, so this should be discussed during the consultation if future breastfeeding is important to you.
Contact Us to Learn More
For more information about breast augmentation with implants in Washington DC, contact District Plastic Surgery to arrange a consultation with Dr. Praful Ramineni or Dr. Sarah Eidelson. Our team will help you explore your implant options, answer your questions, and develop a personalized surgical plan designed around your goals.
Dr. Praful Ramineni
Plastic Surgeon in Washington D.C.
Dr. Ramineni is the founder of District Plastic Surgery. He is board certified and has over 20 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He started his career as one of the busiest surgeons at Medstar Washington Hospital Center with a focus on complex reconstructive surgery including cancer and trauma reconstruction, microsurgery and aesthetic surgery.
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