Join us for Demo Day, Oct. 16th between 10am – 2pm! Call Reveal Beauty for more information.
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Join us for Demo Day, Oct. 16th between 10am – 2pm! Call Reveal Beauty for more information.
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure here in Birmingham and around the United States. Whether you’re a mother in search of your pre-pregnancy figure or you lost substantial breast volume due to weight loss, breast augmentation is worth considering.
Have you suffered the effects of breast cancer or were you born with breasts that are out of balance with your body type? Breast augmentation may be the solution you need.
Once you’ve decided you want breast implants, choosing a surgeon for your breast augmentation is the most important decision to make. You want to feel confident that the doctor will listen to what you want and give you a beautiful result, while also treating you with the utmost respect and care.
Dr. Clinton and Dr. Pearce give all of their patients a great deal of one-on-one attention. They are great listeners and are empathetic to your concerns. Most importantly, they have the training and experience to evaluate your case carefully and create a unique surgical plan for you.
Breast Augmentation (also called Breast Enhancement or Breast Enlargement) can increase the size of your breasts and also reshape them. If you feel that your breasts are sagging, a Breast Lift can be combined with your Breast Augmentation so that the breasts are lifted to a higher place on the chest, as well as increased in size.
Besides the size of your implants, you also must choose the type, shape, and projection. Dr. Clinton will help you understand all of the options so that you can make informed choices that will lead to your desired result.
When choosing size, it is vital to take several measurements and think about how different sizes will actually look on your body. The width of your shoulders and the width of your current breasts are especially important to consider.
Implants come in silicone or saline types. The main difference is the substance inserted into the implant shell, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Silicone implants are FDA-approved for women age 22 and up, and they are filled prior to insertion. For this reason, a slightly larger incision is required, but the difference is small. They tend to feel more natural than saline and are not as prone to rippling. Ruptures, which are rare, can be difficult to detect. For this reason, the FDA recommends women with silicone implants have an MRI every few years to make sure a rupture has not occurred. In our experience, few patients follow this recommendation unless an issue is suspected. Silicone implants come round or shaped, and smooth or textured. Shaped implants come only textured.
Saline implants are FDA-approved for women age 18 and up, and they are filled after the shell has been inserted in the body. This allows for a slightly more customized size and a smaller incision. Saline implants are firmer and do not feel as natural as silicone, and they are more prone to rippling. In the rare case of a rupture, the implant deflates, so the issue is more obvious and can be addressed sooner.
You might have also heard of gummy bear implants, which are a type of silicone that is a bit more solid than a liquid. These are considered “cohesive” because they hold their shape no matter how you move your body. They are available in both round and teardrop shapes.
Implants are available in round and teardrop (anatomical) shapes. Teardrop shaped implants, which have less volume on the top, are considered closer to a natural anatomical shape. They may provide less cleavage, however.
Projection refers to how much the breast extends from the chest in profile. Volume and shape can affect this feature. Dr. Clinton will discuss all of these considerations with you so that you can determine your preferences.
Implant shells also come in both smooth and textured versions. It’s important to note that the texturing cannot be felt through your skin. The texture simply provides a surface that adheres to the breast tissue. While textured implants can be more prone to rippling, they may have benefits over smooth. Again, Dr. Clinton will discuss the options in detail with you during your breast augmentation consultation.
There are basically four incisions used for breast enlargement.
The most common incision, by far, is the inframammary in the fold under the breast. The scar that results from this incision cannot be seen when wearing a bra, bathing suit, or the most revealing of tops.
Placement means that the implant can be placed under (submuscular) or over (subglandular) the pectoralis major muscle of the chest. Submuscular placement will provide a more natural feel and look than when the natural breast tissue is above the implant. One of our doctors will discuss these options with you and make recommendations based on your anatomy, lifestyle, implement choice, and preferences
Breast Augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthetic in our fully accredited (AAAASF) state-of-the-art operating facility in Birmingham. There can be flexibility in anesthesia depending on what you prefer.
After the chosen incision is made, a pocket is created within the breast tissue, and the implant is placed either under or over the pectoral muscle. If a saline implant is used, the shell is inserted first, and the implant is then filled with the saline solution and closed. When the implant is in its proper place, the incision is closed, usually using stitches that dissolve on their own.
After an appropriate amount of time resting in our recovery room, you can go home with the help of a friend or family member. You should not drive for 24 hours after your breast augmentation due to the effects of the anesthesia.
We will send you home with written instructions for how to take care of yourself after your breast augmentation surgery. These instructions will reinforce verbal instructions we give you during previous visits. You will also be evaluated no later than the day after your procedure and monitored during your recovery period. We encourage you to call us if you have any questions at all.
Some bruising, swelling, and discomfort is expected after surgery, but these effects are generally minimal after breast augmentation. Swelling is usually the last side effect to go completely away. The scar will improve over time, and we will give you instructions to help you have a successful breast augmentation recovery.
You will be prescribed pain medication to help with any discomfort after your breast augmentation. If you experience pain, you can take over-the-counter drugs or the medications prescribed to you. It’s essential that you avoid over-the-counter pain medication that can lead to bleeding, like aspirin (anticoagulants.)
A soft sports bra or a camisole top with a shelf bra is best to wear until Dr. Clinton or Dr. Pearce recommends a change, and you will be more comfortable sleeping on your back for approximately four weeks. You must avoid heavy lifting and any strenuous activity or “straining” for two weeks.
Most of our patients in Birmingham return to office work within a week after their breast augmentation, but we will discuss this with you based on your individual case. We will provide you with a post-operative plan to help you return to all normal day-to-day activities as soon as possible.
Results from breast augmentation can be long-term, but they are certainly impacted by weight loss/gain, environmental factors, and the natural aging process. You should have a mammogram nine months after your breast augmentation. Self-exam is an important part of maintaining your best breast health.
Dr. Clinton and Dr. Pearce are committed to natural results through modern methodology and safe processes. They are firm believers in keeping abreast with the latest technology and proven breast augmentation procedures. They are both plastic surgeons who care for their patients’ well-being and desired appearance.
The Reveal Beauty staff is second to none in Birmingham. Dr. Clinton and Dr. Pearce feel fortunate to work with such skilled, compassionate women who are professionals in their respective fields and positions. They are empathetic to the patient and help create a team environment that’s essential to the well-being of the patient during their breast augmentation.
Reveal Beauty is a fully accredited (AAAASF) state-of-the-art operating facility designed to surpass your expectations for safety and privacy.
Our aesthetic surgery team includes licensed ACLS trained registered nurses with extensive experience in plastic surgery and Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) with high safety and performance standards, all focused on meeting the special needs of the patient.
Reveal Beauty in Birmingham, AL is your complete source for aesthetic surgical information and services. Revealing your beauty could really change your life!
Reveal Beauty offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures by distinguished plastic surgeons, Dr. Michael S. Clinton & Dr. Ben Pearce. Our office is located Birmingham, AL and our highly-trained and friendly staff provides patients with exceptional care before, during, and after their procedures.
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