Beautiful, Natural-Looking Results Through Breast Augmentation
At the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we help women enhance the appearance of their breasts in a manner that complements their natural physique. Dr. Mary C. Herte, the first woman physician in Las Vegas to be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, performs various breast procedures with an artistry that achieves the most favorable outcome for each patient.
Every woman deserves to love her body. Unfortunately, when you are dissatisfied with the size, shape or fullness of your breasts, your unhappiness can affect your self-confidence and sense of femininity. With breast augmentation you can achieve the feminine curves you desire. Contact Dr. Mary C. Herte to schedule your consultation.
- What Is Breast Augmentation?
- Breast Augmentation Candidates
- Breast Implant Options
- Breast Implant Incisions
- Breast Implant Profiles
- Implants Over vs. Under the Muscle
- Breast Lift with Augmentation
- Breast Augmentation Consultation
- Breast Augmentation Procedure
- Breast Augmentation Recovery
- Breast Augmentation Scars
- Breast Implants and Stretch Marks
- Breast Augmentation and Pregnancy
- Breast Augmentation Cost
- Dr. Herte’s Q&A on RealSelf
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure using breast implants to add volume and fullness to the breasts while enhancing their shape. This procedure can also improve the symmetry of your breasts and help perfect your body proportions and balance. Although not the same as a breast lift, breast augmentation can result in the breasts sitting up farther on the chest wall.
Dr. Mary Herte can help you achieve the beautiful, natural-looking results you have always dreamed of with a breast augmentation. Get personalized information and recommendations from a respected surgeon known for her surgical expertise, artistry and caring approach.
Am I A Good Candidate For A Breast Augmentation?
Women decide to have breast augmentation for reasons as individual as the women themselves. You may want to increase your breast size in order to create a more attractive silhouette, or look really amazing in sensual, cleavage-baring fashions. Dr. Herte understands that you may simply want to restore your appearance to that full and youthful look you had before children. Whatever your personal reasons, Dr. Herte can help you achieve your dreams of having a more beautiful and curvaceous figure.
Breast augmentation can have a significant impact on the way you feel about your body. One of the most important aspects of being a good candidate for this surgery is to know what breast augmentation can and cannot do. Realistic expectations are crucial to a satisfactory outcome. Some of the concerns that can be addressed with breast augmentation include:
- Small breast size
- Asymmetry from one breast to the other
- Cosmetic concerns after reconstructive surgery
- Cosmetic concerns after breast cancer treatment
- Deflation or loss of volume from pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or age
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
In order to achieve the desired appearance, Dr. Herte carefully considers the variables of breast implants, including profile, shape, consistency, and size. The goal of surgery is to help a woman feel more confident about her appearance through the enhancement of her breasts in relation to her body proportions.
Breast augmentation may include saline or silicone breast implants. Each type has its own characteristics that will affect the way breasts feel and the way they sit on the chest. Dr. Herte will also discuss with you the benefits and disadvantages of the various saline or silicone breast implant choices, and determine with you which type of breast implant would be best for you (and why), and help you make your best choice.
Saline Implants
Composed of a silicone outer shell filled with a saline solution, saline breast implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and profiles. Since saline implants are filled after they are inserted into the breasts, small adjustments in size can be made to improve symmetry. While it is generally thought that smaller incisions are needed for saline implants (because they are inserted empty), Dr. Herte uses small incisions for both silicone and saline implants; the size of the incision relates to accurate placement and careful surgery, rather than the size of the implant. Another advantage to saline-filled implants is that if an implant ruptures, the saline solution is absorbed by the body without harm. When a saline implant deflates, you may be alerted quickly to the problem.
The disadvantages of saline implants are that they feel a bit less natural and their shell is more likely to have wrinkles that you can see or feel, especially if you are quite thin. However, by placing the implant beneath the chest muscle, Dr. Herte can help overcome this disadvantage of saline implants for patients at our Las Vegas plastic surgery center, showcasing the feel of your own tissue, for a more natural look and feel. Saline implants generally have a shorter lifespan than silicone implants as well, and a full deflation may be abrupt causing a “social emergency.”
Silicone Implants
Like saline breast implants, silicone implants have a flexible outer shell made of silicone. However, the silicone implant is filled with a thick silicone gel. Approved by the FDA, silicone breast implants also come in a wider variety of sizes, shapes, and profiles. Because the filling material in silicone implants is more like the consistency of your own breast tissue, you may find that for breast augmentation and breast lift, silicone implants have a superior aesthetic appearance and a softer, more natural look. Silicone gel also keeps the outer shell from wrinkling as sharply and visibly (especially important if you have very thin breast tissue coverage). Additionally, the gel fill protects the shell and helps the implants last longer.
On the other hand, silicone implants come pre-filled, so most silicone implants cannot be inserted through the belly button or armpit incision. Particularly large silicone gel implants may require a slightly larger incision. If a silicone implant should ever leak, you may be unaware of it, because the gel remains trapped in the breast implant capsule and is not absorbed as the saline solution is. This can allow you to look “normal” despite having a broken implant, and you can take more time to schedule your implant replacement surgery. Some women may still have anxiety about the safety of silicone implants, despite the extensive study and data analysis that led the FDA to approve silicone gel implants as safe and effective for general use.
Consultation for this procedure is involved, and rightfully so. Patients must not only know what they can expect to look like after their surgery, but also what to expect from the procedure itself. In addition to choices in the type of implant used, patients must consider the technique that will be employed by Dr. Herte during the procedure, and how these variables may affect recovery.
View breast augmentation before and after photos of Dr. Herte’s patients.
What Are the Different Breast Implant Profiles?
A breast implant profile refers to how much the implant projects out from the chest, which can be seen from the side view. Breast implants are available in a variety of profiles, including low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and ultra-high. You can choose from the same volume in different widths and profiles based on your frame and aesthetic goals. Typically, implant profiles are characterized by:
- Low Profiles – Flatter in appearance and don’t project out from the chest too much. Ideal for women with a wider chest.
- Moderate Profiles – Often providing the most natural-looking results. Good choice for women with a smaller or narrower chest.
- High Profiles – Narrower at the base for maximum projection and more rounded results. Preferred option for petite women with a narrow chest.
Breast Implants Over vs. Under the Muscle
In addition to the size, type, and shape of implants, placement is an important consideration. Implants may be placed either above or below the muscle of the chest wall (pectoralis muscle). The benefit of submuscular placement is that the additional tissue over the implant can improve the shape of the breasts and give a more natural look. In women with little natural breast tissue, this is particularly important because the goal is to “hide” the implant, not to make it an obvious, artificial structure on the chest.
To achieve the most natural appearance, augmented breasts should retain a slight slope at the top. An overly rounded breast may not look as natural as desired. The pressure that is placed on the implant by muscle tissue facilitates this slope. In most cases where saline implants are chosen, their stiffness requires this pressure.
Do I Need A Breast Lift Combined With My Breast Augmentation?
If you have loose breast skin or have lost a considerable amount of breast volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, you may be interested in breast lift surgery combined with breast enlargement. During the procedure, the breast skin is tightened to maximize the volume you have, creating a higher, more youthful-looking shape. Breast implants are also inserted for a rounder, fuller breast appearance.
What Can I Expect In My Breast Augmentation Consultation?
As a woman, Dr. Mary Herte can relate to the concerns you may have about your breasts. She also understands that each woman is a unique individual and respects that individuality when helping you plan your breast augmentation. To create the most natural-looking and -feeling breasts possible, Dr. Herte customizes your breast augmentation procedure to fit you.
Your breast augmentation consultation is about customizing all of the options to fit your anatomy and your personal aesthetic goals. Your choices will be discussed thoroughly, including implant options, incision location, and placement above or below the chest muscle. Your consultation with Dr. Herte focuses on your personal goals — from flashy to natural — and on the results you can expect with the choices you make. Together, you will share your vision of that goal and tailor your breast augmentation procedure to create your best self.
After studying your anatomy and discussing your desires and personal goals, Dr. Herte can help you choose the size, shape, and type of breast implant that fits your body and is right for your needs. Because Dr. Herte has extensive breast surgery experience and an eye for balance and harmony, she is able to guide you to your best choice. If there is also significant sagging of the breasts from weight loss, pregnancy, or the natural aging process, Dr. Herte may also recommend breast lift surgery in conjunction with your breast augmentation to achieve a fuller, more youthful appearance.
What Does The Breast Augmentation Procedure Involve?
To ensure your privacy, comfort, and safety, Dr. Herte performs breast augmentation in our AAAASF-certified surgical center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Before your procedure, anesthesia will be administered for your comfort throughout the duration of your surgery. To begin your breast augmentation, Dr. Herte will place an incision around the areola (peri-areolar), underneath the breast fold (inframammary fold), or in the armpit (axillary). Although she typically prefers the inframammary incision due to its many benefits, Dr. Herte will ultimately help you decide on the best location for your incision during your consultation based on your unique needs and goals.
Once your incisions have been made, your implants will then be inserted and positioned into the breast pocket, either underneath the breast tissue (sub-glandular) or breast muscle (submuscular). If you are undergoing a breast lift in conjunction with your augmentation, this will ordinarily be performed at the same time. Once the implants are in place, Dr. Herte will close your incisions, and bandages will be placed over the area.
Dr. Herte takes a result-oriented approach to helping all of her patients achieve their personal best. By employing advanced breast enhancement techniques, she is able to minimize scars and promote rapid recovery and return to normal activities.
How Long Is The Breast Augmentation Recovery?
Every woman’s recovery from breast augmentation will be different, as everyone heals at a different rate. On average, patients typically feel comfortable enough to resume their normal activities after about one week. However, strenuous activities should be avoided for at least four to six weeks. Immediately after surgery, you will experience swelling, soreness, and some discomfort. This should gradually fade with time. To help control swelling and facilitate healing, you will be recommended to wear a compression garment or recovery bra. While many patients return to work after one week, the full recovery from breast augmentation is about six weeks. Keep in mind, though, that residual swelling can last as long as six months to a year. After this point, your breasts will take on their final appearance.
What Will My Breast Augmentation Scars Look Like?
As with any surgery, your breast augmentation procedure will result in some degree of scarring. Due to her meticulous surgical skill, Dr. Herte is able to minimize post-operative scarring by creating precise incision lines and limiting trauma to the surrounding tissue. The location of your scars will depend on where your incisions are made, either underneath the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. Although your scars may appear red and raised at first, they should gradually lighten and become flatter over time. It can take up to a year for your scars to reach their final appearance. Dr. Herte will advise you on proper wound care to help you achieve the best possible scar outcome. She will recommend scar management treatment at about four to five weeks after surgery and can recommend additional treatments to further diminish your scars should that be needed.
Will Breast Implants Cause Stretch Marks?
Women considering breast implant surgery may worry that the quick growth will cause stretch marks. The risk of permanent marks is very low, because the skin over breasts tends to be quite elastic and resilient.
How Will Pregnancy Affect My Breast Augmentation?
Timing is an important consideration for the woman who wants to enhance her breasts with implants. Although it is not necessary to postpone breast augmentation until after you are done having children, there are aspects of pregnancy that should be considered. Many women undergo breast augmentation before having children, and remain quite happy with their appearance after giving birth and breastfeeding.
Pregnancy will change the appearance of your breasts. Just like natural breast tissue changes with the hormonal and weight fluctuations of pregnancy, so will augmented breasts. It is not that the implants themselves change, but that the supportive and fatty tissue around them does. Breast tissue expands in the nine months of pregnancy, and shrinks during the months that follow childbirth. The extent to which the overall shape of the breasts change will depend on how much natural tissue surrounds implants.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
While the American Society of Plastic Surgeon notes an average cost for breast augmentation surgery on their website, this is a surgical fee only and does not include surgery center charges or anesthesia. We feel that our all-inclusive fees are very competitive.
Treatment pricing for breast augmentation will typically vary for each individual based on their custom surgical plan. This will be influenced by several factors, such as the type of implant you choose and the extent of surgery. Your total cost encompasses surgical fees, product, anesthesia, the surgical facility, and staffing. Our team will provide you with a personalized quote to help you budget for your procedure. Breast augmentation can be a valuable investment into your sense of confidence.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
If you have questions about breast enlargement surgery, contact our Las Vegas cosmetic surgery center today and speak to our helpful and very knowledgeable staff. During your private and in-depth consultation, Dr. Mary Herte can answer all of your questions and explain your breast enhancement options. Schedule your consultation today.