Breast augmentation is a popular and very safe plastic surgery procedure that uses breast implants to enhance breast volume and shape. Women whose breasts are smaller than they would like or women who have deflated breasts due to pregnancy, nursing, weight loss, or aging can benefit from breast augmentation. Breast implants are completely customized to achieve the patient’s desired cosmetic results. Dr. Barlow has thousands of happy patients who have undergone breast augmentation surgery to increase breast size, improve body contour, and enhance confidence and self-image.
CANDIDATES
Adult women in overall good health and with realistic expectations may be candidates for breast augmentation. Prospective patients are usually dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts and wish to augment and enhance them with breast implants. Women must be at least age 18 for saline implants and at least age 22 for silicone implants. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery or breast implants and want to know if you are a good candidate, click to schedule your consultation with Dr. Barlow today in one of our conveniently located offices in Northern Virginia or Maryland.
IMPLANT TYPES
Breast implants come in various materials, sizes, shapes and profiles. During your initial consultation with Dr. Barlow, the two of you will discuss the following options for implant types:
- Material: saline or silicone
- Size: volume in cubic centimeters (cc)
- Shape: round
- Profile: diameter and forward projection
Most of these implant characteristics will be selected based on your preference and your body measurements, and Dr. Barlow will go over all the details with you for each implant option during your consultation. You will even have the opportunity to try on implants during your visit to see what results you can expect and to help you decide what your desired size would be. He will help you to make informed choices about which implant type and style will be right for you based on your desired outcomes.
PROCEDURE
All breast augmentation procedures are performed under general anesthesia at one of our state-of-the-art surgical centers. The techniques for breast augmentation surgery depend on the desires of the patient. The incisions may be placed around the areola or along the breast crease. After making the incisions, Dr. Barlow will insert an implant into each breast pocket either under or over the pectoral muscles. The procedure lasts between one and two hours, after which patients can return home to rest and recover. Most patients find recovery to be very tolerable.
RECOVERY AND RESULTS
After breast augmentation, it is common to experience some fatigue, soreness, swelling, bruising, and sensitivity for a few days to a few weeks. Most patients feel able to return to work as soon as one week after the procedure. Patients should avoid exercise for several weeks and follow Dr. Barlow’s instructions to ensure a healthy recovery. The results will be immediately visible but may be distorted by swelling. Once the swelling has diminished after a few weeks, the results will be clearer. The scars will begin to fade after several months. Breast augmentation can enhance your overall appearance and improve your confidence as you enjoy your newly improved feminine figure. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Barlow today to discuss your desires and options for breast augmentation. Contact our office in Annapolis at 410-224-2395 or Tyson’s Corner at 703-448-3800 or fill out our online contact form.