Breast Augmentation
in Houston and Pearland, TX
You may be one of the many women who feel uncomfortable about the size or symmetry of their breasts and are looking for a cosmetic surgical solution. At Premier Plastic Surgery, Dr. Christopher Hankins can help augment your bust line with natural-looking breast enhancement.
Dr. Hankins strongly believes that well-informed and well-advised patients are empowered to make sound decisions that will benefit them for years. This is particularly important in breast augmentation or breast enlargement surgery, as the specific breast implants used are ultimately selected based on the patient’s goals under the guidance of the surgeon. Premier Plastic Surgery utilizes the “High Five” protocol, a disciplined and proven approach for determining the right size, projection, and type of breast implant for you. Although artistic ability is essential in selecting the right breast implant, so are parameters such as symmetry, skin laxity, skin stretch, the base width of the breasts, pocket size, and the amount of volume needed to fill the breast. Nothing is left to chance in giving you the best possible results.
The first decisions to make are about the type of implant (saline or silicone implants) and its texture (textured or smooth).
Silicone breast implants tend to have a more natural feel, are softer to the touch than saline implants, and have a lower chance of rupture.
Saline-filled implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, similar to saltwater in the human body. The sizing can be adjusted after insertion into the breast pocket, as the inserts can be either pre-filled or filled once in place.
Fat transfer breast augmentation is a more natural type of breast augmentation that utilizes fat cells extracted from other areas of the body through liposuction.
It is not always necessary to place an implant beneath the muscle. In many instances, provided the native breast tissue is sufficiently thick, the implant can be placed beneath the breast tissue and over the muscle.
Disadvantages of the submuscular approach include increased recovery time, increased pain, animation of the breast implants with muscular contraction, and an increased risk of a “double bubble” deformity, in which a mound is created beneath the muscle, causing the breast to fall off the mound. These can be avoided by judicious use of a submuscular pocket, with the implant placed in such a pocket only when clinically indicated.
One of the principal complications of breast augmentation is capsular formation, in which a hard, firm capsule can form around the implant due to a smoldering sub-clinical infection with S. epidermidis. To minimize this risk, Dr. Hankins utilizes the “no-touch” technique, in which the incision for the breast pocket is re-prepped, gloves are changed, and the implant is delivered into the pocket using a Keller Funnel, thus avoiding contact with either gloves or the skin surrounding the incision of the breast pocket.
The type of incision used is a crucial part of the decision-making process. The various types of incisions used in breast augmentation are:
Inframammary – An incision made at the bottom of the breast near the breast fold. This is the most commonly used incision, as it allows for improved accuracy of implant placement.
Areolar or Periareolar – An incision made around the edge of the nipples. This incision serves as the entry point for the implant.
Transaxillary – This type of incision is made in the crease of the armpit where the implant is inserted.
Transumbilical –This type of incision is called the “scarless” option because it is made within the belly button. This approach requires the use of special surgical tools.
If you’re interested in breast augmentation in Houston, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Hankins at Premier Plastic Surgery.
When you visit the practice, it is essential to disclose your medical history and any goals and expectations that you have with a breast augmentation. Dr. Hankins will discuss your options, the incision and placement techniques, and their pros and cons.
He will help you decide on the placement of your breast implants, your desired cup size, and implant type. You can also try implant sizers to determine your optimal size and see before-and-after photos of other patients.
We will create a surgical plan for you once he deems you suitable for the procedure and you have made some decisions together. Our patient coordinator will then assist you in scheduling your appointment, estimating the cost of the procedure, and providing pre-surgery instructions to help ensure your procedure is as successful as possible.
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