Are you interested in pursuing breast augmentation surgery, but feel overwhelmed by the amount of breast augmentation information that is out there? Not to worry! Dr. Bohley, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Portland, is here to help. Read on to learn about the basics of breast augmentation surgery and find out what you need to know about the procedure.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
The first and most important thing that you want to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon is board certification. Make sure that any prospective plastic surgeons are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This ensures that your plastic surgeon has a minimum of five years of surgical training, with a minimum of two years of training in plastic surgery specifically. Being board certified by ABPS also ensures that the plastic surgeon will operate in an accredited surgical facility. Board-certified plastic surgeons must also adhere to a strict ethical code.
Also, you want to choose a cosmetic surgeon that makes you feel at ease. Your plastic surgeon should be compassionate and knowledgeable. He or she should be able to answer all your questions about the procedure and not rush you through your consultation. The cosmetic surgeon should also be happy to share before-and-after photos of previous patients with you, so you can get an idea of what your results may look like. You can also ask to see patient testimonials to get a sense of the plastic surgeon’s patient-satisfaction rate (which should be high).
Types of Breast Implants
The most common types of breast implants are saline-solution and silicone-gel implants. There are pros and cons to both types of breast implants. For instance, saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution that your body will naturally absorb should they rupture. But silicone breast implants more closely resemble natural breast tissue. Dr. Bohley can review the benefits and drawbacks of each type of implant with you during your consultation to help you make an informed decision about which type is best for you.
When deciding which type of breast implants to use, you will also need to choose whether your breast implants will have a textured or smooth outer shell. The advantage of textured breast implants is that they tend to attach to the overlying breast tissue, countering the effects of gravity and helping them stay higher up on the chest. Also, it has been said that textured breast implants reduce the risk of capsular contracture, a condition in which the body generates a fibrous tissue lining around breast implants, causing the breasts to feel unnaturally hard. However, not everyone agrees that textured breast implants actually reduce the risk of this condition. The main advantage of breast implants with a smooth outer shell is that they move more freely within the implant pocket.
You will also choose the shape of your breast implants: either round or teardrop-shaped. Round breast implants provide a fuller look throughout the breast area with more cleavage and lift. On the other hand, teardrop-shaped breast implants look more like natural breasts.
Placement of Breast Implants
Lastly, you will need to decide whether Dr. Bohley should place your breast implants in the subglandular or submuscular position.
Subglandular or overs positioning means that Dr. Bohley places breast implants over the pectoral (i.e., chest) muscle and below the natural breast tissue. With subglandular placement, Dr. Bohley does not have to compromise the muscle tissue, allowing for a quicker and easier postoperative recovery.
Submuscular or unders breast implant placement means that Dr. Bohley places breast implants either partially or entirely under the chest muscle. This positioning may appear more natural and help reduce the risk of certain complications. However, submuscular placement is also more invasive, leading to a longer recovery period.
To schedule a personal consultation to learn more about breast augmentation, please contact the Dr. Bohley Cosmetic Surgery office by calling (503) 253-3458 today.
