Implant-based breast reconstruction is the most commonly used reconstruction technique after mastectomy. Prepectoral breast reconstruction is a method of implant-based reconstruction that places the device immediately under the skin. As opposed to traditional implant reconstruction, no muscles are elevated, and a full reconstruction can often be achieved at the time of mastectomy.
A board-certified plastic surgeon should perform prepectoral breast reconstruction. The plastic surgeons at Arkansas Plastic Surgery are some of the only breast specialists who perform this procedure in the Little Rock area. Dr. David Bauer and Dr. Zachary Young are extremely skilled in prepectoral breast reconstruction. With their extensive training and experience, they have helped countless women achieve improved results, a shorter recovery, and a more natural appearance. Schedule your consultation today to get started!
HOW THE SERVICE CAN HELP YOU
Build Your Confidence
Increase Your Cup Size
Enhance Your Proportions
The natural process of aging, pregnancy, and weight loss can cause a woman’s breasts to sag and lose volume and fullness. There are many reasons why you may want to get breast implants, including:
- Increase breast volume
- Change the breast shape
- Replace volume that was lost after breastfeeding or major weight loss
- Create better symmetry to the breasts if they are naturally different sizes or shapes
- Enhance your proportions
- Build confidence
BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY
TESTIMONIALS
ABOUT BREAST IMPLANT SURGERY
For your comfort and safety, you will be asleep under general anesthesia for this outpatient procedure.
- The doctors ensure visible scarring is kept to a minimum and make breast implant incisions in inconspicuous areas, such as under the breast or along the lower border of the areola. The incision placement and whether the implant should be placed under or over the muscle will be discussed during your consultation.
- Breast augmentation surgery is usually done in about an hour. If it is combined with a breast lift, the surgery should take about 2.5 hours.
- You will wake up from anesthesia wearing gauze and a surgical bra that you will wear for 48 hours (at that time, you may shower and wear a regular sports bra).
What to Expect After Your Procedure
Following your breast augmentation procedure, your breasts may feel tight and sensitive to the touch and your skin could feel warm or itchy. You will receive detailed instructions about all the symptoms you will experience and the potential signs of complications.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some pain, which is easily managed with oral pain medication. It may be difficult to raise your arms. You might also see some discoloration/bruising, but this will disappear fairly quickly. Most patients’ swelling will subside within a month. It is always important to remember each patient heals differently and recovery time varies greatly.
Aftercare & Recovery Process
It is vital to follow our post-operative instructions that will include information about wearing your compression garments, care for your incisions, and taking the prescribed medication. It is very important you walk for a few minutes every few hours to help reduce the risk of possible blood clots that can form in your legs. Wearing a sports bra as you heal will help to minimize swelling, improve blood flow in the area, provide support and comfort to the surgical site.
Arkansas Plastic Surgery utilizes a Rapid Recovery Protocol. As a result, most of our patients have minimal bruising and can usually return to light activities within 2-5 days and full activities within 3-4 weeks. Our rapid recovery protocol includes:
- Topical anesthetics
- Anti-inflammatories
- Oral analgesics
- Muscle relaxers
- The Keller Funnel® which allows our surgeons to make smaller incisions for the insertion of the implant
WHO GETS BREAST IMPLANTS
Breast implant surgery can give you perkier, more full breasts that are more symmetrical and appealing. Breast augmentation can restore fullness and shape in women who have deflated appearing breasts due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, and age.
Size
Shape
Symmetry
CHOOSING YOUR BREAST IMPLANTS
Breast augmentation (also called breast implant surgery) uses silicone or saline implants to increase breast volume. Dr. Bauer and Dr. Young will speak with you in great detail at your initial consultation about your goals and your options for breast enhancement. Schedule your consultation today to get started!
Implant Type Comparison
Saline Implants
- SMALL INCISION
- LESS EXPENSIVE
- RISK OF RIPPLING
Silicone Implants
- LESS RISK OF RIPPLING
- MORE NATURAL FEEL
- LARGER INCISION
Combination Breast Augmentation & Breast Lift
Sometimes a breast augmentation alone is not adequate to correct sagging breasts with loss of volume. If that is the case, the combination of a breast implant and breast lift can be done to help restore a more youthful bust.
Our breast augmentation surgeons have extensive experience with both breast augmentation and breast lift procedures and will speak with you in great detail about your options. In some patients, the augmentation and lift can be combined in one operation, yet some circumstances might require that the lift be performed first and augmentation 3 months later. This decision is based on your size, shape, and goals for the procedure.
BREAST IMPLANT FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Augmentation Surgery. In addition to our breast implant surgery FAQs, you can learn more in our blog post about the myths of breast augmentation.
Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery?
You might be a good candidate for breast augmentation if…
- You believe your breasts are too small for your body
- You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting clothes
- Your breasts have become smaller due to weight loss or having children
- You are in good health
- You have a positive attitude and realistic expectations
Is breast augmentation surgery safe?
Breast augmentation is very safe. Surgical techniques for breast augmentation and all breast implants are continually being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure. Contact us if you have questions or if you are ready to make an informed decision.
Are implants permanent?
Breast implants are devices that will fail at some point in time. Ideally, they will last 20-30 years, but it is important to keep in mind replacement surgery will likely become necessary. Post-surgery, it is recommended to have periodic exams by your surgeon to monitor the implants.
How long will the results last?
Under normal circumstances, the results of your breast augmentation surgery should be long-lasting. Time, gravity, pregnancy, and weight fluctuation may affect good results over the years. Schedule follow-up appointments periodically with your surgeon to maintain the look you’re wanting.
What are the associated costs with breast augmentation surgery?
The cost of breast augmentation varies from doctor to doctor based on patient needs and implant choice. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified doctors to learn more about the breast augmentation procedure and the costs associated with it.
Does insurance cover breast implants?
Breast augmentation is not covered by insurance unless it is associated with breast reconstruction for cancer. There are various payment options for breast implant surgery, including financing plans and we also accept credit cards, cash, or check.
Will breast implants affect my ability to breastfeed?
In most cases, our patients are able to breastfeed if they have undergone breast augmentation surgery. Most augmentation patients will produce breast milk. It may not be as much as there would have been without implants. The implants may prevent the milk glands from filling completely.
If you are planning to have children in the near future, it is important to consult with your surgeon so you can choose the surgical options that best fit your needs and are in line with your family planning.
Should I wait until after I have children before having breast augmentation?
Getting breast augmentation is a personal decision in which there is no “right” time to do it — only when it is right for you. We would suggest, however, that if you intend to have a child within the next year or two, then you should postpone your procedure until after the birth because of the changes your body will go through.
Other than this, many women get breast augmentation done before having children and there are usually no issues. Many find that the implants will prevent the deflated look often seen after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
When can I start exercising again?
Recovery time is different for everyone, but generally, you must wait at least 3-4 weeks before doing anything too strenuous, as it could set back your healing. Try not to lift heavy objects or bend over too much, especially right after surgery. You should start slowly and work up to more aerobic or vigorous activity when you feel comfortable.
Will I have scarring?
As with any surgical procedure, there will have to be an incision made to allow for entry into the breast. Incisions are typically made in 2 main areas:
- The fold underneath the breast
- The border of the nipple or areola
Most surgeons prefer the incision beneath the breast as it has a lower rate of complications and is well hidden. It may take up to a year for scars to mature, but usually, after that amount of time they are very inconspicuous and easy to conceal.
How long will it take to recover from my breast augmentation surgery?
Typically, it takes 7-10 days to return to fairly normal activities. Patients with less strenuous jobs may return to work in 3-4 days, while more physically demanding jobs may require you to be off 1-2 weeks.
Will I have to change anything about my lifestyle after a breast augmentation?
Once you have allowed healing to take place for 2-3 weeks, you are free to resume all of your normal activities as before. There are no major life changes except a greater feeling of self-confidence in your appearance!
What size implant should I get?
This is dependent on your individual frame and ultimate appearance goals. Dr. Bauer and Dr. Young will discuss your expectations with you so he can help you reach your desired results. There is no cookie-cutter “size” or “cup” to choose from, as everyone’s body is unique. The exact same size of the implant will oftentimes look cosmetically different from patient to patient. We like to think of breast augmentation in terms of proportion and shape rather than size.
What are the risks of breast augmentation surgery?
Breast augmentations have a high success rate when performed by a trained and experienced surgeon. However, as with any surgery, it is not without risks. These can include changes in breast or nipple sensitivity, infection, hematoma, bleeding, scarring, rupturing of the implant, and other adverse reactions to the anesthesia. Talk with your doctor about any further complications you may have with a breast augmentation. Learn more about the Allergan implant recall here.
WHY CHOOSE ARKANSAS PLASTIC SURGERY
It is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon to perform your breast procedure. For over 20 years, Arkansas Plastic Surgery has served the central Arkansas region. You can trust us to provide you with the natural and long-lasting results you’re looking for. Begin your breast surgery discussion today!