One of the key advantages in breast augmentation is that the patient will usually have the flexibility to choose between a range of implant qualities and sizes. This makes the breast augmentation surgery a highly customizable procedure to fit the patient’s unique cosmetic and anatomical needs.

During the initial consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will explain the pros and cons of various breast implant types, sizes and shapes in accordance with the patient’s goals. Patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive breast implants from double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon McLain.

Classification of Implants

Breast implants are primarily classified into two categories: saline implants and silicone implants. The outer shell in both categories is produce with a pliable silicone material, but the inner core differs in both cases.

Saline Implants

Saline implants include a sterile saline solution in their core. These implants were originally approved by the FDA for breast augmentation, and in many cases, the cosmetic surgeon may still recommend these implants as they remain a traditionally popular option. Women above the age of 18 are eligible for using these implants.

The benefit with these implants is that the saline solution can be filled after the deflated implant has been inserted surgically into the breast pocket. This enables the surgeon to create a smaller incision. Furthermore, saline solution is completely biocompatible. Therefore, if the implant gets damaged, the leaked saline fluid will be safely absorbed by the body without posing any risk to the patient’s health.

Silicone Implants

Silicone gel implants received the FDA’s approval much later after all the safety concerns were addressed. But over the years, their popularity has surpassed that of saline implants. In terms of cosmetic appeal and natural touch and feel, many women prefer silicone implants over saline. The implant core is composed of a soft silicone gel, which has a high viscosity and it mimics the natural breast tissue.

Silicone implants can be provided to women over the age of 21. Double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for breast implant surgery.

Gummy Bear Implants

Form stable or ultra-cohesive implants, commonly known as Gummy Bear implants are the latest addition to the range of breast implants. These implants are constituted of a highly cohesive silicone gel core, which has a superior consistency.

These implants are resilient, yet very natural looking, and retain their form and shape even under pressure. The high viscosity of the silicone gel in these implants minimizes or eliminates the risk of leakage to other parts of the body in the event of implant damage.

Implant Size/Shape/Texture

Breast implants in all types are available in sizes ranging from 120 cc to 960 cc. Implant shapes can be round or anatomical, and options are also available in implant profiles. Plain and texture implant surfaces are offered according to the patient’s needs.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here. Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Breast augmentation continues to have a very high success rate as long as the procedure is performed by a fully trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon. While the surgical techniques and quality of implants have improved over the years, certain risks remain inherent to breast augmentation just like any other surgery.

During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will explain about the potential risks and complications and help the patient make a well-considered choice. Double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon McLain provides breast augmentation to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

Implant Risks

Some of the risks in breast augmentation surgery are unique to the procedure because it involves placement of saline or silicone breast implants.

Capsular Contracture

Following the placement of implants in the breast tissue, the natural healing mechanism of the body will trigger the formation of scar tissue around the implants. In some cases, the scar tissue may contract or become hard, putting excess pressure on the implant.

The implant may be squeezed due to the scar tissue tightening. This may result in loss of shape, damage or malpositioning of the implant. Breast capsule hardening may also cause pain. In this situation, breast implant removal or replacement may be advised by the cosmetic surgeon.

Implant Rippling

If the breast skin is not sufficient to cover the implant comfortably, it may cause wrinkles or folds in the implant. This will create a rippling effect and distort the natural breast appearance. Implant ripping risk can be minimized by choosing the appropriate implant size according to the skin availability.

Double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for breast augmentation.

Implant Rupture or Shifting

If a saline breast implant ruptures, the deflation will immediately occur and become visible. But in case of a silicone implant rupture, the damage may only become known during an MRI exam. In rare cases, the implant may be intact, but it may shift from its original place soon after the surgery is performed.

The risk of displacement increases in case of large sized implants, but the risk of rupture exists in every type of implant. Breast revision surgery may be required to correct these conditions.

Surgery-related Risks

These risks are common to all surgeries, including breast augmentation.

Infection

Infection risk is higher during and immediately following the breast implant procedure. The surgical facility must maintain a sterile environment to minimize this risk. In the early recovery period, the patient should take proper care to keep the incision areas clean and dry.

Numbness or Change of Sensation

Altered sensation, numbness or sensitivity may occur in the nipple area after breast augmentation surgery. In most cases, the condition is temporary, but sometimes the problem may persist for a long time or become permanent.

Unfavorable Scarring

Some degree of scarring is unavoidable, but a skilled surgeon can minimize the risk by placing the incisions in inconspicuous locations such as the breast crease or the armpit.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here. Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Breast augmentation currently ranks as the number procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon in the US. The procedure can be fairly customized to suit the unique needs of a patient. While different options may be available for incision locations, implant placement and types of implants, the overall steps in the breast augmentation procedure largely remain the same.

At the time of initial consultation, the surgeon will discuss the steps involved in the procedure to make the patient more familiar with the surgery. This will help to resolve her pre-op anxiety and concern. Double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Landon McLain provides breast augmentation to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities.

Anesthesia

The first step in the breast augmentation surgery will be to place the patient under anesthesia. In case of general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist or an anesthetist nurse will administer it and will remain present throughout the surgery to monitor her response. Once the surgery is over, she will be brought out of anesthesia.

The patient will be moved to an observation area for a few hours until the effects of anesthesia subside. The patient should have someone to drive her back home after the surgery, and preferably stay overnight for help.

Incisions Placement

Following anesthesia, the cosmetic surgeon will start the procedure by making incisions in discreet locations. These could be at the crease of the breast, in the underarm, around the lower half of the areola, or in some cases, in the navel area. The incision location will be decided during surgical planning in consultation with the patient.

Implant Placement

Through the incisions, the surgeon will place the breast implants in front of the pectoral muscle right behind the breast tissue or below the pectoral muscle. The decision on implant placement will be made in advance after considering the implant size, the patient’s breast anatomy and her aesthetic goals.

The surgeon will explain the limitations and benefits of both options to help the patient make the best choice. Double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and nearby areas for breast augmentation.

Incision Closure

Once the surgery is completed and the implants are positioned correctly into the breast pockets, the incisions will be closed with absorbable or removable sutures. Until the incisions are healed, the patient should take special care to keep the site completely clean in order to minimize infection risks. Strain in the incision area should be minimal during the first week after the surgery.

Bandages and Drains

Once the surgery is completed, the treated areas will be covered in bandages to protect the incisions and support healing. Temporary drain tubes will be placed below the skin to collect fluid and reduce infection risks. The patient will be provided with a special surgical bra, which should be worn at all times for a few weeks until the breasts firm up and acquire their new shape.  

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here. Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.