When women are considering breast augmentation, they often worry that their results will look obvious or unrealistic. It’s good to know that breast augmentation techniques have improved significantly over the past few years. Breast enhancement specialists Dr. Richard D’Amico & Dr. Julie Ferrauiola perform breast augmentation in Englewood, NJ to give women fuller yet natural-looking breasts*.
Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola perform cosmetic breast augmentation with breast implants in his New Jersey operating facility.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as breast enhancement, is a surgical procedure used to enhance the shape or size of breasts and improve asymmetry. It is often used to restore to the breasts to their natural appearance after aging, pregnancy, or massive weight loss. Breast augmentation is accomplished with the use of implants to create a balanced and contoured shape to the breasts. In some cases, however, breast enhancement can be performed using the patient’s own fat to improve the appearance of the breasts.
Candidates For Breast Enhancement Surgery
The best way to determine if someone is a good candidate for breast surgery is with a consultation with a board-certified surgeon. In general, good breast enhancement candidates are:
- Nonsmokers
- Physically and mentally healthy, with realistic expectations for their procedures
- Seeking surgery for their own personal fulfillment, not to satisfy cultural standards or the desires of others
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Realistic about result expectations
- Looking to improve the balance and contour of their breasts
Saline implants are available for women 18 and older, while silicone gel implants are an option for women age 22 and older*. In addition, Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola routinely perform corrective breast surgery for young women under the age of 18 who have tuberous breasts or other breast development issues.
We ask that patients who are 35 or older undergo mammograms before their breast augmentations to create an “original mapping” of the breasts as they appeared before surgery. If any abnormalities are found on the mammogram, these must be addressed before any breast surgery.
Benefits Of Breast Augmentation
Women who feel their breasts are too small or not proportionate with the rest of their bodies may benefit from breast augmentation. Smaller breasts can impact their confidence and undermine their feelings of femininity. Breast augmentation can also correct breasts that are asymmetrical*. When breast augmentation is combined with other body contouring and enhancing procedures such as tummy-tuck, liposuction, breast lift, or incorporated into a mommy-makeover, the results will show a completely rejuvenated and youthful appearance.
Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola perform breast implant revision surgery for patients who are unhappy with the results of a previous augmentation*.
Breast Augmentation Before and After*
View Our Before & After Gallery
Types of Breast Implants
Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola recommend the appropriate type of breast implant for his patients based on their needs and cosmetic goals. His patients have 2 choices for implant materials:
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are inserted empty and then filled with a sterile saltwater solution; therefore, a slightly smaller incision is needed to insert a saline implant.
Silicone Gel Breast Implants
Silicone gel breast implants are prefilled and often described as feeling more like natural breast tissue. Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola offer their patients 3 popular types of cohesive silicone implants (sometimes called “gummy bear” implants) to choose from: Allergan Natrelle® 410 and Sientra® Silimed and Allergan round implants. The high-strength silicone used in these implants ensures that they retain their shape even in the unlikely event of rupture.
What is the Difference Between Natrelle 410 and Silimed Implants?
Both Natrelle 410 and Silimed implants are made of cohesive silicone gel. However, depending on the patients’ goals and preferences:
Natrelle 410 Implants
Natrelle 410 implants are shaped to be more true to a woman’s anatomy. Many patients enjoy the subtle boost in volume and natural-looking shape created by the tapered shape of Natrelle.
Silimed Implants
Silimed implants are available in both round and shaped versions, providing customizable choices each patient’s unique anatomy and aesthetic goals*.
What To Consider When Choosing Your Breast Implants
Every woman is different, and choosing a breast size is a personal decision. Some women seek subtle changes, while others pursue more dramatic transformations. At your consultation, Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola will listen to your goals and develop a surgical plan to best provide the results you want*.
Size
It also important to choose implants that are in proportion to your body. The final size is the patient’s decision. Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola can use their trained aesthetic eye to make a recommendation for what size will fit your frame. He will also evaluate the amount of existing breast tissue you have, which will be a factor in your decision. If you choose breast implants that are too large for the amount of breast tissue you have, you may be able to see or feel the implants’ edges.
Shape
All saline implants are round, but silicone implants can be round or teardrop-shaped. One drawback of the teardrop-shaped implants is that if they rotate, they will appear unnatural. The Natrelle 410 implants Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola offer are this shape, and the Silimed implants can be either round or anatomical.
Texture
Breast implant surfaces are either smooth or textured. Some plastic surgeons believe textured implants reduce the risk of capsular contracture, a complication that occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and hardens.
Profile
The profile of your breast implants is probably the least well-known option that you need to consider. Profile refers to how your breasts will appear from a side view. Advances in breast implant options include the ability to choose how far the implants will project from your chest. Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola will take careful measurements of your body and recommend an option that incorporates your aesthetic goals.
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola perform a variety of techniques in placing breast implants. The site of the incision, the size and type of implant (whether silicone or saline), and the position of the implant relative to your chest will be covered at your consultation.
Essentially, after light general anesthesia is given, an incision is made and a pocket is created for the implant, which is then inserted. Placing beneath the muscle takes a bit more time, but creates a more natural appearance and maybe better for mammography. Once the placement of the implants is considered satisfactory, Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola will close the incisions with sutures. The treatment area will then be dressed with bandages and a surgical bra will be put on for additional support. This is utilized to minimize swelling.
Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Require Anesthesia?
Breast enhancement surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Typically, general anesthesia is used for surgery, however, some patients may be eligible to undergo the use of local anesthesia.
Breast Implant Surgery Success Story
Types Of Breast Implant Incisions
The breast implants can be inserted through an incision around the lower edge of the areola (periareolar), under the fold of the breast (inframammary), or within the armpit (transaxillary). Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola use absorbable stitches to close these incisions.
| Periareolar Incision | Inframammary Incision | Transaxillary Incision |
Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola discuss your incision options in more detail during your consultation. Some women, particularly those who have had children or have seen their weight fluctuate significantly, choose to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift procedure. This combined surgery restores fullness to the breasts and lifts them to perkier, more youthful-looking positions on the chest for a complete transformation. Body contouring procedures, such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery can further accentuate your new breast size*.
Can Breast Augmentation Surgery Be Performed With Other Procedures?
At Dr. D’Amico’s New Jersey plastic surgery practice, patients often combine 2 or more procedures into 1 surgery, such as breast lift or tummy-tuck. Though this approach can create dramatic results, it’s important to note that the recovery will likely be longer and more complex than if the patient had undergone a single procedure. In some cases, a brief hospital stay may be necessary.
Will There Be A Scar After Breast Implant Surgery?
Unfortunately, some scarring is inevitable following a breast enhancement surgery. In most instances, because of the location of the incision, your scars should not be visible under clothing or swimsuits. Scars will fade significantly over time, and you can ensure their maximum refinement by closely following your postoperative instructions.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
You will find that you’ll feel back to normal in about a week, and it will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to fully heal. Although you will see results immediately, keep in mind that some swelling will make your breasts appear slightly larger than they will be after they settle into their final positions, which takes about 30 days or so*.
How Long After Breast Augmentation Surgery Can I Start to Exercise Again?
After your surgery, we will instruct you to avoid raising your arms over your head or doing any exercise that uses your chest muscles, as well as avoiding heavy lifting, for about 6 to 8 weeks*.
Are Breast Implants Permanent?
You should keep in mind that breast implants are not permanent. We suggest that you visit us every year after implant surgery so we can confirm that your implants are still functioning as they should.
Is Breast Augmentation Surgery Painful?
Because of the surgical manipulation of muscle required during this procedure, significant postoperative pain used to be a problem. Fortunately, something we call a “pain pump” or a tiny catheter we insert at the time of surgery, will virtually eliminate the pain. The pain pump drips Novocain right onto the affected muscle 24 hours a day to relieve virtually all the muscle pain and avoid the need for heavy drugs or narcotics by mouth. This means a more comfortable, quicker, and better quality of recovery!*
Breast Implants and Pregnancy
Due to the wide variety among breast enhancement surgeries and methods, not all breast surgeries will interfere with future pregnancy or breastfeeding. In most instances, a woman who has undergone breast augmentation in the past is still able to breastfeed. A breast reduction, however, may diminish the ability to breastfeed.
Pregnancy also causes changes to your body that can alter the results of your surgery. Regardless of which procedure you choose, it’s important to talk to your surgeon about any future plans to become pregnant.
Nipple Sensitivity After Breast Enhancement Surgery
For some women, loss of sensation in the nipple or hyper-sensitivity can occur following a breast enhancement procedure. In most cases, this side effect is temporary and will resolve on its own. In a small number of cases, however, the loss of sensation in the nipple is permanent. Dr. D’Amico & Dr. Ferrauiola take every precaution during all breast enhancement surgeries to reduce the chances of any long-term side effects, including loss of sensation.*
Do Breast Implants Interfere with Mammograms?
Depending on their placement, breast implants can interfere with mammography. Before your mammogram, be sure to inform the technician and other staff that you have implants. They will perform an adjusted mammogram to get a better view of your breast tissue.
Though breast reductions and breast lifts do not normally interfere with mammography, the redistribution of tissue during these surgeries can create abnormal but harmless changes on your next mammogram. If your doctor notices any of these changes, he or she may order further testing to rule out a malignant growth.
Why Choose Us
- Best of both worlds
- Collaborative Effort
- Young Perspective
- Male & Female perspective
- Getting 2 complimentary points of view
- Work together on consult and surgery
Schedule a Consultation Today!
If you are interested in learning more about breast augmentation and breast implants, be sure to book a personalized consultation with Dr. Richard D’Amico or Dr. Julie Ferrauiola. During your consult, our talented surgeons will listen to your objectives with compassion and understanding and will help you craft a surgical plan to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call (201) 567-9595 or click here to send us an Email Contact Form. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
* = Results may vary
