Breast augmentation (breast enlargement) surgery is a very popular surgery. More than 2 million women have breast implants according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Many women in Hawaii seeking breast augmentation surgery feel their breast size has changed following pregnancy and are looking to restore lost volume or their breast size is disproportionate compared to the rest of their body. Other reasons women seek breast augmentation may be breast asymmetry (size and shape difference between the breasts).
Whatever your reason for wanting breast augmentation, you owe it to yourself to share your goals with a board certified plastic surgeon as well as discover the options available to you. Dr. Tirre and our staff will listen to you and help you achieve an appearance you desire.
What to Expect at your Consultation
Our practice offers an extensive and personalized consultation regarding breast augmentation. During your consultation, Dr. Tirre will review your options for implant placement, size and shapes, and review information regarding silicone and saline breast implants. We can also determine if a breast lift (mastopexy) would be required to give you the results you are desiring.
Silicone and saline filled breast implants are available for patients to touch, feel and “try on” during the consultation. Both silicone and saline filled breast implants are safe and each has its own advantages. Our goal is for every patient to feel confident they will get the best results possible.
Breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia thus maximizing both your safety and comfort during this procedure. This procedure typically is 2 hours in duration and is done in an accredited outpatient surgery center for your safety and optimum results.
Incision Location
Dr. Tirre may place either a silicone gel implant or a saline (sterile salt water) filled implant through a peri-areolar or inframammary incision (under the breast within the crease). The incision location will be decided between you and Dr. Tirre prior to your procedure.
Implant Location – under the muscle or above the muscle?
Dr. Tirre will then place the implant either under the pectoralis muscle or the breast gland. In our practice, almost all breast implants are placed under the pectoralis muscle for some major advantages.
First, placing the implant under the muscle provides extra padding and soft tissue coverage over the upper and middle parts of the implant. This creates a more natural slope at the top of the implant rather than a more pronounced shelf. It may also reduce any appearance of wrinkling or rippling of the implant as well.
Secondly, placing the implant under the muscle can make it easier to get an accurate mammogram as there is less distortion of the breast tissue itself.
Drainage tubes are typically not used by Dr. Tirre for breast augmentation. Incisions are closed with very fine sutures to aid in minimal scarring. Complete post procedure instructions will be discussed personally with you by Dr. Tirre and all of your postoperative care is included in your breast surgery pricing.
Ultimately, Dr. Tirre will work with you to determine the best location for the incision and placement of your breast implants. He will offer his expertise and guidance in determining the best options for you.
Should I choose Silicone or Saline?
Silicone implants have been available continuously for several decades, however their use became limited in the 1990’s when they were only offered as part of a silicone study protocol. Dr. Tirre was proud to be a certified silicone study physician during this period and continued to utilize silicone gel implants for breast reconstruction, breast augmentation & lift combination procedures and secondary breast augmentation.
Silicone gel filled (cohesive or gummy bear implants) are the newest generation of silicone implants available. Silicone implants are less likely to produce visible rippling or wrinkling and typically offer a more natural appearance and feel.
Saline filled (sterile salt water solution) breast implants are available in Dr. Tirre’s office to touch, feel and “try on”. Saline breast implants offer patients an excellent breast augmentation result as well and Dr. Tirre is comfortable utilizing silicone or saline breast implants.
The decision to have silicone or saline implants is a personal decision based on cost and personal preference. Dr. Tirre and our staff will work closely with you to answer all your questions regarding each of these types of breast implants.