James A. Rieger MD
(316)-652-9333
Breast Implants Augmentation
Our cost for breast augmentation with smooth round silicone or saline implants is $5,450 which includes surgery center, anesthesia, plastic surgeon fees and implants. Click here for cost information.
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast for a number of reasons:
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To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
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To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
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To balance a difference in breast size.
By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman’s bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. If you’re considering breast augmentation, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure–when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. It can’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask your surgeon if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure.
The best candidates for breast augmentation
Breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
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“Mommy Makeover” includes a wide array of cosmetic surgery options, including breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, body sculpting with liposuction and skin rejuvenation procedures. These procedures, which can dramatically improve how you look and feel.
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The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you’re physically healthy and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.
Types of Implants
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Saline Breast Implants
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Silicone Gel Breast Implants
Saline versus Silicone gel breast implants
One of the most important choices you will make is whether to use saline or silicone breast implants. There is no right answer to the question, but there may be a right choice for you depending on what your goals are. Both saline and silicone gel filled implants are safe. The shell of both is a soft solid silicone. A breast implant may be filled with saline or silicone gel. There are pros and cons to both saline breast implants and silicone breast implants so one may be better for you than the other depending on your objectives. The paragraphs below and your consultation with Dr. Rieger will help in this decision. There is also a third type of breast implant noted below which is new and fda approved.
Advantages
Silicone Gel Breast Implants
The primary advantage of silicone gel breast implants is that they feel more like natural breast tissue and are less likely to show an edge or have rippling. They are also likely longer-lasting. They are recommended for women with less breast tissue. Should a silicone implant develop a pinhole, the gel will most likely stay inside the implant due to the cohesive nature of the gel. Should a larger tear occur, there may be some movement of the gel out of the implant. However, the gel would be contained by the normal thin scar tissue “capsule” that forms around all breast implants including saline implants shortly after implantation. Sometimes a thick scar tissue “capsule” may form around the leaked silicone. A thick capsule however can occur with a saline or silicone implant whether leaked or not leaked. When the leaked implant is discovered, the silicone gel, implant and this thick scar capsule will need to be removed. Some women are concerned about the safety of silicone gel breast implants. These implants were intensely studied and approved by the FDA. No connection was found between silicone breast implants and cancer, autoimmune disorders, or connective tissue disorders. They were also not found to cause adverse effects to breastfeeding infants. Convinced by the studies showing that they are safe, the FDA approved silicone breast implants in 2006. The The FDA does recommend screening MRI’s of the breast for silicone gel implants. However high resolution ultrasound may be even better for this screening.
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants can give good results for the right patient, especially women with sufficient natural breast tissue and when the implants are placed under the pectoral muscle. They are less expensive than silicone gel implants. If a saline breast implant ruptures, the filler is quickly and safely absorbed by the body. This will cause the breast to deflate, but is safe since it is saline (“salt water”).
How we prepare for surgery at
​ PLASTIC SURGERY WICHITA KANSAS
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Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging, your doctor may also recommend a breast lift.
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Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with your surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each. You may want to ask your surgeon for a copy of the manufacturer’s insert that comes with the implant he or she will use — just so you are fully informed about it. And, be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
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Your surgeon should also explain the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. Because most insurance companies do not consider breast augmentation to be medically necessary, carriers generally do not cover the cost of this procedure.
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Preparing for your surgery
Your surgeon will give you instructions to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
While making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.
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The surgery
Where your surgery will be performed
Dr. Rieger prefers to perform the operation in a state-of-the art accredited
outpatient surgery center.
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Types of anesthesia
Breast augmentation can be performed with a general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep through the entire operation.
The Surgery
The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon’s recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be made to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible.
Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, in the breast crease, around the nipple, or in the armpit. Breast tissue and skin is lifted to create a pocket for each implant.
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Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples.
Dr. Rieger generally places the implant behind the pectoralis muscle. This placement interferes less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Putting the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture also.
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After your surgery
You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following your surgery, but you’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor.
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You should wear a sports bra for the first few weeks. You should wear it as directed by your surgeon. You may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising fades.
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Your stitches will come out in a week to 10 days, but the swelling in your breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear.
Getting back to normal
You should be able to return to work within 5 to 7 days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.
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Follow your surgeon’s advice on when to begin exercises and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks, so you should avoid much physical contact. After that, breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.
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Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely.
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Routine mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation for women who are in the appropriate age group, although the mammographic technician should use a special technique to assure that you get a reliable reading, as discussed earlier.