WHAT YOU SEE IN THE MIRROR SHOULD MAKE YOU HAPPY – NOT HOLD YOU BACK 
Wanting to improve what you see in the mirror is extremely common and very natural. How you look impacts how you feel about yourself and how self-confident you are in your relationships with others. This is one of the many reasons that breast augmentation is the single most common cosmetic surgical procedure sought by women today.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR NATURAL RESULTS
Despite some reports in the media and paid advertisements, there is no way to increase the size of your breasts permanently and safely without surgery. No medicines, no exercises and no creams or gels will alter your anatomy in the same way as augmentation with implants.
Modern implants have evolved far beyond what was available when implants were first introduced. They are safe and much stronger than ever before. When you come to your consultation in the office, you will be able to examine the implants up close as well as try out different size implants to see what size and shape best suit your particular body.
We are proud to use Natrelle implants made by the Allergan corporation in our practice. In both European and American studies, these advanced technology implants show an 8-10% rupture rate at 11 years. This means a lower need for replacement or revision surgery later on.
There are two main types of implants available in the United States, silicone and saline.
Silicone – is available as a thick gel (“cohesive gel”) that is surrounded by a strong shell. These implants have been extensively tested in literally hundreds of thousands of women worldwide and have been found to be safe. Silicone is generally thought to produce a more natural feeling result and are the most common type of implant placed world-wide. Some of the considerations for silicone are that they cost a little more than saline, they require a slightly larger incision to place and are not amenable to placement from all of the same incisions that saline implants are.
Saline- saline implants consist of salt water surrounded by a thick silicone shell. At surgery they are inserted empty and filled with the saline solution when they are appropriately positioned. Because they are inserted empty, it is possible to make a slightly smaller incision for insertion. Some considerations for saline implants include their somewhat less natural, more firm feel and their increased risk of having visual rippling under the skin.
In addition, there are different shapes and textures that are available in both silicone and saline implants. Some are more tear-dropped shaped, some are rounder. Which of these is most appropriate for you will be part of the discussion during your first consultation in the office. These choices are often a function of your body size and shape as well as desired outcome.
HOW IS BREAST AUGMENTATION PERFORMED?
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia in a certified surgery center. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning that there is generally not an overnight stay in the hospital.
There are several different incisions that can be used to insert the implant and two different locations within the breast area itself.
Placement
submammary - this describes the placement of the implant under the breast tissue, but on top of the chest muscles. It is thought to be associated with slightly less post-operative recovery time and a very natural feel, but can be associated with a palpable implant in women with a small amount of breast tissue and can lead to earlier drooping of the breast (ptosis)
submuscular – this is the more commonly performed procedure as it leads to a less obvious implant and is associated with a slightly lower rate of capsular contracture (scarring around the implant). It also allows for a more natural appearance in patients who have smaller breasts to begin with as it gives additional coverage over t implant.
Incisions
inframammary – this incision is placed at the bottom of the breast, in the crease where the breast meets the chest wall. The scar is well hidden in this location, although it will be visible when you’re lying down. This is the most commonly used incision in our practice.
periareolar – this incision is placed along the curve of the areola where it borders breast skin. This incision often heals well and can be difficult to detect, however, if you have a history of forming extensive scars, than this incision will be particularly visible and is not recommended for you.
axillary – this incision generally requires a saline implant and the implant is almost placed under the pectoral muscle (submuscular). This incision is often well hidden from the point of view of someone observing the breast itself, but it can often be seen when the arms are raised.
FIGHTING GRAVTY – BREAST LIFTS, BREAST REDUCTIONS AND COMBINATION BREAST LIFT AND AUGMENTATION
Whether because of pregnancy, time, weight loss or weight gain, most women experience sagging of their breasts over time with a loss of youthful firmness and contour. There are several different options available to return your breasts to a younger and more pleasing size and shape.
Breast lift surgery (also known as “mastopexy”) can be performed through different incisions depending on the amount of lift and change in contour needed.
crescent mastopexy – a small incision at the top of the areola (the dark skin around the nipple) which allows for a small lift of 1-2 inches
circumareolar or “donut” mastopexy - an incision is made all the way around the edge of the areola to cinch up or bring in the sagging skin toward the center. The lift achieved is still no more than 1-2 inches and can leave a flattened, somewhat altered appearance to the areola.
vertical mastopexy – sometimes called a “lollipop lift” because the incision is shaped like a lollipop with the round top circling the areola and a straight line extending onto the breast beneath it. This allows for a larger degree of lift than a crescent mastopexy, but requires larger incisionsand thus scars
anchor mastopexy – the traditional incision which goes around the areola, down the bottom half of the breast and ends in a long horizontal portion in the inframammary fold. This approach allows for the greatest degree of lift and shaping, although it also leaves the greatest length of scars and potential for complications.
Breast reduction surgery is most commonly performed through either a vertical mastopexy incision or an anchor incision, again depending on the degree of droop (ptosis) and the amount of decrease in size desired.
Another option is a combination lift and augmentation. This combination can allow for use of smaller incisions as the implant itself gives an appearance of lift.
WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP?
No matter how much information we include here, there is no substitute for coming into the office for a comprehensive examination and discussion of all the various options. Your initial consultation will last an hour to an hour and a half and you are more than welcome to bring a friend or family member with you. The consultation is FREE and will be scheduled at your convenience. So what are you waiting for? Call today!
Now that we have a woman surgeon in Texarkana performing cosmetic breast surgery, you shouldn’t feel like you have to go to Shreveport, Tyler, Little Rock or Dallas for breast augmentation or lift.