Southwest Plastic Surgery

Facial beauty has to do with much more than merely the color of your eyes and the fullness of your lips. The structure of your face—its basic framework—also affects your perceived attractiveness in your own eyes and in the eyes of others. Sometimes, when a person is bothered by the appearance of one facial feature, they do not realize that other features are also affecting their appearance. A perfect example is the nose and chin. Combining rhinoplasty with chin augmentation to enhance the profile of the face can greatly improve your overall aesthetic results and facial beauty.

Getting Two Procedures at Once

A major benefit of undergoing two procedures at once is that it can save you time and money. If you have met with your plastic surgeon and have already determined that you may need both rhinoplasty and a chin implant, it is smart to consider getting both procedures done at the same time. Doing so will save on anesthesia fees and other costs, and it will also save you from having to go through recovery for each procedure individually.

Having Long-Lasting Results

A study in Italy revealed that combining chin augmentation with rhinoplasty leads to long-lasting results. Patients in this study who opted to have both chin augmentation and rhinoplasty maintained a stable facial profile when analyzed three years later, with no more than a millimeter change in the length of the chin. This is far longer than the results of fillers, which are temporary. While some experts may suggest using fillers to augment the chin or jaw, fillers are not a good solution for someone seeking long-lasting results. Chin augmentation inserts an implant that is permanently fixed to the chin, and the results can be as long lasting as the results of rhinoplasty.

Strengthening Your Profile

The facial profile is a significant factor in facial beauty. The angle and shape of the nose and chin as they relate to each other determine how aesthetically pleasing your profile is. In some people, the nose sticks out significantly farther than it should in relation to the chin. Individuals may look at this and think that rhinoplasty is the solution, but the chin may be just as much to blame. A patient who undergoes rhinoplasty to alter the nose but does not get a chin augmentation may later look in the mirror and feel that the face is still disproportionate. Combining these procedures improves both facial features and can lead to the best overall results. As rhinoplasty can refine the nose, chin augmentation can enhance the chin. The result is a balanced appearance with an aesthetically appealing profile.

Rhinoplasty and chin augmentation can be combined to improve your face shape and enhance your appearance. To learn more about these procedures, schedule your consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons at Southwest Plastic Surgery. Call (915) 590-7900 or complete our online contact form to reach us today. You can also visit our appointment form to book your appointment directly.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017 at 1:23 pm and is filed under Chin Augmentation, Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery). You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

 Bags under your eyes are a telltale sign that you’re getting older. Unfortunately, even young adults can develop under-eye bags for various reasons. While not a health concern, many people consider puffiness around the eyes to be an aesthetic issue. The following tips can help you get rid of bags under your eyes so that you can preserve a youthful appearance.

Get Better Sleep

If you don’t get enough sleep or are sleeping poorly, dark circles can form around your eyes. Invest in a good pillow or two and establish an effective sleep routine. Additionally, if you sleep on your stomach or side, you may be causing your own under-eye bags as well as sleep wrinkles. Consider adjusting your sleep position and learning to sleep on your back.

Wear Sun Protection

The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, and it can become saggy, wrinkled, and dehydrated with excess sun exposure. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat when out in the sun. Stick to the shade during peak sunlight hours.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking is bad for more than the lungs. It also weakens and dries out the skin. Since skin quality is perhaps the first aesthetic indicator of age, weakened and sagging skin can prematurely age your appearance. Additionally, the chemicals in cigarettes can irritate the eyes, which further contributes to dark circles and bags. To prevent under-eye bags, avoid or quit smoking.

Use Eye Cream

Eye creams are specially formulated to moisturize the sensitive, thin skin around the eyes. Applying a light cream in the morning and/or at night can improve skin health and minimize bags and puffiness.

Take Care of Your Allergies

Allergy season frequently causes puffy, watery eyes. Everything from allergy shots and antihistamine medicines to essential oils and nasal irrigation can be used to control your allergies. Take extra measures to prevent allergy flare-ups, and you will help prevent puffiness around your eyes and save yourself from the unpleasantness associated with constant sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and other allergy symptoms.

Watch Your Diet and Drinking Habits

Your diet and drinking habits affect many things. Excess salt in your diet can cause fluid retention, which may result in puffy under-eye bags. Avoid foods that are high in salt, and choose fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Alcohol also dehydrates the skin and causes bloodshot, tired eyes, so it should only be consumed in moderation.

Use Makeup Properly

Makeup can help minimize bags under the eyes, but the processes of applying and removing makeup can also cause bags. Gently remove your eye makeup every night before bed to avoid causing eye irritation that leads to puffiness. Take care not to use too much makeup and abuse the skin by working the foundation into it, as this can irritate the tissues. Too much foundation can also have the opposite effect and make wrinkles and dark circles even more noticeable.

 Get Lower Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

These lifestyle steps can definitely help minimize bags under the eyes, but they are not a permanent solution. If you have perpetual under-eye bags, lower blepharoplasty can eliminate them. Eyelid surgery restores a youthful, natural appearance by improving tissue elasticity, removing excess fat, tightening sagging skin, and easing away bulges around the eyes. The results of eyelid surgery are permanent and restore a more youthful appearance that can last for many years. Eyelid surgery patients can maintain the best quality results by continuing to adopt the above lifestyle practices.

For more information on anti-aging treatments and how to get rid of bags under your eyes, contact Southwest Plastic Surgery to schedule your personal appointment. One of our board-certified plastic surgeons would be pleased to answer your questions and help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Call (915) 590-7900 or contact us online today.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 24th, 2017 at 3:16 pm and is filed under Blepharoplasty. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Fat is an essential part of a healthy body, but generally speaking, we’re only okay with it when we only have a small amount and it is in certain places. When excess fat accumulates in “unacceptable” areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or under the chin, we feel self-conscious and unhappy with our appearances. One of the most distressing examples of this is a double chin, which can affect you even if the rest of your body is fit. Fortunately, a new treatment known as KYBELLA® is now being offered at Southwest Plastic Surgery. KYBELLA® can permanently eliminate a double chin and improve your neck contour.

What Is KYBELLA®?

KYBELLA® is an FDA-approved injectable that dissolves fat cells. It is a concentrated synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, which is naturally produced in the human body. Deoxycholic acid molecules fight fat cells, but this process slows down as we age, which means it is more difficult to eliminate fat from certain areas. This is why fat accumulates in regions such as the submental region below the chin. Specially formulated to target submental fat, KYBELLA® can be injected in a simple procedure to eliminate your double chin.

How Does KYBELLA® Work?

KYBELLA® is injected into the submental region during a quick, non-surgical procedure. The deoxycholic acid immediately begins to break down the fat cells, and over the following weeks, the fat cells are flushed away by the body’s lymphatic system. Results will appear gradually over this time, and your chin, neck, and jawline will appear increasingly slimmer and more defined. Some patients will achieve their desired results with just one treatment, while others may need a few treatments. Once you have achieved your goals, the results are expected to be long lasting to permanent.

How Does KYBELLA® Differ From Other Treatments?

Until KYBELLA® was developed, the only solution for eliminating fat from the chin and neck area was liposuction. Even though liposuction is an effective treatment for submental fullness, it is an invasive surgery and has accompanying risks and downsides. KYBELLA® is the first and only non-surgical treatment to be approved by the FDA for double chin removal. This non-invasive treatment can accomplish what others cannot: the permanent banishment of a double chin without any surgery.

If you would like to get rid of your double chin, the best way could be through KYBELLA®. The only approved treatment of its kind, KYBELLA® has been proven to permanently eliminate a double chin within six treatments or less. Call (915) 590-7900 or complete our online contact form to request your consultation today.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 9th, 2017 at 1:39 pm and is filed under Anti-Aging, Deoxycholic Acid, Double Chin, Improve Neck Contour, Injectable, Kybella™, Male Plastic Surgery Procedures, Neck Fat, Non-Surgical Fat Reduction, Non-surgical Procedures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Photos of models and celebrities always show completely flawless skin with no blemishes, marks, or sign of large pores. While these photos are certainly treated with photo editing software, the stars themselves tend to have healthier skin because they are the beneficiaries of treatments and products that maintain optimum skin health. If you have large pores on your skin, our HydraFacial MD® can minimize their appearance and restore smooth, youthful skin.

Common Causes of Large Pores

Skin pores, which look like little holes in the skin, are simply hair follicles that contain oil-producing sebaceous glands. Everyone has pores on their skin, but some people’s pores are larger than others. Large pores have four main causes: genetics, age, gender, and oily skin.

Large pores caused by genetics cannot be changed. If either or both of your parents have large pores, you may have them also. A genetic predisposition for large pores can also show itself later in life and may be exacerbated by aging.

Aging can lead to enlarged pores because aging skin loses elasticity. Accumulated sun damage over time can change the way your skin cells group around the edges of your pores. Eventually, your skin will stretch out, which can cause your pores to appear bigger.

In terms of gender, men tend to have larger pores than women. The properties of the skin vary significantly from males to females, and this is an example of one of the gender differences. Male skin also tends to be thicker and rougher.

Oily skin tends to create larger pores. As oil, dirt, and debris collect on the skin, the skin swells, causing the pores to enlarge. Makeup can contribute to the appearance of enlarged pores because it can act as a magnet for debris or excess oil.

Treatment for Enlarged Pores

There are several ways to treat enlarged pores. First, you should cleanse your skin thoroughly each night with a gentle cleanser. Toners, exfoliators, and masks can also help keep the skin tight. Moisturizers are essential for protecting the skin from outside debris and oil. Finally, there is the HydraFacial MD®: a 30-minute in-office treatment that produces immediately visible results.

The HydraFacial MD® is safe for every skin type and gently improves overall skin tone. Your skin will be deep cleaned, evenly exfoliated, removed of all impurities, and infused with important skin nutrients to boost skin health. The treatment has no discomfort or downtime, and it is one of the most effective non-invasive skin rejuvenation services we offer here at Southwest Plastic Surgery. You can minimize your enlarged pores and achieve more youthful skin with a relaxing and thorough HydraFacial MD® treatment.

 
At Southwest Plastic Surgery, we offer the HydraFacial MD® and other skin treatments to rejuvenate your appearance and infuse your skin with essential and healthy nutrients. To request your appointment, call (915) 590-7900 or complete our online contact form today.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 16th, 2017 at 5:49 pm and is filed under Enlarged Pores, HydraFacial MD, Minimizing Pores, Skin Care, Skin Care Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Nearly 150,000 nose surgeries were performed in the United States in 2016, according to statistics provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. As one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, nose surgery has incredible versatility. Every one of the following issues that people may have with their noses can be fixed by one of our expert plastic surgeons with a one-time surgical procedure here at Southwest Plastic Surgery.

1. Size

A common complaint is that the nose is disproportionate to the facial structure. The nose may be too small or too big, and its awkward size can cause it to stand out. Rhinoplasty can adjust the size of the nose so that it is balanced and blends seamlessly with the surrounding facial features.

2. Angle

The angle of the nose can also be displeasing. If the angle between the nose and forehead is too sharp, the nose may appear short. If this angle is too shallow, the nose may appear long. The angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip also affects the overall appearance of the nose. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will examine your nose from all angles and create a personalized plan to restore natural-looking angles for a more attractive nose.

3. Shape

Some people are dissatisfied with the shape of their nose. For example, your nose may be unusually flat, prominent, or hooked. Nose surgery can refine the shape of your nose so that it has attractive, natural definition.

4. Width

If the nose is too wide, it may need to be built up. Through nose surgery, the bridge can be reinforced so that the nose is narrower in the front and has greater projection from the profile.

5. Nostril Width and Size

Nostrils that are too wide, large, small, or narrow can draw unwanted attention. With nose surgery, the width and size of the nostrils can be adjusted by removing tissue to reduce flaring or adjusting the angle and/or nasal tip.

6. Tip

The tip of the nose is a concern for many rhinoplasty patients. Whether your nasal tip is ill-defined, hooked, bulbous, droopy, or upturned, rhinoplasty can normalize its appearance so that your nose looks more natural, well-defined, and balanced.

7. Indentations or Depressions

Indentations or depressions, especially along the nasal bridge, can be the result of genetic abnormalities or injuries. Rhinoplasty can fill out these indentations to create a smoother and more defined bridge.

8. Bumps or Humps

Bumps on the nasal bridge are often the result of injuries or genetics. Nose surgery can flatten out bumps and humps to produce a smooth, straight, and defined nasal bridge.

9. Profile and Projection

A nose that projects excessively or insufficiently can dramatically affect your profile. With rhinoplasty, the nose can be redefined and either reinforced or minimized so that the nose, forehead, mouth, and chin all appear balanced from the profile view.

10. Injuries

Nasal injuries can be responsible for indentations, bumps, crookedness, and a number of other aesthetic issues. Rhinoplasty can resolve the effects of the injury and straighten the nose so that there is no longer any sign of having endured a traumatic event.

11. Breathing

Some people suffer from a deviated septum and struggle to breathe through the nose. Rhinoplasty can adjust the internal structures of the nose and even straighten the septum so that nasal breathing is easier.
Rhinoplasty can resolve each of these concerns and improve the appearance and function of your nose. To request your personal consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, please call (915) 590-7900 or contact us online today.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 26th, 2017 at 4:39 pm and is filed under Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery). You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Today’s mothers are constantly competing with each other. This competition is so pervasive that it has been given a name “Mommy Wars.” Rather than engaging in the damaging effects of the Mommy Wars, you can choose to focus on yourself and your needs. A Mommy Makeover can help you love and appreciate yourself and your beautiful body as a mom.

The Damaging Effects of Mommy Wars

Mommy Wars infiltrate the lives of every type of mother. Working moms and stay-at-home moms argue over daycare and how they’re raising their children. Mothers of all types shame and condemn each other for their choices about hospital vs. home birth, breastfeeding vs. formula feeding, vaccinating your children, what you feed your children, age-appropriate activities and chores, how much “screen time” is acceptable, the cleanliness of your home, the clothes your child wears, how many children you have, and a plethora of other issues. There is even a whole Mommy Wars section on HuffingtonPost.com filled with articles on the subject.

No matter how hard you try, it’s difficult for any mom to avoid getting trapped in the Mommy Wars and hear a thousand reasons about why her parenting style is “wrong.” A clear departure from the bonds of sisterhood common in past generations, too many modern mothers make “war” on each other. This only leads to depression and feelings of constant inadequacy as women feel they can never measure up to others.

Rejecting the Mommy Wars and Focusing on You

It is time to reject the Mommy Wars and focus on yourself. Do you put forth the effort to be a good mother? Are you doing your best? Do you feel good about yourself? Some of these questions may be more difficult to answer than others. Something that may help is considering how you love yourself. Do you take care of your body, mind, and spirit with much-needed rest, relaxation, a healthy diet, and regular exercise? If you are doing all these things but are still struggling to love your body, you may want to consider a Mommy Makeover.

Mommy Makeover Surgery

Women’s bodies are put through the ringer during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Many have permanent abdominal muscle weakness, excess skin, accumulated fat, and breasts that are deflated and saggy. A Mommy Makeover can restore your body to help you look fitter, leaner, and younger. By producing fuller and perkier breasts, a flatter tummy, and reducing excess fat, the Mommy Makeover can help you feel at peace with yourself and help you love the body you have. Your procedure can be completely customized to meet your unique needs, allowing you to achieve the personal self-improvement you seek. The Mommy Makeover gives you an opportunity to focus on yourself, not what other women are doing, and make the best of yourself and your life situation, whatever it may be.

 
Mommy Makeover surgery can help you love your body and take on motherhood with greater confidence. To learn more, call (915) 590-7900 or complete our online contact form to request your personal consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 29th, 2017 at 4:49 pm and is filed under Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Mommy Wars, Tummy Tuck. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

As Cellfina™ is a fairly new procedure, many plastic surgery candidates do not fully understand how it works. If you’re interested in fat and cellulite reduction, Cellfina™ and liposuction can both be of service to you. Each of these procedures can improve your body contour and appearance in different ways.

Cellfina™

Cellfina™ is a cutting-edge treatment specifically designed and FDA-approved to eliminate cellulite. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not a special kind of fat but is only a condition in which fibrous bands of skin push against the existing fat. This tension causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite. With Cellfina™, a small, needle-sized device severs these fibrous bands in the skin so that it returns to its normal, smooth appearance. While liposuction targets deep fat, Cellfina™ focuses on the skin to eliminate the appearance of cellulite in as little as three days.

• What it does: eliminates cellulite
• Areas of treatment: thighs and buttocks
• Length of results: clinically proven to last up to two years
• Surgical technique: minimally invasive
• Recovery and downtime: limited downtime and only some patients experience mild tenderness or soreness
• Anesthesia: local anesthesia
• Scarring: none

Liposuction

Liposuction is a time-tested method of safely eliminating unwanted fat. Unlike Cellfina™, liposuction cannot eliminate the appearance of cellulite and may actually worsen its appearance. However, it can remove unwanted surplus fat from all over the body to improve body contour. Using suction technology, minor incisions, and various technical approaches, liposuction extracts unwanted fat from the body. Results are visible once any swelling subsides, and the fat removal with liposuction is permanent.

• What it does: eliminates fat
• Areas of treatment: abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, chest, breasts, back, neck, buttocks, knees, and ankles
• Length of results: permanent
• Surgical technique: invasive surgery using one of various techniques (high-definition liposuction, tumescent liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, or power-assisted liposuction)
• Recovery and downtime: requires up to two weeks of downtime and six weeks of avoiding strenuous exercise
• Anesthesia: may require local or general anesthesia
• Scarring: minimal and inconspicuous

If you want to eliminate troublesome fat, consider liposuction. If cellulite is your concern, you may need Cellfina™. Patients who want to get rid of both unwanted fat and cellulite may be able to undergo both liposuction and Cellfina™ treatments. For more information, request your personal consultation by calling (915) 590-7900 or by completing our online contact form today. You can also see our appointment availability here directly on our website.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 27th, 2017 at 12:13 pm and is filed under Cellfina, Cellulite Treatment, Liposuction. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Before your breast augmentation surgery, it is important that you properly prepare for your procedure. Considering that breast augmentation is surgery, treating it like a serious procedure will help you create a safe recovery process. Now that you know how to prepare for your breast augmentation, it’s time to learn more about what to expect during your recovery.

How will I feel after my surgery?

Patients will experience bruising and swelling of the breasts, which is very normal after any breast surgery. The majority of patients say the pain is tolerable and should alleviate within the first few days, but prescribed pain medication can be taken if desired. For two to five days, there will be some stiffness and soreness in the chest region. Patients should monitor how they feel and report to the doctor if they experience headaches, chest pains, dizziness, and/or shortness of breath.

How long will my recovery last?

Recovery time will depend on the patient’s level of healing, the type of breast implants chosen, and the kind of anesthesia used. Ideally, heavy lifting and strenuous work should be avoided for two weeks. Light activity, exercise, and work can be resumed within four to six weeks. Although your resulting larger breasts will be apparent immediately, the breasts need time to drop and for swelling to resolve before the full outcome is revealed. Typically, residual swelling can last up to six months.

How can I ensure the best results possible?

You will be provided with specific instructions for surgical wound care. There are many factors that contribute to a successful breast augmentation surgery. Among the most important things to do post-surgery is wear a proper bra that will assist with healing. Patients should avoid wired or padded bras for at least two months. A special surgical bra will need to be worn day and night for a couple of weeks to protect the breast implants and help them descend into the ideal position.

Are there any side effects/risks associated with breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is one of the most highly sought-after procedures in plastic surgery. Many medical and health experts have been performing the procedure for more than 40 years. Although breast augmentation poses minimal risks, patients should be aware of the potential complications of the procedure, such as:

• Scarring
• Capsular contracture
• Implant rupture or leakage
• Infection
• Changes in nipple sensation
• Pain and discomfort
• Pulmonary complications

How much does breast augmentation cost?

The cost of breast augmentation can vary between $4,500 and $6,500 depending on the kind of breast implants chosen and the type of anesthesia used. The price of surgery will differ based on the surgeon’s experience, the technique employed, and the geographic location of the surgery. At Southwest Plastic Surgery, our doctors are experienced and certified to perform breast augmentation surgery. Patients will be in safe hands. We will stay in close touch with you after surgery by scheduling weekly follow-up appointments during the recovery period.

To learn more about breast augmentation, schedule your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons today! Contact us by calling (915) 590-7900 or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 20th, 2017 at 1:16 pm and is filed under Breast Augmentation, Recovery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Breast augmentation can help a woman achieve rounder, firmer, and more attractive breasts. It is a simple outpatient procedure that can provide a patient with a more feminine figure and help her feel confident in her body. Before undergoing breast augmentation, it is important that patients know what lies ahead in the preparation process. Patients who achieve the best results and have the most comfortable surgery process and recovery are adequately prepared.

Although the preparation doesn’t involve a lot of physical effort, it does entail a lot of mental anticipation. The majority of patients have decided on plastic surgery to provide them with a physical transformation of their physique and self-esteem.

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

Once you have decided that you are ready for breast augmentation, you will need a thorough examination by your plastic surgeon. Any detailed procedural information will be discussed during the initial consultation. It is important that patients take plenty of time during their consultation session to ask all of their questions and address any of their concerns with their doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
• What can I do to achieve the best results?
• Where will my breast augmentation be performed?
• How is breast augmentation performed?
• What are the risks associated with my procedure?
• How long is the recovery after breast augmentation?
• What can I expect during the recovery process?
• How will my breast implants look over time? After pregnancy? After breastfeeding?

What You Need to Do Before Your Surgery

Two Weeks Before Surgery

Since breast augmentation requires the use of general anesthesia, it is important that patients are in good health. Your doctor will review your medical history and ask you to get a blood test. Patients who are smokers should refrain from tobacco use for at least two weeks before surgery and two weeks after surgery. Additionally, any herbal supplements, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided for a few weeks before surgery.

The Day Before Surgery

It is important that patients do not drink or eat anything after midnight the day before their surgery. Patients should not apply any creams, lotions, or makeup to their chest or breast area. Designate a friend or family member to be your care person for the day. They should be available to drive you to and from surgery as well as look after you the first night of your recovery.

Breast augmentation is surgery. It is important that patients want the surgery for themselves, are educated about the procedure, and are realistic about their expectations.

To learn more about preparing for breast augmentation surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons can provide you with additional information.

If you are interested in breast augmentation, schedule your consultation with one of our cosmetic surgeons today! Contact us by calling (915) 590-7900 or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 8th, 2016 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Breast Augmentation, Surgical Procedures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

When breast augmentation first came to light, it was an extensive surgery that required several nights in the hospital and a long recovery. Now, as surgical techniques and procedures continue to refine and improve, breast augmentation has become less invasive and is now a quick outpatient procedure. A majority of patients can undergo breast augmentation within one hour and return home the same day. Patients can have a breast augmentation performed without having to spend nights in a hospital bed and, instead, can recover in the comfort of their home!

How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?

Breast surgery is individually designed, and the techniques used can depend on several factors. Typically, it is performed by making incisions on or around the breasts. Through the incisions, the surgeon creates “pockets” in each of the breasts, and saline or silicone gel breast implants are inserted above or below the breast muscle. However, every woman has a unique body frame and goals; therefore, breast augmentation surgery will be performed differently based on the patient.

Types of Breast Implants

Choosing the right type of breast implants for your surgery is important. With so many options, our cosmetic surgeons can provide a personally tailored breast surgery.

Size of Breast Implants

Patients opting for a breast augmentation procedure can increase the size and fullness of their bustline by choosing from different breast implant sizes. Various “sizers” will be used to help a patient decide on the extent of enhancement she would prefer.

Material of Breast Implants

• Silicone implants: Lighter, gel-filled implants that are natural looking and resemble the real feel of breasts. Silicone breast implants can provide an enhanced yet natural appearance, especially when placed under the pectoralis muscles.
• Gummy bear implants: Form-stable breast implants that are tear-drop shaped and provide the most natural appearance.
• Saline implants: Filled with a saltwater solution and are placed under the pectoralis muscle to provide beautiful symmetry along the bustline.

Types of Incisions

• Axillary (armpit): The incision is made at the deepest point of the armpit, making scarring easily concealable.
• Periareolar (around the areola): The incision is made at the junction between the lower portion of the areola along the normal breast skin.
• Inframammary (below the breasts): The incision is made right below the breasts along the crease.

Types of Anesthesia for Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can be performed under a general anesthetic (fully asleep) or intravenous sedation (partially asleep) depending on the patient. Our cosmetic surgeons can help patients decide on the right type of anesthesia based on their history and preferences.

Procedures Combined With Breast Augmentation

Many patients need more than just a breast augmentation performed to achieve their cosmetic goals. Often, women who would like to increase their breast size but also have sagging may combine their breast augmentation with a breast lift. When performed together, a breast augmentation and lift can correct breasts that are sagging and lack firmness (often as a result of aging and childbirth). These patients can also undergo liposuction and/or a tummy tuck procedure to correct sagging skin and excess fat in the abdomen, which are conditions commonly complained about by post-pregnancy and massive weight-loss patients.

See Your Results Before You Undergo Surgery!

At Southwest Plastic Surgery, our cosmetic surgeons provide the latest breast augmentation techniques and personalize every surgery to the patient. We use state-of-the-art technology, such as the Vectra 3D imaging, to create a snapshot of a patient’s breast augmentation results. Instead of having the doctor make a rough post-surgery sketch, our doctors provide exact images with a digital makeup of what a patient can expect regarding the shape, volume, and roundness of her breasts after surgery.

To learn more about breast augmentation, contact one of our cosmetic surgeons today. Schedule a consultation by calling (915) 590-7900 or by filling out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 16th, 2016 at 12:37 pm and is filed under Breast Augmentation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.