BREAST AUGMENTATION IN HOUSTON & WEBSTER, TX
Thousands of women in Houston, Texas, undergo breast augmentation surgery each year to improve the size, shape, volume, and symmetry of their breasts using implants or their own fat.
At Memorial Plastic Surgery, we meet patients from all walks of life with unique motivations behind their desire to undergo breast augmentation. Understanding their individual goals, we are able to use a variety of methods, prioritizing their safety throughout every step, to help them achieve the look that they desire.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons offers this procedure to women who have struggled with the appearance of their breasts for years or who are experiencing a change in their bodies after giving birth. In addition, we are passionate about helping patients who have undergone a mastectomy or who have a congenital breast deformity undergo this procedure for reconstructive purposes so they can feel confident in their bodies again.
Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos
WARNING
The photos in this section contain nudity. You may continue if you are 18 years of age or older and are not offended by such material.
CANDIDATES FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION
Breast augmentation is a big decision – but it’s also one that can truly change a woman’s life. A positive change in appearance it can give promotes a more positive outlook in life. The ideal candidate for breast augmentation is any woman who wants to reach her full potential and finally achieve the look she’s always wanted.
Here are some of the most common reasons why people undergo breast augmentation:
- They have naturally small breasts
- They have sagging or droopy breasts
- They have asymmetrical breasts
- They’re experiencing a loss of volume due to pregnancy
- They wish to have reconstruction after a mastectomy
- They want to fit better into their clothes
- They want their breasts to look more youthful
- They want to feel sexier in their own skin
At our Houston and Clear Lake clinics, we require our patients to undergo a formal evaluation during their initial consultation with our doctors to determine if this procedure is the best and most appropriate option for them to achieve their goals. This is an opportunity for our surgeons to assess their physical condition in preparation for surgery as well.
The minimum qualifications for breast augmentation candidates include:
- At least 18 years old for saline implants and over 22 years old for silicone implants with fully developed breasts.
- Healthy women at their ideal body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Not pregnant or currently breastfeeding.
BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH MPS TOP DOCTORS
Breast augmentation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Depending on the extent of the surgery and whether it is combined with another procedure, breast augmentation takes between 1 – 3 hours. Patients are under general anesthesia throughout the operation.
As one of the top providers of breast augmentation in Houston, we take great care of our patients to eliminate all kinds of risks for their safety. Our doctors use the No-Touch Technique during the procedure to lower the risk of infection and minimize capsular contracture.
We first soak silicone implants in a triple antibiotic solution before being inserted into the breast pocket through a Keller Funnel. Once the surgery is complete, we wrap our patients’ breasts with bandages and skin adhesives before covering them with a surgical support bra to prevent strains.
While breast augmentation surgery typically involves the use of breast implants, we offer an alternative procedure called Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation at Memorial Plastic Surgery. This procedure uses liposuction techniques to remove fat from other areas of the body and inject it into the breasts. This procedure is referred to as the more natural approach to enhancing the breasts and is ideal for women who want a relatively small increase in breast size. Still, significant changes to the breasts are achieved better with breast implants.
MEET OUR BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGEONS
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BREAST IMPLANTS
During the initial consultation with our surgeons, patients will have the opportunity to choose their preferred breast implant type. Our team will go over the different combinations to assist our patients in making the best choice. Choosing the right breast implants requires understanding how each style and size suits your body and helps meet your goals.
BREAST IMPLANT TYPES
We offer three types of implants at our practice: saline, silicone, and gummy bear implants.
- Saline implants come in empty elastomer shells and are filled with saltwater. One main advantage they have over other types of implants is that they can be placed while empty and then filled later, allowing the surgeon to control the volume of saline to fill into the shell until the breasts are symmetrical and the correct size.
- Silicone implants are pre-filled with a viscous silicone gel and are a common choice because of their softer look and feel that mimics real breast tissue. The latest silicone shells are designed to stay in place even after an unexpected rupture, which often makes it more difficult to detect a leak.
- Gummy bear implants refer to implants that use a cohesive silicone gel that maintains its shape even if it gets cut in half or when a rupture occurs. These implants are textured and used in breast reconstruction to enhance the natural slope of the breast because of their anatomical shape.
OTHER IMPLANT OPTIONS
SHAPE
Each implant comes in two shapes: round and teardrop, also known as anatomical or contoured. Both come in many different sizes and profiles. The choice of the implant shape depends on the patient’s unique aesthetic goals, preferred area of the incision, and implant placement.
- Round implants have a symmetrical spherical shape with just the right amount of fullness at the top and bottom of the breast.
- Teardrop implants provide more volume at the base and mirror the natural slope of the breast. These contoured implants are better suited for patients who have very little breast tissue.
TEXTURE
Breast implants come in two different textures: textured or smooth. The textured surface is rough and acts like fine sandpaper on the surface. The smooth surface is smooth and unchanging, with a smooth plastic shell all around.
- Smooth implants are commonly used in this procedure because their shell is thinner, allowing a wider range of options for different profiles and strengths.
- Textured implants have a rough shell that adheres better to the chest tissues and prevents them from rotating in the breast pocket.
PROFILE
The profile of a breast implant determines how far it projects forward from the breast. The degree of projection achieved is determined by the width of the implant. Generally, the smaller the base width of a breast implant, the farther it will project beyond the breast.
There are three options offered to patients:
- Moderate Plus Profile Implants have the widest base width and result in the least amount of projection over the breast. As a result, they offer more natural results than the other options and are often an excellent choice for women with wider breasts.
- High Profile Implants offer more projection than moderate plus profile implants and make breasts appear fuller in women with narrower chests.
- Ultra-High Profile Implants have a very narrow base width, allowing for the greatest projection. This profile is usually chosen by petite women who want a rounder appearance to their breasts.
PLACEMENTS
There are two options for implant placement: submuscular (under the muscle) or subglandular (over the muscle).
- Submuscular implants mean that the implants are placed below the pectoral muscle for a more “natural” look and contour. This is ideal for women who do not have enough breast tissue. However, patients should expect more discomfort and a longer recovery time.
- Subglandular implants are positioned above the muscle, just below the breast tissue. This method is typically less painful and has a shorter recovery time because only the skin and fat are operated on during the procedure. Subglandular placement increases the risk of capsular contracture, and there is a higher chance that the implants themselves will be felt.
BREAST AUGMENTATION VIDEOS
BREAST AUGMENTATION INCISIONS
The method of insertion and placement of implants is determined by several factors. During your initial consultation, our surgeons will explain each incision technique. The surgical plan that you will develop together takes into account your preferred implant type, shape, texture, profile, and placement to recommend the appropriate type of incision that will be made.
Our surgeons are well-versed in all breast augmentation incision techniques.
- Inframammary (IMF) incisions are made along the natural breast crease where the base of the breast meets the chest. This incision is most commonly used in breast augmentation procedures because it allows for precise placement of the implants.
- Periareolar incisions form a semicircle around the outer edge of the areola. The scars are usually well camouflaged by the natural lines and ridges once healed.
- Transaxillary incisions are created in the armpit, where they blend in well with the natural folds of the skin. Because of the precision required for this technique, patients should expect a longer surgery time. Dr. Patrick Hsu is one of the few plastic surgeons in Houston who perform transaxillary breast augmentation.
BREAST AUGMENTATION COST & FINANCING
The cost of Breast Augmentation in Houston can vary from $6,710- $9,990+, which includes the type of breast implants, anesthesia, and operating room fees (OR). The final cost of the surgery will also depend on:
- The incision technique used
- The duration of the procedure
- The surgeon’s fee (varies from doctor to doctor).
The procedure is not covered by health insurance unless it is deemed medically necessary, such as breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. We accept personal checks, credit cards, and cryptocurrencies as forms of payment. Likewise, we offer several financing options to help patients cover their surgical costs.
RECOVERY & RESULTS
After breast augmentation surgery, our doctors provide a set of post-operative care instructions to care for wounds to minimize swelling and prevent infection. We will also schedule a series of follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of recovery.
Our patients often ask how long the pain lasts after breast augmentation. Generally, breast augmentation patients are able to return to work and normal activities in as little as 3 – 5 days after the surgery.
Final results should be seen over the course of 3 months, which is the time that the breasts should settle into their final position.
Below is a table with the estimated timetable of recovery after surgery:
| POST-OP OBSTACLES | ESTIMATED TIME |
| Physical discomfort (bruising & swelling) | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Surgical bra use | 4 – 6 weeks |
| Loss of nipple sensation | 6 – 12 months |
| DAILY ACTIVITIES | ESTIMATED TIME |
| Full body showers | 2 days |
| Work | 1 week |
| Driving & household chores | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Regular exercise & strenuous activities | 4 weeks |
We recommend following Memorial Plastic Surgery’s post-operative care instructions to ensure the best recovery. Additionally, it is important to schedule follow-up appointments with our office staff to allow your doctor to observe your progress.
OUR DOCTORS ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT BREAST AUGMENTATION
During the consultation, our patients come with a number of frequently asked questions about breast augmentation surgery. Below, our team has compiled a list of answers:
What can you tell me about breast augmentation surgery and implants?
Breast augmentation is the general term for any surgical procedure that aims to increase the size of the breasts. Breast implants are a common type of breast augmentation and are prosthetic devices that are surgically inserted during the enhancement process.
What sleeping position should I sleep in after breast augmentation?
We recommend our patients avoid sleeping on their stomachs during the first month of recovery and have several pillows positioned around them to prevent their bodies from turning over. Propping a pillow or two against their back achieves a reclined position that reduces complications during the healing process.
What activities to avoid after breast augmentation?
We inform our patients to prioritize rest during the first 48 hours after surgery to avoid long-term complications that will affect the results of the procedure. Movements must be kept to a minimum, except for spending a
few minutes to walk around the house and encourage blood flow. They should refrain from lifting or pushing heavy objects, strenuous exercise such as push-ups and pull-ups, weight lifting, and certain sports for at least
2-6 weeks or until our surgeon gives them clearance.
What bras should I wear after Breast Augmentation?
After the procedure, it’s common to experience swollen and tender breasts. That’s why we require our patients to wear a medical compression bra without an underwire, which they will be provided with after surgery. This
compression bra holds the wound dressings in place, restricts the movement of the implant, and helps speed up the overall healing process.
Do you have any advice for me before I have my breast augmentation operation?
There is a long list of factors that need to be considered before you decide to undergo breast augmentation, such as the fact that contrary to popular belief, the procedure cannot fix sagging breasts. If the problem you want to address is sagging breasts, you should consider a breast lift or mastopexy instead. You also need to keep in mind that breast implants will need to be replaced at some point, and you can expect more procedures in the future. These are just a few pertinent facts to keep in mind, but at the end of the day, you need to make sure that you are prepared to go through with the procedures and additional costs that you will have to incur after the procedure.
How do I find the best plastic surgeon for breast augmentation?
When it comes to choosing the best plastic surgeon for breast augmentation, there are a few factors that can help in the selection process. First, they must be a board-certified plastic surgeon, with the qualifications and experience to successfully perform breast augmentation. Also, look at their style and approach by reading about their previous work to know if they are able to customize their treatment the way you would prefer. Our team of doctors at Memorial Plastic Surgery is all board-certified practitioners with more than a decade’s worth of experience performing breast augmentation and other related procedures for patients in Houston and around the world.
What is the best way to avoid capsular contracture from breast implants?
Capsular contracture occurs when the body responds by forming a capsule around a foreign material placed in the breast, in this case, the breast implants. To prevent this, it would be advisable to perform a daily breast massage, especially during the first months of the recovery process. These exercises will be explained in more detail during consultations with your surgeon.
What is the Dual Plane Method for Breast Augmentation or Breast Implants?
The Dual Plane Method was first described by Dr. John Tebbets in 2001 and consists of placing a breast implant in a specific anatomical position during breast augmentation. This position is defined as being partially behind both the pectoralis muscle and the breast tissue, which is a combination of subglandular and submuscular planes. This technique was intended for women with low-grade breast droop, or ptosis as this can provide them with a natural, lower fullness in the final result. Patients who have constricted breast deformity or tuberous breasts may benefit from this technique of breast augmentation.
Can you tell me about having breast augmentation and getting symmastia?
Symmastia is a rare complication of breast augmentation in which the breast implants appear to blend into one another and form no space between them. However, this only occurs when oversized implants are used during the procedure or when constant pressure is applied to the midline of the breast after the procedure.
What causes seroma after breast augmentation?
After the drainage tubes are removed, seromas usually appear 7 – 10 days after surgery. Swollen patches that feel like fluid under the skin may appear where the surgery was performed. This is because the blood and lymph vessels and surrounding tissues are damaged during surgery. An inflammatory response occurs, causing the severed vessels and tissue to produce a clear fluid. Because of this, swelling and discomfort occur after surgery. The fluid can form a pocket that can lead to the development of a seroma.
How long after breast augmentation can I work out?
Patients should begin light walking as soon as possible after surgery – nothing too difficult such as taking a few small steps around the room or house every two hours. This is good for the circulatory system and helps prevent blood clots. After two weeks, patients can begin a more intense exercise, such as running on a treadmill or walking uphill. Most patients can resume most forms of exercise after one month, with the exception of heavy lifting. Patients are usually fully recovered within six weeks and can resume all exercise.
What’s the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation improves the size and shape of the breasts through several implant types that are placed in the breasts. Meanwhile, A breast lift or mastopexy is performed on women with sagging or droopy skin in their chests. In this surgery, the nipples and breasts are moved to a higher area of a woman’s chest. Extra tissue is removed from the breasts to create a new breast contour for a rounder, more natural shape. Learn more about their difference here.
What are the signs of a hematoma after breast augmentation?
Symptoms of hematoma after breast augmentation generally include significant bruising around the incisions, pain that becomes progressively worse, sudden enlargement of the breast after surgery, and significant asymmetry or uneven breasts after the procedure. Following our surgeon’s recommendations for postoperative wound care will greatly reduce the risk of hematomas. However, it is important to pay attention to how you recover to stop any complications before they worsen.
What does it mean when there is a bilateral capsular separation?
The formation of a scar tissue “capsule” around any type of implant is an expected part of the healing process. The body immediately responds to any foreign body it finds inside by forming a barrier of scar tissue around it to isolate it. In the case of breast implants, this is usually a positive thing, as the capsule holds the implants in place and prevents them from slipping. However, in certain individuals, the capsule of scar tissue becomes unusually hard and begins to contract around the implant. This is called bilateral capsular separation. In these cases, a capsulotomy or capsulectomy with implant removal or a change in insertion plane is a necessary follow-up procedure.
Is an endoscope necessarily better for transaxillary implants?
Transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation is a method of breast augmentation in which breast implants are inserted through an incision in the armpit. The incision is small, about an inch long, and can be easily hidden under the armpit. Once the incision heals, it is barely visible. The transaxillary endoscopic breast approach allows breast implants to be placed under or over the pectoral muscle with great precision. The endoscope is a long, thin tube with a camera on the end that is used to help form the breast implant pocket and place the implant correctly.
What exactly does the word “fluff” mean in the term “Drop and Fluff”?
The implants that fill in the lower breast tissue, usually below the nipple, are called “fluff.” A patient’s breasts will begin to appear larger and softer as the swelling goes down and the tissue heals and relaxes.
What causes your breast implants to bottom out?
When a breast implant loses its hold or the underlying muscle is too weak to hold it in place, it is called a “bottom-out.” As a result, the implant may begin to sink into the breast. A lack of breast tissue flexibility caused by significant weight loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, or natural aging is the most common reason for a “bottom-out.” Patients who choose the wrong implant size for their body type may also experience breast implants bottoming out.
Can breast augmentation be done with other procedures at the same time?
When it comes to how many cosmetic surgical procedures you can have at once, there is no definitive answer and will depend on the assessment of our surgeons. While certain procedures can be done at the same time with little risk, combining procedures can increase the risk of complications and lengthen the recovery time, which some patients may not be able to afford.
*The content and images on this page are provided with the sole intention of educating potential patients on the procedure discussed above. Results vary per individual and are dependent on our doctor’s consultation prior to the procedure. We strongly recommend undergoing a formal consultation with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon prior to scheduling and undergoing any surgical or non-surgical treatment.
