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Houston Breast Augmentation

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Westlake Dermatology is a leading provider of breast augmentation in Texas, with thousands of procedures performed. Our plastic surgeons are dedicated to providing patients the results they are seeking: natural-looking, fuller breasts and better cleavage. We are pleased to now offer breast augmentation in Houston at our River Oaks and West University location.

Breast augmentation enhances the size and shape of the breasts through the placement of breast implants. Our surgeons perform the latest breast augmentation techniques using FDA approved silicone and saline implants. All breast augmentation procedures are performed in accredited surgical facilities.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a popular plastic surgery procedure that involves the use of a breast implant to increase the volume or size of the breasts, as well as enhance the shape, symmetry, and proportion of the breasts. The procedure can create a dramatic result which can enhance the silhouette. Breast augmentation procedures are completely customized to meet the specific desires of individual patients though different implant characteristics like composition (material), size, profile, and projection. Breast augmentation is oftentimes combined with a breast lift surgery (also called mastopexy) if the breasts have lost their elasticity and firmness with aging.

Before & After Breast Augmentation Photos

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How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

At Westlake Dermatology, a breast augmentation procedure starts at $5,500. Pricing varies depending on the type of implant selected, and includes the surgeon’s fee, implants, anesthesia, pre-op and follow-up visits.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Women who are in good health and wish to increase the size or enhance the appearance of their breasts are candidates for breast augmentation.

How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?

Breast augmentation procedures can be performed using general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The procedure begins with the surgeon creating an incision in an inconspicuous area, typically along the edge of the areola, under the breast, or in the armpit. The surgeon then creates a pocket above or under the pectoral muscle and inserts the implant. The procedure concludes with the incision being closed by sutures.

What Is Recovery Like?

Patients may experience mild to moderate pain for several days following their procedure. Any discomfort during recovery can be treated with prescription pain medication. Most patients will be able to return to work and perform light activity 7 days after surgery. For most patients, normal activity can resume within 2 weeks, while more physical activity (excluding chest targeting exercises) can resume in 4 weeks. By 6 weeks, the implants are settled and the final result is realized.

About Westlake Dermatology in Houston

Westlake Dermatology is a nationally recognized leader in cosmetic dermatology and plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation. Our Houston team is dedicated to providing optimal care and compassion to our patients. We use the latest techniques and implants in our state-of-the-art surgical facility to help patients achieve the results they’ve always wanted.

Our Houston Locations

  • Houston

    West University

    2132 Bissonnet St. Suite 200
    Houston, Texas 77005

    281.203.0600

Meet Our Houston Plastic Surgeons

  • Cameron Erickson, MD: Dr. Erickson is a board certified plastic surgeon who believes in a patient-focused approach with an emphasis on obtaining a true connection with his patients. He served as Chief Resident at UT Southwestern in Dallas, a leading plastic surgery training program in the country.  Dr. Erickson treats patients at our River Oaks location.

Silicone Vs. Saline Breast Implants

Breast implants are filled with either silicone or saline, although both have a similar outer shell which is made from silicone. The right implant for each patient will depend on the patient’s desired final results.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants tend to have a more natural feel and shape. They are ideal for patients who have less natural breast tissue, and for those who’d like their implants placed over the chest muscle. Silicone implants have a fixed size which the patient chooses before the implant is inserted. Just like saline implants, they are available in various shapes and textures.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants offer a less natural-looking, but more dramatic end result. Since saline implants are filled after they are inserted, a skilled plastic surgeon can make adjustments to their size as needed.  Saline breast implants typically last just as long as silicone and are also available in differing shapes and textures.

Breast Implant Placement Options

Both saline and silicone implants may be placed either under or over the chest muscles. The best placement choice is based on the type and size of the implant to be utilized, as well as the patient’s body type and lifestyle.

Over the Muscle Placement 

Subglandular, or over the muscle, breast implant placement is when an implant is placed above the pectoral muscles, but underneath the soft breast tissue. Recovery from this method tends to be easier, since the procedure doesn’t interfere with the chest muscles.

Over the muscle placement is indicated for those who already have ample breast tissue and want less dramatic and more natural-looking results. In this case, the natural breast tissue covers the implants. It may also be a better choice for women with developed, strong pectoral muscles.

Under the Muscle Placement

During submuscular, or under the muscle placement, implants are inserted where the chest muscles naturally split. While this manipulation of the pectoralis muscles makes the recovery process take longer, this is generally the best placement option for women with little breast tissue who desire more natural-looking results, as the implant is ‘hidden’ beneath the muscle.

Saline implants are often placed under the muscle because they are firmer than silicone. The muscle wall reduces implant visibility and at the same time, offers protection from puncture.

Choosing The Best Implant Size

Breast implant size is measured as volume in cubic centimeters (cc’s). While not an exact comparison, 150 cc’s generally correlates with one bra cup size. For example, to go from an A to C cup, a patient would select an implant of approximately 300 cc.  The shape of the implant (round or teardrop) will also play a role in its perceived size.  When selecting the size of implants, a patient should consider their current breast tissue volume and lifestyle in addition to their desired final look.

The volume of silicone breast implants is fixed while saline implants are filled after they are inserted. This allows the surgeon to adjust the volume of the implant after placement, and can help ensure symmetry between the breasts.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Many people confuse breast implant warranty with longevity. Just as your car can far outlast the warranty, breast implants can far outlast what is typically a 10-year guarantee. It’s common for breast augmentation patients to go 20 years or longer without the need for another procedure.

Most plastic surgeons agree that removal or revision is unnecessary unless the patient is no longer satisfied with their results, or unless a complication occurs.

Scarring and Incisions

Any surgical incision has the potential to scar. That said, incisions can be placed where they are unlikely to be seen. Scarring is also minimized with proper after care. In some cases, scars are barely visible to the naked eye.

Incision Size

Because silicone implants are full when placed, they require an incision that is approximately ½ inch longer than the incision needed for saline implants. Saline implants, because they are deflated when placed, offer more incision placement options.

Incision Placement

Both saline and silicone implants can be placed using the first three methods below. The best option for each patient will depend on a variety of factors like patient body type, the implant size, and whether the implants will be placed over or under the muscle.

  • Inframammary: This breast implant placement puts the incision underneath the fold of the breast where it’s generally hidden by the breast itself, except when lying down. Inframammary incision placement is the most reliable and hence the most common.
  • Periareolar: This method places the incision at the lower edge of the areola, where the scar is camouflaged by the skin’s natural transition. This is a popular method of placing saline implants, although depending on implant size, it may also be used for silicone implants.
  • Transaxillary: A transaxillary breast augmentation inserts the implant through the armpit. While patients may like the idea of having their scars completely hidden from view, this method is technically more demanding and may not be suited for all patients, making it less common.
  • Transumbilical: This method leaves a small scar within the belly button. Only saline implants can be placed via the navel since they are empty when first inserted.

Request a Breast Augmentation Consultation in Houston

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Additional Breast Augmentation Resources