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Breast Augmentation in Phoenix, Arizona

Is Breast Augmentation Right for Me?

Body By Leverett, led by the renowned Dr. Leverett, is a premier destination for breast augmentation in Phoenix, Arizona, where we also serve the communities of Ahwatukee, Gilbert, and Chandler. This procedure not only enhances the size and shape of the breasts but also aims to boost confidence and improve body image. Keep reading to learn more about the breast augmentation procedure and whether it’s right for you.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is technically known as “mammoplasty.” It is one of the most popular procedures among our plastic surgery patients. Breast augmentation involves surgically inserting an implant behind the natural breast tissue or under the muscle to increase the size of the breast. For many women, this procedure is a way to feel more confident about their appearance or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.

What Are The Benefits Of A Breast Augmentation?

Getting breast implants via breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. There are several reasons why women choose to undergo breast augmentation, with all of them offering various benefits. Some of the benefits of breast augmentation may include:

  • Improves self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Restores symmetry to uneven breasts
  • Restores volume, firmness, and fullness to breasts as a result of aging/weight change
  • Enhances the body’s figure

    What Types of Breast Implants are There?

    At Body By Leverett, we offer a variety of implant types, shapes, sizes and placement methods to compliment your figure and enhance the appearance of your breasts. We have many of the implants in the office for you to review the differences. We will discuss what is recommended for your frame and which implant will help you achieve your individual goals. Our main breast implant types are:

    1

    MemoryGel® and Natrelle® (Silicone Implants)

    MemoryGel® and Natrelle® silicone breast implants feature a cohesive, gelatin-like silicone substance that acts as a solid rather than a liquid. It holds together uniformly while still retaining the natural give of breast tissue. Simply put, silicone gel breast implants, also known as “gummy bear implants” feel more like natural breast tissue.

    2

    Saline Implants

    Saline breast implants are filled with a saline (salt water) solution through a valve. Generally, saline implants do not feel as much like natural breast tissue as silicone implants do, however they typically require smaller incisions because they are inserted into the breasts while empty, and subsequently filled with saline solution. Additionally, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body in the unlikely event that your breast implants rupture.

    Patient Before & Afters

    Breast Augmentation Case 71

    Breast Augmentation Case 70

    Questions For Your Consult

    What Size Breast Implants Should I Get?

    Choosing the appropriate implant size is very important. Dr. Leverett carefully listens to his patient’s desires and considers many factors, including their frame and proportions, to help them decide which implant size is best for their body. Some patients bring photos or even friends to show examples of their size preference. Dr. Leverett also uses implant samples that you can try on under your shirt and get a feel for particular implant size and how it fits your body. Remember, the number one reason many patients undergo revision breast augmentation surgery is that they wish they had gone bigger! Dr. Leverett helps prevent those revisions by thoroughly reviewing the size options with his patients and allowing ample time for trying on and getting acquainted with the selected implants.

    Am I A Good Candidate For A Breast Augmentation?

    If you desire more voluptuous breasts, you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation. Breast implants can help restore volume, firmness, and fullness to your breasts if you have recently experienced pregnancy or weight loss. To be considered a candidate for breast augmentation you should be in good health and be fully developed, as well as have realistic expectations of your results. If you think you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation, the next step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Leverett. At your consultation, we will go through any pertinent medical history, review your questions and discuss your surgical goals. We will then do a breast exam that entails measurements and frame analysis.  After reviewing the options, if implants are recommended, you may try on various implant shapes and sizes to find an implant that will optimize your results to achieve the look you desire.

    How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Breast Implants?

    For saline implants, the minimum age is 18 years, while for silicone implants, the FDA has set the minimum age at 22 years. These age restrictions are in place to ensure that patients have fully matured physically and emotionally before making the decision to undergo breast augmentation.

    How Much Does A Breast Augmentation Cost?

    The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies from patient to patient depending on the extent of surgery. Dr. Leverett offers financing through CareCredit® and Prosper Healthcare Lending. Within hours, you can be pre-approved for your breast augmentation. Our office also accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, cash and cashier’s checks.

    Breast Augmentation in Phoenix, AZ

    What is Breast Augmentation Surgery Like?

    What Do Breast Augmentation Scars Look Like?

    Dr. Leverett has experience with various augmentation incisions, such as axilla (armpit), areola and most commonly preferred, inframammary fold (bottom of the breast). He has done extensive work with post-surgical scar management. To ensure that your incision is minimal, he uses dissolvable sutures and post-surgical scar management protocols for various skin types

    What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?

    Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. The surgical techniques involved will depend on the implants you’ve selected, as well as the treatment plan that you and Dr. Leverett have developed to satisfy your treatment goals. To begin the procedure, incisions will be made in one or more of the following areas:

     

    • Transaxillary incision
      • This incision is located in the armpit, which eliminates any visible scarring from the breasts. However, this technique may be limited to smaller implants, particularly saline implants.
    • Periareolar incision
      • With this technique, an incision is made around the circumference of the nipple, blending in scarring with the natural pigmentation changes in the nipple and areola.
    • Inframammary fold incision
      • The most common approach, this incision is made along the crease beneath the breast. 

    Once incisions are made, Dr. Leverett will proceed to place your breast implants in one of three desired locations:

    • Submuscular (beneath the chest muscles)
    • Subfascial (above the chest muscles)
    • Dual plane (between layers of the chest muscles)

     

    Dr. Leverett has extensive experience with breast augmentation using the dual plane technique. With a dual plane breast augmentation, the implants are placed under the muscle in the upper portion of the breast and over the muscle in the lower portion. In many cases, this allows patients experiencing minor droop, known as ptosis, to achieve a slightly lifted appearance without the standard external breast lift incision. Many patients are able to maintain a smooth transition with the muscle coverage superiorly, yet enhance the lift inferiorly. By placing the implant partially under the muscle, many patients maintain great blood supply to the nipple and minimize distortion for mammography. Should you decide to have a formal lift in the future, you are able to do so while keeping the implants.

    What is Breast Augmentation Recovery Like?

    How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Breast Augmentation?

    Breast augmentation recovery times can vary depending on the types of implants and surgical techniques involved, but most patients return to work in five to seven days depending on the physical requirements of their job. Patients can drive after discontinuing pain medication, which on average is three to seven days. Muscle soreness commonly persists for 10 to 14 days and varies amongst patients. Many return to their regular exercise routine around four weeks after surgery. Full recovery, including the resolution of swelling and settling of implants, may take several weeks to months. Following post-operative instructions carefully will help expedite your recovery process.

    Breast Augmentation in Phoenix, AZ

    How Painful Is Recovery From A Breast Augmentation?

    Just like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation is associated with some discomfort. The implant size, the placement location and the amount of swelling are the major determinants of the amount of pain the patient experiences. Dr. Leverett prescribes pain medication and muscle relaxers to his patients to keep them as comfortable as possible. To minimize pain, it is important to follow Dr. Leverett’s postoperative instructions, such as keeping your torso elevated and applying ice packs to reduce swelling.

    How Long Does it Take for Breast Implants to Drop?

    Implants “dropping”, or settling into place, is a part of the recovery process that will vary by patient. To facilitate this healing process, Dr. Leverett may have you wear a particular type of bra or perform massage depending on your body type and implants. Most patients will notice the initial settling after the majority of swelling has subsided, which is approximately two to four weeks after surgery. After two to three months, the breast implants typically will have settled into their final position, although subtle changes may continue for up to a year.

    Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

    When Can I Sleep On My Side After Breast Augmentation?

    Initially, patients are advised to sleep on their backs with their upper body elevated. This position reduces swelling, prevents undue pressure on the breasts, and helps in maintaining the implants' position as they begin to settle. The timeline for when you can start sleeping on your side varies depending on several factors, including the specifics of your surgical procedure, the placement of your implants, and your personal healing process. Typically, patients may begin to sleep on their side approximately 2-4 weeks post-operation, but this can vary. Side sleeping too early in the recovery process can cause implants to shift, potentially leading to asymmetry or other complications.

    How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

    Many people have heard that breast implants must be replaced every ten years, but this is a common misconception. Dr. Leverett feels there are only a few reasons why an implant needs to be replaced. One reason is because of implant failure or the desire to change implant size. Another common reason is to exchange saline implants for silicone implants, because the softness and appearance of silicone gel implants generally lead to more natural-looking breasts. Ultimately, breast implants are designed to last a lifetime.

    Can I Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?

    Many women can successfully breastfeed post-surgery, but there are several factors to consider. The type of surgical technique used and the placement of the implants play a significant role in preserving breastfeeding capability. Incisions made under the fold of the breast (inframammary) or through the armpit (transaxillary) are less likely to interfere with milk ducts and nerves than those made around the areola (periareolar). Similarly, placing the implants beneath the muscle (submuscular) rather than directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular) may reduce the impact on breast function.

    If you are concerned about breastfeeding after your breast augmentation surgery, be sure to communicate this with Dr. Leverett during the consultation process. This allows for surgical planning that aims to preserve as much of the breast's natural function as possible.

    Choosing to undergo breast augmentation is a significant decision that can have a profound impact on your self-confidence and quality of life. At Body By Leverett, we are dedicated to providing personalized care and outstanding results for our patients in Phoenix, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, and Chandler, Arizona. If you're considering breast augmentation, we contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leverett and determine if breast augmentation is right for you.