Conveniently located in Southwestern PA, south of Pittsburgh, and easily accessible from central PA, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio
Introduction to Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Overview
Breast augmentation surgery applies the arts of plastic surgery to create youthful, graceful breasts that enhance a woman’s femininity while giving a woman a more voluptuous figure, allowing women to be more comfortable and self-confident in their bodies and in the appearance of their breasts.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of breast enlargementss increased 2% in 2023 compared to 2022, resulting in over 304,000 breast surgeries, including both primary and revision implant placements.1
If you are considering breast enhancement in Pittsburgh, Dr. Pautler is a board-certified female plastic surgeon specializing in the perfection of this procedure. Dr. Pautler has extensive experience with breast augmentation and is considered throughout the Pittsburgh area to be highly skilled in all cosmetic and breast surgeries.
Which Breast Implants Are Right For Me?
Saline Implants vs. Silicone-Gel Implants
Saline Breast Implants
Saline breast implants are filled with a natural, salt-water solution. For breast augmentation in Pittsburgh, saline implants can be an excellent choice, especially if you have breasts with different volumes. Saline implants can be filled to different amounts, making your breasts appear more even and balanced. A rupture, if it occurs, is fairly easy to diagnose just by physical exam. According to the FDA, women should be 18 years of age or older to receive saline implants. These implants can be rolled up and placed under the breast through a small incision, and are filled AFTER insertion. Some women think saline breast implants feel firmer than silicone-gel implants.
Silicone-Gel Breast Implants
In thin-skinned patients, silicone-gel breast implants tend to feel more natural. They are pre-filled with a safe, FDA-approved, man-made polymer substance. Numerous scientific studies over the years have shown that silicone gel-filled implants are safe and effective for breast augmentation surgery in Pittsburgh, including breast enhancement, breast enlargement, and breast reconstruction. Because these breast implants are pre-filled, their volume cannot be altered to adjust symmetry. In this situation, implants of different sizes are needed to balance out breasts that are different sizes. They also require a slightly larger incision. A rupture is much harder to detect and special diagnostic imaging may be required to detect any leakage. Silicone gel implants are FDA approved for women 22 and older.
Please visit the Aesthetic Society and Breast Implant Safety website for the latest information on breast implant options.
Incision Methods
It is the goal of plastic surgery to minimize scarring or make scarring as discrete as possible. Dr. Pautler will use one of the following methods to reduce scarring:
Inframammary Fold Approach
This incision is made in the crease underneath the breast. It is used to place the implant in the preferred position under the muscle.
Circumareolar Approach
This surgical incision is made between the white and the pink skin of the areola. The breast implant can be placed under the muscle using this approach as well.
Transaxillary Approach
This incision is made in the “armpit”. To be a candidate for this approach, the breasts need to be very symmetric in size and shape with minimal droopiness. This approach is used only for saline implants. The saline implant can be placed under the muscle using this approach as well.
The best way to learn how a breast augmentation in Pittsburgh can help fulfill your personal goals is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pautler.
Choosing Implant Size
The size of the implant and bra sizes are two very different things. While the bra size can differ depending on the style and brand of bra, implant sizes are always the same and refer to the amount of space the implant occupies. This is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). Sizes can range from small (200 cc) to very large (800 cc) and an experienced surgeon like Dr. Pautler can help you decide which size is right for you.
Effects of Implant Profile
The implant profile determines the final silhouette and contour of a breast enhancement surgery. This describes the degree of projection from the chest wall the implant will achieve. So whether you want a relatively sloped, soft appearance, a natural appearance, or a prominent, round appearance, the profile is an important determinant.
Matching the implant profile to the contours of the body helps provide a natural-looking result. Implant profiles can range from low to ultra-high. Determining the appropriate profile requires visual analysis, measurements, and considerations of the goals of the surgery.
Breast Enhancement with Fat Transfers
Fat transfer to the breasts provides an alternative option to implants, harvesting fat from a separate area of the body and injecting it into the breasts. This procedure enhances the size, fullness, and contour of the breasts while maintaining the natural look and feel of breast tissue. Ideally, this procedure is for a patient looking to obtain a subtle increase in breast size to help rejuvenate their appearance.
Why Choose Dr. Pautler for Breast Augmentation in Pittsburgh
Dr. Pautler has over 24 years of experience with breast augmentation surgeries, having experience with implants (both saline and silicone), breast lifts, and fat transfers, in addition to complex revision cases.
Dr. Pautler expertly uses innovative breast surgery adjuncts when performing breast augmentation and revision procedures. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, she develops customized surgical plans for each patient which may include the GalaFLEX™ Scaffold. Acting as an internal “bra,” the surgical scaffold provides support for soft tissue and helps keep your breast implants in place. Dr. Pautler has used GalaFLEX surgical mesh since 2017 and is highly skilled in its application.
With over 2,500 breast enlargement surgeries under her belt, it is no wonder Dr. Pautler is considered one of the premier breast surgeons in Pittsburgh. Her vast experience can determine the best option for you when it comes to breast surgery in Pittsburgh.
Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos
See our breast enhancement results for yourself
What To Expect
With breast augmentation surgery,
the following happens:
Prior to Surgery
Dr. Pautler will consult with you regarding breast augmentation surgery in Pittsburgh. Breast implant insertion and positioning depend on a patient’s anatomy so Dr. Pautler will examine you, review your medical history, educate you about all your options, answer all your questions, and review your expectations to make sure they are obtainable. She will show you before and after pictures of other women to whom she has provided breast augmentation surgery in the Pittsburg area and then make specialized recommendations for your particular breast enlargement desires.
During Surgery
Breast enhancement surgery in Pittsburgh typically takes 1-2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Generally, the implant is inserted beneath the muscle through a small incision in the crease underneath the breast known as the “inframammary fold.” If adjustments are needed for symmetry during the breast enhancement surgery, saline implants may be used, allowing the smaller breast to be filled more. Alternatively, you and your breast surgeon may select silicone implants, with a larger volume implant placed in the smaller breast. If the breasts are the same size, then the same size implants whether saline or silicone is placed into each breast.
After Surgery
After undergoing breast enlargement surgery in Pittsburgh, there are essential steps to ensure effective healing and well-being. For a minimum of two weeks, avoid medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as blood thinners and certain supplements. While there are no dietary restrictions, be mindful of any post-anesthesia stomach discomfort. Smoking should be completely halted for at least six weeks post-surgery to support overall health and recovery. To aid scar healing, regularly massage scars with substances like vitamin E oil, cocoa butter, or Mederma, focusing on applying pressure. Following your breast surgery, limit physical activity, including lifting, for a couple of weeks and avoid baths or swimming until wounds are fully healed and approved by your breast enlargement surgeon. Wear support bras consistently, switching to a seamless, front-fastening, compressive sports bra after two weeks. These practices, combined with personalized advice from Dr. Pautler, can contribute to successful breast enlargement surgery recovery.
Can I still have a mammogram with implants?
Obtaining regular mammograms after breast implants is important for the early detection of breast cancer. While implants can make it harder for doctors to visualize the breast tissue, notifying the facility performing the mammogram can ensure they perform the necessary extra views to facilitate better visualization. A facility experienced in handling breast implant patients is also recommended to ensure proper technique.
Can I breastfeed with implants?
Breastfeeding is possible after breast implants depending on the technique used and placement of the implant. Incisions under the breast fold or through the armpit are less likely to disrupt breast milk production and release. Additionally, placing the implant below the pectoral muscle will make it easier to breastfeed after breast implants.
What are the drawbacks of breast implants?
Breast implants are associated with these potential drawbacks that should be considered before surgery.
- Limited lifespan. Implants can rupture, develop scar tissue, or may need to be replaced over the life of the patient.
- Complications. Surgical complications such as infections, sensitive scars, and altered sensations can develop after implant surgery.
- Rare cancers. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (seen with textured implants which are not in use anymore) or breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (EXTREMELY RARE) can develop after implant placement.
- Altered appearance. Excessive weight gain or loss, as well as the natural aging of the implant, can result in an altered appearance over time.
References
1 “Plastic Surgery Statistics,” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Have a specific breast enhancement question? Contact us!
Cosmetic breast surgeries are one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Of these, breast augmentation with the use of implants or less commonly, fat transfers, is the most common procedure followed by breast lifts. The most common implants are saline-filled implants because if they were to rupture, the body can naturally reabsorb the saline.
Breast augmentations are performed to increase the size of the breasts as well as improve the contour and shape.
Some common reasons women undergo breast augmentation are to:
- Change the appearance or asymmetry of their breasts
- Account for a decrease in breast size after weight loss or pregnancy
- Correct unevenness or issues after other breast surgeries
- Improve confidence and self-esteem
Technically, you are never too old for breast augmentation surgery in Pittsburgh with Dr. Pautler, if you are in good health. Many women in their senior years have breast reconstruction surgery with implants after a mastectomy or removal of breast due to breast cancer. Older ladies, in general, are just as good candidates for breast augmentation as younger ones.
According to the FDA, you must be over 22 to receive silicone-gel breast implants. Your body does not reach its full maturity until this age. With saline breast implants, you can be 18 to undergo breast augmentation surgery. You can be younger than 18 to receive saline breast implants but only with parental consent.
In most cases, you will be able to breast feed after breast augmentation surgery particularly when breast implants that are inserted beneath the pectoral muscle. With this breast enhancement approach, there is no alteration to the internal architecture of the breast, and the breast ducts remain attached to the nipple.
Not for the long term, however, a light compressive bra should be worn during any exercise or physical activity. During recovery after breast enlargement surgery, strenuous physical activity should be limited, do not lift heavy items and do not put your arms over your head as this can affect the healing process. If your implants are sub-muscular, avoid tricep dips, unassisted pull ups, heavy bench presses, or push ups for 8-10 weeks to avoid implant displacement.
There is no set time-limit or expiration dates on any breast implant. They could last up to 20 years or possibly more. However, you may need corrective breast augmentation surgery due to effects on the breast such as gravity, pregnancies or breastfeeding. It is very rare for an implant to spontaneously rupture. They can rupture however due to external factors such as being punctured in an accident or blunt force to the chest wall. There is more of a risk of rupture when the implant is in front of the muscle. You can tell fairly early if a saline breast implant is ruptured by the appearance. Whereas with a silicone breast implant, a leak is virtually undetectable to the eye and requires ultrasounds or MRI’s to detect.
It is preferred to place a breast implant behind the muscle. In this case, the surrounding breast tissue and scar tissue have a better chance to heal properly and hold the breast implant in place. It also has less impact on mammograms and breast feeding. In some instances, a breast implant can be placed in front of the muscle if the patient has enough breast tissue to support it. Your breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Pautler, will discuss the pros and cons of placing a breast implant in front or behind the muscle in your particular situation at your initial consultation for breast augmentation in Pittsburgh. For more information or to make an appointment for your initial breast augmentation consultation, contact Dr. Pautler’s plastic surgery practice near Pittsburgh.
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