Breast augmentation has remained one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for decades. It can have a dramatic impact on your life, providing you with larger, fuller breasts, a more contoured figure and a boost to your self-confidence.
If you are considering breast augmentation, please call Synergy Medical Aesthetics today at 250-591-1566 to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Barnsley. Our state-of-the-art facility in Lantzville proudly serves the entire Central Vancouver Island area.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure in which Dr. Barnsley uses silicone or saline implants to increase the size, volume and contours of the breasts. In order to achieve the look and shape you desire, Dr. Barnsley will work with you to design a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs and goals.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Barnsley, he will work to understand your goals, answer your questions and thoroughly explain all of your breast augmentation options. He will take several factors into consideration when developing your unique treatment plan with you, such as:
- Your body frame and dimensions
- Your natural breast size
- The amount of natural breast tissue you currently have
- Any asymmetry of your breasts
- Whether you lead an active, athletic lifestyle
Benefits of Breast Augmentation Surgery
For many patients, the greatest single benefit of breast augmentation is the improved appearance of their breasts. This enhancement also achieves a more proportionate and balanced body contour, which contributes to a better figure overall.
Your improved appearance doesn’t stop at your new breast size. Breast augmentation provides a number of aesthetic benefits, such as:
- More attractive cleavage
- Improved breast projection
- Restoration of lost breast volume caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding, weight loss and aging
- Correction of breast asymmetry
- Improved breast shape
Types of Breast Implants: Saline vs. Silicone
Both saline and silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for use in breast augmentation surgery. The best choice for your specific situation is dependent on a number of factors. Dr. Barnsley will carefully explain the advantages of your implant options during your consultation and help you determine which type is right for you.
Saline breast implants
Saline breast implants are made of sterile salt water enclosed in an outer silicone shell. They are the least expensive implant option available.
While saline implants are a great option for many patients, they are more susceptible to visible wrinkling and rippling under the skin. One notable benefit of saline implants is that in the event of a rupture, the implant will noticeably deflate as the saline leaks harmlessly into your body. This means you can address the rupture immediately and safely.
Silicone breast implants
The vast majority of our patients choose silicone breast implants. This type of breast implant is filled with a silicone gel that is designed to mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. These implants look and feel natural and are not prone to wrinkling rippling or folding like saline implants.
Unlike their saline counterparts, silicone implant ruptures are not immediately noticeable. Because of this, it is necessary to undergo regular ultrasounds or MRIs to ensure your implants have not ruptured.
Is Breast Enlargement Safe?
Both silicone and saline breast implants have a long-standing safety profiles. Saline implants are FDA approved for patients aged 18 and older, while silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for patients who are at least 22-years old. Both types of implants are FDA-approved for breast reconstruction surgery. While complications are possible, they are not typical. When complications do arise, they can be treated and reversed with secondary breast surgery.
The FDA recently released data collected since 2011 that links 359 cases of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) to breast implants. Of these identified breast implant cases, the FDA reports that 203 were textured implants, 28 were smooth, 186 were silicone and 126 were saline. While these numbers may seem concerning, the risk of developing ALCL from a breast implant is extremely low at 0.003%. For more information, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Your safety is always our top priority. During your consultation, Dr. Barnsley will discuss all of the possible risks associated with breast augmentation surgery to help you make a confident, informed decision.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Cost?
A number of factors are involved with the cost of breast augmentation, including the type of implant you choose and whether you combine your procedure with a breast lift. The best way to get a clear idea of what your breast augmentation surgery will cost is to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Barnsley. During your initial meeting, he will explain your options and provide you with the facts you’ll need, including a cost estimate, to determine which options are best for your budget and lifestyle.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today
To schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Barnsley, please contact Synergy Medical Aesthetics online or at 250-591-1566. We help patients from Lantzville and other Central Vancouver Island communities.