Breast Augmentation in St. Petersburg & Tampa, FL

Breast augmentation is a procedure that enlarges the breasts for a fuller look. It is known as one of the most sought -after cosmetic surgeries, granting women who are unhappy with their breast shape or size numerous opportunities for improvement. With the help of breast implants or a fat transfer, this cosmetic treatment improves breast size and shape, and produces a desirable and balanced outcome. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John J. O'Brien, Jr. is highly trained in this procedure and performs many breast augmentations year round to women in St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater. When you have your consultation at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg, FL, Dr. O'Brien will address your aesthetic desires and concerns and provide you with all of the choices available, while also tailoring a treatment plan to attain your personal goals.

When you are in your consultation with Dr. O'Brien, the appropriate implant will be chosen based on your body size and shape, as well as your cosmetic goal. Breast implants are made in varying shapes, sizes, profiles, and textures — each of which is considered carefully in order to achieve the wanted aesthetic goal. Still, the most commonly chosen breast implants are silicone or saline, both widely popular and approved to use per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An important fact is that patients considering saline breast implants must be 18 years old, while patients must be 22 years of age in order to undergo surgery with silicone implants. Two other types of augmentations include a form-stable implant known as a gummy bear implant and an autologous approach through fat grafting. In addition to the type of implant used, there are other notable factors to decide.

Breast implant size is chosen based on the cubic centimeters (CCs) of saline or silicone used. To decide on the correct volume, Dr. O'Brien will decipher how much native breast tissue exists and the size you wish to attain. In the operating room, it is normal for Dr. O'Brien to temporarily switch out multiple implants to get a better idea on a suitable fit.

Implants are produced in either a teardrop or round shape. Both of these shapes are widely used; however, the majority of our patients go with a round shape. It generally appears more natural while adding a fullness to the top portion of the breast that so many patients want.

Implant profile references how far out the implant looks (projection). In other words, this is what you see from the side angle. Most projections include a profile that ranges from low to extra high.

We understand all of the considerations may seem overwhelming, but determining the right implant is somewhat easy once the objectives are understood during the consultation. These considerations, paired with the experience of Dr. O'Brien make certain the anticipated outcome is achieved.

The decision to undergo cosmetic breast surgery is personal. If you are considering this surgery, it is essential you do it for yourself. You should be healthy and at a normal weight with breasts that are formed, and be the right age to receive implants. If you are unhappy with the size of your chest because they look small or asymmetrical, you could benefit from this surgery. Moreover, if your breasts have changed due to age, pregnancy, or weight loss, this procedure can give them life with increased shape and fullness. It is a welcomed answer if you weight train or have limited native breast mass.

Incision placement, as well as implant location, are considerations that will need to be made prior to surgery. During breast augmentation, the chosen incision is created and then the chosen implant will be placed into its position. There are two techniques that may be applied for implant placement. These are either under the pectoral muscle, or behind the breast tissue but over the pectoral muscle. Where to insert the breast implant depends on varying factors including the size and type of implant, plus the expertise of Dr. O'Brien. Regardless of incision type, scarring is generally unnoticeable. Placement and location are based upon your implant size, activity level, and body type.

Cosmetic breast surgery is an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. After completing the incision, the silicone or saline implant will be placed through the incision opening and deposited into a surgically created pocket, and then secured into its correct position. Following the placement of the implant, the incision is carefully secured with skin adhesives or sutures. Each patient will be taken into a recovery area and carefully monitored prior to being released. You will be instructed to continue wearing a medical sports bra to help reduce swelling. Several days after surgery, the swelling will begin to dissipate, and the breasts will start to look and feel normal as they get used to their new position. Patients can resume everyday activities within several days; however, physical exertion such as exercise should be delayed for roughly a couple of months. Breast implant surgery produces gorgeous outcomes that feel and appear normal. This procedure oftentimes can be a life changer for many individuals, offering them the opportunity to feel more confident.

How much does breast augmentation cost?
Your cost for breast augmentation will vary depending on your choices and whether you are getting any other surgeries. When your treatment plan is made, Dr. O'Brien will go overestimated costs as well as financing. To make sure you are happy with your results and they last a long time, it is better to focus on quality over low costs.

Do I need a breast lift or augmentation?
Your plan might include implants, a lift, or both. Breast lift surgery removes loose skin and raises the breasts, while implants enhance the shape and size. In your consultation with Dr. O'Brien, he will listen to your concerns and goals before discussing your treatment options. An augmentation and lift are usually included in a mommy makeover to revitalize the breasts after breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Can I breastfeed with implants?
If you might want to breastfeed after augmentation surgery, talk to Dr. O'Brien during your consultation. It's usually possible to breastfeed after augmentation surgery, with the right placement and technique. Breastfeeding and pregnancy can affect your results, which is why it is better to wait until your family is complete to get breast surgery.

Can I have my implants removed?
You might decide that you would like to remove or replace your implants. Should this happen, Dr. O'Brien offers breast revision surgery. In revision surgery, your old implants will be either replaced with different implants or removed. If you want to have your implants removed, you might need to have a breast lift because larger implants may stretch your skin. For any concerns or questions after your augmentation surgery, schedule a consultation at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery to learn more about your options.

Do implants cause breast cancer?
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is investigating a link between implants and ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma). This isn't breast cancer; it is a cancer of the immune system. According to WHO (the World Health Organization), implant-related ALCL is very rare and if caught early, it's highly treatable. Dr. O'Brien encourages all patients with implants to get frequent screenings for breast cancer. You should contact St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery if you see any concerns, like swelling.

Cosmetic breast surgery is popular for many excellent reasons. This procedure is FDA approved for safety and effectiveness, and creates exciting outcomes. With numerous enhancement considerations, you can create the appearance you have always wanted. Dr. O'Brien is proud to offer this proven treatment and we welcome you to learn more. Contact St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg, FL to schedule your first office visit with Dr. O'Brien.