5 Breast Augmentation Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

January 18, 2018

1/18/2018

You’re starting a very important and personal journey! Have an open conversation with your plastic surgeon and make sure you have a clear understanding of your options and your surgeon’s abilities. Be sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ravi Somayazula so that your care is in the safest hands. There are many options when it comes to breast augmentations in Houston, Texas. Do your due diligence when choosing your surgeon and ask the following questions during your initial consultation.

1. Will my implants be placed above or below the muscle?

Breast implants can be placed either above (subglandular) or below the muscle (submuscular). Each scenario has its own distinct advantages. With the submuscular placement of breast implants, there is a slightly lower risk of capsular contracture over time compared to subglandular placement. Submuscular implants have a lower chance of implant rippling, visibility, and palpability compared to implants placed above the muscle. In patients with a strong family history of breast cancer, submuscular implants allows for better visualization of the remaining breast tissue during surveillance mammography. The disadvantages of submuscular placement is that the implants themselves tend to ride higher for a bit longer and may not drop as fast as subglandular implants. In certain athletic individuals, submuscular placement can lead to an animation deformity in which the implant moves as the patient flexes their pectoral muscles. In most women, this is not bothersome. There is slightly more discomfort after surgery with submuscular placement than with subglandular implant placement. Location of the implants can also change your activity restrictions after surgery. Patients are not allowed to perform any strenuous gym activities for 6 weeks with submuscular placement versus only 3 weeks with subglandular placement.

2. How will you determine the appropriate sized implants?

During the initial consultation, Dr. Ravi and our patient care coordinator have an in-depth conversation about our patient’s goals. Afterwards, precise breast measurements are then taken to help determine the appropriate size implant for each individual’s body. These measurements include:

• Sternal Notch to Nipple
• Nipple to IMF (inframammary fold) both while relaxed and on stretch
• Anterior stretch of the Nipple
• Upper pole thickness
• Base width

Any visible breast volume asymmetry is also addressed. To try to make the breasts more symmetrical, different sized implants can be used. Keep in mind that breasts are sisters and not twins; slight asymmetry can still be seen after placement of differently sized implants. Based on these measurements Dr. Ravi recommends the implant sizes he feels would be best for you. Temporary sizers are then tried on in the office, so the patient can get an idea of the result. This is the most scientific and precise way to determine implant sizes that produce the highest patient satisfaction and optimal results.

3. Do you use FDA approved implants?

In the United Sates, there are three companies that manufacture FDA-approved breast implants. These include Allergan, Mentor and Sientra. Every surgeon has their own preference when it comes to which implants they utilize in their practice. At Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Associates, Dr. Ravi prefers to use Allergan implants. Natrelle INSPIRA are his choice in breast implants for their look, feel and fullness.

4. How do you manage any pain or discomfort after surgery?

One of the things that makes Dr. Ravi stand out from the other surgeons is his insistence on making this a comfortable and enjoyable journey. During breast augmentation surgery he goes the extra mile to use an injectable medication known as Exparel. Not many plastic surgeons utilize this medication due it’s high cost, but Dr. Ravi includes it in all his surgeries as he finds it really makes a difference in comfort. Exparel is lysosomal bound bupivicaine that works long-term by alleviating pain for up to 3 days post-surgery. Patients are also given a prescription for an oral pain medication that they can take at home. Most patients can also begin taking regular Tylenol by post-op day 3 to 5.

5. What kind of bras are used?

Our patients are instructed to only wear the specific bras that we provide for them after surgery as they are both soft and supportive. The duration depends on the individual and will be determined by Dr. Ravi. It can last anywhere from one to six weeks. There have been certain situations, particularly if the implants were placed under the muscle, where patients are recommend to stop wearing the bra after the first week of surgery to allow the implants to settle. After 6 weeks, patients can wear any type of bra they wish including underwire bras.

If you are interested in a breast augmentation and would like to meet with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ravi Somayazula, please call 281-242-1061. Our office is located conveniently in Houston and is close to Memorial, Katy, the Heights, and the Galleria. We are here to help guide you in your journey!