Breast Augmentation in Gainesville, Florida

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What is breast augmentation surgery?

Some women may feel self-conscious about the size, shape, or asymmetry of their breasts. These conditions are not always genetic and can be caused by a variety of environmental factors, hormonal changes, and physiological changes following pregnancy.

Breast enlargement surgery, also referred to as augmentation mammaplasty, is performed to accentuate a woman’s curves, enhance her figure, and may also be used to treat size and shape differences in asymmetrical breasts. During a breast augmentation and enlargement consultation at our Gainesville, Florida practice, we will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure or if you can benefit from another procedure to enhance your figure.

Dr. Gaines discusses breast augmentation surgery. He will help you decide on what size and shape will compliment your figure best. Dr. Gaines and his entire staff will be with you throughout the whole process.

What should I expect at my breast augmentation consultation?

Once you have spoken with Dr. Gaines and he has a good understanding of what your specific goals are for your breast augmentation, this information along with your physical examination will steer him towards certain implants, and away from others.

We have a generous consignment of both saline and Gummy Bear implants at our on-site Outpatient Surgical Center at all times, to allow each breast augmentation to be custom-tailored to your specific needs. Dr. Gaines will help you decide which breast implant is best suited for you when you book a consultation at our clinic.

Types of Breast Implants Used by Dr. Gaines

When it comes to breast augmentation, there are multiple types of implants to choose from. When you book a consultation at our clinic, Dr. Gaines can help you decide which type of implant will best suit your needs.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants consist of a round silicone shell filled with saline or salt water solution. Saline implants are inserted and then filled with sterile saline solution, which may allow for a smaller incision to be made as opposed to silicone implants (which are prefilled at the manufacturer, and must be inserted filled).

Saline implants may be a good option for you if you already have a significant amount of breast tissue. Since saline implants are filled with liquid as opposed to the cohesive silicone gel that Gummy implants contain, saline implants may feel a little less like breast tissue, and patients with smaller cup sizes prior to surgery may notice a border between the implant and the breast tissue that can be felt and sometimes even seen.

Saline implants are less expensive than silicone gel implants, and are warrantied for replacement if they should fail or “go flat” within 10 years after your augmentation surgery.

Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants (Gummy Bear Implants)

Silicone implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Commonly known as Gummy Bear Implants, silicone implants generally are felt to have a more natural look and feel when compared to saline implants, and are provided in a broad array of shapes and sizes. The wide variety of silicone implants allows Dr. Gaines to choose an implant specific to your wants, needs, and unique body structure. Silicone implants are typically covered by a lifetime warranty by their manufacturer.

Gummy Bear Implants have three different levels of cohesivity, sometimes referred to informally as “Gummy, Gummier, and Gummiest”, corresponding to the way each of the respective levels of gel cohesion feels. By far the most popular Gummy Bear implant with our patients has been the intermediate level of cohesivity, or “Gummier” style, due to the natural feel and look of the implants. These highly cohesive gel implants seem to provide the greatest balance between holding their shape while still leaving the breasts naturally soft to the touch.

There are several other minor variations in implant shapes and configurations that can influence the way that the implant fits with your physique. Implants may be round or “anatomical” (teardrop-shaped). High profile, moderate profile, and low profile refer to the distance that implant projects or stands up off of a flat surface and is completely independent of size or circular base width of the implant.

Learn more about which Gummy Bear Breast Implants may be right for you when you visit our clinic for a consultation with Dr. Gaines.

What our patients have to say

"I recently had a breast augmentation about 6 weeks ago and I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Gaines!! He’s absolutely amazing! Very kind and gets on your level and listens to what you want and he gave me EXACTLY what I wanted!"

- Haley T.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast enlargement surgery can be performed in different ways depending on the needs of the patient. Some breast augmentation procedures involve incisions made around the areola, the dark circular skin surrounding the nipple. In other cases, the incisions during breast enlargement may be made under the breast itself, along the fold where the breast meets the lower chest.

Working through the incision, the surgeon will create a pocket in which the breast implant will be placed. The breast implant can be placed either underneath the patient’s pectoral muscle or directly behind the patient’s breast tissue. When you have a breast augmentation and enlargement consultation at our Gainesville, Florida practice, we will determine the most effective incision method and placement of breast implants that will be most beneficial to you.

Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos

breast before
breast after

What Should I Expect in terms of Scarring After Breast Augmentation?

You want to have breast augmentation to enhance the appearance of your breasts. The idea of scarring can obscure your vision of your final outcome. Your surgeon understands this, so places your breast augmentation incisions in the most discreet places. When possible, this procedure involves incisions around the areola, the colored skin around the nipple. At the border of the areola, the scars that result from breast augmentation may be barely noticeable once they mature. If for some reason your incisions need to be more extensive, as they may be if you combine your breast augmentation with a breast lift, your doctor will discuss what to expect in terms of scar pattern. 

Regardless of where your incisions are placed, the resulting scarring may look red and raised at first. Over time, as your body sends collagen and elastin to repair the skin, your scars should flatten and fade. The appearance of your scars may be more pronounced if you have very light skin. This isn't a sign of a complication, it's simply a matter of skin tone. If your skin is darker-toned, your scars may be more susceptible to hyperpigmentation as your skin is rebuilt. That said, we usually anticipate full maturation of surgical scars about one year after surgery. Well before then, you can begin a scar treatment program to facilitate optimal tissue regeneration. We're happy to discuss your options with you during your follow-up visit.

When Can I Resume My Exercise Routine After Breast Augmentation?

Your surgical recovery from breast augmentation is expected to be relatively short. You may feel well enough to return to work after a week. After two weeks, you may be cleared to resume light cardio activity. That said, it's important to take your return to exercise as slow as your body dictates. If you attempt to perform what you consider normal exercise and you feel tenderness or soreness, stop. The good news is you can walk soon after surgery and there are few restrictions, provided you listen to your body. As you come to your four to six-week follow-up period, you may be able to increase the intensity of your normal exercise. Your surgical team will discuss activity clearances and restrictions with you as they pertain to direct chest exercises like push-ups when you're evaluated for post-surgical recovery. 

How Do I know when I Need to Replace My Breast Implants?

Breast implants are not designed to last indefinitely in the human body. There are certain indicators that your breast implants may need to be replaced sooner rather than later. These include hardening of the breasts, hard nodules or lumps on the breasts, a change in breast shape, pain, or noticeable signs of leakage. After your breast augmentation procedure, it is important that you receive regular mammograms or other imaging screenings. These can help you spot leaks or other changes in breast tissue well before prominent symptoms occur. Also, stay in communication with your plastic surgeon. If you've had the same breast implants for a decade or longer, it is wise to discuss the potential complications that may arise, how to spot them, and also how to avoid them. 

What is the recovery from breast enlargement surgery?

Following breast augmentation surgery, a patient can expect a certain degree of soreness for the first few days and increased sensitivity for two to three weeks. Once you have undergone breast enlargement surgery, the team at our Gainesville, Florida practice can provide you with more detailed instructions for post-surgical care, but in general we advise patients to refrain from physical activities for as long as the surgeon suggests.

We also recommend that you should avoid any direct physical contact with your breasts as they will be sensitive following breast augmentation surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Gaines Today

If you are interested in learning more about our Breast Enlargement procedures to see if you are a candidate, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Gaines today! Call our office at (352) 333-9600 or click here to send us a Consultation Request Form. Gainesville Plastic Surgery is proud to serve Gainesville, FL, and the surrounding areas.

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What happens in a consultation?

01. Get to know Dr. Gaines and our aesthetics team.
02. Discuss your personal concerns and goals.
03. Receive a personalized procedure plan.

“From consultation to recovery Dr. Gaines and his staff were fantastic! My surgery was a breast reduction with a lift and I am beyond happy with my results. The surgery changed my life!”

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