Women in Pinellas County want to be happy and confident with their silhouette. But happy and confident isn’t what most area women feel. For some, their breasts are too small, and they aren’t able to fill out the tighter, form-fitting tops they see on other women in Pinellas County. For others, childbearing has left them with deflated, sagging breasts that make them discouraged and disappointed in their post-baby body. Many of these women visit Dr. Moraitis every year about having a breast augmentation.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, medically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a popular procedure amongst Pinellas County women and is performed to increase a woman’s breast size to a more desirable one. The natural process of aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy all cause a woman’s breasts to lose fullness. A breast augmentation restores this lost volume and provides Pinellas County women with renewed confidence and pride in their bodies. Dr. Moraitis of Moraitis Plastic Surgery has over 16 years of experience performing breast augmentations for Pinellas County women. As a dual-board certified surgeon, Dr. Moraitis uses his artistic touch to provide natural-looking results for all of his patients. Because each patient has varying expectations and needs, Dr. Moraitis customizes each procedure to address their specific concerns and provide them with their desired look. A breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure and only takes a couple of hours to perform. During the procedure, Dr. Moraitis uses implants to add or restore lost volume. There are different types of implants available, and which one Dr. Moraitis recommends will depend on the unique needs of each of his patients. The implant type used will also determine the procedures and techniques used during the breast augmentation.
Different Breast Implant Types
The most common types of implants include:
Silicone Implants
These types of implants feel more natural and organic than other types of implants, which is one reason they cost more than saline implants. Because of their natural look and feel, Dr. Moraitis recommends silicone implants for his patients who have limited breast tissue. Silicone implants are FDA approved and are made from several layers of silicone rubber, which is filled with a plastic silicone gel. They come in various sizes and can have smooth or textured shells. Though silicone implants were once known to leak, today’s models pose much less of a risk for this side effect because they are filled with silicone that is semi-solid. However, this semi-solid silicone makes it is harder to know whether or not an implant has ruptured. Therefore, Dr. Moraitis recommends his patients have MRIs every 2-3 years to be sure a silent rupture hasn’t occurred.
Saline Implants
These types of implants also have a silicone shell but are filled with a saltwater solution, or saline. Because saline implants are filled with a thinner liquid, patients may experience small wrinkles at the bottom or on the sides of their breasts. Saline implants come with a valve, which allows them to be filled with a disposable tube during the breast augmentation procedure if needed. Because of this feature, this type of implant is popular for women in Pinellas County who are suffering from asymmetrical breasts. Once the implant has been filled to the desired size, the tube is removed, and the valve closes on its own. Saline implants cost less than silicone implants, come in a variety of sizes, and can have either a smooth or textured shell.
Breast Implant Incision Options
When performing a breast augmentation on his patients from Pinellas County, Dr. Moraitis will choose one of four incision techniques to place the breast implants based on the specific needs of his patients. These include:
- Inframammary – with this technique, Dr. Moraitis will create a small incision in the bottom crease of the breast, which is called the inframammary This will result in a small, 1 to 2-inch scar that will be concealed by the natural crease of the breast.
- Periareolar – with this type of technique, an incision is made around the outer edge of the areola. Because of this, the natural coloring of the skin will hide the scar well. Often, this type of incision technique is used when a breast lift is being performed at the same time as a breast augmentation.
- Transaxillary – this technique involves an incision that is located underneath the arm in the armpit area. After making the incision, Dr. Moraitis will create a channel through which he will place the implant. Using this technique, patients will avoid having a scar on the breast itself.
- Transumbilical – similar to the transaxillary technique, the transumbilical leaves no scar on the breast itself. Instead, an incision is made right above the belly button, and Moraitis will place the implants through a channel he will create under the skin.
Your Consultation
During your initial consultation with Dr. Moraitis, he will talk to you about what your ideal breasts will look like, conduct a full exam, and discuss your entire health history with you. It is important that you are open and honest through this entire process so Dr. Moraitis can create a surgical plan that will fit your cosmetic and health needs. To be considered for a breast augmentation, Dr. Moraitis will require you be in good overall health, be in good psychological health, and be a non-smoker, or promise to quit smoking 6 weeks before and after your surgery, as smoking can cause complications during surgery and recovery.
Learn More About The Breast Augmentation Process
If you’re interested in having a breast augmentation and would like to discuss the process with Dr. Moraitis, call his office today to schedule your initial consultation. His caring and professional staff are ready to help you on your journey to a new you! If you live in Pinellas County, contact us at (727) 773-9796 or schedule your consultation online.