Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the volume of a woman’s breasts to satisfy her aesthetic desires. Women who are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their breasts can achieve the feminine contours that match their ideal, and the many choices available to patients today ensure that the results are uniquely theirs. Today’s implants are safer than ever and come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, materials, and projections. But regardless of the end result in mind, choosing an experienced and compassionate plastic surgeon is a vital first step.

Before and After Photos

View More Photos

About Breast Augmentation

At Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery, we understand that every woman is unique. And as a result, there are countless motivations for seeking breast augmentation. Some women are looking to reclaim the voluptuous curves that may have been affected by pregnancy, nursing, or the effects of aging or weight loss. Other women may be looking to finally achieve the fullness or symmetry they’ve longed for to balance their proportions and optimize their self-esteem. A breast augmentation offers all these possibilities, which is why this procedure is so popular! According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 200,000 breast augmentations were performed in the United States in 2020 alone, and breast augmentation has long remained one of the most frequently performed plastic surgeries worldwide.

About Breast Implants

When it comes to selecting the right breast implants, you certainly have options. Implant choices include saline or silicone, with many possible variations in shape, size, and projection. But why not make sure you’re choosing from the very best? Dr. Koneru performs breast augmentations using implants widely considered the gold standards: Mentor Memory Gel silicone implants and Ideal Implant saline implants. These offer the ultimate in feel, appearance, and in safety.

Mentor Memory Gel

These premium silicone implants offer the soft, supple feel of natural breast tissue. There are many factors to consider when selecting the right implant. For a natural-looking, balanced effect, a woman’s unique anatomy must be taken into account, including height, hip and shoulder measurements, the amount of existing natural breast tissue, and her desired effect. Women most frequently opt for round implants, which are used in roughly 95% of breast augmentations performed today. ⁽¹⁾ Nevertheless, Mentor Memory Gel implants come in a wide variety of sizes and projections so that women can select the exact implant that is right for them.

Saline Implants 

Many women choose saline breast implants with safety in mind. Saline Implants combine a natural look and feel while addressing those concerns. Unlike silicone implants, which come with the risk of silent rupture, and require MRIs or Ultrasounds to evaluate their integrity, saline implants are filled with saltwater, which is safely absorbed by the body. In the case of a rupture, a woman is alerted by the change in the shape of her breast. Saline Implants had the lowest rate of rupture and of capsular contracture among other widely used implants: both of which are vital considerations for women considering breast implants. ⁽²⁾

Candidates

Good health and realistic expectations are the most important qualifications for breast augmentation candidates. And, Dr. Koneru will make sure that you are able to safely achieve the breast profile that you’ve always wanted. The best way to find out whether a breast augmentation is right for you is to schedule a personal consultation! You can reach our San Antonio offices by calling (726) 227-6847.

Personal Consultation

We will begin your initial consultation with a brief new patient intake interview and a physical examination. Dr. Koneru will then listen and learn about your ideal breast shape, size, and appearance. For many women, these characteristics go past just cup size. Some women are interested in more of a natural slope, more volume and cleavage, or just more projection. Once you have decided on the perfect appearance, Dr. Koneru will be able to design a personalized treatment plan. In addition to breast augmentation, many women also elect for a breast lift procedure to be performed at the same time. During a breast lift, Dr. Koneru removes lax or excess tissue from the breasts to reposition them higher on the chest, for a more youthful and perky appearance. These procedures can be performed in tandem to allow for only one recovery period.

Preparation

At the end of your consultation, we will give you a comprehensive list of preparatory steps. Be sure to follow these instructions as they will help to ensure a successful surgery followed by optimal recovery.

Procedure

Breast Augmentation surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Most breast augmentations take 1-2 hours. During a breast augmentation, incisions are strategically located in order to minimize any visible scarring. In order to access the breast cavity, Dr. Koneru usually makes incisions in the inframammary crease (under the breast), but occasionally may make incisions in the armpit or around the areola, so that edge of the darker skin masks any scarring.

Depending on the size of your implants, and the details of your unique anatomy, your breast implants may be placed under the pectoral muscles, or above the muscles of the chest. You’ll have discussed these details in depth with Dr. Koneru during your personal consultation, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your surgery.

Advanced Safety and Comfort

Dr. Koneru takes every precaution, and every aspect of his breast augmentation procedures is carefully considered to ensure that patients enjoy the most comfortable experience possible.

As such, he performs a PECS block for pain relief at the beginning of the procedure. Using ultrasound technology, he is able to administer a long-acting, non-opioid analgesic, Exparel, precisely at the patient’s pectoral nerves. This slow-release, FDA-approved local anesthetic ensures that patients remain comfortably numbed for up to 72 hours after their surgery: the most critical phase of their recovery. Unlike opioids, which can have a variety of undesirable effects, Exparel targets only the precise nerves in the treatment area, preventing them from sending pain signals, but leaving the rest of the patient’s faculties unaffected. ⁽³⁾  Learn more about our Fast Recovery After Plastic Surgery (FRAPS) protocol here.

Recovery

Since we administer general anesthesia during a breast augmentation, you will be groggy for the rest of the day. It is vital to focus solely on rest and recovery for the next few days. After your surgery, we will wrap your chest in a compression dressing. Please keep this wrap on until we remove it in the office. Avoid lifting anything heavy and continue to avoid any blood-thinning medications unless OK’ed by our office. You’ll be able to return to light work and non-strenuous activities within a week.⁽⁴⁾ More vigorous activity can be resumed in about 6 weeks.You’ll return to Dr. Koneru’s office throughout your recovery so that he can monitor your progress, and ensure that your beautiful results are on their way!  If you live far from our office, we also offer convenient online visits.

Results

As time passes, swelling will improve, and your implants will settle into their new location. It can take up to 6 months to see the final results, but the wait will be well worth it! You’ll have beautiful breasts to treasure for years to come. And, to ensure that you continue to enjoy your results, it’s important to be diligent about monitoring your breast implants. If you’ve opted for silicone implants, the FDA recommends an MRI or an ultrasound 5 to 6 years after your surgery, and then every two years after that. Your health is priceless, and so your surgical fee includes an annual examination. Dr. Koneru performs implant screening ultrasounds at his office to ensure that your implants continue to be a healthy part of your life.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in San Antonio?

The cost of your breast augmentation will depend on the details of your procedure. This will include the implants that you’ve selected, as well as the requirements and techniques associated with your surgery. For many patients, breast augmentation is performed in tandem with other body contouring procedures like a breast lift or a full mommy makeover. Any additional services will affect the final cost. You’ll receive an accurate estimate following your consultation. If you are wanting to finance your procedure, please visit our financing page to learn about our options. We also offer monthly specials that may include a service or procedure you’re interested in! Visit our specials page to learn more. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to call our front desk at (726) 227-6847.

References

1. Coombs, D. M., Grover, R., Prassinos, A., & Gurunluoglu, R. (2019). Breast augmentation surgery: Clinical considerations. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 86(2), 111–122. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.86a.18017
2. Food and Drug Administration. (2014). SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS DATA (SSED). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf12/p120011b.pdf
3. Kaye, A. D., Armstead-Williams, C., Hyatali, F., Cox, K. S., Kaye, R. J., Eng, L. K., Farooq Anwar, M. A., Patel, P. V., Patil, S., & Cornett, E. M. (2020). Exparel for Postoperative Pain Management: a Comprehensive Review. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 24(11), 73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00905-4
4. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. [Updated 2021 Oct 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/