Are you looking for top breast enhancement surgery in St Louis? Talented cosmetic surgeon Dr. CB Boswell treats St Louis breast augmentation patients at BodyAesthetic Plastic Surgery and Skincare Center. Learn more about the popular breast implant procedure below:
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, involves placement of an implant to enlarge and shape the breast.
Women who choose breast augmentation come from a wide range of ages and life stages. While many patients are in their early 30s and have completed childbearing, breast augmentation is popular among women from their late teens through their 50s and beyond. Some women even choose augmentation later in life.
The reasons for considering breast augmentation are personal and unique to each woman. Many patients are comfortable with their overall appearance but have felt self-conscious for years about having smaller breasts or breasts they feel are out of proportion with their body. Some find that this makes it difficult to find clothing that fits well or creates the shape they desire.
For many women, breast augmentation is simply about feeling more confident and comfortable in their bodies. Whether you are looking to restore volume, enhance your proportions, or achieve a fuller breast shape, the decision is a personal one—and your goals should guide the conversation with Dr. Boswell.
Most women are looking for an increase of 1 or 2 bra cup sizes, but others want a greater size change. Before you decide to have augmentation surgery, you must think carefully about your expectations and what you hope to achieve. Dr. Boswell will then discuss these goals with you so he can help you more clearly define what you want and whether breast augmentation is right for you.
Before You Choose Breast Augmentation
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, and over time, some women may experience changes that require evaluation or, in some cases, additional surgery. These changes can include implant rupture, deflation, or other breast implant-related concerns.
We encourage you to learn more about potential implant complications on our Breast Implant Revision page. Understanding the benefits, potential risks, and long-term considerations of breast implants can help you make a decision that feels right for you.
During your consultation, Dr. Boswell will provide detailed information about breast implants, including their expected longevity, potential complications, and options should future treatment ever be needed. We welcome your questions and encourage you to discuss anything you would like clarified so you can move forward feeling informed and confident in your decision.
Implant Decisions To Be Made With Your Surgeon
Our many years of experience have taught us that patients are much happier when they play an active role in planning their surgery. We will explain the many options available, such as the types and sizes of implants, where implants will be placed and through which incisions. In consultation with your surgeon, you will then decide which options you prefer.
Silicone vs Saline
All breast implants are made of a silicone shell that is filled with either silicone gel or saline (salt-water).
In addition, Dr. Boswell will explain what types of implants are available to you and answer any questions about their safety. He will also discuss the two types of implant surfaces (smooth and textured) and implant shapes (round and anatomical) to help you choose your preference.
Implant Size
No one size of implant fits all women. In addition to the implant volume, implants have different diameters and heights. Your implant size will depend on a combination of your particular anatomy and the breast size you desire. Dr. Boswell will direct you to resources on the web that show photographs of real women (not models) before and after augmentation. You will be asked to find examples of women with a body shape like your own that illustrate what you want to look like after receiving breast implants. BodyAesthetic patients find this approach extremely helpful in deciding on breast size, and we insist that women take a very active role in discussing their surgery and goals.
Implant Position
Breast implants can be placed either above or below the pectoralis major muscle, and each position has advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Boswell will explain what these are and help you decide on the position you prefer.
Incision Location
Breast augmentation requires very small incisions that are usually inconspicuous. Following your procedure, your incisions will be red and raised for the first 6 months. Then transition to appear whiter and remain raised for the next 6 months. Following the first year, scars continue to mature up to 18 months. Adequate care of the incision line including sunscreen, manual massage, and silicone gel/tapes can all aid scar maturation.
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
The method of inserting and positioning an implant will depend on your anatomy, your preferences, and Dr. Boswell’s recommendations. Working through a small incision for each breast, the tissue and skin are raised to create a pocket for the implant, either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the large pectoralis major muscle on the chest wall. The implant is then centered beneath the nipple. After the opposite breast is done, the symmetry of both breasts is checked carefully and adjustments made if necessary. The incisions are then closed with stitches. The surgery usually takes about 2 hours if you are getting breast implants for the first time.
Visit our gallery to view breast augmentation before and after photos from our previous patients.
What To Expect After Breast Augmentation
You will probably feel tired and sore for a few days following surgery, but you’ll be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor. Recovery takes longer when implants are placed beneath the muscle rather than on top of it because the muscle is raised, which is more painful than elevating only the breast tissue. Your breasts will be bruised, and you may feel a burning sensation in the nipples, but both should subside in a week or two. There will also be some breast swelling that may take 3 to 5 weeks to disappear completely. Stitches are absorbable so do not have to be removed.
You should be able to return to work within a week after surgery if your job does not demand a high level of activity. Walking will be your main form of exercise for the first month. You can add in biking or the elliptical after 4 weeks and will be fully unrestricted at 6 weeks. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to direct stimulation for 2 to 4 weeks, so physical contact should be avoided until the breasts are no longer sore.
A yearly breast examination by Dr. Boswell is extremely important for all women with breast implants because he is much more experienced in detecting implant problems than any other type of physician. Regular mammograms for those 40 and older are also very important to look for problems with your implants, and special mammography views are needed.
Length Of Surgery
About 1-2 hours
Anesthesia
Usually general
In/Outpatient
Usually outpatient
Side Effects
Temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation, bruising. Breast sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
Breast Augmentation Risks
Lack of implant permanence–surgical removal or replacement of implants may be required to treat problems, including implant rupture or deflation, the formation of scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture), bleeding, or infection. Increase or decrease in sensitivity of nipples or breast skin is occasionally permanent. Mammography requires a special technique.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Back to work: usually within a week.
Physical contact with breasts: 3 to 4 weeks.
Fading of scars: several months to a year or more.
Duration of Results
Variable. Breast implants may require removal or replacement.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Augmentation in St Louis
If you would like to learn more about breast implants in St Louis, contact BodyAesthetic Plastic Surgery & Skincare center today to schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Boswell.