Breast Augmentation

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and Sugar Land, TX

Breast Augmentation Houston

If you’re considering a breast augmentation procedure, you’re not alone. It’s one of the top cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. But it’s also a big decision, not to be taken lightly. When you come to Avante Plastic Surgery for your Breast Augmentation in Houston, Dr. Ahmad Ahmadi will walk every step of the way through your procedure with you so that you always have someone to come to for assistance. To learn more about our breast augmentation procedures, please keep reading the information we have provided below.

Our photo gallery shows a dedication to our craft and features real patient before & after photos of Dr. Ahmadi’s patients. With over two decades of experience, we pride ourselves on offering some of the best plastic surgery results in Houston.

Contents

Before and After Photos

Procedure

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. The surgery involves placing implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles.

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that involves the use of breast implants. There are a few different breast implant options available:

Breast Implant Options

  • Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, similar to the salt water that makes up most of the human body.
  • Silicone gel breast implants are loaded with a thick, sticky silicone gel enclosed in a silicone shell. The gel feels a bit like jelly and is often compared to the consistency of gummy bears.
  • Cohesive implants are silicone gel implants with a more natural feel and are less likely to leak or rupture.
  • Gummy Bear implants are made of a thicker, more cohesive gel than traditional silicone gel implants. These implants also have a low occurrence of leaking.
  • Smooth implants are made of silicone gel and have a smooth outer surface offering a natural look and feel as well as a lower risk of rippling.
  • Textured implants have a textured surface that helps them adhere to the surrounding tissue, making them less likely to move around inside the pocket and giving them a more natural look and feel.
  • Fat transfer breast augmentation (autologous fat grafting) is affectionately known as the “no implant – implant” because it uses fat from your body to enlarge and uplift your breasts. When you undergo breast augmentation with this technique, there is no chance of implant rupture, but you do risk your body absorbing some of the fat over time, leading to a change in your breast size.

Common Implant Shapes

There are various shapes of implants used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, but the most common shapes are:

  • Round: These implants are circular in shape. This type is the preferred shape to use for cosmetic breast augmentation.
  • Teardrop or Anatomical: These implants are shaped like a teardrop and are designed to mimic the natural shape of the breast and are mostly used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer.

It is important to know that round breast implants rotate before they settle in the breast pocket well.

Implant Placement

There are three main types of implant placement, each delivering different results.

  • Submuscular placement is placed underneath the pectoral muscle and is often recommended for women who have very little natural tissue, as it can help to create a more natural look and feel.
  • Subglandular placement is placed behind the existing breast tissue and in front of the chest muscles. This placement is best for women with more natural tissue, as it can help to create a more lifted and perky look.
  • Dual plane placement is a combination in which the implant is placed partially underneath the pectoral muscles and partially behind the tissue of the breasts. It’s recommended for women who want a more natural look with a little extra lift.

What is the Difference Between a

Augmentation and Lift

A breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to enlarge and add volume to the breasts. In comparison, a full breast lift procedure, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic breast surgery that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. However, a mastopexy can be combined with a breast augmentation to achieve both an uplifted and larger breast.

Benefits

Our Breast Augmentation Houston patients have been able to see the following benefits from their treatment:

  • Better breast symmetry
  • Clothing options are more diverse
  • Improved self image and confidence
  • Larger breasts
  • Long-lasting results
  • More attractive cleavage
  • Youthful appearance

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for a breast augmentation procedure is in good physical health, has realistic expectations, and is seeking to improve the appearance of the size and shape of her breasts to achieve a more proportionate figure.

You may not be a good breast surgery patient if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, have breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram, have a weak immune system, or currently battling an infection. Please make Dr. Ahmadi aware of any of these characteristics so that you both can avoid unnecessary risks.

First Step

The first step in getting Breast Augmentation in Houston is to schedule your consultation at Avante Plastic Surgery. When you come into our office, you will be able to meet with Dr. Ahmadi to discuss your goals and expectations and ask any questions you may have about the surgery and recovery process. Dr. Ahmadi will evaluate your breasts and determine if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation and if you need any additional procedures. Also, he will help you choose the right size and type of implant to achieve the desired results.

Choosing the breast implant size and shape is the portion of the consultation that our patients tend to love the most. There is a lot to be considered by both you and Dr. Ahmadi to create an implant insertion with the most natural look and feel, so we recommend asking yourself the following questions before your consultation:

  • Do you want a look that resembles natural breasts or a more enhanced look?
  • What breast size do you prefer for your body type? Low-profile implants are ideal for women with small frames. Medium-profile implants provide more fullness but are still relatively natural-looking. High-profile implants are the most noticeable and are ideal for women who want a very full chest.
  • What breast shape would you like your implants to be? You can choose between round implants or anatomic implants that have a teardrop shape.

After you go over your options and select the implant that is right for you, Dr. Ahmadi will create your surgical plan. Once the two of you agree with every step of the procedure, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule the date and time. Implant surgery is a very personal experience and should only be performed if it falls in line with your individual desires.

Expectations

Dr. Ahmadi performs breast augmentation surgery at the Sweetwater Surgery Center, a QuadA-certified facility. This facility is adjacent to our office which offers convenience and privacy during surgical procedures. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Dr. Ahmadi will make an incision in your skin, usually in the crease under your breast. Then he will create a breast pocket for the implant and insert it into fat tissue. The incisions will be closed with layered sutures to provide additional support, and finally sealed with either sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.

The outpatient surgery itself takes about two hours.

Recovery

Since breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, you will be able to return home to recover in peace. As you recover from surgery, you’ll likely have some swelling and bruising. You might also have some pain and soreness, but Dr. Ahmadi will give you pain medication to help with this. Recovery time is usually about one week. You’ll need to wear a special surgical bra for a few weeks after surgery, and you may require some drainage tubes to help remove excess blood and fluid. You’ll also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks.

Additionally, some women with breast implants may continue to experience minor side effects such as some breast pain, swelling, and bruising. These side effects are typically short-lived and resolve within a few weeks.

Cost

In Houston, TX, the average breast augmentation cost varies depending on the type of implant, the surgeon’s experience, and additional procedures needed at the time. These additional procedures can be external such as areolar reduction, breast lift, or internal in the case of constricted breast deformity. This price includes the cost of the silicone breast implants themselves, the surgeon’s fee, and the cost of the facility and anesthesia. Please contact our office for an estimate. After your initial consultation, our Patient Coordinator will be able to provide you with a breakdown of the costs.

Since breast augmentations are considered elective cosmetic surgery, insurance providers will not cover any of the costs. We can provide exact pricing at the time of your consultation. We have partnered with Alphaeon Credit, Care Credit, and United Medical Credit for your breast augmentation.

Why Choose Dr. Ahmadi?

Dr. Ahmadi is a plastic surgeon that breast augmentation patients choose. Simply put— aesthetic plastic surgery—is all about the plastic surgeon’s knowledge, experience, and results. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ahmadi has been performing breast and body procedures at Avante Plastic Surgery since 2000. He has a vast knowledge of implant types, shapes, profiles, and techniques and has published plastic surgery literature. Whether you’re looking into silicone breast implants or saline breast implants, Dr. Ahmadi is an experienced plastic surgeon with all the knowledge and skill to help you be truly happy with your plastic surgery results.

Schedule a Consultation

Avante Plastic Surgery is your trustworthy destination for choosing a breast augmentation surgeon in Houston, Katy, and Sugar Land. Schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Ahmadi, one of the leading, board-certified plastic surgeons in the Houston area. Give us a call TODAY at 281-265-BODY to get started!

FAQ

Are Breast Augmentation patients happier after their procedure?

This is a popular breast augmentation FAQ for plastic surgeons. While happiness is an emotion that can only be determined by an individual, we have found that our breast augmentation patients are very happy with the results that Dr. Ahmadi provides. We can not guarantee that every patient will remain happy after their breast enlargement surgery, we have seen hundreds of satisfied patients.

Is a Breast Augmentation procedure painful?

No. When you undergo breast augmentation in Houston, the surgery will be performed under general anesthesia so you shouldn’t experience any pain during the procedure. You can expect some breast pain and tenderness for the first few weeks, especially around the incisions.

Before you leave, we will provide you with postoperative instructions, including incision care, with suggestions on how to ease any discomfort. Dr. Ahmadi will also temporarily prescribe you pain medications to prevent infection and alleviate any pain.

Will Breast Augmentation work for me if I feel my breasts are sagging?

Breast implants can help improve breast volume and mild, sagging breasts, but if you have a more serious case of drooping breasts, you may be recommended a Breast Lift. When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Ahmadi will be able to evaluate your condition and make the best suggestions for you.

How many appointments will I need?

A breast augmentation patient will need to return about a week after your procedure so that Dr. Ahmadi can remove any drainage tubes, sutures, or bandages, as well as see how you are recovering. After that check-up, most breast augmentation patients can expect another appointment about a month or 2 later, then another 3 months later, followed by 6 months later, and anything needed after that.

Dr. Ahmadi will always let you know when she would like to have you return at the end of each appointment.

How long until I see results?

It will depend on your breast implant size, but you should see results immediately. There will be some swelling and bruising for the first few weeks. After these expected side effects subside, you can expect to see your final results in about three to four months. The surgery results are typically long-lasting, though some women may eventually need to have the implants replaced.

Are breast implants permanent?

While long-lasting, both silicone gel implants and saline implants have an average lifespan of about 10 years before requiring implant removal or revision surgery. If you have chosen to utilize fat grafting, you will see much longer results, however, the volume of your breasts may decrease as your body slowly absorbs some of the fat.

Is there anything I should know about Breast Implant sizes?

The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to breast implant sizing is that no one can tell you what is best for you. It’s important to know that not all cup sizes are universal, which can make bra shopping a little inconsistent.

We encourage our patients to take Dr. Ahmadi’s advice when it comes to creating a more natural appearance, however, you should do what you feel makes you the happiest.

Should I get Silicone Implants or Saline Implants?

At Avante Plastic Surgery, we support whichever decision you make when it comes to choosing between saline implants and silicone implants. Dr. Ahmadi will discuss the pros and cons of each material and offer you his experienced opinion as a plastic surgeon as to which one is best for you.

Should you overfill or underfill saline implants?

Saline breast implants should never be underfilled as it creates a higher chance of deflation or a breast implant-associated rupture due to full-flow problems. Saline breast implants should always be maximally filled to prevent the aforementioned issues as well as limit rippling.

Do you have to replace silicone breast implant rupture and why?

Yes, you do! An implant rupture is a very serious situation because silicone gel implants will break down into small masses that can mimic breast cancer. It is best to remove your implants around 10 – 15 years, whether it’s saline implants or silicone breast implants.

What Are Anatomical Breast Implants?

Anatomical breast implants (also called teardrop implants) are a type of implant that is shaped more like the natural breast. From the front, it looks like an oval shape, but from the side, it is thinner at the top and more voluminous at the bottom.

How do you enhance cleavage with breast implants?

While not completely inaccurate, breast implants don’t necessarily create a significant amount of cleavage. Rather, it depends more on the shape and diameter of your breasts before breast surgery, as well as the amount of natural breast tissue you have and the degree of change in your existing tissue size that occurs from your breast implant procedure.

When can I work out after getting Breast Augmentation?

After receiving breast implants, most patients are able to start more intense cardio such as walking or yoga. Around a month after breast implant surgery, you are able to return to the gym, but you will need to wait at least six weeks before you do any heavy lifting.

What kind of scars will I have?

The scars from breast augmentation are usually minimal, well-hidden, and barely visible – if visible at all, thanks to modern surgical techniques and a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon too.

The incisions for breast augmentation are typically made either in the breast crease, where the breast meets the chest (called the inframammary breast crease), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit.

Where your incisions are placed will depend on several factors, including the size and shape of your breasts, your body and fat tissue type, and the type of implants used. However, they will heal and fade over time regardless of where the incisions are made.

Can you lose weight after getting breast implants?

Yes, you can lose weight after getting breast implants, but it may be more difficult. Breast implants can add weight to your body, which can make it harder to lose weight. If you are considering getting breast implants, talk to your doctor about your weight loss goals.

Should I wait until I am done having children to have a Breast Augmentation?

Your decision to have your breast augmentation surgery before or after having children is really up to you. Research has not shown any dire results from having children after getting a breast enlargement, but if you are concerned about the possibilities of risk, it may be best to wait.

Is breastfeeding possible after getting Breast Augmentation?

Yes, it’s possible to breastfeed after getting breast augmentation, but it may be more difficult than if you have not had the surgery.

Damage to the milk ducts and nerves in the breast can make it difficult for the baby to latch on and for the mother to produce enough milk. Additionally, the silicone implants may interfere with the let-down reflex, making it difficult for the milk to flow.

The position of the incision can significantly affect milk production. For instance, a periareolar incision can be more damaging to the milk ducts than an incision placed in the breast fold.

Am I too old for breast augmentation surgery?

Absolutely not! Thankfully, there is no age limit for breast implant surgery, so if you are looking to improve the appearance of your breasts, even at the age of 75, we will be more than happy to meet with you for a consultation. Augmented breasts have done wonders for the self-esteem of women of all ages.

Please keep in mind that regardless of your age, if you do have certain illnesses or are taking medications that will interfere with your healing process, you may be denied breast implants at that time. Dr. Ahmadi will offer his best recommendations on how to fix this, if possible.

Can I combine Breast Augmentation with other procedures?

Lipotuck™ is the cornerstone of torso body contouring procedures. Think of the Lipotuck™ as the foundation upon which other procedures are added. Often Dr. Ahmadi combines breast augmentation with the Lipotuck™ procedure to achieve superior results. LipoTuck combines tummy tuck and liposuction. We suggest that during your initial consultation, you ask Dr. Ahmadi for his recommendation.

What are the risks associated with Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery is generally safe, but like all surgeries, there are potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, implant rupture, and changes in nipple sensation.

The most common complication of breast reconstruction is capsular contracture, which occurs when the scar tissue around the implant begins to tighten and squeeze the implant. This can cause the breast to feel hard and misshapen.

Will breast augmentation increase my risk of breast cancer?

No. Breast augmentation surgery is a very safe procedure when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon that can produce incredible results for your body and self-confidence. In fact, since its inception in 1961, the FDA is aware of less than 20 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and fewer than 3o cases of various lymphomas in the capsule. So, when you think about the thousands and thousands of breast enlargement procedures that have taken place in the last 60+ years, the odds of contracting cancer are incredibly low.

That being said, there has been research that shows women with breast implants do have a higher chance of a breast implant illness, such as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), a type of T-cell lymphoma, which is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops from white blood cells.

What happens to your breast tissue when you get implants?

While not always the case, your body could form hardened tissue (a capsule) around the implant, making the breast feel hard and uncomfortable, even changing the shape of your breasts. This is called capsular contracture, which can make modern breast implants gradually begin to look uneven (asymmetrical).

How long after breast augmentation can you get capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture can occur as soon as a few weeks after surgery or may not occur for years. There is no way to predict who will develop capsular contracture.

If you develop capsular contracture, you may need additional surgery to remove the excess scar tissue formation, or the implant may need to be replaced.

Will a Fat transfer breast augmentation limit my chances for breast implant illness?

While not completely impossible, the risk of infection from fat transfer breast augmentation is considerably lower than traditional breast implants.

What is the potential for loss of nipple sensation?

Although a serious concern for many women, loss of nipple sensation after breast augmentation surgery is temporary. In most cases, the sensation returns within a few weeks. Permanent loss is a rare complication.

How long should I wait to get pregnant after breast surgery?

Ultimately, deciding when to get pregnant after breast surgery is up to you. It’s wise to consult with your surgeon before becoming pregnant.

Pregnancy can cause changes to your breasts, so many women wait at least a year after surgery before trying to get pregnant. This gives their body time to heal and recover from any associated side effects.

What happens if my Saline Implant ruptures?

If you feel that your implant ruptures you should immediately contact your plastic surgeon. A saline implant is a safe implant, and if it ruptures it will likely flatten. The solution isn’t bad for your body but will result in a breast revision. During this consultation, plastic surgeons speak with you about the breast implant placement, the type of implants, including gummy bear implants and anatomical implants, and the new implant size.

Do breast augmentations go above or below the chest muscle?

Different plastic surgeons have their own way of performing plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation. Some surgeons place the implant submuscular, meaning under the muscle. Other surgeons place the implant on top of the inner pectoralis minor and serratus muscles.