Surgical Breast Rejuvenation 

Breast augmentation surgery consistently ranks as one of the top five plastic surgical procedures performed each year by plastic surgeons. Whether you want to change the size and shape of your breasts due to age and/or pregnancy, due to weight loss or even due to a general perception that your breasts are underdeveloped, each is a valid reason why you may be considering breast enlargement. Often women are happy with their overall appearance but desire larger and fuller breasts. Breast enhancement with breast implants can give a woman a more proportional shape and may improve self-esteem.

Attaining more ample and more attractive breasts through breast augmentation surgery no longer means sacrificing your body’s natural look and feel. Dr. Lucian Rivela, consistently voted the top plastic surgeon in The Woodlands, has performed more than 2000 breast augmentation surgeries. An experienced plastic surgeon highly skilled with breast enlargement procedures, Dr. Rivela can enhance your breasts by making them fuller and shapelier with natural-looking, beautiful results.

Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation for breast augmentation with implants in The Woodlands, Houston and the entire metropolitan area.

Breast Implants

Dr. Rivela uses only FDA-approved saline and silicone breast implants from the finest manufacturers in the nation and he utilizes all incision techniques as well as above-and-below-muscle placements, depending on your needs and goals. Together, you will decide which method and implant style is best for you. Dr. Rivela will work carefully to ensure that any visible scarring from the procedure is minimal and as light as possible. His results speak for themselves. The entire procedure typically takes about two hours or less to complete and can be performed as an outpatient. Most patients elect to undergo general anesthesia, but local anesthesia with sedation is an option. Pain pumps are sometimes used to reduce discomfort after your procedure.

The Recovery

Some swelling, bruising, and a feeling of numbness can be expected after breast augmentation surgery. Any pain and discomfort during recovery can be alleviated with medication. Dr. Rivela will remove stitches about 10 days after the procedure, and patients can usually resume normal daily activities a few days to a week after surgery. Dr. Rivela advises patients to continue having mammograms after breast enlargement. A special version of the mammogram test will need to be performed so that your doctor can see around the implants for the most accurate results.
The Consultation

During your consultation, your medical history will be carefully reviewed with special attention on any risk factors. Detailed measurements of the size and shape of your breasts and chest will be obtained. Nipple positioning and skin quality will be evaluated and information regarding the implant size and filler choice, incision location, implant position, along with any possible need for ancillary procedures (breast lift, liposuction, etc) will be discussed. Risks are carefully reviewed and Dr. Rivela welcomes questions regarding all aspects of your procedure. Laboratory testing and medical clearance are mandatory at Rivela Plastic Surgery, along with information regarding smoking and use of medication. Prescriptions are called to your pharmacy prior to your procedure for your convenience.

Breast Implant FAQs

How is the size of breast implants determined? 

During your consultation with Dr. Rivela, you will be able to estimate what volume of breast implants you like. We have silicone and saline implants of different size that you will try on, and you will be provided a special bra in which implants of different sizes will be placed, allowing you to see the actual implants on your frame. Please bring a tightly fitting top, so you can better see the outline of the implants on your body. The final volume of your implants will be determined based on your desired size and your chest/body anatomy. 

Breast implants have different widths and amount of projection. Dr. Rivela will discuss with you the different types of breast implants and help you choose the type that will produce the desired cosmetic result: enhanced and natural looking breasts. 

What kind of breast implants do you use?

Dr. Rivela uses both silicone and saline implants for breast augmentation—both FDA approved and considered safe. Saline implants are filled with salt water and silicone implants contain silicone gel. The new generation silicone breast implants provide superior softness to the augmented breast. Additionally, recent evidence shows that the new generation silicone implants (known as cohesive gel or memory gel implants) are less likely to leak than the saline breast implants.  

How is breast augmentation performed? 

Dr. Rivela’s goals is always minimal scarring and therefore he uses the shortest possible incisions for breast augmentation. Breast augmentation is typically performed through a small incision placed under the breast, around the areolar (pigmented circle around the nipple).  The choice of the incision will be discussed with you and will depend on your preference and your anatomy.  A pocket is created under the muscle where the implant is placed.  

 What is recovery like following breast augmentation?

Many patients do not require any pain medications following breast augmentation. However, pain medications will be provided to you for any possible discomfort. You will need to wear a support bra for several weeks. Dr. Rivela uses absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed. Most swelling will resolve within several weeks. You will be able to start performing more vigorous exercises with your arms in about 4 weeks after surgery. Within 1-2 months the breasts will soften and improve in appearance.

Can I get mammograms after breast augmentation? 

Just like women with no breast implants, women who undergo breast augmentation should get regular mammograms following general screening guidelines. In most cases the implants are placed behind the muscle, therefore visualization of breast tissue is maximized on mammograms. A special version of the mammogram test will need to be performed so that your doctor can see around the implants for the most accurate results.