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Breast augmentation surgery consistently ranks as one of the top five plastic surgery procedures performed each year by plastic surgeons. Many patients seeking a breast augmentation in The Woodlands choose Dr. Lucian Rivela, MD, an acclaimed board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience.
What Can a Breast Augmentation Treat?
Whether you want to change the size and shape of your breasts due to age and/or pregnancy, weight loss or even 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.
Approval of silicone and saline implants by the FDA for women aged 22 years and older has contributed to increase demand for the procedure. Silicone breast implants are sometimes preferred because of their natural feel while some patients prefer saline breast implants because there is less risk in case of a leak. 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. Rivela has performed more breast augmentation surgeries than any other procedure. As an experienced breast augmentation surgeon who has won Best of The Woodlands Plastic Surgery 15 years in a row, Dr. Rivela can enhance your breasts by making them fuller and more shapely with natural-looking, beautiful results.
Your Breast Augmentation Consultation with Dr. Rivela
During your consultation, your medical history will be carefully reviewed with special attention to 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, and implant position, along with any possible need for ancillary procedures (breast lift, liposuction, etc.) will be discussed.
In many cases, patients choose to get a breast augmentation with lift, also called augmentation mastopexy. During the breast lift procedure, the natural breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to increase perkiness and reduce sagging; pairing this with implants also improves breast volume. In cases where only perkiness and sag reduction are desired, a breast lift without implants is an ideal choice.
Risks are carefully reviewed and Dr. Rivela welcomes questions regarding all aspects of the procedure. Laboratory testing and medical clearance are mandatory at Rivela Plastic Surgery, along with information regarding smoking and the use of medication. Prescriptions are called to your pharmacy prior to your procedure for your convenience.
MEET DR. RIVELA
With over 25 years of experience, Lucian J. Rivela M. D., F. A. C. S. is proud to offer some of the most innovative procedures available in cosmetic and plastic surgery, aesthetic treatments, and skincare. Dr. Rivela is board certified and is a member of both The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He and his staff are dedicated to helping you be your best confident, natural, and authentic self.
LEARN MOREOffering Vetra M3 Imaging
By using the Vectra® 3D M3 imaging system by Canfield Imaging Systems, Dr. Rivela, and his caring staff are able to visually guide each of his patients through surgical and non-surgical procedures using simulated three-dimensional photos of a patient’s face and body to preview results.
This technology is especially beneficial for patients who are considering breast surgery as Vectra® 3D M3 allows patients to view all of their implant size and shape options. Due to the various options of implants available for breast augmentation, the Vectra® 3D M3 imaging system provides the ability to experiment with different implant sizes and types to find the best fit for all body types.
Using multiple digital cameras to capture photos of the face and body from different viewpoints simultaneously, Vectra 3D allows the doctor, staff, and you to see every possible angle of how the results will appear after the procedure to better discuss options and view procedures that can meet each individual patient’s aesthetic goals. In this way, Vectra 3D eases patients’ concerns about the overall outcomes of a procedure and increases satisfaction which can enhance the surgical outcome.
Your Breast Augmentation Procedure
Dr. Rivela, MD uses only FDA-approved saline and silicone 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.
About the Procedure
- AnesthesiaGeneral
- Location of OperationHospital or surgery center
- Length of Surgery1-3 hours
- Length of StayOutpatient (home same day)
About the Recovery Process
- DiscomfortMild to moderate
- Swelling & Bruising7-10 Days
- Bandages1-4 weeks
- Stitches7 days
- Driving2 weeks
- WorkReturn in 7-10 Days
- Exercise4-6 weeks
- Final Result6 months
Your Breast Augmentation Recovery
Discomfort: Mild to moderate. Anticipate 2-7 days of prescription pain medication.
Swelling and Bruising: Expect swelling and bruising for 7-10 days.
Bandages: Will come off the next day, some patients may need light dressings for 1-3 weeks. You will wear a sports bra or Ace wrap for 1-4 weeks Avoid an underwire bra until your surgeon approves it.
Stitches: Most plastic surgeons use absorbable stitches that are buried under the skin and are clipped in seven days. Non-absorbable stitches will be visible outside the skin and will be removed in seven days.
Work: You may return to work in 7-10 days.
Driving: May be resumed in two weeks if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.
Exercise: May be resumed in 4-6 weeks.
Final Result: This will be seen after the scars have matured, which will be about six months.
Breast Augmentation FAQs
Can breast implants last 30 years?
Can I move my arms after breast augmentation?
Can you breast feed after breast augmentation
how much does breast augmentation cost?
How painful is breast augmentation recovery?
How is the size of breast implants determined?
Can I get mammograms after breast augmentation?
Does insurance cover breast implants?
What is the most common breast implant size?
What kind of breast implants do you use?
Where will my surgery be performed?
What is recovery like following breast augmentation?
Can fat be transferred to breasts?
Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?
Related Blog
Choosing the Right Breast Implants for a Natural Transformation
Contact Us Today
Please contact Rivela Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation for breast augmentation in The Woodlands. During a consultation, Dr. Rivela will be available to answer any questions you may have, review breast augmentation before and after photos with you, and more.
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