Breast Augmentation

"Breast augmentation" is an umbrella term for a number of different surgical procedures used to enhance a woman's breasts. Dr. Charles Slack — certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery — is highly experienced in breast augmentation surgeries, and his earlier Georgetown University fellowship in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast provided an excellent foundation for his many years of experience performing such surgeries for breast augmentation in Allen and Plano, Texas.

The Purposes of Breast Augmentation

A breast augmentation surgery may be performed for one or more of the following reasons:

to augment (add to) the size of the breasts
to restore volume to the breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding, and/or weight loss
to improve the shape of breasts that have sagged or lost firmness
to correct asymmetry when breasts are unequal in size or shape
following a mastectomy (breast removal), to provide the foundation of a new breast
to improve a breast's appearance or create the appearance of a breast that is disfigured due to a congenital abnormality, heredity, or trauma

Common Facts

We have provided the information below as a 'primer' on breast augmentation, but the best way to learn all that you can about your own circumstances and breast augmentation is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack. He will discuss your concerns and goals in depth with you, and he'll explain exactly what can and cannot be achieved for you. Dr. Slack is the kind of surgeon whose wisdom and compassion have made him very easy to talk to about every aspect of your breast surgery desires.

Good candidates for breast augmentation surgery are in good physical and mental health and have realistic expectations. If you're a smoker, Dr. Slack advises that you quit smoking at least two weeks before your surgery, because nicotine has a significant slowing effect on post-surgery recovery.

Your age is another factor. It's usually recommended that a patient's breasts are fully developed before breast augmentation is performed. In fact, the FDA has approved breast implants only for women 18 years or older (for saline implants) or 22 years or older (for silicone implants). However, exceptions for younger patients may be made, particularly in cases involving reconstructive breast augmentation.

How Breast Augmentation Is Performed

There are several surgical procedures with which breast augmentation can be achieved. Dr. Slack is very experienced in each of the safest and most well-established breast augmentation procedures. He will explain which procedure is right for you and he'll make sure that your understanding and comfort level are complete, long before your surgery.

Breast Implants

A breast is enlarged (augmented) or created with an implant. There are numerous types (and of course sizes) of breast implant, and it's critical that the appropriate implant is chosen for you. The factors that are considered in the determination of the right implant for you include:

your breast anatomy
your body type
the desired increase in size
your lifestyle
your preferences
Dr. Slack's surgical judgment and recommendations
the surgical procedure to be used
the type of filler used in the implant and its other features

Placement and Incisions

In most breast augmentation techniques, an implant filled with saline or silicone is placed behind the chest muscle, for a natural look and feel. Placement of the implant under the muscle also maintains a woman's ability to do breast self-examinations and have mammograms.

The placement of the incision for the implant is another aspect that differs among the breast augmentation techniques; incisions can be made under the overhang of the breast, or around the areola (nipple), for example.

What to Expect

Dr. Slack performs breast augmentation procedures on an inpatient basis under general anesthesia. Most breast augmentation procedures take several hours, depending on the type of breast augmentation being done and whether one or both breasts are being augmented. A patient can expect to experience post-surgery soreness, swelling, and bruising, although these symptoms will be temporary.

A return to normal daily activities, including light work duties, can be accomplished within a week or so. Dr. Slack and his staff will give you complete post-surgery information and guidelines to follow, and they are always available to you during your recovery period. Your follow-up visits will be scheduled in advance.

Expert Consultation for Breast Augmentation in Plano, Allen, or Frisco Texas

Whether you have arrived at a decision regarding breast augmentation or you simply need more information from a skilled plastic surgeon, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack at his Allen, Texas offices to discuss your goals and concerns. He looks forward to speaking with you.