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Is a Breast Augmentation in Baltimore Right For You?
Approximately 75% of women in the United States are reported to be unhappy with the size of their breasts. Breast augmentation in Baltimore, Maryland is a commonly performed procedure to address small breasts, breast asymmetry, oddly-shaped breasts, and droopy, deflated, or sagging breasts. In some cases, breast augmentation can be coupled with a breast lift for enhanced results.
Dr. Steven Rottman is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in Maryland known for providing among of the best breast augmentation results. Dr. Rottman is dedicated to helping women feel more attractive and confident in their bodies. If you’re self-conscious about the shape, size, or general appearance of your breasts, please contact Dr. Rottman to discuss your options.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure wherein saline or silicone implants are placed underneath the breast tissues to improve their shape, size, and appearance. As the name suggests, breast augmentation is primarily concerned with helping you achieve the desired cup size. If you’re experiencing sagging issues due to age, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, you can also opt for a breast lift for improved results. Breast augmentation is currently one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States.
What are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
- Add curves to your silhouette
- Enhance naturally small breasts
- Fill out clothes and dresses better
- Improves self and sexual confidence
- Restore fullness after pregnancy or weight loss
- Restore symmetry and proportionality to uneven breasts
- Reconstruct breasts after breast surgery or mastectomy
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
If you think breast augmentation in will improve your quality of life, contact Dr. Steven J. Rottman today. Dr. Rottman will evaluate the current condition of your breasts, talk to you about what you hope to achieve with the procedure, review your medical history, and determine if you’re the right candidate for breast augmentation.
Generally speaking, you’re a suitable candidate for breast augmentation if you:
- Are self-conscious about the shape, size, or appearance of your breasts.
- Are physically and mentally healthy.
- Have small, uneven, or misshapen breasts.
- Have realistic expectations from the procedure.
- Don’t smoke or are willing to stop smoking before and after the surgery.
- Aren’t pregnancy or nursing.
- Don’t have breast cancer or other underlying medical conditions.
- Can take sufficient time off work to recover.
- You have a BMI of 32% or less
Breast Augmentation Patient Testimonial
Dr. Rottman is the best!! I have so much more confidence. He did my breast augmentation and my lip injections, I couldn’t be happier. I recommend him to everyone who is looking to get any type of plastic surgery.
Breast Augmentation Patient
Saline or Silicone Breast Implants
Choosing the right type of breast implants in Maryland is a vital part of your breast augmentation journey. Many patients wonder which option is better: saline or silicone breast implants?
Saline implants
Saline implants are each made of a silicone pouch filled with sterile salt water. Before the implants are filled, they are inserted into a small incision, y are filled, they are inserted into a small incision, commonly placed in the armpit. When the implants are in place, they are carefully filled to achieve round, beautiful symmetry.
Saline-filled implants are approved for patients aged 18 and older. They have less of a natural look and feel than silicone implants, but in the case of implant rupture, the saline is harmless and the rupture is immediately noticeable.
Silicone implants
Silicone implants are each made of a silicone pouch that contains a viscous silicone gel, and include a wide range of options for patients to choose from, including gel viscosity and implant shape, projection, and texture. Silicone implants feel and look natural, providing a bounce and shape as natural breasts would have. They are approved for patients 21 and older.
Breast Augmentation with Dr. Rottman
Women rely on Dr. Rottman to improve the size and shape of their breasts while maintaining a natural appearance and correct proportions. These before and after pictures of some of our breast augmentation patients show you what Dr. Rottman regularly achieves for his patients.
Breast Augmentation — A General Overview
Breast augmentation is an in-office and outpatient surgical procedure usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. During the procedure, saline or silicone breast implants are inserted through a small incision and placed under the chest muscle or between the chest muscle and breast tissue. Different patients need different types of breast implants, incision styles, and placement options — your surgeon will discuss all the options during the preparation. The procedure usually concludes within a few hours, following which you can return home and start the recovery process.
Types of Breast Implants
Implant Type & Material
- Saline Breast Implants: These are filled with sterile salt water. They’re not as natural as silicone implants, but they require smaller incisions, and they’re easily absorbed by the body if there’s a leak, making them safer.
- Silicone Breast Implants: These are filled with silicone gel, making them resemble the texture and sensation of natural breasts. However, patients with silicone implants need regular breast examinations because the silicone gel may escape into the body if there’s a rupture.
- Gummy-Bear Breast Implants: These are teardrop-shaped breast implants with silicone shells and gel. They’re also called “form-stable” implants because they retain their shape even if the shell is broken. They’re the most natural-looking breast implants available.
Implant Shape
- Round Implants: These have the same shape all around, and they appear fuller. There’s no risk of them projecting outwards from your breast tissues because they’re the same shape on all sides.
- Teardrop Implants: These are “form-stable” implants heavier at the bottom and tapered at the top. They resemble the natural breast shape, but they run the risk of poking out of the skin if they rotate out of place, making them visible through the breasts.
Implant Texture
- Smooth Implants: These are extremely soft and move with the breast implant pocket, making them resemble the natural motion of actual breasts. However, they ripple more easily, becoming visible through the skin.
- Textured Implants: These have a roughened texture that makes them stick to the implant and create scar tissues better. However, they don’t move around inside the breast pocket like smooth implants.
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Contact UsBreast Implant Sizing
Breast implants are available in various sizes from 100 to 1,000 cubic centimeters, 300 to 400 cc being the most popular range. Plastic surgeons measure the size in cubic centimeters instead of cup size to ensure objectivity. While the cc measurement doesn’t accurately correlate with cup sizes, rough estimates suggest that one bra cup size ranges from 150cc to 250cc. Your surgeon will discuss your specific goals to recommend the ideal breast implant size.
Incision Styles
- Transaxillary Incision: In the armpit.
- Periareolar Incision: Along the line separating the dark areola from the surrounding skin.
- Inflammatory Incision: Just underneath the breast.
- Transumbilical Incision: Through the navel.
Implant Placement Options
- Subglandular Placement: Behind the mammary gland and over the muscles.
- Subpectoral Placement: Between the pectoralis major and minor muscles.
- Submuscular Placement: Behind the pectoralis major and minor muscles.
The Complete Breast Augmentation Experience
Consultation
The first part of your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Rottman involves examining your breasts and discussing your goals for breast augmentation surgery. We help you choose the ideal implant shape, size, and material, produced by the top manufacturers — Natrelle, Mentor, and Sientra. We discuss what you can expect from each implant option, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and drawbacks, to aid in your decision. We also answer all your questions and concerns about the surgery and recovery.
Preparation
Our breast augmentation in Baltimore requires general anesthesia, and Dr. Rottman may order blood work and other pre-operative tests to ensure you are safe to undergo a surgical procedure. The surgeon might recommend a baseline mammogram before the surgery to ensure you’re a viable candidate. You’ll also have to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, for a few weeks before the surgery to prevent excessive bleeding. If you’re a smoker, you’ll have to stop smoking several weeks before the surgery.
Surgery
The breast augmentation surgery will be performed under local anesthesia and sedatives or general anesthesia, depending on the surgeon’s recommendations. The incision will be made inconspicuously in the armpit, along the areolar edge, under the breasts, or the navel (rarely), depending on your specific goals and needs. Dr. Rottman will discuss the surgical techniques and options before the surgery. After the incision, the chosen implant will be placed in the subglandular, subpectoral, or submuscular regions, depending on your specific goals. The incisions will be closed with sutures.
Recovery
The healing process varies for each patient. You should expect the soreness, swelling, and bruising to last for a few weeks. You’ll have to wear compression stockings during the recovery to ensure optimal healing. The surgeon will prescribe pain-medications to handle the pain and discomfort. Complete recovery generally takes several weeks, but most patients can start moving around and perform simple household tasks in a day or two. During the months following your procedure, the incisions will gradually fade, becoming virtually unnoticeable.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Baltimore?
Rottman Plastic Surgery believes breast augmentation should be an accessible procedure for all women who want to improve their self-image. To that end, we go the extra mile to make our services affordable and accessible. We work with CareCredit and AlphaeonCredit to offer our patients convenient and affordable payment options for breast augmentation surgery. To learn more about CareCredit and AlphaeonCredit, please visit our financing page.
Tips for Your Breast Augmentation Recovery
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to your surgeon's post-op guidance closely.
- Rest: Give your body time to heal; avoid strenuous activities.
- Pain Management: Take prescribed pain meds as needed.
- Healthy Diet: Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These can hinder healing.
- Wound Care: Keep incisions clean as per surgeon's advice.
- Compression Garments: Use if recommended for support and reduced swelling.
- Manage Swelling: Use ice packs as directed by your surgeon.
- Sun Protection: Shield incisions from direct sunlight.
- Gradual Activity: Ease back into light activities as approved.
- Seek Support: Enlist help for daily tasks during initial recovery.
- Stay Positive: Be patient and maintain a positive mindset.
- Attend Appointments: Keep up with follow-up appointments for progress checks and concerns.
Remember, individual recovery experiences vary, so communicate with your surgeon if you have any concerns.
What Is The Difference Between A Breast Lift And Breast Augmentation?
Breast lift and breast augmentation are two distinct surgical procedures that are performed to address different concerns related to the appearance of the breasts.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy):
- Purpose: A breast lift is performed to address sagging or drooping breasts that have lost their firmness and youthful shape due to factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, weight fluctuations, or genetics.
- Procedure: During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped and repositioned to create a more youthful and perky appearance. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned if necessary.
- Implants: Breast implants are not typically used in a breast lift procedure. The primary goal is to reshape and lift the existing breast tissue.
Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty):
- Purpose: Breast augmentation is performed to increase the size and volume of the breasts. It is usually chosen by individuals who desire larger or fuller breasts or have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or weight loss.
- Procedure: In breast augmentation, implants (silicone or saline) are surgically placed behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to add volume and create a fuller appearance.
- Lift: While breast augmentation primarily focuses on increasing breast size, it may provide a slight lift in some cases, especially when the implant is placed beneath the chest muscle. However, it is not a primary procedure for breastlifting.
In summary, the key difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation is their primary purpose. A breast lift is focused on addressing sagging and reshaping the breasts without significantly changing their size, while breast augmentation is primarily aimed at increasing breast size and volume. In some cases, these procedures can be combined to achieve both an increase in size and a lift, but they are distinct surgical interventions with different goals. The choice between the two procedures depends on individual goals and the specific concerns of the patient. It's important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable approach based on your desired outcomes.
Breast Augmentation—Frequently Asked Questions
How long before I can start exercising after my breast augmentation?
You can resume basic stretching after the first few days and light jogging in around four weeks. However, you should avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous workouts for at least six weeks.
How long do breast implants last?
There’s no specific date for the replacement of breast implants. On average, most breast implants last 10-plus years. We recommend replacement if or when complications begin to arise. If you get silicone implants, you could also go for regular tests to ensure your implants function correctly without ruptures or leaks.
Is breast augmentation safe?
Complications with breast augmentation are rare but not impossible. It’s important to discuss your medical history and concerns with Dr. Rottman. Generally speaking, the following are some of the potential risks of breast augmentation:
- Scar tissues and capsular contracture can affect the shape of your breasts.
- Breast pain and discomfort.
- Infections are an inherent risk with all surgeries, manageable with antibiotics.
- Changes in nipple and breast sensations.
- Implant leakage or rupture.
- Implant position changes, leading to visibility on the breast’s surface.
What is the most natural breast implant shape?
Teardrop-shaped breast implants are considered the most natural-looking — the bottom portion is fuller, and the upper portion is tapered. Gummy bear implants are generally preferred for their naturalized shape, texture, and volume.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
You will still be able to breastfeed after having implants. Discuss this desire with Dr. Rottman during your consultation so that he can ensure this is included as a part of your surgical plan.
Will my insurance pay for my breast augmentation?
Insurance does not usually cover breast augmentation surgery unless the procedure is breast reconstruction after a mastectomy following breast cancer.
Do I need to wear a surgical bra after my breast augmentation?
You will wear a surgical bra for two weeks after breast augmentation both night and day to support your breasts as they heal.
A Q&A with Dr. Rottman
Breast Augmentation - Can I have sensory changes after breast augmentation?
Yes, it's common to experience some sensory changes after breast augmentation surgery, especially if larger implants are used. These changes can include increased or decreased sensation, tingling, sharp twinges, or even a total loss of feeling in the breast or nipple. This is because breast implants stretch the breast tissue and skin, which contain many nerves. However, as your body adjusts to the implants, your nipple sensitivity should return to normal within a few months, especially if the implants are placed below the muscle. In very rare cases, nipple sensation may not return.
Why Choose Dr. Steven J. Rottman?
Dr. Steven J. Rottman is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon serving the men and women of Baltimore and surrounding areas. Dr. Rottman is recognized for his personal approach to reconstructive and plastic surgery and producing exceptionally natural-looking results, as reflected in 300 five-star Google reviews from satisfied patients.
Breast augmentation surgery has become more popular than ever. At the office of Dr. Steven J. Rottman in Baltimore, we focus on body enhancements, and provide patients from all walks of life with perfectly designed breast implants, reconstructive breast procedures, and breast reductions, all done with the utmost in personalized care and compassion to give you the best results after breast augmentation in Maryland.