Breast Augmentation in Austin, TX

Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure that reshapes the breasts for a fuller appearance. It is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, offering women who are unhappy with their breast appearance numerous options for improvement. Using breast implants or fat grafting, this cosmetic treatment improves breast size and shape and produces a beautiful and balanced outcome. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Levesque is highly trained in executing this procedure and performs countless breast augmentations year round. During your consultation at Levesque Plastic Surgery, he will assess your concerns and desires. When you visit our plastic surgery office, Dr. Levesque can discuss with you with all of your options and tailor a personalized surgical plan to achieve your goals.

When you are in your consultation with Dr. Levesque, the correct implant will be chosen based on your body frame and aesthetic goals. Breast implants come in varying sizes, profiles, shapes, and textures. All of these factors are taken into consideration to achieve your desired results. Today there are many options for breast implants including saline or silicone and come as round, shaped, smooth or textured. We use all FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved breast implants from manufactures Mentor, Sientra, Allergan, and Motiva as indicated based on patient goals and physical attributes. It is important to mention that candidates considering saline breast implants must be 18 years of age, while patients must be 22 years of age in order to receive breast augmentation with silicone implants. In some cases breast augmentations can be achieved using your own fat cells with liposuction and autologous fat transfer to the breasts. Even aside from the type of augmentation chosen, there are other notable factors to consider when constructing your customized enhancements with Dr. Levesque will go over in detail during consultation.

Implant size is chosen based on the number of ccs of silicone or saline used. Implants can range from 150cc up to 800cc to determine the correct size implant for a patient's body type. Dr. Levesque will assess how much original tissue exists and will discuss options with the patient that will help the patient reach her desired goals. Levesque Plastic Surgery also has the capability of using Vectra software to help patient's visualize what their body would look like with different sizes of implants. 

Breast implants are produced in either a round or teardrop shape. and both are commonly used. However, the majority of our patients prefer a round shape. A rounded implant often has more volume in the upper pole of the breast which many women prefer to enhance the cleavage.  Tear drop or anatomic implants are shaped like a natural breast shape with a gentle slope in the upper portion of the breast that then has a round shape toward the chest.  Tear drop implants are textured so that the capsule or scar tissue around the implant will adhere to the implant and prevent rotation.  Round implants since they are the same dimensions and shape if they rotate inside the breast pocket would not change the shape of the breast and are thus typically smooth.

Breast implant profile references the projection. Meaning, this is what you see from the side view or how far away from the chest the implant pushes the breast tissue. The most common projections include a profile that ranges from low to extra high.  For women with more breast tissue lower projections are commonly used and women with smaller amounts of breast tissue may require higher projections to achieve their aesthetic goals.

These options may seem overwhelming, but picking the right implant is easy once your objectives have been discussed during your consultation. These considerations, paired with the knowledge of Dr. Levesque, will make certain the right outcome is attained.

The choice to undergo breast enhancement surgery is personal. If you are considering this surgery, it is important you do it for yourself. You should be healthy and at a normal weight with breasts that are fully developed. In addition to these qualifications, you must be the right age to receive implants (18 years old for saline implants and 22 years old for silicone). If you are dissatisfied with the shape of your breasts, you could certainly benefit from this surgery. If your breasts have been affected by age, pregnancy, or weight loss, this treatment can bring them back to life with increased volume.  If there is significant sag of or stretching of the breast tissue a lift may also be needed to achieve optimal results.

Incision type and implant placement are decisions that will need to be made prior to your surgery. During the procedure, an incision is created and the selected implant is then slipped into its position. There are a few different techniques that could be employed for implant placement. These include either submuscular placement (under the pec muscle) or submammary/subglandular placement (over the pec muscle). Where to place the implant is based on numerous factors, including the size and type of implant as well as the judgment of Dr. Levesque. Regardless of the incision type, scarring is usually rare. Implant placement is determined based on your body type, implant size, and lifestyle.  We also have a few choices on where to place the breast scar: inframammary fold (under the breast crease), axillar (in the arm pit), periareolar (around the nipple region).  Each choice has positives and potential negatives and Dr. Levesque will make a recommendation based on your safety and overall goals.

Cosmetic breast surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery using general anesthesia. The implant will be placed through the incision and placed into a surgically created pocket. Dr. Levesque always uses an insertion device or sleeve to eliminate contact with the skin and decrease the chance of any bacteria touching the implant.  Is is performed to decrease stress on the implant and also minimize risk of capsular contracture.  From there, it will be fitted into its proper position. Following the placement of the implant, the incision is closed with sutures and surgical adhesives. All patients will be taken into a recovery area and observed before being released. You will be sent home wearing a medical sports bra to assist with swelling. Within a few days, the swelling will start to dissipate, and your breasts will begin to feel normal as they get used to their new position. The majority of patients can resume normal activities within several days; however, exercise should be avoided for about 6 – 8 weeks. This surgery produces beautiful outcomes that look and feel natural. This treatment can be life-changing for many and grant women the opportunity to rediscover their self-confidence. See our Before and After Photos.

How much does breast augmentation cost?
Your cost for breast augmentation will vary based on your choices and if you are having any other surgeries concurrently. When your treatment plan is developed during your one-on-one consultation, Dr. Levesque can talk to you about estimated costs and financing options. To ensure your results match your goals and last a long time, it's important to focus on quality over costs.

Do I need a breast lift or augmentation?
Your plan may include breast augmentation, a lift, or both. A breast lift removes excess skin and reposition the nipples to better balance the overall shape and appearance of the breasts, while augmentation addresses the size and shape of the breasts. During your consultation with Dr. Levesque, he will listen to your needs and goals before explaining your treatment options. A combination of augmentation and lift are often a part of a mommy makeover to rejuvenate the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can I breastfeed with implants?
If you want to breastfeed after breast augmentation, be sure to tell Dr. Levesque during your consultation. It is usually possible to breastfeed after implants as long as the right surgical technique and placement were employed during the procedure. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter your results, so it may be reasonable to delay breast augmentation if you are planning for pregnancies soon.  There is however not a need to not have breast augmentation until after having your children.  Just as many women have breast augmentation prior to pregnancy as afterwards.

Can I have my implants removed?
You may decide that you want to replace or remove your implants. If this happens, Dr. Levesque can perform breast revision surgery. During the revision surgery, your current implants can either be replaced with new implants or removed. If you choose to have your implants removed, you may need to have excess skin removed since larger implants can stretch your skin. If you have any questions or concerns after your augmentation surgery, schedule an appointment at Levesque Plastic Surgery to discuss your options.

Do implants cause breast cancer?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a link between implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This is not breast cancer, but cancer of the immune cells. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), implant-related ALCL occurs very rarely and is easy to treat when caught early. Dr. Levesque encourages all patients with implants to receive regular screenings for breast cancer and likes to see all of his breast implants yearly to personally examine the breasts and perform ultrasound. You should contact Levesque Plastic Surgery if you notice any concerns, such as swelling or other visible changes.

Cosmetic breast surgery is popular among women of varying ages for so many reasons. It is FDA approved for safety and effectiveness, and this procedure is known to produce gorgeous outcomes. With an abundance of enhancement options, you can achieve the appearance you have always desired. Levesque Plastic Surgery is proud to provide this life-changing treatment to our patients. Contact us in Austin, TX to schedule your first office visit with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Levesque.