Breast Augmentation 101: What You Need To Know According To A Miami-Based Plastic Surgeon

Dr. S. Alexander Earle is an Ivy League-educated, double board-certified plastic surgeon with vast experience in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Pure Plastic Surgery is a Miami based plastic surgery practice that was launched in 2018 by acclaimed surgeons Dr. S. Alexander Earle. His ultimate goal is to create a beautiful and long-lasting result that fits the individual in a naturally balanced and visually stunning way. They call this Smart Aesthetics ™. Haute Beauty sits down with Dr. Earle to discuss straight breast augmentations and breast lifts with augmentation focusing on who is the best candidacy for each procedure.

Photo Credit: ShutterstockHB: What types of surgical options do you offer when it comes to different types of breast augmentations?

We offer straight breast augmentations, and breast lifts with augmentation. No breast augmentation is the same, each patient is unique so we must cater our approach to the individual. We offer silicone as well as saline implants and we always educate each patient on the difference before we decide. Once the type of implant is chosen comes another level of customization for the patient, sizing. We take measurements to help the patient choose the size of the implant that we believe matches her size expectations. Once the size is chosen we determine the implant profile that fits the patient's frame and expectations on how the implants will settle. Also determined is what approach we use to place the implants which are either infra-areolar or infra-mammary and over or under the muscle.

HB: How does each of the procedures work?

We start by carefully making the incision which is very important in starting a successful surgery. The incisions are small and placed so that the scarring is minimal and hard to see. Once the incision is created, we must create a path through the tissue to the final destination of the implant. Once the path has been created, we have two options on where to place the implant; over or under the muscle (determine pre-operatively). Mainly we place the implant under the muscle and the surgeon's skills really come into play with this approach. After this comes closing the incision, and completing the hour-long procedure. In more extreme augmentation surgeries, this involves repositioning the nipple, adjusting for cleavage, and creating a new crease under the breast which can be a little over 1 hour.

HB: Who is the best candidate for each of them?

In general, you should be in good physical health. This means no active infections, untreated cancer, or serious illnesses. If your breasts are sagging, flattened, elongated, asymmetrical, or lacking adequate cleavage or volume, there is a good chance that you're an excellent candidate for this surgery. While this is a surgery that will change how you look, it's important to remember that it cannot fix body image issues or give you a wildly different appearance. You should maintain realistic expectations and listen to your surgeon's honest assessment of your goals. The surgery is generally considered safe, and implants are FDA-approved, but with any surgery, there are some risks. You understand that breast enhancement should be done strictly for yourself and because you believe it will increase your own happiness or confidence. You should never get cosmetic work done because someone else wants you to. You should have the ability to properly rest and recover post-surgery. You will not be able to perform certain tasks or do any heavy lifting, so it's important for you to have help in place.

Photo Credit: ShutterstockHB: What is recovery like?

Immediately after waking from anesthesia, you will likely feel groggy and sore. It may feel a bit like a hangover, but these effects should wear off in a matter of hours. However, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight. Typically, the first three to five days are the most uncomfortable so You will be prescribed pain medication to manage. After the first few days, most women can manage postoperative discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers and return to work if it does not involve heavy lifting, patients with labor-intensive jobs are recommended to remain out of work for at least three weeks. After the first week, the discomfort should be minimal, but the patient must refrain from strenuous or jarring activities like running or rigorous workouts. Heavy lifting is also discouraged until they are fully recovered. I urge my patients to be available for follow-up appointments, where we will be able to assess how far along your healing has progressed. Generally speaking, after 6 weeks most patients are fully cleared to resume all normal activities. It's vital to follow your surgeon's post-op instructions closely so that your implants heal properly and there are no complications.

HB: What is the average cost of each?

Each quote is given after I evaluate the patient and determine the amount of work necessary. Breast Augmentation cost typically ranges between 4k-5k

 

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