Augmentation

Dr. Poulos is considered the breast augmentation expert in Worcester, MetroWest, and Providence. As the premiere breast implant surgeon in Massachusetts, she has performed thousands of breast procedures and will always recommend the implant size and style that suits your body and lifestyle best. The feedback we hear most often from patients who have recieved breast augmentation from Dr. Poulos is, "I look even better than I imagined."

Given her reputation for excellent results in breast surgeries, it comes as no surprise that breast enhancement is perhaps the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed by Dr. Poulos.

At the consultation, you can expect to watch a video about breast augmentation. This educational video answers patients' most frequently asked general questions about breast implant surgery, allowing you to use your time with Dr. Poulos to speak specifically about you and your expectations from surgery. You'll also have the opportunity to see how you might look post-operatively by trying on implants with a special bra.

There are many implant options in terms of size and projection (how far out from the chest the implant sits). Many women want to be a certain cup size based on a bra measurement. However, bra sizing and fit varies signficantly from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is not a reliable way of understanding a patient's desired result.  Other women request certain a certain size of implant, for example, "I want 300cc implants."  Breast implants themselves vary between manufacturers, and although two different companies may both carry a "300cc implant," the distribution  of the saline or silicone within the implant and its dimensions will most certainly vary.  Thus, a "300 cc implant" will look very different between manufacturers.  For these reasons, Dr. Poulos encourages patients to bring in photos of the "look" they'd like to achieve instead.

At the consultation, Dr. Poulos will take extensive, precise measurements of your chest and torso to assess your current proportions.  These measurements assist Dr. Poulos to determine your breast-to-body ratio and - together with the photos you've brought in - to select the implants that best suit your unique shape.

Dr. Poulos utilizes both Mentor and Natrelle brands' saline and silicone (gel) breast implants. Brand selection is typically left to the discretion of the surgeon; however, Dr. Poulos will consult with you, the patient, to determine whether silicone or saline implants are better suited to you and your expectations.

Silicone typically looks and feels more natural, particularly in thin women. Because the silicone gel that fills the implant must be created in a laboratory, it is also the more expensive option. Should a silicone breast implant rupture, there may not be any noticeable deflation or other obvious symptioms. Because of this, the FDA recommends silicone breast implant patients receive a MRI to check for ruptures three years postoperatively, then every two years.

Saline breast implants are filled with a salt solution which is less costly to manufacture. Saline implants are therefore less expensive than silicone. An advantage of saline breast implants is that, if the shell ruptures, the saline is absorbed by the body. Often, the implant will look visibly deflated. Saline implants have a greater tendency to wrinkle and ripple. They typically look and feel less natural than the silicone implants.

Other differences involve how the breast implants are filled. Saline implants are filled after they're implanted, which means that they require a smaller incision than prefilled silicone breast implants. Also, many saline implants can be adjusted after surgery. Dr. Poulos can use a syringe to add or remove liquid. The size of standard prefilled silicone implants cannot be changed.

The implant may be inserted through a variety of techniques, including under the lower crease of the breast, around the nipple or through the armpit. The implant can be placed under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle.

After surgery, breasts will appear "fuller" and more shapely in contour. Incision scars will fade or disappear over time. A typical downtime period spans two weeks' time. The patient should follow Dr. Poulos' aftercare instructions closely to ensure a complete recovery.

Breast augmentation may be combined with a breast lift or nipple surgery to achieve your desired result. Depending on the implant type, any additional surgeries, and hospital location, you can expect breast augmentation to range from $5,000 - $9,000 and up.

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