Breast augmentation

Dr. Saboeiro has extensive experience with the two options for breast augmentation: fat transfer and breast implants. She has performed numerous breast implant procedures and is the only surgeon who has had the privilege of being personally trained in structural fat grafting by Dr. Sydney Coleman. As technology has advanced, more and more options have become available for breast augmentation. Based on your health history and your desired expectations, Dr. Saboeiro can help you decide which options will be best for you.

Which Interests You?

Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer

Breast augmentation by fat transfer involves suctioning fat from problem areas of the body and injecting it into the breasts. Dr. Coleman innovated the “LipoStructure” technique used for this procedure, which Dr. Saboeiro also uses for augmentation. The LipoStructure technique is used not only for breast augmentation, but also to "fine tune" breast reconstruction after lumpectomy or mastectomy and to disguise the edges or rippling of existing silicone gel and saline implants. The procedure takes 3 to 4 hours to complete.

Breast Augmentation with Breast Implants

Silicone or saline breast implants are recommended for augmentation when the patient desires a more significant increase in breast size or when the patient would also like a breast lift. Breast implants increase breast size and can correct asymmetry; however, they may need to be replaced over time, as they are not lifetime devices. Depending on the type of techniques selected, breast implant surgery can take less time to perform than fat grafting.

Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer Procedural Steps

• Fat from unwanted areas like the thighs or abdomen must be slowly and gently harvested by hand with a Coleman harvesting cannula.
• The harvested fat is then processed and purified to remove blood, oil and water.
• The fat is then injected through four to six tiny incisions using blunt Coleman infiltration cannulas.
• The incisions are closed.

Advantages

• Minimal incisions, therefore less scarring
• Fat can be taken from unwanted areas like the thighs or waist
• Fat is a natural substance that your body will not reject
• No chance of implant rupture
• Fat grafting gives a more natural look to the breast

Ideal Candidates

• Desire a minimal to moderate change without using implants
• Wish to improve edges around reconstructive or cosmetic implants
• Have healthy, elastic skin (Women with excess sagging may consider a breast lift)
• Wish to correct tuberous breasts
• Wish to reduce areas of unwanted fat with liposuction

Breast Augmentation with Breast Implants Procedural Steps

• Incisions are made in one of two locations that you will decide on before surgery
• A silicone or saline implant will be inserted into a pocket either above or below the pectoral muscle
• The augmented breasts will then be checked for symmetry
• Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue as well as the skin

Advantages

• Takes less time to perform than the fat grafting procedure
• Guaranteed volume that you select
• Provides more of a lift than fat grafting
• Can achieve greater volume gain

Ideal Candidates

• Desire increased breast size
• Desire to improve breast firmness
• Have asymmetrical breasts
• Are unhappy with breast shape

Type of Implant: Saline vs. Silicone

Saline implants are available to women who are 18 and older. Because saline implants are filled once they are inside the breast, their size can be adjusted during surgery. This can be advantageous because any asymmetry between the two breasts can be corrected straightaway. These implants are sometimes criticized for feeling hard or unnatural, but placing the implant behind the chest muscle often lessens these complaints.

Silicone implants are said to look and feel more like the natural breast. Since they are pre-filled, the surgeon may have to make a slightly larger incision in order to insert it. Because of their more form-stable structure, they are less prone to leakage. Silicone implants are approved by the FDA for women who are 22 and older.

Cost

The cost of breast augmentation depends on a number of factors including your geographic location, your surgeon, and the techniques you choose. The average cost of implants usually ranges from $4,000 to $10,000. The cost for breast augmentation by fat grafting can range greatly depending on how much fat must be harvested and transplanted. Typical costs can range from $5,000 to $18,000.

Implant Placement

Above the muscle (subglandular) - The implants are placed above the pectoral muscles and below the mammary glands, which enables the implant to follow the natural shape of the breast. This placement is a less complicated technique and yields a quicker recovery time.

Below the muscle (subpectoral) - Implant placement below the pectoral muscles is the most common placement. This placement causes less trauma to the breast tissue, less rippling than subglandular placement and more support for the implant. However, this is a more complicated technique, and a longer recovery period may be necessary.

Incision

There are two types of incision techniques Dr. Saboeiro uses to perform breast augmentation with implants. The most commonly chosen incision location is the inframammary crease because scars are hidden, it is a less complicated technique and it causes less damage to the breast tissue. As you discuss your concerns and desires with Dr. Saboeiro in your initial consultation, she can help you decide which technique will be best for you.

Periareolar

• Around or across a portion of the areola
• Minimal scarring
• May limit ability to breast feed exclusively
• A commonly performed technique

Inframammary

• Under the breast where the breast meets the chest wall
• No visible scars
• Little to no impact on ability to breast feed
• The most commonly performed technique

The Consultation

As a skilled and experienced breast surgeon, Dr. Saboeiro is ready to answer all your questions regarding breast augmentation and will give you the necessary information to enable you to make the best decisions regarding the procedure. If you are considering a breast augmentation in the New York City area, call Dr. Saboeiro’s office at 212-571-5200 to schedule a consultation.