Breast Augmentation in Scottsdale, AZ

Breast augmentation involves enlarging the breasts through the use of silicone or saline implants. While a breast augmentation can be performed at any age, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. John Williams, recommends women wait until their breasts have fully developed (usually after the age of 18) before undergoing this procedure. Additionally, Dr. Williams and his team will work very closely with you to determine the right type and size of implant to provide the best overall result.

Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure in Scottsdale, AZ, and most patients return to work in 2 – 3  days. The day following the procedure, Dr. Williams will follow up with you and instruct you on post-operative care and exercises that can be done after breast surgery. A sports bra will also need to be worn for 4 weeks, and most non-strenuous physical activities can be resumed immediately.

Good candidates for breast augmentation are women who demonstrate:

• Small breast size for body shape
• Desire to correct a breast asymmetry
• Desire to correct a size discrepancy between breasts
• Breasts that have become smaller and lost their firmness after having children
• Non-smokers or those who have ceased smoking two months prior to the procedure
• Overall good health

The patient’s overall health, along with the current breast size and breast shape will be discussed during the initial consultation. Additionally, Dr. Williams will evaluate the underlying bony anatomy of the chest, the presence of breast masses (if any), the looseness of the skin of the breasts (if any) and the patient’s overall body shape in proportion to her breasts. Finally, measurements will be taken of the  breasts and the patient will have the ability to visualize different implant sizes through the use of sizers which will help determine the best implant size. This evaluation will help to develop a customized and individual breast augmentation plan.

When choosing the right breast implant, Dr. Williams will discuss several aspects of the various implants that are offered today. Each implant is produced with varying profiles, which is the amount of projection the implant will offer in proportion to it's width. This is taken into consideration along with the shape of the chest wall and the breast base width. The goal is to find an implant that will fill the base width naturally, while at the same time offering a projection the patient will be happy with. Breast implants also come in various shapes (round or tear-drop shaped), and different textures (smooth or a textured surface). The incision type and the implant placement will also be addressed. Dr. Williams typically places the implant under the pectoralis major muscle to create a more natural, softer looking breast. A common approach for the incision is either within the natural crease of the breast or along the nipple. Both of these techniques hide scarring and offer a natural result.

Both silicone and saline breast implants remain popular choices among women today. The type chosen depends on a few different factors. Saline implants are filled with saltwater during surgery and this amount can be adjusted during the procedure. These implants can feel a bit firmer than silicone implants. Silicone implants have a pre-filled amount of cohesive gel and they tend to have a more natural feel. Dr. Williams typically uses silicone implants for patients who have lower body weight and less breast tissue. 

There are a couple of distinct differences between saline and silicone breast implants. Firstly, the FDA requires that patients must be 18 years of age in order to receive saline implants, and 21 years of age for silicone. In addition, silicone implants usually cost about $1,000 more than saline. Dr. Williams will assess a patient's current amount of  breast tissue, as well as discuss the patient’s goals for surgery, and together make a determination as to the best implant to use to attain the best result.

After breast augmentation surgery, patients are placed in a surgical dressing that may include a support bra or wrap. Swelling is expected after surgery, but because of Dr. Williams' meticulous and gentle surgical technique, it is very rare for patients to experience any bruising.  This very gentle surgical technique also results in very little pain as well as allowing them to return to their normal (non-exercise) activities within 24-48 hours. The swelling will start to resolve 1-2 weeks after surgery, although this will vary between patients.Most patients will see complete recovery between 6-8 weeks after surgery.

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed among plastic surgeons. Dr. Williams has performed thousands of breast augmentations over the past 25 years in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and other surrounding areas. He is known for producing gorgeous, natural results. If you desire shapelier breasts, please call our plastic surgery office and schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Williams today.