Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants) in Virginia Beach, VA
Also serving Chesapeake & Norfolk
What is Breast Augmentation?
Often called a “boob job,” breast augmentation is quite possibly one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. Thousands of women worldwide choose breast implants to achieve the fullness, shape and desired size as well as restore the youthful appearance that time and aging may have diminished. Led by board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Bounds, Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach serves the residents of Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News and surrounding communities in Virginia.
Breast augmentation is nothing new. Since the late 19th century, surgeons have been on a quest to perfect the techniques that would result in natural-looking breast enhancement.
The good news is that today, breast augmentation has reached a level of perfection and safety and you can expect results that will boost your confidence, self-esteem and quality of life.
If you are dissatisfied with the fullness, size or shape of your breasts, breast implants may be the right choice for you. Your first step is obviously to schedule a consultation to learn more about breast augmentation and what it can do for you.
If you live in the Hampton Roads area we invite you to schedule a consultation with board- certified plastic surgeon – Dr. Kevin Bounds to explore your options and discuss the details particular to your situation in a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere.
Before and After Breast Augmentation Results
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Reasons for Considering Breast Implants
There are numerous reasons that you might be considering breast augmentation – here are some to think about:
- Your breasts are small and you feel they are not in proportion to the rest of your body
- You desire to feel more feminine or sexy
- Your clothes or bathing suits do not fit the way you would like
- After pregnancy or breastfeeding, your breasts have lost volume, are sagging or lack previous firmness
- Breasts are not the same size or shape
- You may have gained weight in other areas of your body and now feel your body is unevenly proportioned
- You wish to increase your self-esteem and confidence
Types of Breast Implants
Our board-certified plastic surgeon offers FDA-approved breast implants made by MENTOR®, including saline and silicone gel implants. Saline implants are filled with a sterile solution of saltwater (saline) in a shell made of elastomer silicone. This type of implant is FDA approved for patients 18 and older. Saline is often considered the safest breast implant option because the body naturally absorbs the saltwater solution if the implant ruptures after breast augmentation. Saline breast implants are expandable for customized sizing and are filled after they are surgically placed in the breasts.
Silicone breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a cohesive gel that is form stable, meaning the gel stays in place in the event of a leak or rupture. This implant type is FDA approved for patients 22 and older and best simulates breast tissue’s natural look and feel. Silicone breast implants are less likely to have visible rippling and have softer implant edges, making them a good option for women with thin breast tissue. These implants come pre-filled, requiring larger incisions to accommodate the implant size. Silicone breast implants are not as customizable as saline. Smooth round silicone breast implants offer low to high profiles on the chest and give the appearance of more fullness at the upper pole or top of the breasts.
Dr. Bounds offers MENTOR® breast implants, including:
- MENTOR® MemoryGel® breast implants are filled with a unique formula of cohesive silicone gel that mimics the softness of natural breast tissue. MemoryGel® Xtra High Profile breast implants offer more projection with a softer feel, thinner shell and fullness comparable to higher cohesive gel implants.
- MemoryGel BOOST™ brings together Mentor’s proprietary, highly-cohesive gel, an innovative implant shell design and precision fill ratio, the combination of which provides an implant with increased form stability to shape the breast.
- MENTOR® Spectrum™ Adjustable Saline breast implants are filled with a saltwater solution with flexible volume customized during surgery and postoperatively. This implant option offers a moderate breast profile and projection with a smooth shell and round shape.
Types of Implant Placement
There are two primary techniques for implant placement: subglandular and submuscular. The subglandular option places the implant over the chest muscle and under the glandular (breast) tissue. This “over-the-muscle” placement reduces implant movement during physical activity and may cause less discomfort for patients after breast augmentation surgery. However, mammograms can be less accurate, and patients may experience higher rates of capsular contraction (hardening of the scar tissue or capsule that forms around the implant and tightens and squeezes the implant over time).
The submuscular option is the implant placement Dr. Bounds prefers for several reasons. Submuscular positions the breast implant under both the glandular tissue and chest muscle. This technique creates a more natural-looking breast slope and masks the edges of the implant in women with thin breast tissue. Patients have more accurate mammogram results with submuscular breast implants, and there is less risk of capsular contracture. However, patients may experience a slightly longer recovery and more discomfort after surgery.
The placement for breast implants may be dictated by your body type, size of the implants, chosen implant type and desired results. Muscle density and mass and the amount and thickness of breast tissue can also impact implant placement.
Surgery and Recovery
Your breast augmentation will be performed in our on-site surgical suite in Virginia Beach, using general anesthesia. For most breast augmentation procedures, Dr. Bounds makes an incision in the crease of the natural fold under the breast, and inserts the implant under the chest muscle. In some cases incisions can be made near the areola or even under the arm. Time for the surgery ranges from one to three hours.
Pain, soreness and swelling are the natural result when an implant is inserted into a sensitive area of your body, such as beneath chest muscles. Swelling crests within 48 hours, but won’t completely subside for months.
During the first week of recovery, you will be wearing a surgical bra that may be holding in place tubes to drain any accumulation of fluid. The bra provides support your breasts need to heal and settle. Because of swelling, your breasts will appear elevated on your chest; it will take time for them to drop into their final position. You should be able to cautiously return to your normal routine, along with work or school, in about a week.
Breast Augmentation: Frequently Asked Questions
1. I’m not sure how to start the process – what do I do next?
Your first step is to contact Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach and schedule a consultation with Dr. Bounds. During your consultation, he will discuss the various options to consider, including the different breast implant types (saline or silicone), the sizes and shapes of implants available, implant texture, and exactly how the procedure will be performed.
After discussing your expectations and desires, Dr. Bounds will outline the procedure that he feels is right for you.
You will have the opportunity to view before and after pictures of actual patients. Breast implant sizers will be available for you to try on to help you determine the look you would like to achieve.
After your initial consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Bounds, his patient coordinator will outline costs associated with the procedure and payment options available to you.
2. What is the breast augmentation procedure?
Simply stated, breast augmentation involves the surgical insertion of implants filled either with silicone or saline – with the result of increasing the size and enhancing the shape and firmness of the breasts.
3. How long does a breast augmentation take?
In most cases, the surgery takes no longer than one to two hours.
4. How is breast implant surgery performed?
The implant is typically placed under the chest muscle through an incision made in the crease of the natural fold under the breast. Other options for the incision include around the lower half of the areola or a small incision in the underarm area. Dr. Bounds will explain the various options and the benefits of each.
5. What kind of breast implants should I get?
Dr. Bounds will help you choose between either silicone implants or saline implants. Both types are produced with a shell made of silicone rubber. Breast implants are available in various shapes and sizes, and Dr. Bounds will discuss the advantages of each and make the appropriate recommendations based on the look you wish to achieve.
6. How do you determine the right size implant?
An obvious consideration in the process is breast size. During your consultation, you will discuss your preferences and any concerns you may have about the size or shape of your breasts.
Reviewing actual patient before and after pictures is an important part in helping you choose the result you’re seeking. You will also have the opportunity to try on a breast sizer to help you better experience your actual appearance after the procedure.
7. Where will my surgery be performed?
Your surgery will be performed in our on-site surgical suite in Virginia Beach, VA. Our surgical center is nationally accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. During your initial consultation with Dr. Bounds, you will have the opportunity to tour our entire facility.
After your surgery, you will relax and awaken attended by a registered nurse in our recovery room. Once you are fully awake and comfortable, you may go home with someone to assist you.
8. How long is the typical recovery time?
In most cases, you will be able to return to work within four to seven days, which of course depends on the level of physical activity associated with your job. You are encouraged to limit your exercise activity and exertion for a few weeks after your surgery.
9. Are there any risks or complications associated with this procedure?
As with any type of surgery, there does exist a potential for risks. Dr. Bounds will thoroughly review the potential risks and possibility of complications during your initial consultation. A thorough review of your medical history will be completed prior to any surgical procedure.
10. What scarring should I expect from the surgery?
Dr. Bounds’s extensive experience and attention to detail helps to ensure that any scarring resulting from the surgery will be minimal. Dr. Bounds will review before and after photos of breast augmentation patients with you and discuss any potential for scarring.
11. What are my options for increasing size and adding proportion to my breasts?
Hundreds of thousands of women in America choose breast augmentation surgery each year, and its popularity continues to increase. Virginia Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Bounds uses two types of implants to add volume and aesthetic appeal to breasts: saline and silicone gel. The silicone implants are much different than the product widely used decades ago. Each type of filler in the implant is securely contained within a silicone shell. Implants come in a range of sizes, allowing patients to select the “fullness” that is right for them.
12. How do I choose the implant that is right for me?
Implants are not one-size-fits-all. There is an array of sizes to match your individual body type and your own expectations. The key to choosing the right material, shape and size for your procedure is to share your goals with your surgeon, ask plenty of questions, review your surgeon’s before-and-after albums and visualize in your mind, or with practice bras, how you will look after breast augmentation.
13. What should I expect with recovery?
Breast augmentation is surgery, and that means your body will need time to fully recover. During the first two days of your recovery, you will experience significant swelling. It will actually take several months for all of the swelling to disappear. You can also expect to feel pain and soreness, as your implant has been inserted beneath chest muscles.
When you arrive home from your outpatient procedure, you will be wearing a surgical bra to provide firm support as your breasts and help them heal. You may also need tubes to drain blood or other fluids that may pool at the site of incisions. After a day, the tubes will be removed and you will begin implant massage. Although you will probably feel well enough to return to work or school in several days you will need to avoid strenuous physical activity for one to two weeks and continue to sleep on your back or side.
14. How will the feel and firmness of my breasts change?
Many patients report the most natural feel with silicone gel implants. With saline implants, a similar consistency can often be achieved by overfilling the shell and implanting it behind the chest muscle. You will notice new strength and firmness in your breasts as a result of the surgery, and this will help them resist sagging, depending on the size you choose. There is a settling phase. Your breast may “ride” a little high for several weeks and this is why the massage protocol is so important.
15. Will Breast Augmentation Address Sagging Breasts?
The breast augmentation procedure is designed to increase the size and improve the contours of the breast. Women with mild breast ptosis (sagging) may experience slightly elevated breasts after their operation, but moderate to severe breast sagging may require a breast lift. The degree of breast ptosis is measured by the slope of the breast tissue and the location and projection of your nipple in relation to the crease under the breast.
Breast augmentation and breast lift complement each other and can elevate your breasts and enhance your chest size.
16. Will I Lose Nipple Sensation After Breast Augmentation?
While you may have a temporary loss of nipple sensation during the healing process, it is rare for women to have this issue long-term. During your recovery, you may experience more nipple sensitivity or loss of sensation on any given day due to the swelling after the procedure. Normal nipple sensation typically returns in the weeks and months after breast augmentation.
17. How Long Should I Wait to Resume Exercising?
The right time to restart your exercise routine after breast augmentation depends on the type of workouts you enjoy and when Dr. Bounds clears you for exercise. It is generally advised to go on short walks within a few days of your procedure to promote circulation and healing. Rigorous cardio exercises and weightlifting are typically restricted for the first six to eight weeks after your breast surgery.
18. Can I Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?
Many women go on to breastfeed after breast augmentation successfully.
19. Am I Too Old or Too Young for Breast Augmentation?
Saline implants are FDA-approved for women aged 18 and older, while silicone implants are approved for women aged 22 and up. There is no age restriction for older adults, though it is essential for you to be in good overall health. Breast augmentation performed for reconstructive purposes or to address severe breast asymmetry is available for women below the age threshold.
20. How Can I Prepare for Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Bounds will discuss how to prepare for your procedure during your consultation, including discontinuing certain medications and supplements that can complicate the healing process. You can ready your home for breast augmentation recovery in several ways.
Create a space in your home that has everything you will need during the first few days of recovery, such as drinking straws that bend, cleansing wipes, snacks and easy access to the bathroom and kitchen. This area may be in your living room or bedroom. Pick out clothing that zips or buttons in the front as you will not be able to lift your arms comfortably for quite some time. Stock up on nutritious foods that are easy to prepare and arrange for help taking care of children or pets at home. Follow Dr. Bounds’ instructions for pre- and post-op care.
21. What Should I Look for in a Plastic Surgeon for Breast Augmentation?
First and foremost, you want to make sure the plastic surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and performs procedures at an accredited facility. Dr. Bounds is board certified and has extensive experience in the plastic surgery field. The Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach surgical center is accredited by the
American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
Before-and-after photos of actual patients can help you choose your plastic surgeon as well as reviews and testimonials. Here is one:
“I have recently gotten my breast augmentation with Dr. Bounds, and I am extremely happy with my results. I was very nervous and excited about my surgery, and Dr. Bounds, as well as the staff, created an amazing experience for me. The staff were very friendly and helpful during my visits as well as very professional. I felt comfortable and confident that they would provide the best experience for me during my appointments and surgery.”
– Sierra T.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Virginia Beach?
The cost of your breast augmentation will vary based on the scope of your treatment plan. Dr. Bounds will discuss the cost of your individual procedure with you at your consultation. We are proud to offer CareCredit® and ALPHAEON financing to our clients whom wish to use convenient monthly plans. For more information, visit our financing page.
Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Kevin Bounds and his team offer breast augmentation to the residents of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News and the surrounding communities in Virginia. Contact us today!
