Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation
Tijuana, Baja California, MX

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, increases the size of a woman’s breasts with the placement of artificial implants. The surgery is a great option for women who have naturally small or asymmetrical breasts, who have lost breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding or want to restore a natural shape to the breasts after reconstructive surgery.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation in Tijuana, Mexico

Most ideal Mexico breast augmentation candidates want to achieve the following:

Individual is physically healthy and not pregnant or breastfeeding
Realistic expectations for your breast augmentation
Enhance the size of small breasts
Increase the volume of breasts that have gotten smaller after pregnancy and breastfeeding
Improve symmetry between unevenly sized or shaped breasts
Reconstruct breasts after breast cancer surgery (mastectomy) or trauma

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or surgery center. General anesthesia is used, so the patient sleeps comfortably during the procedure. The surgery usually lasts one to three hours.

The breast implants are placed through several small incisions, and the locations of these incisions can differ from patient to patient. The most common breast implant incision location is in the lower crease of the breast. Incisions may also be placed through the armpit, the belly button or around the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple). Board certified Tijuana plastic surgeon Dr. Fuentes and the patient will discuss these options and choose the best approach based on the patient’s anatomy and personal preferences, as well as Dr. Fuentes’ professional recommendation. Dr. Fuentes usually advises making the incisions in the most inconspicuous place on the body.

Breast implants are filled with either a saline (saltwater) solution or silicone gel. The cohesive silicone gel implants usually come pre-filled to a specific volume or, in special cases, Dr. Fuentes will use an inflatable implant that can be adjusted after placement. The adjustable implants are usually placed to improve natural asymmetry in the breasts.

After making the surgical incisions, Dr. Fuentes creates a pocket within the natural breast tissue. These pockets are positioned either in front of, or behind the pectoral muscles, depending on the pre-determined approach that Dr. Fuentes and the patient have decided to take. The implants are then carefully placed within the pockets. Dr. Fuentes closes the incisions with stitches or sutures, and bandages the breasts.

Different types of breast implants

Breast implants normally come in saline and silicone.

Saline implants are outer shells that are surgically put into the chest, which are then filled with sterile saltwater.
Silicone implants hold a flexible gel that can feel more like natural breasts. Silicone implants may need more regular checkups to confirm they are properly fitted.
Cohesive Gel silicone implants which are more commonly known as “gummy bear implants. Gummy bear implants are filled with silicone gel that is thicker than traditional silicone.

Recovering from Breast Augmentation

It’s very important for breast augmentation Tijuana patients to rest as much as possible and to limit their movement right after surgery. This accelerates the healing process and can reduce the overall recovery time.

Once Dr. Fuentes removes the surgical bandages, he will give the patient a surgical bra to wear for several weeks as they continue to recover. It’s not uncommon for patients to experience minor discomfort after breast augmentation surgery, but this can be alleviated with oral pain medication. It’s critical to follow all of the doctor’s instructions to decrease the risk of complications during the recovery period.

Breast Augmentation FAQ

Q: Will insurance cover my breast augmentation?

A: Typically most breast augmentations are not covered by insurance since the procedure is mostly determined to be an elective procedure. The most important aspect to consider when choosing your cosmetic surgeon is experience.

Q: How long will my breast augmentation last?

A: Typically and in most breast augmentation cases the results will last a very long time. Depending on the type of implant you receive is also a factor of how long your results will last. It is also important to monitor your new breast implants on a regular basis.

Q: How soon can I go back to work after my breast augmentation procedure?

A: When you can return to work is best discussed in your consultation or after your procedure. Unfortunately many factors need to be considered before you return to work. Discuss with your doctor when will be the safest time to return back to work.

Q: I am a very active person. When am I able to return back to exercising?

A: It is best to consult your surgeon in Tijuana when it is best to return back to your active lifestyle. Typically it is best to wait 2-3 weeks before resuming a very active workout schedule.

If you would like more information about breast augmentation surgery, please contact Dr. Fuentes’ Tijuana plastic surgery office at (619) 202-4443 or email the practice. A member of our staff would be happy to schedule a consultation for you to meet the doctor.