Breast Augmentation in New Orleans, LA

Breast augmentation reshapes the breasts to create a fuller-looking appearance. This treatment is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries. Effective and safe, breast augmentation can help women enhance the size and shape of their breasts. At New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Louisiana, we use implants or a fat transfer to improve breast shape, size, and symmetry, which creates an appealing and youthful appearance. Dr. Michelle Eagan is skilled and experienced at performing breast augmentation surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Eagan will listen to your cosmetic goals and discuss all of the available options. Each patient will also receive a tailored treatment plan that addresses their needs. Please call New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Louisiana to learn more.

Breast augmentation in New Orleans, LA at New Orleans Plastic Surgery helps you enhance your look with several great benefits, including:

• Offers multiple breast augmentation options
• Increases breast size, volume, and fullness
• Enhances breast shape and contour
• Revitalizes breasts after childbirth, weight loss, or aging
• Rebuilds breasts post-mastectomy
• Evens out asymmetrical breasts (one is different than the other)
• Boosts confidence and self-image

At your consultation, Dr. Eagan will help you choose an appropriate implant type. Based on your size preference, body, and cosmetic goals, Dr. Eagan will create a detailed treatment plan that meets your needs. She will also discuss the different sizes, shapes, and textures and select the best one for you. Typically, the most common breast implants are made from saline or silicone. These popular implant types are effective and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you prefer saline breast implants, you must be at least 18 years old. For silicone implants, patients should be at least 22 years old. Other options include gummy bear implants or fat transfer.

The decision to undergo breast augmentation is highly personal and should be made for your own reasons. Dr. Eagan will assess if the procedure is right for you and create a customized treatment plan based on your goals and needs. Ideal candidates for breast augmentation include:

• Physically healthy individuals with fully developed breasts
• Patients aged 18 – 21 or older, depending on the implant type
• Women experiencing changes in breast appearance due to weight loss or pregnancy
• Individuals seeking to enhance breast shape and increase volume
• Those with a small amount of breast tissue or who lift heavy weights

Prior to the surgery, Dr. Eagan will discuss the best incision technique and determine the best location to insert the implant. During breast augmentation, an incision is created and the appropriate breast implant is placed into position. Dr. Eagan will select from two different implant placements, including submuscular or subglandular. With submuscular placement, the implant goes under the pec muscle. If a subglandular technique is better, Dr. Eagan will place the implant behind the breast tissue but over the pectoral muscle. The placement of your breast implant depends on several factors, such as the type, size, and Dr. Eagan's opinion. No matter where we place the incision, scarring is usually minimal. Implant placement is based upon your body type, implant size, and lifestyle.

Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia. At the beginning of your surgery, Dr. Eagan will carefully make an incision. After making the incision, we insert the silicone or saline implant through the incision opening and place it into a surgically created pocket. Once placed, the incision is carefully secured with skin adhesives or sutures. Next, we will take you back to the recovery area for careful monitoring. To reduce swelling and encourage healing after the surgery, patients will wear a compression garment for a certain amount of time. Several days after your surgery, the swelling and bruising will start to slowly go away, and the breasts will begin to look and feel normal as they settle into their new position. Most patients can engage in normal activities within the first week; however, exercise should be avoided for a couple of months. Breast augmentation produces beautiful outcomes that feel and look natural. Often, this procedure is life-changing for many women.

Your cost for breast augmentation will vary and is based on your implant choices and if you plan for other surgeries at the same time. As soon as your treatment plan is developed, Dr. Eagan will discuss estimated costs and financing. To ensure you feel happy with your results and they last a long time, you should focus on quality over low costs.

Do I need a breast lift or augmentation?
Your treatment plan may include breast augmentation, a lift, or both. Breast lift surgery removes loose skin and improves the position of the breasts, while implants enhance the size and shape. In your consultation with Dr. Eagan, she will listen to your needs and goals before explaining your treatment options. A combination augmentation and lift are usually included in a mommy makeover to revitalize the breasts after breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Can I breastfeed with implants?
If you want to breastfeed after breast augmentation, talk to Dr. Eagan during your consultation. It is usually possible to breastfeed after augmentation, with the right placement and technique. Breastfeeding and pregnancy can affect your results, so it is best to wait until your family is complete to get breast augmentation.

Can I have my implants removed?
You might decide that you want to remove or replace your implants. Should this happen, Dr. Eagan offers breast revision surgery. In revision surgery, your old implants can either be replaced with different implants or removed. If you choose to have your implants removed, you might need to have excess skin removed since larger implants may stretch your skin. If you have any concerns or questions after your breast augmentation surgery, schedule a consultation at New Orleans Plastic Surgery to discuss your options.

Do implants cause breast cancer?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still investigating a possible link between implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This is not breast cancer, but a cancer of the immune system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast implant-related ALCL is very rare, and when caught early, it's highly treatable. Dr. Eagan encourages all patients with breast implants to get frequent screenings for breast cancer. You should contact New Orleans Plastic Surgery if you notice anything concerning, like swelling.

How will breast augmentation affect sensation in my nipples?
After breast augmentation, some patients may experience changes in nipple sensation. This can range from increased sensitivity to numbness. These changes are often temporary, but in rare cases, they can be permanent. The extent of sensation change depends on factors like the surgical technique used and individual patient differences.

What can I expect in terms of scarring?
Scarring from breast augmentation is inevitable, but Dr. Eagan makes incisions in less visible areas, such as under the breast fold, around the areola, or under the arm. Scars typically fade over time and become less noticeable. Proper post-operative care and following Dr. Eagan’s instructions can also help minimize scarring.

What is the difference between saline and silicone breast implants?
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and are often inserted empty, then filled once in place, allowing for smaller incisions. They are firmer and can provide a uniform shape. If a saline implant leaks, the body safely absorbs the saltwater. Silicone implants are pre-filled with a silicone gel that feels more like natural breast tissue. They tend to provide a more natural look and feel but require a larger incision for placement. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket, necessitating regular monitoring for implant integrity.

Breast augmentation is popular for many reasons. This surgery is safe and effective, and it produces outstanding results. With a variety of options to choose from, you can achieve the appearance you have always wanted. At New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Louisiana, our group is pleased to offer advanced procedures, and we invite you to learn more. Please contact us to schedule your first appointment with Dr. Michelle Eagan.