Women who have small breasts, asymmetry of the breast or whose breasts lost volume and shape after pregnancy or weight loss may be candidates for breast enlargement through a surgical procedure called breast augmentation.

When it comes to breast augmentation, the second most important decision you will make involves your choice of the type of breast implant to use. (Your most important decision is choosing a surgeon, and it should always be a board-certified general surgeon.)

All breast augmentation patients above 22 years of age will be able to choose from three different types of breast implant: Saline, silicone, or gummy bear implants. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in the year 2020, a vast majority of breast augmentation patients (84 percent) opted for silicone breast implants, and 16 percent of patients chose saline breast implants.

Within our own practice, this national statistic holds true, with a majority of our patients opting for silicone-gel-filled implants. Because the decision is an important one, we’ve dedicated a separate page of our website to it, which you can visit here. Crucial deciding factors on the type of implant you might choose include the following:

  • Silicone Breast Implants
  • Silicone breast implants feel the most natural to the touch, however, with a few exceptions, other implants including silicone can be placed in such a way (submuscular) as to provide a very realistic feel.
  • Because silicone holds form on its own much better than a liquid saline solution does, silicone implants are less likely to ripple.
  • Silicone breast implants typically last at least 15 years, with some experts suggesting they should be replaced at that time and many others suggesting that if nothing is wrong with them, no replacement is required.

During your initial consultation we will gladly discuss options available to you. You may view before-and-after photos of breast augmentation here at our website, as well as during consultation. Our state-of-the-art 3D Vectra machine will virtually place implants using your own image to allow you to see how you would look with any implant you choose. This allows you to see yourself with different implant profiles and sizes virtually placed, enabling Dr. Gardenier to understand your desired outcome.

In breast augmentation, the breasts are enlarged by surgically placing an implant behind the breast gland or in some cases behind the pectoralis muscle under the breast. The size and shape of the natural breast determines the best placement. At your initial consultation, we discuss placement recommendations with you. Before breast augmentation, we require you to have a mammogram, if you are over the age of 35. Breast augmentation also may be combined with mastopexy (breast lift) to restore breast shape.

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Breast Augmentation Before & After

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A good candidate for breast augmentation surgery…

  • Has breasts that have finished growing
  • Is not pregnant or planning on getting pregnant anytime soon
  • Is a non-smoker
  • Is at or close to their ideal weight
  • Is in good health both physically and psychologically
  • Has no major medical issues
  • Has realistic expectations for improvement rather than perfection
  • Is looking to increase their cup size
  • Desires to replace lost breast volume

Benefits of a breast augmentation procedure

  • Increased self-confidence in one’s image
  • A better first impression, both socially and professionally
  • Increased social attention
  • A better fit in swimwear and eveningwear
  • A more youthful, feminine appearance
  • Increased breast volume
  • Restoration of the figure after pregnancy or weight loss
  • Restoration of the breasts after cancer

Issues treated by breast augmentation at a glance:

  • Small breasts
  • Asymmetrical breasts
  • Breasts that have lost their volume
  • Lack of ample cleavage
  • Poor breast projection
  • Disproportionate breasts
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During your consultation, Dr. Gardenier will discuss with you the various implant types (saline, silicone and Gummy Bear), helping you to make the best choice for your needs.

Next, you will decide with the surgeon on the best type of incision. There are 4 possibilities: The armpit incision, the areola incision, an incision within the breast crease, or an incision through the belly button. Dr. Gardenier will explain the advantages and drawbacks to each approach when you meet. The last decision to be made is where the implant will be placed, either above or behind the pectoralis muscles. This choice is customized to your unique anatomy and lifestyle. Those with thin breast tissue will be advised to pursue placement below the muscle so as to nicely camouflage the implant.

All procedures at Maine Plastic Surgery are performed at our accredited outpatient facility in Portland, Maine where you will receive access to the most cutting-edge, state-of-the-art equipment and technology on the market. Our Maine medical center offers all the same strict safety protocols as any local Portland hospital, only with added convenience, privacy and comfort. In addition, we boast an experienced team of compassionate and friendly support staff members who are standing by to help make your visit rewarding and stress-free.

After surgery, a membrane dressing is applied over the incision site and will be removed at your one-week follow up appointment. You should avoid impact exercises and athletics for this time period. A few patients may develop a breast “capsular contracture” which can cause unnatural firmness or alter the shape or position of the breast implant over time. This is not common but can usually be corrected. A great source of additional information and true stories from actual breast augmentation patients are on https://implantinfo.com/.

If you would like to learn more about the breast augmentation procedure, please schedule your confidential consultation with Dr. Gardenier in the privacy and comfort of their Portland, Maine offices today. Dr. Gardenier is known as among the best breast augmentation providers in the Maine area and will be delighted to answer all your questions and concerns about treatment in depth. The topics they will address include financing, costs and insurance; risks and possible complications; recovery and downtime; and naturally, what you can expect from your results.

During this initial session, they will examine your breasts, review your patient intake forms, and begin to formulate a plan of action for resolving your most pressing aesthetic issues. The doctors may suggest additional procedures such as a breast lift to achieve more comprehensive improvements. Part of your consultation will be to browse our library of before and after photography for the breast augmentation procedure. As you see the results other Portland, Maine breast augmentation clients have achieved, it will give you a better idea of what is possible in Dr. Gardenier’s skilled hands.

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