The breasts you envision can be yours.
You deserve superior care and results. At the Austin Plastic Surgery Institute, established in 2003, we are a close-knit team of board-certified plastic surgeons, nurses, aestheticians, and support staff dedicated to providing the most aesthetic results in breast augmentation in Austin and Central Texas.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons bring years of experience and have performed more breast augmentation surgeries than most other surgeons in Austin, TX. We combine surgical precision with innovative technology to achieve a natural, balanced figure that you’ll love—a transformation that can be truly life-changing.
Our goal is to treat each patient like family, with honesty, integrity, and a focus on safety and expertise. Choose us for unparalleled care and exceptional results in breast augmentation in Austin.
Your surgeon at Austin Plastic Surgery Institute is focused on ensuring the highest level of patient safety. Before an augmentation, we will evaluate your current medical condition, review any medications you take, any allergies, your medical history, and your family’s medical history. We will work closely with you, listening to the look you want to achieve, and answering your questions and concerns. We are here to make the journey pleasant, supportive, and empowering.
Six Questions For A Plastic Surgeon About Breast Augmentation
Breast implants are among the most studied medical devices used today. While the first implants were placed in the 1970s, there have been countless improvements to extend longevity and the most recent implants are a 5th generation product.
The shells of implants are now more durable and the internal silicone gel more cohesive, avoiding the risk of leakage. Another key aspect of breast augmentation is the surface texture of the implants. With few exceptions, the implants we place have a smooth, round shell, filled with cohesive silicone, which best mimics the bounce and feel of natural breast tissue.
The shape, volume and profile of the breast implant placement are all important factors in the final appearance and results of breast augmentation. APSI’s highly skilled plastic surgeons will make the proper surgical decisions regarding placement and incision. We have the Vectra 3D imaging that allows us to construct a simulation of your expected results using different size and types of implants. This takes away the “leap of faith” part of it because now the patient will be able to confirm that the simulation is what they are seeking. For those considering a breast lift at the time of their augmentation, the simulation can show this too.
Silicone breast implants are the most commonly used implants across the world. They are filled with a gel that creates a look and feel very similar to natural breast tissue. Silicone implants (Gummy Bear) are specially engineered so that if the shell should become compromised (a surface crack), the silicone remains within the implant (known as cohesive gel implants). Silicone implant defects are rare and can only be found through an MRI or sometimes an ultrasound. It is recommended that patients be 22 years of age to enhance breast size with silicone implants, but even in younger patients it can be used for certain situations. Silicone implants have the lowest rate of capsular contracture and the lowest rate of the need for revision surgery. In addition to looking and feeling more natural than saline, these are the safest implants made.
Saline breast implants became popular in the 1990s when there was a scare about silicone. They are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. The deflation rate is about 10% and occurs without warning. In some patients, silicone is the best option as saline implants may be prone to rippling in thinner patients. Saline implants can be placed in women as young as 18 years of age. If you have saline implants and are considering a revision, the implant can be deflated in the office, restoring your natural breast shape and size, allowing you to explore a new size with Vectra 3D imaging, whether you need a breast lift, or advanced fat grafting. In most patients, the implant is changed to a silicone gel implant to give a more natural look a feel, and to reduce the risk of deflation and contracture that would require yet another surgery. Some of our clients are ready to return to their natural breast size after removing the existing implants.
At APSI, we use Sientra silicone gel breast implants. Sientra implants are FDA-approved and have an unrivaled safety profile, with some of the lowest complication rates clinically shown through a robust 10-year study.
Not only are Sientra implants safe, but they are also backed by their Platinum 20™ year warranty which provides the longest length of coverage, most financial assistance, and least restrictions in the industry.
Sientra implants are designed to hold their shape while maintaining a remarkably soft feel. With two surface types, over 340 implant options, and 5 projection levels, Sientra breast implants can help you see the look you’ve always wanted.
Saline: MENTOR® or Allergan (branded as Natrelle®)
Silicone: Allergan (branded as Natrelle® Gel), Mentor (branded as MemoryGel®) and Sientra, known simply as Silicone Gel Breast Implants
An implant profile depicts the distance the breast will project forward from the chest wall. Implants are made in low, moderate, high and extra high profiles. This goes from the least projecting (flattest) to the most projecting (roundest)
Breast implants come in two shapes. Round implants tend to offer more fullness on the top of the breast, while teardrop implants are touted to mimic the shape and look of natural breasts. APSI surgeons almost exclusively use round implants. Shaped implants have a textured surface which can be associated with a rare lymphoma.
Breast implants are made with a smooth or textured surface. Round implants can be chosen with either surface, while teardrop implants are made with a textured surface only. Only smooth round implants are used by our surgeons.
The type of incision used for your breast augmentation will depend on the type, size, and shape of the implants, as well as the placement of the implants. The following incision types are available:
The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on factors such as the type of implants and the complexity of the procedure. It's best to schedule a consultation to receive a personalized estimate.
You may have concerns about the safety of silicone breast implants due to media attention from years ago. However, the FDA did approve their safety. In addition, no evidence has ever been found to link silicone breast implants to cancer, auto-immune deficiency disease, or any other illness. These implants are the most popular due to their soft, natural feel.
Breast augmentation will help with size, but it will not correct sagging. If you merely want to increase breast size, implants alone are all that is needed. If you have sagging breasts, then you may need a combination of breast augmentation with lift. When we meet with you in a private consultation, we can evaluate your individual condition and advise you about how to achieve the look you want.
The advance of aesthetic technology has led to the development of very durable implants. With proper care and regular check-ups, the risks for rupture are rare. If a saline implant ruptures, the saline solution will enter the body and the implant will deflate, which is noticeable. Should a silicone implant rupture, the cohesive gel stays intact within the surgical pocket, and won’t be noticeable. As with all silicone implants, it is recommended that you undergo an MRI or ultrasound 5-6 years after the implants are placed and then every 2-3 years.
There is no finite timetable for the life of the implant. They are not intended to be lifelong devices, but we only recommend exchange if they are exceptionally old or if there are issues. If there is no rupture, leakage, contracture, deflation, or any other visible defects (such as rippling), then there is no need to change the implant or undergo surgery to replace the implants. An ultrasound can be done to look at the integrity of the implant.
In most cases, health insurance does not cover the cost of breast augmentation surgery, as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. However, if the surgery is necessary to correct breast asymmetry or for reconstructive purposes following a mastectomy, insurance may provide coverage. It's important to consult with your insurance provider to understand your specific policy and any potential coverage.
Breast implant sizes vary widely based on individual preferences, body types, and desired outcomes. There isn't a universally 'most common' size, as the ideal implant size is personalized to achieve a natural and proportionate appearance for each patient. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals and help determine the implant size that best suits your body and expectations.
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