Breast Augmentation in Baltimore, Maryland

Breast augmentation is a procedure to enlarge the size of your breasts using a saline-filled or silicone implant. Breast augmentation not only increases breast size, but also heightens self-esteem, especially in women who have long thought of enlarging their breasts. We have seen time and again the uplifting of spirit, confidence, and self-image following breast augmentation. The recovery is relatively rapid. Saline or silicone implants are options for our patients and depend on personal preference and individual needs. The newly designed silicone implants are now available and offer an excellent alternative for selected patients.

Below is more information about the breast augmentation procedure offered in our Baltimore office:

Length: 1-2 hours
Anesthesia: IV Sedation
In Patient/Out Patient: Out patient
Potential Side Effects/Risks: Temporary soreness and numbness, ripples in implant, leak of saline, rupture of silicone
Principal Benefits: Uplifted and more shapely breasts and overall more proportioned appearance.

Click here to learn about options for incisions in breast augmentation

Most of our patients who have breast augmentation in our Baltimore, Maryland office desire to improve their appearance in clothing, without clothing and in bathing suits. While some women have never filled out their bras the way they would like, others have lost volume in their breasts following pregnancy. We tailor each operation to the particular build of the woman. Some women who have had children or who have experienced weight loss have a degree of breast droop that requires a breast lift (mastopexy) as well as breast augmentation.

We will discuss with you our recommendations for implant position (above or below the muscle) the optimum incision location, and the different options of implant types. Breast augmentation can be performed as a single procedure in our Baltimore, Maryland office or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, and facial cosmetic surgery.

Please view breast augmentation results below!

Breast Augmentation Incision Options

I generally prefer to use one of these two types of incisions for breast augmentation in our Baltimore, Maryland office. The first option is located in the breast crease and is known as the infra-mammary crease incision. The other option is to place the incision around the areola and this is known as the peri-areolar incision. In general, patients who have a well defined crease and whose breast already covers the crease will decide on having the infra-mammary crease incision since the breast will hide the scar. On the other hand, if there is not a well defined breast crease present a peri-areolar incision is often chosen. Placing the incision at the junction of the areola skin and the breast skin is an excellent way to hide the scar since the eye naturally wants to see a demarcation at this junction anyway.

There are other considerations to consider when choosing the type of incision to use and we will discuss this with you in detail at the time of your consultation. Of course other decisions to make include whether to place the implant above or below the (pectoralis) muscle and the size and type of breast implant to use. We will have a lot to discuss and will customize a plan that best fits your needs and goals.

Breast Augmentation

Click here for photos of breast lifts and reduction

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Special Breast Situations

Symmastia, commonly referred to as breadloafing or uniboob. Symmastia occurs when two implants touch one another in the center of the chest in front of the breastbone. If the space that holds the breast  implant enlarges or is overly developed in surgery one or both implants can move toward the midline and reduce or eliminate the normal cleavage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

My breasts have a tubular shape. Is this normal?

Yes, this is a common variation on breast shape. Typically a breast has a pyramid shape, but some people have breasts that have a shape closer to that of a tube. The appearance of the breast in this situation typically includes some breast tissue pushing against the areola and expanding it, a tight, narrow breast base near the chest, and a short distance between the bottom of the areola and the infra-mammary crease. This tubular appearance can be improved with breast augmentation and some additional skin tailoring.

Below is an example of this type of improvement in the Tubular breast shape

What size breast implants should I be getting?

You are the person who will live with your breast augmentation results on a daily basis, and the decision for size is a very personal one. We will recommend a size based on what you tell us you are looking for. You may wish to bring in photos from publications to demonstrate a desired look and size. Some women prefer to appear totally natural and others prefer a fuller look. We are happy to provide both options.

What is the life span of the breast implant?

Patients enjoy long-lasting results when their breast augmentation is performed in our Baltimore, Maryland surgical suite. It is possible that the breast implants may need to be replaced during the patient's lifetime. The likelihood is approximately 1% per year that deflation will occur. So, if someone has breast implants for 25 years there is a 25% likelihood that deflation will occur at that point. If this does occur it will happen slowly but over a 24-hour period. There is no health hazard associated with the leakage of the saline breast implant, but it does need to be replaced.

Is it better to choose smooth round or the anatomic- (tear drop-) shaped breast implants when getting breast augmentation?

Contrary to "hype" and information "on-line," in the majority of cases the shape of the implant is very unimportant. Fundamentally, the shape of the augmented breast will not differ between the two types of breast implants. Other differences do exist and if they apply to your case we will be happy to answer and explain them to you.

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How can I avoid capsular contracture (hardening of the breast implants due to scar tissue build up)?

No one really knows why this occurs in some breast augmentation patients, and it cannot be 100% eliminated. Some theories state that contracture is related to a variety of factors, these include: low-grade infection, inherent scar formation tendencies by the patient, or location of the breast implant above or below the muscle. We take every possible precaution to avoid these potential problems that might lead to contracture. In addition, we are big believer in massage of the breast implants following surgery. It is known that massage softens scar tissue and my patients have a very low rate of contracture.

Is it better to have the breast implants placed above or below the muscle?

Some surgeons only place the breast implants below the muscle, others only above. We will recommend what is best for you based on the way your breasts appear and the look you desire. During your thorough breast augmentation consultation, we will decide on what method is best for you.

Am I able to breast feed after I get implants?

Most patients who have breast augmentation in our Baltimore, Maryland office do not have problems breastfeeding.

Can I get silicone breast implants?

There are some special circumstances in which we are able to provide silicone breast implants to our patients. At this time the FDA regulations are quite stringent about which patients are suitable for silicone breast implants. The future options for less stringent conditions to obtain silicone implants is favorable, however. We will be happy to discuss with you what type of implant should and will be used during your breast augmentation.

Are mammograms less effective when breast implants are in place?

Breast implants do hide a certain amount of breast tissue on mammography. Additional mammographic views are recommended to maximize the amount of breast tissue seen, however. This does mean additional radiation at the time of mammography but the total amount is certainly not excessive.

If my breasts droop is a breast lift needed?

Generally, if the nipple is at or below the breast crease, a lift (mastopexy) can be beneficial. Weight loss or past pregnancies are the most common causes for breast droop. The medical term for breast droop is ptosis. To achieve a lifting of the breast, the breast skin is excised and the "breast skin envelope" is made tighter. The scars on the breast that result from this lift are considerable but usually heal very well. With the excess skin removed, the breasts rise to a more youthful level. Some women may require a breast implant (augmentation mastopexy) as well in order to get adequate lift and fullness.

What is recovery like?

Most breast augmentation patients have only moderate soreness for a few days, but this improves quickly thereafter. Contrary to what you read on the Internet, breast augmentation patients in our Baltimore, Maryland office truly have very little pain postoperatively. Most people take off 3-5 days from work to recuperate.

Can I speak to some of your previous patients who had this surgery and get a reference?

Absolutely, we would encourage this. My past breast augmentation patients are my greatest endorsement. The staff in our Baltimore, Maryland office will gladly arrange this for you.

To learn more about breast augmentation options in Baltimore, Maryland, please contact Dr. James Vogel.

If you think you need a breast lift click here.

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