Breast Augmentation in Tucson, AZ

Breast augmentation surgery reshapes the breasts to create a fuller, desired appearance that most women crave. With many variables, tools, and techniques available that can make significant improvements to this defining feature, breast augmentation is without a doubt one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries of all time. Often using saline or silicone implants, this enhancement surgery improves breast shape and size and results in beautiful and youthful outcomes for many women all across the country. Dr. Arun Rao is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has provided the ever-popular procedure for his Tucson, AZ patients. He believes that creating natural-looking breasts for his female patients is best achieved with proper patient education, guidance, and counseling. Experienced in executing this artful enhancement, Dr. Rao performs numerous breast augmentations every year. During your one-on-one consultation at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, Dr. Rao will take the time to get to know you well so he can produce seamless, natural-looking results that suit your unique body. He will carefully listen to your concerns and explain all your available options. From there, he will work with you to select an implant and a treatment plan that will give you the vibrant, feminine appearance you desire.

Breast augmentation in Tucson, AZ at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery helps you create the new look you want with multiple benefits, like:

• Provides fully customizable augmentation options
• Increases breast volume, fullness, and size
• Creates subtle to dramatic results
• Renews breasts affected by aging, childbirth, or weight loss
• Enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the breasts
• Rebuilds breasts after a mastectomy
• Balances uneven (asymmetrical) breasts
• Boosts confidence and self-image
• Expands wardrobe options
• Results are natural-looking and long-lasting

• Saline implants — This type of breast implant is uses a sterile saline solution and can be filled after they are placed into the pocket beneath the muscle, which allows for smaller incisions.

• Silicone implants — Silicone is favored by women who want a very soft and natural feel to their implants.

NOTE: Candidates considering saline implants must be at least 18 while patients must be a minimum of 22 years old to receive an augmentation with silicone inserts. 

Implant size is determined by the number of CCs (cubic centimeters or millimeters) of silicone or saline used. To figure out what implant works best for your body, Dr. Rao will utilize biodimensional measurements of your native breast tissue and consider your size goals to help you achieve your desired aesthetic look. 

Breast implants come in either a round or teardrop shape, both of which are commonly selected. Referring to the shape of the implants, "round" leads to more fullness in the upper portion of the breast. Teardrop (sometimes called anatomical) implants mimic the natural slope of a breast.

Profile affects how much the implants project outward from the chest. Generally speaking, high-profile implants are a good choice for those with narrower chests, whereas women with wider chests often see the best results with moderate- or low-profile implants.

These options may be overwhelming, but picking the appropriate implant is easy once the patient's desires are discussed during the consultation. These considerations, coupled with the knowledge of Dr. Rao, help to ensure the right outcome is met. During your one-on-one consultation, you can explore any or all of these variables when you use our breast implant sizing system. This allows you to visualize how the implants will eventually enhance the shape of your breasts.

Your breasts are completely unique to you, like your fingerprint and your personality, and the choice to go through with breast enhancement surgery is entirely personal. If you are thinking about having this procedure, it is important you do it for yourself and nobody else. In order to be a potential candidate for this elective surgery, you should be healthy with breasts that are fully developed, as well as be the proper age to have implants. Even though most women undergo breast augmentation because they're unsatisfied with the size of their breasts, the surgery can actually remedy several aesthetic concerns, including:

• Breasts that are too small
• Breasts that have lost shape or volume after pregnancy
• Asymmetrical breasts
• Breasts that have changed as the result of weight loss or aging
• Breasts that don't match the proportions of the rest of your body

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts following weight loss, pregnancy, or if you're unsatisfied with their natural size and shape, then this procedure could be a welcomed solution. Women who work out with weights or have very little native breast tissue may also desire this procedure.

Incision type and implant placement are aspects that are generally decided upon ahead of surgery. Dr. Rao performs breast augmentation as an outpatient procedure using a combination of local and general anesthesia. This approach typically helps expedite the recuperation process while still keeping patients very comfortable during surgery. Often, the procedure lasts less than one hour. During the surgery, Dr. Rao makes an incision along the crease below your breast (inframammary). The location and length of the incision will be determined prior to your surgery so you will know exactly what to expect going in and coming out of your enhancement.

There are a couple of methods that may be chosen for implant placement. These include either submuscular placement (under the pec muscle) or submammary/subglandular/subfascial placement (over the pec muscle). Where the implant is placed will depend on numerous factors, including the overall type of implant, the native breast tissue, and the professional opinion of Dr. Rao. No matter where the incision is placed, scarring is often minimal and will fade over time. Implant placement is determined based on your body type, implant size, and lifestyle.

For the first several days after your surgery, it's important to rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities, especially those that require stooping, reaching, or heavy lifting. You may want to use prescription pain medicine for the first couple of days, but discomfort is typically easy to manage and you will be able to transition to non-opioid pain medications. During this time, you'll likely need to wear a special surgical bra, which will be provided to you by Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery, that supports your breasts as they heal. At your follow-up appointment, Dr. Rao will let you know when you can safely transition to standard bras.

Most women feel comfortable enough to return to work after about 5 – 7 days, but women with more physically demanding jobs will need to spend a bit more time at home. Cardiovascular exercise is usually acceptable at four weeks post-surgery, but no lifting over ten pounds is permitted for six weeks. After six weeks have passed, you will be able to resume all regular activities. Dr. Rao will provide you with detailed guidelines for your recovery during your initial consultation and preoperative appointments. As you heal, your augmented breasts will gradually adopt an attractive, natural-looking shape and softness. Over time, your scars also fade to very inconspicuous, flat lines. For many years, you will be able to enjoy your renewed sense of confidence and your curves in your favorite outfits.

How much does breast augmentation cost?
Because every procedure is unique to suit your individual bodies, needs, and goals, it's difficult to quote an exact cost without first meeting with a patient in person. The total costs of your procedure will include surgeon's fees, the cost of anesthesia, operating room costs, and will also cover the preoperative and postoperative visits with Dr. Rao. Once your customized treatment plan has been created, we will be able to more accurately estimate your costs. Our office accepts many forms of payment, and we can even assist you in finding low-interest medical financing.

Do I need a breast lift or augmentation?
Your plan may include breast augmentation, a lift, or both. A breast lift removes excess skin and raises the breasts while augmentation addresses the size and fullness of the breasts. During your consultation with Dr. Rao, he will listen to your needs and evaluate your situation before explaining your treatment options. A combination of augmentation and lift are often a part of a mommy makeover to rejuvenate the breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can I combine breast augmentation with other cosmetic procedures?
Many of our patients decide to undergo multiple procedures at once, both to save on fees and to consolidate their recovery time. With breast augmentation, it's common to add a breast lift, tummy tuck, and liposuction — a combination that's known as a mommy makeover.

Can I breastfeed with implants?
If you want to breastfeed after breast augmentation, be sure to tell Dr. Rao during your consultation. It is usually possible to breastfeed after implants with the right surgical technique and placement. However, there are some women who are unable to produce sufficient milk, whether they have undergone surgery or not. Unless you have breastfed before, it is difficult to know whether you will have issues with milk production or not. Many women who have undergone breast augmentation at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery have successfully breastfed after surgery, but there is always a possibility (with any type of breast surgery) that milk production could be affected.

Do breast implants need to be replaced?
While breast implants are a long-lasting medical enhancement, it's important to know that they may not last forever. Implant companies, such as Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra, provide warranties for silicone implants that last as many as ten years. This is the reason that many individuals believe implants should be replaced every ten years. However, many women have no issues with their implants and do not ever need to have them exchanged.

Do implants cause breast cancer?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a link between implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This is not breast cancer but a cancer of the immune cells. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), implant-related ALCL is very rare and when caught early, it is easy to treat. Dr. Rao encourages all patients with implants to get regular screenings for breast cancer. You should contact Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery if you notice any concerns, such as swelling or other visible changes.

Is it okay for me to go to the dentist after having breast enhancement surgery?
Dr. Rao recommends that you wait at least 6 months before dental cleaning or dental work unless absolutely necessary.

Breast enhancement surgery with implants is well sought out for so many reasons. It is considered very safe and produces gorgeous aesthetic results for countless women every year. With an abundance of options available to you, you are able to achieve the breast size and appearance you have always desired. Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery is pleased to provide this incredibly popular cosmetic surgery, and we would be happy to give you all of the information you need so you can make an informed decision that agrees with your mind and body. Contact Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery in Tucson, AZ to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Arun Rao.