Breast size can affect more than appearance—it can also take a toll on a woman’s sense of confidence. Breast asymmetries and naturally small breasts can make some women feel frustrated and insecure. Fortunately, breast augmentation offers a way to gain the balanced and full breasts you’ve always wanted.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jorge de la Pedraja is an expert in cosmetic breast surgery who has performed countless breast augmentations throughout his years as a plastic surgeon. Dr. de la Pedraja wholly dedicates his efforts to ensuring his patients are safe, have a premium experience, and receive outstanding results. Are you ready to enjoy the life-changing benefits of breast augmentation?
Learn more about breast augmentation in Miami by calling (305) 441-9144 or contacting us online today.
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that can add volume, shape, symmetry, and projection to the breasts by using a specially chosen breast implant. Patients can choose from either silicone or saline breast implants, along with a variety of sizes, shapes, and projections. The implant is inserted into a carefully constructed breast pocket, either above or below the chest muscle.
Breast enhancement surgery is the most widespread cosmetic surgery worldwide because of the innumerable benefits it offers. While each patient pursues breast augmentation for their own reasons, some of the more common ones include:
Due to breast augmentation’s popularity, countless clinics offer the procedure with sub-par results. Dr. de la Pedraja has undergone rigorous training in each of the operations provided at Gables Plastic Surgery. He is fellowship trained in aesthetic and breast surgery at the prestigious Georgetown University with world renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Spear. In addition to his considerable training and many years of practice, Dr. de la Pedraja actively seeks out the latest advancements in the field and stays current with the most sought-after techniques.
Dr. de la Pedraja always stresses that his office is not a clinic—he is here for the long run. All patients are considered to be family and are treated as such. Whether during a consultation or any other appointment, Dr. de la Pedraja takes his time with each patient to ensure they are fully heard and given more than enough time to learn about all of their options. You will never be pressured to make a decision at Gables Plastic Surgery, and you can always reach Dr. de la Pedraja with any questions or concerns.
Dr. de la Pedraja is aware that patients may ask for things that he can’t deliver. He tries to reason with them and explain his thought process. With their health and well-being in mind, Dr. de la Pedraja will turn down patients if he thinks what they want is not in their best interest.
With so many breast implant options, it’s vital to consider which options may be most suitable for your goals. Dr. de la Pedraja will spend adequate time with you during your consultation to help you decide on the best choice of implant.
In your consultation, you can try on sizers, review other patients’ before and after photos, and more. The decision is ultimately up to you; however, Dr. de la Pedraja’s job is to make sure you are educated and empowered to make an informed decision that best aligns with your goals.
We’ve outlined some general information below to help you better understand your breast augmentation choices.
One of the most frequent questions we hear is “silicone or saline?” Both of these options are available, but there are some key differences to be aware of.
Silicone implants consist of a silicone-based gel and are widely considered to feel the most like natural breast tissue. There are three silicone implant manufacturers: Allergan ®, Mentor ®, and Sientra ®. Each manufacturer offers its own unique take on silicone implants that will be more or less suitable for different patients. Silicone implants have become the preferred breast implant type for most patients in recent years.
Saline implants, which are filled with a sterile saline solution, generally have a firmer feel. They’re inserted empty and then filled once they’re in place, allowing them to be slightly adjusted to find the right size. While less prevalent than in the past, many patients still choose these implants. Both silicone and saline implants are made with the same silicone shell, the difference being what they are filled with.
Often overlooked by patients, implant profile is another essential consideration for patients to achieve the size they are looking for. Implant profile refers to the length/distance in which the implant projects from the chest.
Implant profiles come in several sizes:
It’s essential to consider the types of incision strategies that may be employed during your breast augmentation. While Dr. de la Pedraja’s high-end techniques minimize scarring, some degree of scarring is inevitable. Therefore, understanding the different incisions can help you plan the type of operation you want.
The most common incisions are:
Implant placement refers to the plane in which the implant will be placed after creating the incision. Placement will affect several things, including cleavage, drooping, rippling, capsular contracture risk, and more.
The two implant placement options are:
The implant will be placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle. There is significantly less rippling on the breasts’ upper portion with submuscular placement, and capsular contracture rates (while very rare) are further decreased.
The implant is placed above the pectoralis major and beneath the breast tissue and mammary glands. Subglandular placement tends to be chosen by a subset of athletes, bodybuilders, or other women who desire this particular look.
Dr. de la Pedraja is committed to providing the highest quality of care to each and every patient. His philosophy is to develop an individualized care plan to meet the needs of each patient with the utmost compassion and concern in a setting of comfort and confidentiality.
Breast augmentation is performed in an AAAASF accredited surgical center under general anesthesia. While each patient will have a personalized surgical plan, some general steps will occur for everyone:
You will arrive early on the day of surgery. This is preferred, as you will not be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. Dr. de la Pedraja will talk with you about the procedure and mark you standing. He will take a photo with the markings.
Your anesthesia will be administered by a board certified MD anesthesiologist, and you will then be taken back to the operating room.
Dr. de la Pedraja will make incisions precisely and then carefully create a breast pocket in which the implant will be inserted.
After the pocket is created, Dr. de la Pedraja will insert the implant. Implants will either be placed above or below the muscle.
When the implant is in place, Dr. de la Pedraja will close the incision—typically with stitches (sutures)—and bandage it with skin adhesive and surgical tape. Surgical time for the augmentation is usually less than 1 hour.
You will be taken to a recovery room and monitored until you awaken on your own. All patients return home the same day with a friend or family member’s help. Dr. de la Pedraja offers post-op scar care with silicone cream, provided as part of a post-op package one month post surgery.
Breast augmentation yields larger breasts immediately. However, the final results may take a few weeks as the skin stretches and swelling subsides. After you have healed, you can enjoy your beautiful new breasts for many years with proper care. View Our Gallery
Due to Dr. de la Pedraja’s precision, skill, and superior techniques, patients typically recover relatively quickly from breast augmentation. Most patients experience some swelling and discomfort for the first few weeks after surgery. This will continue to improve with time. To manage any pain, Dr. de la Pedraja will provide pain medications. He can also use Exparel® during surgery, a numbing agent that can last for up to 4 days. Most patients do not require this because the recovery is that quick. Many patients will go out and about the next day.
It’s essential to follow Dr. de la Pedraja’s instructions about returning to regular activities. It is possible to return to work within a week if you do not have a strenuous job, and you will be asked to avoid strenuous activities for at least six weeks. While you’re healing, remember that your breasts will be sensitive to physical contact or jarring movements. You will have regular follow-up appointments with Dr. de la Pedraja at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months to ensure you are healing correctly and can always reach him with any questions or immediate needs.
Getting the best breast augmentation results begins with selecting the right surgeon. Dr. de la Pedraja is prepared to help you down the path towards your ideal breasts.
If you would like to begin this journey, your next step is to schedule a consultation by calling (305) 441-9144 or contacting us online today. We proudly serve Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Pinecrest and other areas of South Florida.
Breast implant safety has been the subject of many studies. The current medical consensus is that women with implants are not at higher risk for breast cancer, and these devices do not make it harder for you and your physician to detect tumors. Finally, breast augmentation patients who develop breast cancer are just as likely to go into remission as women without implants.
Many women in their 40s and 50s have undergone breast augmentation surgery with good results. However, a typical patient for breast augmentation is a woman in her 30s who has been considering this operation for a decade or more. The other very common scenario is a younger patient in her 20s who has been thinking about it since puberty. Whatever your stage in life, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to find the best path toward your cosmetic goals.
Pregnancy can significantly change the size and shape of your breasts, whether you have implants or not. These changes may adversely affect the cosmetic correction gained from breast surgery. However, breastfeeding with implants is still possible and safe for you and your baby.
Women with sagging breasts can receive breast implants. However, a different procedure may be a better choice, depending on the degree of skin laxity you are experiencing. In addition, if your breasts look flattened and your nipples droop below your breast creases, you should consider a breast lift. An augmentation can be performed at the same time as a lift.
You will receive a detailed cost analysis associated with breast augmentation at your consultation.
Most women will have a loss of feeling following a breast augmentation. This is usually temporary in most cases. In most cases, this lasts up to a year before returning to normal. Some women experience permanent alterations in nipple sensation. Dr. de la Pedraja can explain this potential risk in more detail at your consultation.
Breast augmentation discomfort is typically mild and controllable with oral medication in the first two weeks after surgery. Most patients will describe a heavyness on their chest for 24-48 hours, and then it goes away. However, severe discomfort after surgery can indicate infection or some other complication.
You can start driving one week after surgery if you are no longer taking pain medication.
Yes. Neither breast implant placement option – above or below your chest muscles – affects your milk glands or ability to feed a baby. However, incisions made around your areolas may increase your risk of breastfeeding problems. Talk to Dr. de la Pedraja about this concern during your consultation.
