Smiling brunette with hand on arm - Breast Augmentation
Introduction

Introduction to Breast Augmentation

As one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries available, Breast Augmentation helps so many women who are dissatisfied with lost breast volume, sagging breasts, or their overall breast size. Dr. Bhat closely works with each one of her Tampa breast augmentation patients every step of the way during their journey, ensuring they are comfortable and understanding of every aspect of their procedure. She understands how figuring out the right size, material, and shape for breast augmentation options can feel like a very daunting task, which is why she works with you, every step of the way. To get started, we recommend you read the information below to begin having a better understanding of what undergoing breast augmentation surgery in Tampa entails and determine if you’re a candidate for breast augmentation.

To begin your surgical journey, please read the following information to gain a better understanding of what undergoing breast augmentation surgery in Tampa entails and determine if you’re a candidate for breast augmentation.

What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast Augmentation (a.k.a. augmentation mammoplasty) is an FDA-approved plastic surgery procedure that helps women who are dissatisfied with the contour, size, or fullness of their breasts, or would like to improve their breast asymmetry.

There are many important decisions to make when it comes to breast implants that our breast augmentation patients in Tampa must consider. Dr. Bhat will be sure to go over all of these decisions during your consultation and discuss the pros and cons to allow you to make an informed decision.

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Breast Augmentation Options

Breast implants have an exterior silicone shell, filled with either saline or a silicone gel, and they both have their strengths and weaknesses. Saline breast implants generally have more rippling and have the potential to leak, whereas silicone gel implants can have a different feel to both the patient wearing them and the person touching them.

Silicone gel breast implants are usually softer to the touch and tend to have a more natural feel. Silicone implants can also last longer since the new silicone gel filler is semi-solid, making the danger of breast implant rupture or leakage extremely low.

Textured implants are rarely used in the USA due to the risk of lymphomas such as BIA-ALCL. While it is a form of cancer, BIA-ALCL affects your immune system, not your breasts.

Insertion Technique

As with any surgical option, each technique will have pros and cons, but there are multiple different incisions that Dr. Bhat can use as insertion locations for your breast implants:

  • At the breast crease (inframammary incision)
  • Around the inferior aspect of the areola

Dr. Bhat prefers the inframammary crease incision due to the lowest risk of capsular contracture.

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What are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Bhat and her team at Ravive Plastic Surgery have seen our patients enjoy the following benefits from their Breast Augmentation procedure:

  • Added volume to small breasts
  • Clothing fits better
  • Fuller breasts
  • Immediate and stunning results
  • Improved confidence and self-esteem
  • Provides lift after pregnancy and weight loss
  • Quick recovery
  • Restores breasts after a mastectomy
  • Improve breast symmetry

Who are the Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation?

If you are wondering if you are a good candidate for a Tampa Breast Augmentation, consider if you have the following characteristics:

  • Unhappy with overly small or deflated breasts
  • Struggling with breast asymmetry
  • Dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
  • Realistic expectations
  • Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Elongated breasts from birth
  • Physically healthy
  • Frustrated by an “empty” upper breast pole
  • Your breasts are fully developed.

Breast augmentation should only be considered after one’s breasts have fully developed, but there is no upper age limit for the surgery, provided you are in good health and do not smoke.

What’s the First Step?

The first step in getting breast augmentation in Tampa is to schedule your Breast Augmentation consultation with Dr. Bhat. When you come into Ravive Plastic Surgery, you will be able to discuss your expectations for the procedure and have your body and breasts examined by Dr. Bhat. While performing her evaluation, she will take everything into account, including your body type and desired aesthetic. The doctor will also review your medical and surgical history in detail, going over any current medications, allergies, or pre-existing ailments to ensure no contraindications are present.

Next, patients will work with Dr. Bhat to choose the best shape and size for their breast implants. You can see some before-and-after photos of actual patients, see mold examples of breast implant types, and listen to the pros and cons of each option. Once you and Dr. Bhat have agreed on the techniques, types of breast implants, and a few additional details, she will create your personalized surgical plan.

After you and Dr. Bhat agree on a surgical plan, our Patient Coordinator will be able to help you pick your surgery date, provide you with some important instructions to follow pre-surgery, and the total breast augmentation cost.

What to Expect on the Day of a Breast Augmentation Procedure

Prior to surgery, our team will administer general anesthesia to provide you with the most comfortable experience possible.

Once you are sedated, Dr. Bhat will start making inconspicuous incisions to minimize visible scarring. Depending on your augmentation, the implant will be placed either under the pectoral muscle or behind the breast tissue, but over the chest muscle. Note that if you have chosen breast enhancement with fat transfer, surgical time may be extended.

When your breast implant placement is complete, Dr. Bhat will close the incisions using layered sutures in the breast tissue to provide the implants and natural breast tissue extra support and close the external breast skin incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape. You may also be outfitted with a compression garment to reduce swelling.

Breast augmentation in Tampa, FL, typically takes around 1-3 hours to complete, depending on the techniques Dr. Bhat chooses and whether you combine surgery with other aesthetic treatments.

Implant Positioning

Breast Implants can be placed above the chest wall or below the pectoralis major muscle, with some being placed partly above chest muscles AND partly below the pectoral muscles. Placing the implants below the pectoral muscles can help silicone gel breast implants stay softer and make mammogram results easier to read. Dr. Bhat will help you choose the best option for you and your body type.

Cup Size

This portion of the discussion is usually most patients’ favorite topic to be considered, however, it can also be a more difficult category since, unfortunately, many cup sizes for bras are inconsistent. We encourage our patients to focus more on the visual appearance of a breast implant type and size, and not necessarily about which letter it is associated with.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

You will be monitored for a little while to ensure you don’t have any negative reactions. Once you are ready to leave, you will need a responsible adult, friend, or family member to drive you home, as you will still be groggy from sedation/anesthesia. We advise our patients to consider having an adult caretaker available to help them with basic tasks during the first week of recovery.

Recovery after breast augmentation in Tampa is typically speedy and stress-free. Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the chest are common side effects but can be well-managed with prescription and over-the-counter painkillers.

You should continue to wear a surgical bra that provides support and protection during the initial part of your full recovery process. Dr. Bhat can prescribe some temporary pain medications to help manage pain or discomfort.

Most patients tend to take about a week off from work or school to allow their bodies to heal. It will take around two to three weeks to heal before a normal routine with light exercise can be resumed. Dr. Bhat advises that you avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.

You should expect the swelling to subside and your full breast augmentation results to appear within a month or two after your procedure. The area may feel stiff, and the breasts may feel sensitive for a short time during the initial recovery period, but these issues should not be a concern. If you do experience anything concerning, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Smiling woman with hands above head - Breast Augmentation

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How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Tampa, FL?

The average cost of breast augmentation in Tampa Bay, FL typically starts at $3,000 and can go up to around $10,000. The price can vary depending on factors such as anesthesia costs, additional procedures, and the type of implants chosen. For a personalized cost estimate, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhat. During your consultation, our patient coordinator will provide a detailed quote tailored to your specific needs and desired outcome.

Why Choose Dr. Bhat?

Deepa Bhat, M.D. is a top choice for Breast Augmentation in Tampa, FL. With her exceptional skills and an artistic eye, she can improve your bust to provide you with the silhouette you’ve always dreamed of. Furthermore, Dr. Bhat is fellowship-trained in aesthetic procedures, meaning she did an additional year of training in exclusively cosmetic procedures after her seven years of training and completion of a plastic surgery residency. Dr. Bhat is one of the few aesthetic fellowship-trained plastic surgeons in Florida! Dr. Deepa Bhat is an award-winning plastic surgeon, recently being elected as a Tampa 2024 Top Doc.

Dr. Bhat understands that every patient is unique, and she takes the time to listen to your goals and concerns to create a personalized treatment plan. Her compassionate approach will make you feel comfortable and supported throughout your journey. With Dr. Bhat, you can trust that you’re in the hands of a skilled surgeon who is dedicated to delivering natural-looking and beautiful results.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re dissatisfied with your breasts’ current size and shape, a Breast Augmentation can do so much to improve your body’s contours and even positively affect your self-esteem. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Bhat, contact Ravive Plastic Surgery today in Tampa, FL by giving us a call or using our website to request your appointment to find out if you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation. A helpful and knowledgeable member of our team will be more than happy to help you begin your transformation!

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

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Patient Resources

We’re here to help, with a number of patient resources designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.