Breast Augmentation

Houston, Pearland, Sugar Land, Friendswood, Texas

Many women are born with breasts that do not proportionally fit their frame. For others, weight loss, breastfeeding, and age have made their breasts smaller or misshapen. Others still have lost breast size due to breast surgery. Breast augmentation offers an ideal solution for all of these common problems.

Working closely with you, Dr. Leo Lapuerta is able to help you find a shape and size that will perfectly complement your body. He has helped thousands of women achieve an ideal breast size, restoring self confidence and enhancing a sense of appeal.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

To place the implants, Dr. Lapuerta will make an incision around your nipple, underneath your breast, or in your armpit. The location of the incision will be based on your needs as determined by you and Dr. Lapuerta in your initial consultation.

Through the incision, a saline or silicone filled implant will be placed either above or below your chest muscles. The location of the implant placement is dependent on your aesthetic desires. Both locations offer benefits and drawbacks that Dr. Lapuerta will discuss with you prior to surgery.

Once placed, the implants are shaped to specifically match the contours of your body before the incision is closed and dressing is applied. The entire procedure generally takes one to two hours. The dressing will be removed three days after your surgery. Stitches will need to be removed after one week.

Recovery from Breast Augmentation Surgery

Your recovery time will depend on your body’s natural ability to heal as well as the location of the implant. Implants placed under the muscle take longer to heal because they require more incisions. No matter which placement you select for your breast implants, during the first 48 hours following your breast surgery you may experience general fatigue, swelling, and minor discomfort. This can easily be dealt with by applying ice packs to your chest and taking pain relief medication prescribed by Dr. Lapuerta. The swelling and pain should subside enough to allow you to return to work after three to five days. 

In the first weeks following your surgery, you may still experience some pain and swelling. The pain can continue to be controlled with pain medications, and Dr. Lapuerta will supply you with compression garments to help keep the swelling to a minimum. During this time you may also notice some bruising. This is expected and should diminish quickly. Typically, you should be able to return to even the most strenuous activities after four weeks.

Your final results may take up to several months to be visible. While this can be somewhat frustrating to some women, it is just the time necessary for your breasts to fully incorporate the implant into a natural position. When your final results are visible, your breasts will be improved in size and shape.

If you are interested in enhancing your appearance through breast augmentation in or around Houston, Pearland, Sugar Land, or Friendswood, Texas, please contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lapuerta at The Plastic Surgery Institute of Southeast Texas to schedule your initial consultation.