Breast Augmentation
Conveniently located to serve Charleston, SC

Many women dream of having well-proportioned breasts. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with the breasts they wish they had. Through breast augmentation/enhancement, it’s possible to finally get the breasts you want. Breast augmentation/enhancement procedures are plastic-surgery procedures used to increase the size or enhance the shape of breasts.

Breast Augmentation with Implants

Breast augmentation using implants is an incredibly popular breast procedure. This involves the placement of prosthetic implants in the breasts to increase their size.

To achieve this, anesthesia is first administered in order to ensure that the patient is comfortable for the duration of the procedure. Dr. Ulm then makes precise incisions in order to place the implants. There are several possible incisions that can be used:

• • Periareolar Incision – This incision is created around the border of the areola.
  • Transaxillary Incision – This small incision is created in the armpit.
  • Inframammary Incision – This incision is created in the breast fold.

Once the proper incision is made, a cavity, or pocket, will be made either below the pectoral muscles or just above the chest muscles under the mammary glands. The implants are then placed in these implant pockets and positioned appropriately. Finally, the incisions are closed using surgical sutures.

There are two main types of implants that can be used:

• Saline Implant – An empty silicone shell is inserted into the implant pocket through small surgical incisions for this process. It is then gradually filled with a sterile saline solution until it reaches the desired volume.
• Silicone Implant – This implant is a silicone shell pre-filled with silicone gel to the desired volume. It is inserted into the implant pocket, and no size changes can be made after it is inserted and positioned.

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

You and Dr. Ulm will decide on the type of breast implant and the incision location during a consultation at our office. To make these decisions, many factors will be taken into consideration, including your aesthetic goals and preferences.

Dr. Ulm will listen to your goals for breast augmentation. You must inform him about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, along with all past procedures. He will look over your medical records and perform a physical examination.

It is recommended that you bring pictures of your desired results so that Dr. Ulm can get a clear picture of your goals for the size, projection, and volume of your breasts. He will discuss your breast implant options and recommend an ideal treatment plan based on your situation.

Dr. Ulm will encourage you to ask questions so he can address your concerns and help you with your decision. Instructions will be provided to prepare you for your breast augmentation procedure, and a date will be set for the surgery.

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Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation is another way to increase the volume of the breasts. In this method, excess fat accumulated in other parts of the patient’s body is taken and grafted in the breasts. Fat in the hips, abdomen, and thighs can be extracted using liposuction, serving the dual purpose of slimming down these areas. After refining and processing this fat, it is injected carefully into the breasts to enhance their size.

Fat grafting is a relatively new technique and is not as commonly used as implants. It is often limited by the amount of fat tissue that can be harvested. However, it offers many advantages.

As the fat comes from the patient’s body, it is not a foreign material, so chances of an adverse reaction from the body are very low. In addition, fat is harvested from places where it is unwanted. As a result, the patient gets the benefits of a toned figure. The augmented breasts also feel quite natural. There are only small incisions made for this minimally invasive procedure, and the downtime is shorter than that of implant augmentation.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

The best candidates for breast augmentation are people who are in good physical health. Medical conditions like cancer, infections, and diabetes can affect incision healing. Candidates must have no plans to get pregnant anytime soon and must not currently be pregnant or breastfeeding.

Patients who are not satisfied with their current breast aesthetics are good candidates for breast augmentation procedure. Breast augmentation is appropriate for patients who want to modify the size, volume, projection, and symmetry of their breasts.

Another factor that can affect healing is smoking. To avoid complications, refrain from using cigarettes or nicotine devices four to six weeks before and after surgery.

Candidates must have pre-existing conditions that could result in healing issues after surgery. Patients with realistic goals are excellent candidates for breast augmentation surgery.

The decision to undergo a breast augmentation must be your own choice. Influence or pressure from another person can lead to regrets and sometimes implant-removal procedures.

How to Prepare for a Breast Augmentation Procedure

Be sure to prepare yourself emotionally for a breast augmentation procedure. A healthy support system is recommended to assist you throughout the procedure and recovery.

Plan out your recovery process before the procedure, and arrange for transportation home after the surgery. It is best to schedule time off work for at least one week to allow incision healing. Plan to avoid strenuous activities for a time.

A breast augmentation patient may have difficulty moving from one place to another during recovery. Because of this, before the surgery, it is important to complete necessary chores in your household and to arrange a rest area with enough pillows and nearby necessities.

It will be helpful to ensure that a friend or family member is available to help prepare meals during your healing process. Recovery from procedure will be faster with protein-rich food and enough vitamins.

Eight hours before the surgery, refrain from eating to avoid vomiting during the procedure. Bathe using basic soap on the day of surgery, and avoid using lotions, deodorant, or any other skin products. This will help ensure that your skin is free from any chemicals that could affect surgery.

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The Breast Augmentation Recovery Period

After breast augmentation surgery, the patient may need to stay in the facility for a time so that their condition can be monitored. With the approval of Dr. Ulm, the patient can then go home. If the patient does not have a friend or relative who can help during the recovery period, it is recommended to hire the services of a healthcare professional.

The patient will experience temporary bruising and swelling during the first stage of the recovery process. A surgical bra must be worn to support the breasts while they heal, and medications will be provided to reduce pain and prevent infection. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess the results and monitor the recovery progress.

Related Procedures 

• Breast Lift
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Revision
• Breast Reconstruction

Contact Our Office and Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in breast augmentation/enhancement with the help of a breast augmentation, contact our office. You will meet with Dr. Ulm for a consultation, where you will describe your aesthetic goals and can ask any questions you may have.