Silicone Gel Breast Augmentation

You have many choices as you consider breast augmentation, all of which are discussed in detail during your consultation with Dr. Strock. We offer you the choice of silicone gel or saline implants as you consider breast augmentation. Both silicone gel and saline implants come in several forms, ranging from round smooth surface devices that can be moderate profile (projection), moderate-plus profile, or high profile, to shaped, or teardrop, textured surface devices of varying projection. Silicone gel implants are also available in the form of shaped cohesive silicone devices that contain the thickest silicone gel material available, and feature varying heights and projections chosen according to specific patient need. Dr. Strock will help you to select the implant type that best fits your lifestyle needs.

We offer you choices in the location of the incision used for placement of your breast implants. We offer you the option of having your implants placed using an incision in your armpit, in the base of the breast, or around the bottom of the nipple. Transaxillary Endoscopic Breast Augmentation is an approach that allows for your breast implants to be placed utilizing an incision in the top of the armpit. This technique allows for your breast implants, silicone gel or saline, to be placed with no incisions on your breasts. Dr. Strock has a long experience with this approach and has been a national leader in the refinement of this technique, both for silicone gel and saline devices. He also routinely offers the inframammary approach (base of the breast), that can be used if you prefer the incision to be placed in the base of the breast. The periareolar approach (nipple incision) is typically not used unless by specific request or if you need a breast lift. Recovery is similar for all the approaches, except for the initial soreness associated with the area of incision placement, which usually resolves in about one week.

We also offer you the choice of implant placement either beneath the pectoral muscle (also known as partial subpectoral or “dual plane” pocket) or above the pectoral muscle (beneath the breast gland or subglandular pocket). While most patients select implant placement beneath the pectoral muscle, the optimal tissue pocket is chosen taking into account multiple issues that include your preference for implant type, the amount and quality of breast tissue present, issues relating to mammograms, and preferred concealment of the implant with activity.

While these choices may seem somewhat overwhelming, they are all covered in a clear and understandable manner during your consultation with Dr. Strock. During your consultation, he will ask you to discuss your aesthetic goals, and perform a physical examination that will lead to an assessment of your existing breast tissue and a discussion of the options that are possible. He will discuss those options with you in great detail and work with you to plan the procedure according to your specific lifestyle needs. He will discuss all aspects of the procedure so that you know what you can expect. He routinely offers a second consultation for additional preoperative planning and to address additional questions if needed.

You may have questions that relate to recovery from breast enlargement. We usually ask that you limit upper arm and shoulder movement for five days postoperatively. This is to allow your implants to stabilize and to lessen the risk of bruising or bleeding. We encourage you to resume cardiovascular exercise with a recumbent bicycle at one week. You will be free to resume all activities two weeks after the procedure.

What follows are examples of patients who have allowed us to share their preoperative and postoperative photographs with you. These are examples of typical outcomes, but may not represent your preoperative situation or postoperative result.