About Breast Implants

A breast implant is a medical device that is placed inside the breast to enhance its size, shape, and contour. ⁽¹⁾ They are commonly used for breast augmentation, which many women undergo for various reasons, including improving their self-image or restoring breast volume after weight loss or pregnancy. ⁽²⁾

As one of Baltimore’s leading plastic surgeons, Dr. Daniel Markmann and the team of experts at Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery have performed thousands of breast enhancement procedures with implants of all shapes, sizes, models, and types. If you are interested in exploring breast implant options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Dr. Markmann specializes in attentive and personalized care, and a consultation is the first step toward a chest that you can be proud of. Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Ellicott City office directly at (410) 465-3600.

About Breast Implants

When patients decide to undergo breast enhancement or augmentation, they typically want to increase their breast size or enhance their overall body proportions. ⁽¹⁾ Other reasons for considering breast implants can include correcting asymmetry, restoring breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or achieving a more youthful appearance.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the country. ⁽²⁾ Over 300,000 women in America undergo this transformation each year, seeking to improve their confidence and regain a sense of femininity.

Overall, breast implants help individuals feel more satisfied with their bodies, leading to significant boosts in self-esteem and potentially even enhancing their quality of life. At Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery, we prioritize patient safety and satisfaction while helping individuals navigate each of their options for breast implants.

VECTRA 3D IMAGING

Dr. Markmann is the one and only plastic surgeon in the Baltimore area who has the VECTRA 3D imaging system to show patients exactly (with 99.6% accuracy) what they will look like with any implant of their choice. This includes any implant company, any size, and any profile! Dr. Markmann uses VECTRA 3D imaging for all breast augmentation patients. VECTRA 3D is a 3D imaging system that takes six pictures of the breasts–all in the same second–from different angles, and combines them into a 3D image!

There is nothing that compares! There is no better way to be sure that you will be happy with your implant choice. In the old days, the surgeon told the patient what size they “believed” was best for them. Today, you get to see the options! It is your choice, so do not let anyone without VECTRA 3D tell you otherwise! Today, size is 100% your choice!

Types of Breast Implants

Breast implants come in two main types: silicone and saline implants. ⁽¹⁾ Silicone implants contain a gel-like substance, while saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. The gel used in silicone implants is designed to feel more like natural breast tissue. They are pre-filled by the manufacturer and require a slightly larger incision for placement. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after being inserted into the breast. Additionally, breast implants can vary in their shape, allowing patients to choose according to their aesthetic goals. Implants can either be round or teardrop-shaped (anatomical), each providing a unique silhouette when placed within the breast.

Benefits

Breast implants can offer women multiple benefits for enhancing their physique and confidence. Under the expert guidance and treatment of Dr. Markmann, our patients see improvements including:

Candidates

Any woman who is dissatisfied with a lack of volume or fullness in their breasts can be eligible to receive breast implants. Candidates for breast augmentation should be physically healthy and psychologically prepared for surgery, have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes, not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and have sufficient breast tissue to support implants. An initial consultation with Dr. Markmann allows for a detailed evaluation of your anatomy and goals, enabling you to determine if breast implants are right for you.

Personal Consultation

The personal consultation is a pivotal step in the breast augmentation process. During your visit, Dr. Markmann will discuss your goals and preferences while assessing your individual anatomical characteristics. Topics discussed may include your medical history, current medications and supplements, desired breast size and type of implant, surgical options, as well as any concerns and expectations regarding the procedure you may have.

This dialogue fosters a comfortable atmosphere where you can openly share your thoughts, ensuring all questions are answered before moving forward.

Scheduling your consultation is easy. Submit our online contact form to get in touch with us, or call our office in Ellicott City directly at (410) 465-3600.

Preparation

Preparing for breast augmentation involves several steps to ensure optimal outcomes. Patients should discontinue blood thinners and avoid alcohol, nicotine (if applicable), and certain supplements as directed. They will also be required to arrange transportation home after surgery, as anesthesia will be utilized. We advise preparing your home with provisions for ease and comfort for effective post-operative recovery. Finally, be sure to follow any additional guidelines given by Dr. Markmann. Taking these preparatory actions can thoroughly enhance the successful execution of your procedure.

Procedure

Breast implantation procedures are performed on patients under general anesthesia. They will also receive supplementary local anesthetic on their chests to reduce post-procedure discomfort. Dr Markmann also inserts an OnQ pain pump, which delivers numbing medication all around the implant, which greatly reduces the pain for the first five days. Some doctors inject a numbing medication that lasts up to 3 days. This is great for the first day, but pain usually returns by the second day, and the medication wears off entirely by day 3. The OnQ pump is just as effective on Day 5 as it is on Day 1.

These procedures begin with Dr. Markmann making an incision on the breast. The incisions you receive will depend on your personal anatomy and aesthetic goals. Once the incision is made, the implant is placed either beneath the breast tissue (subglandular) or, most commonly, under the chest muscle (submuscular). The latter often offers a more natural appearance and reduces the risk of complications. Once in place, Dr. Markmann will raise you to the sitting position and examine the breasts to ensure that they are symmetrical and meet your expectations. Finally, he will close the incisions with sutures, allowing you to begin your recovery.

Recovery

Recovery after breast augmentation varies from person to person. Patients may experience swelling and discomfort, which can be managed by the OnQ pain pump as well as through prescribed pain medication if necessary. It is advisable to rest and avoid any motion at the shoulder as well as any strenuous activities for at least a few weeks. Typically, patients can return to normal daily activities within two weeks but should refrain from intense exercise for several weeks.

Dr. Markmann will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor each individual’s healing progress.

Results

Results from breast augmentation can be visually stunning when swelling subsides. Patients enjoy fuller, shapelier breasts that align with their aesthetic desires. Proper care during recovery enhances long-lasting outcomes, with breast implants having longevity of at least 10 to 20 years without requiring replacement, assuming no issues arise.

Corresponding Procedures

Breast implants are often included in breast lift procedures. When breast implants are included in breast lifts, this is a specialized breast augmentation and lift procedure. A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is primarily performed to address a condition known as breast ptosis. This condition is characterized by the gradual sagging of breasts, where they eventually take on a deflated, descended appearance. In a breast lift, Dr. Markmann will remove excess skin to reduce the degree of sagging. Once this is done, the nipple may be repositioned to a higher location on the breast. Patients emerge from these treatments with breasts that sit higher on their chests and have a full, youthful, and perky appearance. When they are combined with breast augmentation through the use of implants, patients experience an increase in the fullness of their breasts as well.

To learn more about the other procedures offered by Dr. Markmann, we encourage patients to read his blog.

Cost of Breast Implants in Baltimore

The total cost of your breast implant procedure will depend on your goals, the scale of the procedure, the implant costs themselves, and a handful of other factors. After you meet with Dr. Markmann to discuss treatment, you will receive a comprehensive price quote. Our practice also offers financing options to help patients better access their treatments. To see if you qualify, please apply through Cherry.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about breast implants and how you can benefit from this procedure. If you have any questions, please call our Ellicott City office directly at (410) 465-3600.

FAQ

References

1. Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/
2. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/