Breast Augmentation

When women are unsatisfied with the appearance or size of their breasts, they often seek the expertise of a qualified plastic surgeon. Women living in Birmingham, Mountain Brook and the surrounding communities, turn to board-certified plastic surgeon Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S., of Core Plastic Surgery for breast augmentation to enhance their appearance and boost a positive self-image.

What is Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Core is the only surgeon in the state of Alabama who performs the breast augmentation with a true minimally invasive technique. This leaves no scars at all on the breast and less than a 1″ scar under the arm, which fades quickly. In addition, Dr. Core’s TEAM technique (Transaxillary Endoscopic Augmentation Mammoplasty) provides total muscular coverage over the implant for a much more natural appearance after the breast implants settle. Breast augmentation, or informally called a “boob job,” is typically at the top of the list of cosmetic surgeries requested by women. It involves altering the size of the breasts whether larger or smaller. Breast augmentation can be performed using a traditional method or endoscopically to minimize incisions and recovery.

Before and After Photos

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Endoscopic Breast Augmentation

Endoscopic breast augmentation is a specialized technique only practiced by a few surgeons in the United States who are experts in the use of endoscopic vision, which eliminates any scar on the breast. Saline, silicone, or the new IDEAL® Implant can all be used during endoscopic breast augmentation depending on the anatomy and desires of the patient. The implant is placed under the arm using a 1-inch incision in the hair-bearing portion of the armpit. This transaxillary, endoscopic method eliminates the need for a scar on the breast.

Dr. Core is currently the only surgeon in the world who has practiced, almost exclusively, the endoscopic approach since 1993, giving him the longest experience of any surgeon anywhere with this technique.

Dr. Core also has taught this procedure to hundreds of plastic surgeons worldwide since 1994.

Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Anyone wanting to change the appearance of their breasts whether to larger or smaller may be a good candidate for breast augmentation. It is important to have a realistic attitude about the outcome and be in good overall health.

What is the Difference between Endoscopic Breast Augmentation, TUBA, and Transaxillary?

Endoscopic breast augmentation is a minimally invasive method of placing an implant in the breast through a very tiny incision located either under the arm or in the belly button. Potential patients should be aware of the difference between TUBA (transumbilical breast augmentation) and transaxillary breast augmentation, as these two methods are quite different, and only the transaxillary method is fully “endoscopic”.

The TUBA method is quite limited. It is not possible to pass a silicone implant using TUBA. Only a saline implant, not gel, can be placed through a long subcutaneous tunnel extending from the belly button to the breasts, and many patients are not good candidates for saline. If you do not have much breast tissue to camouflage the implant, you will be at higher risk for rippling and implant visibility. In addition, saline implants are firmer than silicone and, thus, if there is little tissue over them, then they will feel very resistant to compression.

The transaxillary endoscopic technique has several advantages. First of all, both saline and silicone gel implants can be placed. Most importantly, the portion of the muscle that needs to be divided is approached from above (from the armpit looking down toward the muscle origin). Once the scope is under the muscle, the origin of the muscle is fully visualized and, in fact, the field of view is even better than with the open method; therefore, precision is enhanced.

In short, the TUBA technique is a blunt and blind method of placing only saline implants.

Dr. Core looked closely at TUBA over 10 years ago and felt that the transaxillary method offered patients much more flexibility, a more precise result, and still with no scar on the breast.

That’s why Dr. Core has been using Tuba now for over 20 years and has the longest experience with it in the world among active surgeons.

What Do I Do to Prepare for Breast Augmentation?

To prepare for breast augmentation, we recommend you schedule a consultation with Dr. Core to talk about what you want out of the procedure as well as let him evaluate your breasts to determine the type of breast augmentation to achieve your desired look. You may also be asked to undergo an overall health check-up to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery.

What is Involved with Breast Augmentation?

The breast augmentation procedure varies with each patient depending on the purpose of the procedure as well as the current size and shape of the breasts.

Most often, Dr. Core performs breast augmentation using his TEAM technique (transaxillary endoscopic augmentation mammoplasty). This procedure provides muscular coverage over the implant so that it looks more natural once the breast implants settle.

TEAM mammoplasty gives the plastic surgeon the ability to see the total operative as opposed to an open technique, which allows him to be more precise with the placement of the implants. As one of the developers of the TEAM technique, Dr. Core has used this technique since 1992.

What to Expect After Breast Augmentation

Dr. Core will see you at your bedside the following morning and review all home care instructions prior to discharge. A three to four-day recovery is all that is required in most patients as opposed to most other techniques. A full range of activity is encouraged immediately after endoscopic breast augmentation. The healing and recovery are based on the type of implant and the incision. You may return to work within a week following your surgery but must refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks. Sutures are usually removed within a week or two following surgery with any scarring greatly diminishing within about six months.

When Will I See the Results from Breast Augmentation?

Although the results of breast augmentation are immediately noticeable, the full results take a few months to become visible after the incisions have fully healed and the appearance of scars are greatly diminished.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Birmingham?

The charge for the breast augmentation procedure includes the physician fee, operating room fee, anesthesia fee, garment, implants, and overnight stay in a full-service hospital facility. We can go over the costs with you during your consultation as well as our payment options. Once you have determined the details of your breast augmentation, you will receive a cost breakdown that reflects your customized plan.

Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers plastic and reconstructive surgery to people living in and around Birmingham, Mountain Brook and the surrounding communities to look and feel younger. Contact Dr. Core’s office today to schedule your consultation!