Breast Augmentation Near St. Louis, MO
The Fullest Expression of Your Beauty
Why choose MidAmerica Plastic Surgery for breast augmentation?
We have all felt that moment of defeat in the dressing room. Nothing is flattering, you can’t fill out the feminine tops you like, and you just do not feel like yourself.
Many women feel the exact same way about their bodies—one might even be in the dressing room right next door. Each day at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery, we interact with patients just like you. We are here for you. Making the decision to get breast implants is a highly personal choice. Most women diligently look for the best plastic surgeon and spend hours researching breast augmentation specialists in Maryville, Edwardsville, and around St. Louis, MO. When they discover Dr. Ryan Diederich is only 15 minutes from downtown and creates beautiful, natural-looking results, they choose MidAmerica Plastic Surgery in Southern Illinois for their procedure.
Breast Augmentation at a Glance
- Types of Augmentation: Breast implants or fat transfer
- Benefits: Enhanced breast volume and shape, improved self-esteem
- Downtime: Typically 1-2 weeks
- Duration: Results can be long-lasting, with proper care
- Procedure Time: About 1-2 hours
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Breast Augmentation Before & Afters
Dr. Diederich strives to exceed his patients’ expectations when they get a breast augmentation. You can see the results for yourself in our gallery of before-and-after photos.
Flattering and Feminine
What is breast augmentation?
Year after year, breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, offering women the opportunity to realize their vision of a more harmonious, flattering figure. Patients wishing to enhance the size and shape of the breasts have two main options: breast implants or fat transfer augmentation. Breast implants involve placing silicone or saline-filled devices in the breast area to achieve a fuller look. Fat transfer augmentation uses liposuction to remove fat from other areas of your body, which is then purified and injected into the breasts. At MidAmerica Plastic Surgery, we specialize in both methods, allowing you to enhance your breast volume and contours in a way that suits your specific preferences.
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Your Best Body by Design
Breast Implant Augmentation Options
During your consultation, your personal patient care coordinator guides you through the choices you have to create a truly customized procedure. These options include the size and type of implants, the incision locations, and implant placement.
Breast Implant Filler Options
Breast implants are filled with either silicone gel or a saline solution.
Silicone Gel Breast Implants
You have a range of options if you opt for silicone gel breast implants. That’s because the consistency of the gel filling the implants varies. Highly cohesive gel implants, often called gummy bear implants because it’s similar to the consistency of gummy bear candies, are firmer than other silicone gel breast implants. Most patients believe silicone implants look and feel more like natural breasts than saline implants.
Saline Breast Implants
The saline solution filling these breast implants is biocompatible, meaning the body naturally absorbs the fluid if the implant leaks. Surgeons fill saline implants after they’re inserted, so the incisions are slightly smaller than those for silicone gel breast implants. Saline implants also make it easier for your surgeon to determine if you have an implant rupture.
Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size for You
Choosing the size of your implants is often an exciting part of the consultation process and one that we make easier with the VECTRA® 3D imaging system. This state-of-the-art technology gives patients the opportunity to preview potential results with different sized breast implants. Using the VECTRA system, Dr. Diederich can provide a realistic view, from any angle, of how you would look without having to use sizers.
Even though many patients think in terms of bra sizes, bra sizes can vary widely from brand to brand on actual cup size as well as the fit they provide. We recommend worrying less about the bra size and more about the appearance you like.
Sculpt Your Perfect Result
Natural Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer
Women who want only a slight increase in the size of their breasts who prefer a more natural alternative to breast implants may be good candidates for fat transfer breast augmentation. This technique uses the patient’s own fat to add volume to the breasts. Dr. Diederich uses liposuction to harvest fat from another area of the body—typically the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks—and inject it into the breasts with a specialized cannula.
The technique involves 3 distinct steps: extracting the fat, purifying it, and then reinjection. A good candidate for fat transfer should aim to increase her breast size by only one bra cup size.
Expert Techniques Tailored to You
Where are breast implant incisions placed?
Dr. Diederich inserts breast implants through small incisions he makes during the surgery. The incision location options include inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary.
Inframammary Incision
Based on his experience and expertise, Dr. Diederich believes using incisions at the crease, just above where the breast skin attaches to the chest, is the best choice for patients. The inframammary incision provides optimal access for Dr. Diederich to insert implants with a direct view for creating the implant pocket. Because the incisions are so low on the breast, scars don’t detract from the results. In fact, the incisions for most patients are barely noticeable after several months to a year.
Periareolar Incision
This incision location is on the lower edge of the areola. The resulting scar blends with the darker skin of the areola and is virtually imperceptible. This location, however, is associated with a higher risk of disrupting milk ducts which could affect breastfeeding if you plan to have children.
Transaxillary Incision
Surgeons make this incision in the area of the armpit and then use an endoscope to place the implant. Surgeons don’t have a direct view of the implant pocket when placing the breast implants, and this location isn’t suitable for patients who want silicone implants. These drawbacks make this location much less popular among patients.
What’s the Best Implant Placement Option?
Where implants sit inside the breast is a decision that patients make in consultation with Dr. Diederich. In general, breast implants can go behind the existing breast tissue, but above the pectoral muscles (subglandular), or behind the muscles (submuscular). A patient’s physical characteristics, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals can all influence the choice. For example, a submuscular placement typically is the best option for a woman with little existing breast tissue to help camouflage the implant and create a more natural look.
Dr. Diederich can help you make this decision and explain the benefits and limitations of each option.
Knowing what to expect helps patients remain confident about their decision to get breast augmentation surgery. With that in mind, we’ve provided information to help you prepare for your big day and during the recovery.
A Breast Augmentation Timeline
What is the breast augmentation procedure like?
Before the Day of Surgery
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation as needed
- Take only certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
- Stop smoking well in advance of your breast augmentation surgery
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase the chance of bleeding. Check first with your primary care physician. If you cannot stop, please let us know.
- Prepare your pre- and post-surgery checklist with us
- Pick up your prescriptions, so they are ready on surgery day
- Pre-Op instructions will be provided before the procedure. Please read these thoroughly for additional information.
Day of Surgery
Most patients return home on the day of their surgeries, so you’ll need a ride home. Dr. Diederich performs surgery in the morning and you’ll return home that afternoon. You are not allowed to eat or drink anything after midnight, the day before your surgery. You will also need someone to stay with you at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.
After Surgery
After the surgery is completed, dressings will be applied to the incisions and a surgical bra placed. You will come to the office the day after your surgery for follow-up, and we will remove the bandages for you. Most patients can return to work within 5 days of the surgery, but everyone recovers at their own pace. You may be sore for a few weeks and may also experience slight swelling and bruising. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heartbeats.
Breast Implant Videos
Fulfill Your Potential
What are the benefits of breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation offers several benefits, including:
- Enhanced Appearance: Achieve fuller, shapelier breasts that complement your body’s proportions.
- Boosted Confidence: Improved self-esteem and body image.
- Restored Volume: Address volume loss from pregnancy, weight changes, or aging.
- Customizable Options: Choose between breast implants or fat transfer to suit your preferences.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Most women with fully developed breasts can be considered good candidates for breast augmentation if they’re concerned about the size or shape of their breasts. Women with smaller breasts may want augmentation to improve their confidence by creating a more feminine appearance.
Some breast augmentation patients have always had breasts they felt were too small, while other women want to recapture the look of their breasts before having children or losing significant weight. Breast implants can be a good choice if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about the result
- Want breasts that are the same size
- Have breasts that failed to develop normally
Dr. Diederich listens closely to patients during their consultations as they describe their reasons for wanting breast augmentation—because it’s important to know as he creates a customized surgical plan.
Full Support for Every Step
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Recovery from breast implant surgery or fat transfer typically involves 1-2 weeks of rest and limited physical activity. Patients may experience swelling and bruising of the breast tissue and some discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medication. It’s essential to follow Dr. Diederich’s aftercare instructions, including wearing a supportive bra and avoiding strenuous activities, to ensure optimal healing and results.
Unleash Confidence
Breast Augmentation Results
The final results of breast augmentation become more apparent after the initial swelling subsides, usually within a few weeks.
The results are long-lasting, though breast implants may need to be replaced or adjusted over time. Fat transfer augmentation offers permanent results as long as a stable weight is maintained. After their procedure, breast augmentation patients report feeling enhanced satisfaction in their appearance, the opportunity to enjoy new clothing options, and an elevated sense of confidence in their own skin.
Begin Your Journey Today
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
If you’ve been thinking about getting a breast augmentation for months, or even years, and are now ready, schedule a consultation with Dr. Diederich at our Glen Carbon office or call us at (618) 288-7855 to schedule an appointment. A $200 consultation fee will be required to reserve your appointment. Consultation fees ensure your 90-minute appointment and will be put towards your procedure when you book your surgery with Dr. Diederich.
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Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ryan Diederich
Dr. Diederich is a Southern Illinois native realizing his dream of giving back to the community. He helps patients feel and look their best with his surgical skills and compassionate care.
Breast Augmentation
Common Questions
You can “try on” breast implants during your 90-minute consultation and use the VECTRA® 3D imaging system to see potential results with different sizes of implants. Combining these two methods allows us to work together in finding a size that will get you to your goal while keeping safety and your best interest in mind.
“I wish I had gone bigger” is something we hear occasionally. There are a couple of reasons for it. First, the change from your current size is dramatic at first, but you quickly get used to it. Second, no matter what size you choose at first, there is swelling and you get used to this new size, but as the swelling goes down—you notice the slight decrease in size. This is true, no matter what size you choose.
Dr. Diederich often recommends staging the procedures, because breast augmentation and breast lift are designed to do 2 very different things. That said, we also recognize patients have financial and time constraints and many patients want to have a single surgery. A complete consultation with Dr. Diederich is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for a single-stage procedure.
Breast implants are among the most studied medical device on the market. Crazy, right? Though there are risks to any medical procedure, many women get breast implants and go on to live full, healthy lives.
Dr. Diederich prides himself in delivering natural results. We take our time during your consultation to ensure we select the correct size for you. Believe it or not, there is a way to do breast implants tastefully.
Redoing your implants after 10 years used to be the norm. In today’s world, it is not as likely. If you are still happy at your 10-year follow-up and your breast implants are still intact, there is no reason to replace them. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it!”
Yes! Most patients have returned (mostly) to normal duties around 2-3 days. We strongly encourage you not to lift your little ones for the first 4 weeks, but we realize that’s not completely realistic. There are ways to safely lift your kids while still protecting your breast implants. Don’t worry, I will show you how!
Everyone’s pain level after breast augmentation is different. Dr. Diederich uses various techniques during and after surgery to help minimize pain. Most of our patients use pain medication for 1-2 days after surgery.
You will. Dr. Diederich places the incision under the breast but slightly onto the very bottom of your breast so that it cannot be seen while looking straight at the breast. Placing the scar slightly on the bottom of the breast also ensures that it will not pop out of your bikini! Most incisions go on to fade into a very fine line. Very rarely do our patients need scar treatment. We also have topical products to help reduce the appearance of scars.
This is always a risk. With that being said, I have seen patients do well with breast implants that are 15-20 years old. Make sure to follow up with your surgeon yearly to make sure your implants are still doing well.
