Breast Augmentation

In Washington D.C. &. Maryland

Discover your perfect contours with Breast Augmentation at Landford Plastic Surgery! Breast Augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a transformative cosmetic procedure that involves enhancing the size and shape of your breasts. This can be achieved through the insertion of implants filled with saline or silicone gel, tailored to your unique preferences and body proportions. Plastic surgeon Dr. Wilmina Landford ensures her breast augmentation patients optimal results and patient safety thanks to her extensive training and acute attention to detail.

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  1. Gallery
  2. Candidates
  3. Preparation
  4. Techniques
  5. Recovery
  6. Cost

What is a Breast Augmentation?

Many women are concerned about the size and shape of their breasts; whether it’s due to a loss in breast volume, genetics, or general dissatisfaction, Breast Augmentation surgery is an incredibly popular cosmetic surgery that helps women who are dissatisfied with the contour, size, or fullness of their breasts, or would like to improve their breast asymmetry.

There are many important decisions to make when it comes to deciding on the type of breast enhancement. Dr. Landford will review all these decisions during your consultation, sharing the pros and cons of each choice to help you make an informed decision. These options will include:

  • Breast implant shape
  • Cup size
  • Option for Lipofilling
  • Implant positioning
  • Insertion techniques

A thorough consultation is essential to discuss your goals, available options, and expectations, ensuring the best possible outcome tailored to your needs.

What Sets Dr. Landford Apart as the Premier Breast Augmentation Practice in Washington, DC, and Baltimore?

  • Dr. Wilmina Landford has performed numerous breast augmentation procedures over the past two years, consistently delivering exceptional results. Her extensive experience ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs and aesthetic goals.
  • Dr. Landford is recognized as one of the top plastic surgeons in the region, renowned for her expertise and dedication to excellence.
  • As a leading plastic surgeon in Washington, DC, Dr. Landford’s dedication to excellence has earned her several prestigious awards, including the Johns Hopkins Best Clinical Research Award. She has also been recognized in Baltimore Magazine’s Top Doctors list, highlighting her outstanding contributions to the field of plastic surgery.
  • Dr. Landford completed her undergraduate degree with honors in Biology and Medical Anthropology at Mount Holyoke College. She then earned her medical degree, MD with scholarly distinction, from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in Long Island, NY. Following this, she completed an integrated plastic surgery residency at the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident during her final year.
  • Dr. Landford’s compassionate approach to patient care sets her apart. She takes the time to understand each patient’s concerns and goals, providing clear communication and support throughout the surgical journey. Her dedication to achieving natural-looking results has earned her a reputation as a trusted surgeon in the Washington, DC, and Baltimore areas.

Breast Augmentation Quick Facts

  • Surgery Time: Approximately 1 to 2 hours
  • Recovery: Typically, patients can return to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks, with full recovery taking about 6 weeks.
  • Results: Immediate improvement in breast size and shape, with final results becoming apparent as swelling subsides over several months.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Augmentation?

If you are in Washington, DC, or Maryland and wondering if you are a good candidate for Breast Augmentation surgery, at Landford Plastic Surgery, we believe you should have some of the following characteristics. Changes in a woman’s breasts due to genetics, aging, pregnancy, or other factors often motivate the decision to pursue breast augmentation:

  • Bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
  • Dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
  • Have realistic expectations
  • Looking to treat asymmetrical breasts
  • Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape
  • Physically healthy
  • Unhappy with the upper part of your breast appearing “empty” after dramatic weight loss
  • Your breasts are fully developed.

Most importantly, breast implant surgery should only be considered after your natural breasts have fully developed. There is no age limitation for breast enlargement later in life, as long as the patient’s health allows for it.

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How Much Does a Breast Augmentation Cost in Washington DC & Maryland?

The cost of Breast Augmentation in Washington, DC & Maryland will vary on numerous factors, including the size, shape, and type of breast implants, as well as the surgical techniques used. The quoted price range typically applies to primary breast augmentation, which is the initial breast enhancement procedure; revision or secondary surgeries may have different costs. The best way to learn how much your procedure will be is to come in for your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Landford. After she creates your surgical plan, our Patient Coordinator will be able to use that information to provide you with a complete price breakdown.

What Should I Expect During a Consultation for a Breast Augmentation?

After scheduling your Breast Augmentation (also known as augmentation mammoplasty) consultation in either Washington, DC, or Maryland, you will be able to meet with Dr. Landford. During this appointment, you will be able to discuss your expectations for the procedure, discuss your breast augmentation options, ask any questions you may have, and have your body and breasts examined by Dr. Landford.

When performing her evaluation, Dr. Landford will take into account your body type and desired aesthetic. She will ask you questions about your medical history and lifestyle to gain a deeper understanding of your life, as well as to identify and avoid any unnecessary risks.

Next is what most of our patients get the most fun out of – getting to choose the size and shape of their breast implants. If you do not go the route of Lipofilling your breasts with fat, deciding on breast implants is the next step! To help you make your decision, we provide you with 3D imaging to see how breast implants appear on your body, see mold examples of the types of breast implants, and have Dr. Landford discuss the pros and cons of every option.

Please keep in mind when deciding on your breast implant sizing that you should focus more on the look of the implant, rather than the cup size. The “cup-community” is unfortunately inconsistent in its sizing, so what may be a ‘C’ for one clothing line won’t necessarily be the same for another.

Once you and Dr. Landford have agreed on every aspect of the surgery, including the techniques, types of breast implants, and a few additional details, she will create your personalized surgical plan.

Using all this information, Dr. Landford will create a customized surgical plan, and our Patient Coordinator will assist you in selecting a date for your breast augmentation surgery. You will also be provided with some important instructions to follow pre-surgery, along with the total breast augmentation cost.

Types of Breast Enhancement

Breast enhancement can be achieved through various methods, each tailored to an individual’s unique goals and body characteristics. Two of the most common methods include breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer. Fat grafting is a natural alternative to implants, utilizing the fat transfer technique to subtly enhance breast volume by using your own fat for a more natural look and feel. Dr. Landford will discuss the benefits of each and help you determine which is best for you.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline-filled implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, which is very similar to the saltwater found in the human body. Unlike silicone implants, saline-filled implants can either be pre-filled or filled during the implant operation.

Silicone Gel Breast Implants

Silicone breast implants, also known as silicone gel implants, are composed of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel that has a jelly-like consistency.

Gummy Bear Implants

“Gummy bear implants” is a term used for a type of silicone breast implant known as “form-stable” or “highly cohesive” implants. These implants are made of a thicker, more cohesive silicone gel that retains its shape even if the implant shell is cut or ruptured. 

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat transfer or natural breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure that utilizes a person’s own fat cells to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. In this procedure, fat is typically harvested from areas of the body where there is excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, through a process known as liposuction. 

Smooth Implants

Smooth-walled silicone and saline breast implants are the most common choice for breast augmentations. Great for round implants, these are made of silicone gel and have a smooth outer surface, creating a natural look and feel with a lower risk of rippling.

When possible, breast implants are placed beneath the chest muscle to provide better coverage, less chance of visibility, and less risk of capsular contraction.

Textured Implants

Textured breast implants have a surface that helps them adhere to the surrounding tissue, making them less likely to migrate within the breast pocket and providing a more natural appearance and feel. Textured implants are not used too often anymore due to their higher risk of capsular contracture and association with BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma).

How Do I Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Before you leave your consultation, you will be provided with some instructions to follow that will help improve the chances of a successful breast augmentation surgery. While every patient’s plan is created just for them, below we have listed some of our more common suggestions:

  • Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can increase bleeding
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Complete lab work and Medical Evaluation
  • Live a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and routine exercise
  • Prep your recovery area, request an appropriate time off for work, and meal plan to make your recovery more relaxing
  • Stop smoking
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

Breast Augmentation Risks & Safety

As a plastic surgeon in the Washington, D.C., and Maryland area, Dr. Landford and her team pride themselves on practicing safe procedures that produce pleasing results for many satisfied patients. Choosing a plastic surgeon for your procedure helps ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. We believe in full disclosure, which is why we also discuss the potential complications of cosmetic surgery.

Some of the risks and side effects associated with the Breast Augmentation procedure, which can include, but are not limited to:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) or other very rare cancers in the capsule around the breast, such as breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC)
  • Bleeding
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Formation of tight scarred tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
  • Hematoma
  • Implant leakage or rupture
  • Infection
  • Persistent pain
  • Poor scarring
  • Possibility of revision surgery
  • Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
  • Wrong or faulty position of the implant

If you experience any of the previously mentioned reactions or long-lasting side effects, please contact our office immediately so that we can assist you.

What are the Steps of a Breast Augmentation?

Your procedure will vary slightly depending on which type of augmentation you are receiving, but regardless of which one you are getting, we will start your procedure by administering you general anesthesia first to provide you with a more comfortable experience.

Once you are sedated, Dr. Landford will start making inconspicuous incisions to minimize visible scarring. Careful incision placement, such as along the breast crease (inframammary fold), is chosen to optimize healing and minimize visible scarring. The surgical process continues with the creation of a pocket for the implant. Implant insertion is a crucial part of the surgical process, and depending on the implant size, it will be placed either under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue, but above the pectoral muscle. Natural augmentation (fat transfer) may require more operative time, dictated by the extent of areas to be liposuctioned and the desired breast size.

After she is finished with the implant or fat graft, Dr. Landford will close the incisions using layered sutures in the breast tissue to provide extra support to the natural breast tissue. She will then close the external breast skin incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, or surgical tape.

Each operation will take about one to two hours, depending on the techniques used.

Surgical Techniques for a Breast Augmentation

When performing your Washington, DC or Maryland breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Landford can use a variety of breast augmentation techniques to help you achieve the best breast enhancement.

Breast Implant Placement

Submuscular Placement

The breast implants are placed underneath the pectoral muscle. This placement is often recommended to women who have very little real breast tissue, as it can help to create a more natural look and feel.

Subglandular Placement

This technique requires the breast implants to be placed behind the existing breast tissue and in front of the chest muscles. This placement is ideal for women with more breast tissue, as it can help create a more lifted and perky appearance.

Dual Plane Placement

This surgical procedure is a combination of the previous two in which the implant is placed partially underneath the pectoral muscles and partially behind the tissue of the breasts. It’s recommended for women who want a more natural look with a little extra lift.

Where are the Incisions and Scars for a Breast Augmentation?

When undergoing breast augmentation surgery, there are about three options that Dr. Landford can use for incisions: axillary (armpit), periareolar (around the areola), and inframammary fold. One of the most important aspects of your surgery for Dr. Landford is skillfully creating very precise pockets for your breast implants.

Inframammary Incision

The inframammary incision is made directly below the breast, in the crease where the lower part of the breast comes into contact with the skin of the chest.

Periareolar Incision

A periareolar incision is located just below the lower half of the areola (the pigmented circle around the nipple). This incision is fairly common for breast augmentation, breast lift, or removal, and exchange of breast implants.

Transaxillary Incision

Also called a Scarless Breast Augmentation, a transaxillary incision is made in the armpit. Working through this armpit incision, Dr. Landford can insert a saline breast implant into the breast and enhance the overall size and shape of a patient’s bustline in the process.

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tummytuck-recovery

There will be some visible scarring from the incisions, but Dr. Landford will do her best to hide them in the natural creases and lines of your body. While visible scarring is inevitable in most plastic surgeries, it typically fades and smooths over time.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

A Washington DC or Maryland Breast Augmentation at Landford Plastic Surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to return home to recover in peace. As you recover from surgery, you’ll likely have some swelling and bruising. You may also experience some pain and soreness, but Dr. Landford will prescribe temporary pain medication to help alleviate this. Recovery experiences may differ for patients undergoing reconstructive surgery, as their needs and healing timelines can vary compared to those having cosmetic breast augmentation.

Recovery time is usually about one week. You’ll need to wear a special surgical bra for a few weeks after breast surgery, and you may require some drainage tubes to help remove excess blood and fluid. You’ll also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks.

Additionally, some women with breast implants may continue to experience minor side effects such as some breast pain, swelling, and bruising. These side effects are typically short-lived and resolve within a few weeks.

Tips for Recovery

To ensure a smooth and successful recovery following your breast augmentation surgery, consider the following tips:

  • Follow Post-Operative Instructions:
    Adhere to all instructions provided by Dr. Landford to promote healing and minimize complications.
  • Wear Supportive Garments:
    Use the recommended surgical bra to support your breasts and reduce swelling.
  • Avoid Strenuous Activities:
    Refrain from heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for at least 6 weeks post-surgery.
  • Attend Follow-Up Appointments:
    Keep all scheduled appointments to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
  • Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:
    Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support your body’s healing process.
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Why Choose Us?

After receiving her medical degree from Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Dr. Wilmina Landford has become a specialist in plastic surgery and cosmetic plastic surgery. She is trilingual with an ability to communicate with her patients in Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin), and English, allowing her to communicate with a wider sample of patients.

Dr. Landford’s passion for helping her patients achieve natural-looking results and her friendly demeanor are just a few of the characteristics that make her so favorable amongst her patients. She also combines her technical proficiency with an artistic eye to deliver procedure results that enhance natural beauty and provide a better quality of life. When you’re looking for breast enlargement plastic surgeons in Maryland or Washington, DC, look no further than Dr. Wilmina Landford.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering breast augmentation in Maryland or Washington, DC, you should call your nearest Landford Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation and discuss breast augmentation with Dr. Landford. In Washington, DC, and Baltimore, breast augmentation is a popular choice for those seeking expert care and personalized results. You can also use our website to fill out a consultation form, and a member of our team will be with you shortly.

Whether you’re looking to improve your breasts’ shape and size, looking into a breast surgery revision, or have any other aesthetic goals, we can’t wait to meet you and help you achieve your best appearance possible.

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