Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures that our board-certified plastic surgeons perform. They focus on delivering a wide range of customized breast enhancement options and are highly skilled in developing surgical solutions aimed at resolving even the most complex cosmetic breast augmentation concerns. Each has extensive experience with a broad spectrum of breast implants and advanced surgical techniques that help them achieve beautiful results. To learn more about our surgeons and breast augmentation, we have provided answers to many frequently asked questions provided below:
For a comprehensive one-on-one breast augmentation consultation with one of our physicians, please contact our practice to schedule an appointment.
Breast augmentation surgery is a plastic surgery procedure in which saline or silicone filled breast implants are placed—either below the pectoral muscle (sub-muscular) or directly behind the breast tissue (sub-mammary)—to increase breast size, enhance breast shape, and create firmer, more symmetrical breasts.
Breast augmentation surgery is a very versatile procedure that can accomplish a multitude of cosmetic breast improvements. Many women choose to undergo breast augmentation to:
A wide variety of implants can be used to accomplish a breast augmentation, so it is important for our physicians to have a good understanding of your aesthetic goals. Based on bio-dimensional planning principles, and often having patients bring in photographs of their desired breast size and shape, our physicians will guide you through the process of selecting the right implant type, size, shape, and texture, as well as the most suitable approach for implant placement.
Women considering breast augmentation should be prepared to have a serious discussion about their expectations for the surgery during the consultation. They must also be aware that there are important pre-surgery and post-surgery actions that need to be followed to ensure the success of the procedure. As with any other surgery, breast augmentation entails some risks and our surgeons will carefully review them as they pertain to the specifics of each procedure.
Anyone over the age of 18 can be considered for breast augmentation surgery. Generally, you must be over the age of 22 to receive silicone implants. You should be in good general health with no bleeding problems or other issues that could affect surgery or your capacity to heal well. Smoking contracts blood vessels, so people that smoke are generally advised to stop before breast augmentation surgery. Anyone with an active infection anywhere in the body should not undergo breast augmentation surgery, nor should any woman with pre-cancerous or cancerous cells who is not yet being treated for their condition. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should wait to get breast augmentation. If you intend to become pregnant in the near future, you should discuss these plans during your consultation. Pregnancy can cause changes in breast tissue that may affect the augmentation result. Your physician may suggest waiting until after your pregnancy to place the implants.
Either saline or silicone implants are used to accomplish the majority of breast augmentation procedures. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater, and silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. Your physician will help you choose an implant depending on your goals and individual needs.
Proper preparation before your procedure can help surgery go smoothly and hasten your recovery time. You will be required to have some laboratory tests done to determine the overall state of your health. Your doctor may recommend getting a mammogram before your surgery to serve as a baseline for future testing. Generally, patients are required to eat a healthy diet and get sufficient rest in the weeks before the procedure. You should avoid taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs for at least a week before surgery to prevent excessive bleeding. Herbs and supplements should also be stopped for at least two weeks before you undergo surgery. Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery. If you are on other medications on a regular basis, your physician may advise you to stop taking them for a period of time before surgery. The physician will also give you specific instructions for the day of the surgery. Follow these instructions carefully for a safe surgery. You will be groggy after surgery, so you should arrange to have someone drive you home and stay with you for a time until you fully awake from the anesthesia.
In a breast augmentation procedure, the patient must first be put under anesthesia. Your physician will determine the best type of anesthesia based on your medical history. Where the incision is placed depends on the type of implant and your individual needs. The incision is generally positioned where it will be least visible.
A pocket is then formed either behind the pectoral muscle or on top of it to hold the implant. The implant is inserted and positioned properly for the most natural effect. The incision is then closed and allowed to heal. Any scarring from the incision generally fades over time.
“Dr. Pinsky performed a breast augmentation on me 6 years and one child ago. I couldn’t be happier with the result. His dedication to my result and my happiness couldn’t have been better. I love his office staff and their overall continued excellence with my care!”
Breast augmentation surgery can be done in a doctor’s office, in the hospital, or in an ambulatory surgery center. After surgery, you will be released to a responsible person who will take you home to begin your recovery. It is recommended that patients have someone with them after surgery for 24 hours. Patients should walk around as soon as possible after surgery to relieve the effects of anesthesia. Your doctor will instruct you on how to clear fluids that may drain from the incision. When lying down, use pillows to elevate the upper body to about 30 degrees and keep your knees flexed. Limit arm movements for 48 hours. Eat lightly after surgery, starting with liquids and then progressing to Jello and soup. The day after surgery, you can begin to eat normally. Avoid smoking during the recovery period. Your doctor will recommend exercises to help settle your new breast implants into natural position. Generally, the implants will settle into the breast tissue over a period of 12 weeks. You can return to work after a week, but you should avoid any heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks.
Our physicians always strive to create the most beautiful breast augmentation results possible, given your anatomical characteristics and the aesthetic features you desire for your enhanced breasts. Prior to your procedure, they can use VECTRA® 3D Imaging technology to show you a simulation of your breast augmentation. Your surgeon can also simulate the potential results that may be attained with different sized and shaped implants to help you make decisions prior to surgery. The vast majority of our patients are thrilled with the results of their breast augmentation procedure. If you would like to view breast augmentation before-and-after photos featuring our patients, we invite you to browse through our digital gallery. We have a wide variety of photos that provide a representation of our physicians’ highly customized breast procedures.
While our surgeons are careful to keep incisions as hidden as possible—either within the inframammary fold or along the inside border of the areola—scar tissue is expected to form during the incision healing process. During the initial phase of healing, scar tissue may appear reddish and raised; however, with proper care, scar tissue should fade and flatten considerably within the first year. To minimize visible scarring, it is important to follow all post-operative care instructions to prevent infection, as well as protect incisions/scars from exposure to UV rays. If for some reason you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your breast augmentation scars once they have fully matured, you can explore scar reduction treatment options with your physician. Both Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling and skin resurfacing lasers offered at Pinsky Plastic Surgery can be effective options for reducing the prominence of surgical scars.
At Pinsky Plastic Surgery, the average price ranges for breast augmentation with each type of breast implant. While the type and size of your breast implants are the main considerations in the price of your breast augmentation surgery, other factors can also cause the cost to fluctuate. The complexity of the procedure and the placement technique used, as well as surgeon’s fees, surgical facility costs, and anesthesia are considered when determining the price for your custom breast augmentation surgery. If you want to receive a precise quote for the cost for your personalized breast augmentation surgery, a consultation with one of our physicians is the first step. Once a surgical plan has been developed, our office team will provide you with a detailed price quote. You will also have the opportunity to discuss the payment methods we accept and plastic surgery financing opportunities available through PatientFi® and CareCredit®. These trusted third-party lenders can provide qualified applicants with loans and flexible payment plans that help make paying for surgery more convenient and affordable.
For more about breast augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures that our physicians perform, please contact Pinsky Plastic Surgery today.