Breast Augmentation

What Does the Breast Augmentation Procedure Involve?

Breast augmentation can be performed utilizing a variety of distinct techniques. Our doctor will discuss potential incision locations and implant placement (either behind or in front of the chest muscle) during your consultation to determine which will be best for your needs. Regardless of the exact location, our surgeons work diligently to ensure that any residual scarring is as discreet as possible—the scars should also fade to some extent over the passage of time.

Breast augmentation usually takes approximately one to two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. An overnight hospital stay is typically not necessary for breast augmentation procedures.

Complementary Procedures

Breast augmentation can provide remarkable aesthetic rejuvenation on its own; however, for patients who wish to achieve a more comprehensive enhancement, there are other options that can be added to the customized treatment plan to address additional concerns. Breast augmentation is sometimes paired with a breast lift in a procedure known as augmentation-mastopexy. This combination can be an ideal solution for women who would like to not only enhance breast volume and shape, but also improve signs of breast ptosis (sagging). A breast lift with implants procedure can increase breast size while simultaneously giving the breasts firmer skin and a more youthful projection. Additionally, some breast augmentation patients may benefit from a fat transfer procedure, as well. Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injections, utilizes natural fat taken from elsewhere on the body via liposuction to enhance the results of a standard breast augmentation. For some individuals, a breast augmentation using fat transfer methods alone may be sufficient to enhance breast size; however, patients who would like to increase the size of their breasts to a significant degree are typically better candidates for augmentation with breast implants. Procedures such as tummy tuck surgery, facial rejuvenation, or even non-surgical treatment options can also serve as complements to a breast augmentation. In fact, breast augmentation is often selected as part of a full Mommy Makeover treatment plan.

Once you have met with our plastic surgeon to talk about your needs, they can provide recommendations on the treatment or treatments that best fit your ultimate goals.

Additional Breast Augmentation FAQs

Are breast implants safe?

Breast augmentation is considered to be a generally safe procedure when performed by a qualified and skilled plastic surgeon. Both silicone and saline implants have been extensively researched and are both approved by the FDA. As with any elective surgery, there are always risks involved, so it’s imperative to select a highly trained and experienced plastic surgeon. This helps make sure that a pre-surgery patient evaluation is completed and all safety precautions are met before, during, and after the procedure.

How painful is breast augmentation?

Although most patients don’t experience significant pain, it’s common to feel soreness, swelling, tenderness, and muscle tightness for at least three to five days following breast augmentation surgery. Ice packs and prescribed pain medication may be taken as needed to ease any discomfort. Symptoms should gradually fade over two to three weeks and many patients begin to feel fully recovered after four weeks. To aid in the healing process, it’s imperative to carefully follow all post-surgery instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.

How much do breast implants weigh?

The weight of breast implants varies depending on the size of the augmentation, but in general, the amount has a very minimal impact on overall weight. Regardless of the type of implant, the outer shell is typically very lightweight, while the core component of the implant (either saline solution or silicone gel) generally weighs one to two pounds. For example, a breast augmentation planned to increase the breast size by two cup sizes may weigh an average of about 1.5 pounds. Ultimately, breast implants should not have a significant effect on body weight.

What do breast implants feel like?

Dr. Hakki takes great pride in designing and performing breast augmentations that can mimic the look and feel of natural breasts. It’s best to only seek out a trusted and reliable surgical facility, such as Luxxery Boutique, as they will be able to provide high-quality saline and silicone breast augmentation materials for the most desirable, comfortable outcome. During your consultation, Dr. Hakki will discuss implant size and placement, factor in your existing breast tissue and fat, and curate a treatment plan to address your cosmetic goals.

How should I sleep after breast augmentation?

Most surgeons strongly recommend sleeping on your back or even propped up with pillows for about three weeks after breast augmentation surgery. The back-sleeping position ensures no pressure is applied to the implants, provides an unrestrictive healing area for your incisions, and reduces fluid buildup and swelling. It is also highly suggested to avoid sleeping on your stomach for two months after surgery. Ultimately, your surgeon will be able to guide your recovery timeline and inform when you can resume your normal sleep routine.

What type of bra should I wear after breast augmentation?

On average, patients wear surgical dressings for two to three days after breast augmentation surgery. For the next one to two weeks, continuously wearing a supportive, compressive bra is strongly recommended to reduce swelling, protect your incisions, and assist with the settling position and shape of your new implants. Once your surgeon approves and the healing process is underway, they can advise you about the next appropriate garment for your particular results until you’re completely recovered.

What is capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture is the medical term for a condition in which scar tissue that has developed into a capsule surrounding a breast implant becomes hardened and firm. The formation of a protective scar “capsule” is normal whenever a foreign object is placed inside the body; however, if the scar tissue becomes too tight or hard, it can produce discomfort or an altered breast appearance. There are different levels of severity when it comes to capsular contracture, and treatment is available for the condition. Some patients who develop this condition may not have any symptoms at all. This is another reason why it is very important to have routine breast exams to determine if any complications have arisen. There are certain surgical techniques and implant locations (such as the submuscular location) that can be utilized which may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. Our plastic surgeon will explain the risks of breast augmentation during the initial consultation and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

How do I know if my breast implant ruptures?

For patients with saline breast implants, an implant rupture is often very quickly noticeable. As the saline solution leaks out of the implant, the breast will likely appear “deflated” or somewhat altered in shape. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body. For individuals who have silicone implants, a rupture will likely not show any visible signs of a problem at first since the solution inside the implant is much thicker than saline. This is one reason why regular check-ups and breast exams are strongly recommended for patients with breast implants of any type, either silicone or saline.

Can breast implants affect mammograms?

Breast implants may produce an obstructed view and affect the results of a mammogram. For this reason, it is very important to let radiologists and mammogram technicians know that you have breast implants before the mammogram is performed. This allows them to plan the mammogram accordingly and utilize special techniques in order to achieve the most accurate results possible. They may also recommend another type of imaging methodology, such as an MRI or ultrasound, so that the best results can be produced from the evaluation.

What if I change my mind about breast implants later in life?

If you eventually change your mind about having breast implants sometime later in life, there are procedures available that can accommodate your wishes. Some women decide that they simply no longer want their breast implants anymore, and others may consider exchanging their implants for different models or sizes. Revision breast augmentation can either exchange the breast implants or remove them altogether. As with all other treatments at our practice, a revision breast augmentation is customized to each patient’s needs and goals.