Breast augmentation surgery has changed the lives of countless women, giving them the fuller, shapelier breasts they have always wanted. It is one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries and can provide women who want to increase their breast size numerous options for improvement.

At Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta, our highly trained and experienced plastic surgeons combine precise skill with an artist’s touch to produce stunning, natural-looking results. If you are in Atlanta, GA, and want to improve the appearance of your breasts, contact our office today to schedule a preoperative appointment.

Quick Facts About Breast Augmentation Procedures

Anesthesia: General
Potential Benefits: Fuller breasts and enhanced breast contours
Longevity of Results: Often 10 years
Recovery: Generally a week before most normal activities can be resumed and several weeks before strenuous activity can be continued

Explore Topics on this Page

What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation Benefits
Breast Augmentation Candidates
Breast Augmentation vs. Lift
Complementary Procedures to Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast Augmentation Scars
Breast Implant Safety
Breast Implant Longevity
Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding
Breast Augmentation Cost
Breast Augmentation FAQs

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is an aesthetic surgery that aims to add fullness to the breasts and enhance their natural appearance. With the help of either saline or silicone implants, this procedure can improve breast shape, size, and symmetry.

In addition to being safe and effective for the majority of patients, a breast augmentation performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons can create beautiful results that can last 10 years or even longer for some patients. The recovery period is often relatively quick, and the procedure can produce natural-looking effects that flatter a patient’s physique.

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Breast Augmentation

Patient Results

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What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

When breast augmentation is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, benefits often include:

Increased breast volume and enhanced curves
Restoration of shape after pregnancy, aging, or weight loss
Improved symmetry
Reconstruction after a mastectomy or injury
A boost in self-confidence and body image
Long-lasting, natural-looking results tailored to your goals

Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Those eligible for breast augmentation typically:

Desire enhanced volume and improved symmetry for a more proportionate appearance
Have experienced changes in breast size due to pregnancy or weight loss
Have naturally small breasts or minimal breast tissue due to a lean, athletic build
Have fully developed breasts and are of an appropriate age for the surgery
Are in good overall health and do not smoke

Breast Augmentation vs. Lift

It is important to understand that while breast augmentation can dramatically enhance volume, it cannot combat “sagging” on its own. Mastopexy – or breast lift surgery – is another breast enhancement procedure that was specifically designed to elevate the breasts and reduce the sagging effect that often accompanies age.

Furthermore, many of our patients opt to complement their breast augmentation with breast lift surgery. This procedure, known as a breast augmentation with a lift, can simultaneously restore fullness and provide a youthful, “lifted” quality.

Complementary Procedures to Breast Augmentation

Our patients frequently choose to combine breast augmentation with additional cosmetic surgeries – most often additional breast or body enhancement procedures. As discussed above, breast lift surgery is frequently incorporated into the breast augmentation procedure. Alternatively, patients may choose to undergo tummy tuck surgery to sculpt and tighten their abdominal muscles or liposuction to reduce unwanted pockets of stubborn fat. Facial enhancement solutions, such as facelift or eyelid surgery, can also be included in many cases.

A combination of these types of procedures is often referred to as a “mommy makeover.” While not performed exclusively on mothers, this treatment can help patients return to their pre-baby or pre-pregnancy appearance and reduce many of the less welcome aesthetic effects of motherhood. The treatment is extremely customizable, and the surgeries you choose to include are based on your unique preferences and needs.

How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?

During your preoperative appointment, Dr. Connors and Dr. Hart will allow you to “try on” implants of different types and sizes before surgery. Additionally, with the state-of-the-art VECTRA^® 3D imaging system, you will be able to see how the implants look on your body. This can help you obtain a truer sense of what size, shape, and style of implants would best satisfy your goals. Then we can help design a breast augmentation plan for you.

Breast Implant Options

Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants

Both saline and silicone implants are popular choices among surgeons and patients.

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Learn the Difference Between Saline and Silicone Implants!

Profiles

An implant’s “profile” refers to how far it extends outward from the chest. Various profile options are available, such as low, moderate, high, and extra-high.

Smooth vs. Textured Breast Implants

At Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta, we offer smooth implants only.

Implant Placement Options

There are several techniques that may be used for implant placement. These include either under the pectoral muscle or submammary/subglandular placement (over the pectoral muscle). Implant placement depends on numerous factors, including the overall type and size of implant and the patient’s activity level and body type.

The Keller Funnel

Our surgeons use a special tool known as the Keller Funnel, which assists in the placement of silicone gel implants. Introduced in 2009, the Keller Funnel method is a “no touch” technique that can prevent potential contamination and make the placement and insertion of gel implants easier. It can also reduce potential risks and long-term implant rupture. Dr. Hart and Dr. Connors have been using the Keller Funnel for many years in nearly all of their silicone breast augmentation surgeries.

The Funnel’s specific advantages can include:

Shorter incisions (and thereby shorter scars)
Reduced risk of contamination and infection
Reduced tissue trauma (and so less bruising) due to less force on the implant
Improved comfort and faster healing
Less damage to the gel implant wall

Breast Augmentation Incisions

Incision type, as well as implant placement, are decisions that will need to be made before surgery. During breast augmentation, the chosen incision is created and then the appropriate breast implant will be slipped into its position. Regardless of incision placement, scarring is generally unnoticeable.

Our breast surgeons typically favor these strategies when placing implants:

An inframammary incision is placed within the breast (or inframammary) crease
A periareolar incision is made along the natural border of the areola

How Long Is Recovery After Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia in a fully accredited surgical center. The surgery usually lasts between one and two hours.
Following surgery, patients should plan for a few days of rest, though light movement is encouraged to support healthy circulation. Some tightness in the chest is expected as the skin adapts to the implants. Most individuals can gradually return to their usual exercise routine within four to six weeks. Over the next several months, the breasts should settle into their final shape, with full results typically visible around the six-month mark.

Does Breast Augmentation Cause Scarring?

Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after breast augmentation; however, Dr. Connors and Dr. Hart use precise techniques to place incisions in discreet locations whenever possible, and any scars that do appear should fade to a flesh color in time. Moreover, proper aftercare and following your surgeon’s recommendations can reduce scar visibility.

Are Breast Implants Safe?

The FDA has approved both saline and silicone implants for breast augmentation, and advancements in design have improved their durability and performance. Like any medical procedure, however, breast augmentation does carry some risks, such as rupture, capsular contracture, and changes in sensation. More serious (but much less common) complications exist, as well.*

Regular monitoring, follow-up appointments, and imaging can help ensure implant integrity and overall health. In addition, for this and countless other reasons, we advise you to entrust your care only to a seasoned, reputable breast surgeon.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

In general, breast implants last approximately 10 years, with some potentially lasting even longer. That said, implants are not completely impervious to becoming “worn” after long periods, nor are they completely impervious to complications such as leaks, ruptures, rippling, or deflation. When these issues are not present, secondary breast surgery (also known as “breast revision surgery”) is relatively uncommon, though patients occasionally wish to “upgrade” implants from an augmentation performed in the past.

Can I Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Contrary to popular belief, the placement of breast implants does not always interfere with breastfeeding. Future ability to breastfeed can often be preserved if the patient so desires, as the surgeon can usually tailor the course of surgery to allow for the best chance of breastfeeding. Typically, this involves placing the breast implant below the muscle and inserting the implant from an incision below the breast.* With this in mind, it is worth noting that certain patients will be naturally unable to breastfeed regardless of the presence of implants.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

At our practice, the cost of breast augmentation can be influenced by factors such as:

The type of implants being placed
Additional procedures
Anesthesia and hospital fees
Postoperative care or medication

We encourage you to direct any financial questions to our staff. Please also feel free to explore our plastic surgery financing page for details about our programs through CareCredit^® and ALPHAEON^® CREDIT. If you are interested in financing your treatment through one of these parties, we would be happy to provide more information.

“I got a breast augmentation with dr. Connors 6 weeks ago and it was the best decision I could’ve made. They look so amazing and natural, everyone in the office is very nice and welcoming. I loved my experience and would definitely recommend this office to anyone looking to get a breast aug!"

- Andrea H.

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Is breast augmentation painful?
Because breast augmentation involves the use of general anesthesia, patients do not usually experience pain during the procedure itself. Mild postoperative discomfort or tightness may occur, but should fade in the weeks following the surgery. For optimal recovery, patients will refrain from strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery.
What kind of bra should I wear after breast augmentation?
During initial breast augmentation recovery, we generally recommend patients wear a loose-fitting and comfortable bra or bralette. Our office will provide you with a surgical bra following the surgical procedure. As the healing period progresses, we will then switch to a specialized sports bra; these bras are designed to minimize movement and can provide a secure fit without irritating incisions. The ideal type of postoperative bra may vary between patients based on individual goals and procedural specifics.
How should I sleep after breast augmentation?
For the first few weeks after breast augmentation surgery, patients should generally plan to sleep on their back – preferably in an elevated position. Doing so can reduce swelling and pressure on the incision areas and implants, thereby preserving surgical results. As you become accustomed to this position, you might find additional comfort by placing a pillow under your knees or temporarily using a recliner.
Will my breast augmentation results look natural?
When the procedure is performed by a skilled, experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation results should look seamlessly natural and enhance the overall physique. Achieving a natural look is both an art and a science, requiring a careful assessment of your body frame and the specific characteristics of the implants. Our surgeons will keep these variables in mind when developing your personalized treatment plan.

Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta is proud to provide this proven surgery, and we invite you to learn more. Contact our team to plan your preoperative appointment with Dr. Hart or Dr. Connors. Let us help you reach your aesthetic goals and achieve the look you have always wanted!

Medical Resources*

Mayo Clinic
Johns Hopkins Medicine