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.

Plan Your Procedure
  • Recovery Time : 2-4 Weeks
  • Procedure Recovery Location: Outpatient

What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

If you are looking to enlarge your breasts and enhance your overall appearance, a breast augmentation at Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta can create a large number of wonderful benefits, including:

Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

The choice to go through with breast enlargement surgery is personal. If you are thinking about having this procedure, it is essential you do it for yourself. You should be medically healthy with breasts that are fully developed. You should also be the appropriate age to have a breast implant procedure. If you are unhappy with the size of your chest because you feel it is shapeless, you may benefit from this surgery.

Moreover, if your breasts have been affected by weight loss or pregnancy, this procedure can give them life with increased volume. It can also be an excellent option if you work out with weights or have little to no natural breast mass.

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!

Breast Implant Profiles

An implant profile depicts the distance the breast will project forward from the chest wall. Implants are made in low, moderate, high, and extra-high profiles.

Smooth vs. Textured Breast Implants

Breast implants are made with a smooth or textured surface. 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. Connors and Dr. Hart 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.

  • Inframammary: The incision is made in the breast crease where the breast meets the torso
  • Periareolar: The incision is made just under and along the areola
  • Transaxillary: The incision is made in the armpit (not recommended)
  • Transumbilical: The incision is made in the belly button (not recommended)

How Long Is Recovery After Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes between one to two hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure.

After surgery, patients will need to rest for a couple of days, but will be encouraged to move around in order to promote circulation. As the skin adjusts to the new breast size, it is normal to feel tightness in the chest area. Patients may resume their normal exercise routines within four to six weeks. It typically takes around six months for the breasts to fall into their final position. In the hands of an experienced provider, the result is typically a much softer, natural-looking breast appearance.

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.

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.

Combination Procedures

Our patients frequently choose to combine breast augmentation with additional cosmetic surgeries – most often breast or body enhancement procedures. For instance, a breast lift can be performed alongside your augmentation to provide both fullness and a youthful, “lifted” quality. 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.

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 figure 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.

“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

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 initial consultation with Dr. Connors or Dr. Hart. Let us help you reach your aesthetic goals and achieve the look you have always wanted!

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