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 – John Connors, MD, FACS and Alexandra Hart, MD – 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.
- 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
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:
- Enhanced cup size and fullness
- Assistance with reshaping breasts affected by childbirth, time, or drastic weight loss
- Correction of asymmetrical breast shape
- Reconstruction of breasts after a mastectomy
- Increased confidence and self-image
- Ability for the patient to enjoy a wider range of clothing
- Noticeable, long-term results
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.
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. 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.
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.
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 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!"
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.
Are silicone breast implants safe?
Patients sometimes have concerns about the safety of silicone breast implants because of the attention they received in the media years ago; however, the FDA has approved their safety. Furthermore, Dr. Connors and Dr. Hart are committed to patient safety and satisfaction, and only use quality implants to perform breast augmentation.
Do I need breast augmentation or a breast lift?
Breast augmentation will help with size, but it will not correct sagging. If you are happy with the shape and laxity of your breasts, then implants alone may meet your cosmetic goals. If sagging is what is most bothersome to you, then you may be considered for a breast lift. During your preoperative appointment, we will determine if you are better suited for breast augmentation, a lift, or a combination of the two.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
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.
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. That said, 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 initial preoperative appointment with Dr. Connors or Dr. Hart. Let us help you reach your aesthetic goals and achieve the look you have always wanted!
