Breast Augmentation Surgery
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Breast Implant or augmentation surgery involves using implants to increase the size of your breasts or restore breast volume that has been lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.
Breast Augmentation can:
•Increase fullness and projection of your breasts.
•Improve the balance of your figure.
•Enhance your self-image and self-confidence.Breast augmentation is a very personal procedure and you should do it for yourself, not for someone else.
a Breast augmentation is a good option if:
•You are physically healthy
•You have realistic expectations
•Your breasts are fully developed
•You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
•You are dissatisfied with your breasts losing shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or with aging
•You are unhappy with the upper part of your breast appearing “empty”
•Your breasts are asymmetrical
•One or both breasts failed to develop normally or have an elongated shape -
Breast augmentation does not correct severely drooping breasts. If you want your breasts to look fuller and to be lifted due to sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with breast augmentation.
Breast lifting can often be done at the same time as your augmentation or may require a separate operation. Your plastic surgeon will assist you in making this decision
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During your consultation be prepared to discuss:
•Why you want the surgery, your expectations, and the desired outcome
•Medical conditions, drug allergies, and previous medical treatments
•Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
•Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsiesDr. Nichols will also:
•Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
•Examine and measure your breasts, including detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, and placement of your nipples and areolas
•Take photographs
•Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
•Discuss likely outcomes of breast augmentation and any risks or potential complicationsPrior to surgery, you may be asked to:
•Get a blood test
•Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
•Stop smoking
•Avoid taking aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding
•Breast augmentation surgery may be performed in an accredited outpatient or ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. -
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. Should the implant shell leak, a saline implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body. They provide a uniform shape, firmness and feel. Saline implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 18 or older.
Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel. The gel feels a bit more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket. A leaking implant filled with silicone gel will not collapse. If you choose these implants, you may need to visit your plastic surgeon regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.
Form-stable implants are sometimes referred to as gummy bear implants because they maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken. The consistency of the silicone gel inside the implant is thicker than traditional silicone gel implants. These implants are also firmer than traditional implants, but are thought to be less likely to break.
Form-stable implants are shaped rather than round. They have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. If a shaped implant rotates, it may lead to an unusual appearance of the breast. Placement of form-stable implant requires a longer incision in the skin.
Round implants have a tendency to make breasts appear fuller than form-stable implants. Higher profile options can achieve even more projection. Because round implants are the same shape all over, there is less concern about them rotating out of place.
Smooth breast implants are the softest feeling. These implants can move with the breast implant pocket, which may give more natural movement. These implants may have some palpable or visible rippling.
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Fat grafting A fat transfer breast augmentation essentially uses liposuction to take fat from other parts of your body and inject it into your breasts. This is an option for women who are looking for a relatively small increase in breast size and would prefer natural results. Risks include cysts, infection, microcalcification, necrosis (death) of fat cells and the possibility that some of the transferred fat cells will leave the breast area. Your plastic surgeon may also have you use a tissue expansion system during the weeks before your surgery to improve your results. You may have to have touch-up injections to retain your improved shape if you choose this surgery.
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Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.Step 2 – The incision
Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring.Inframammary incision
Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference.Step 3 – Inserting and placing the implant. After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:
•Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or
•Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/subglandular placement)The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
Step 4 Closing the incisions Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin.
Over time the incision lines will fade.
Step 5 – See the results
The results of breast augmentation are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for fuller breasts.Important considerations:
•Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants
•Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime
•Breast augmentation requires regular examinations of your breasts’ health and to evaluate the condition of your implants -
The results of breast implants are immediately visible.
Over time, post-surgical swelling will subside and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you fully recover from surgery. In order to achieve optimal results, it is important that you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and return for follow-up visits.
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Prices for breast augmentation can vary. The cost of the surgery may be based on the surgeon’s experience, the type of breast implant used, and geographic office location. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
Cost may include:
•Anesthesia fees
•Hospital or surgical facility costs •Medical tests
•Post-surgery garments
•Prescriptions for medication Surgeon’s fee***Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications.Your satisfaction involves more than a fee. When choosing a plastic surgeon for a breast augmentation, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her is just as important as the final cost of the surgery. Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) you can trust. ASPS member surgeons meet rigorous standards.
For 2023 you can expect to spend at least $6,885 for a Breast Augmentation.
***Disclaimer: This information is only an approximation and not a guarantee of final costs. Pricing provided is merely an estimate of starting costs and are subject to change.
Learn more about the FDA Guidelines for Breast Implants
before and after photos
“I had a breast augmentation at Pearl plastic surgery and my experience was fantastic. It was the first surgery I’ve ever had and the team made me feel comfortable the whole time. They answered all my questions from pre-op to post-op. I highly recommend Dr. Nichols for any of your plastic surgery needs.”
-2023 Breast Augmentation Patient
”Dr. Christopher Nichols is Amazing. Him and his staff made me feel so comfortable since day one. Everyone toke great care of me during my breast augmentation.”
-2022 Breast Augmentation Patient
”This office is amazing! Staff is super nice and the doctor makes sure that he’s answered all your questions and concerns. Just had my breast augmentation surgery and I can already tell that I will be in love with the results once I’m fully healed! Highly recommend this office!”
-2022 Breast Augmentation Patient
”Dr. Nichols and staff are incredible. I had a bilateral breast augmentation and I’m glad I didn’t go anywhere else. He is incredible and so is his work! Thank you to Jen the RN for keeping me calm and being there with me every step of the way.”
-2022 Breast Augmentation Patient
”I had my my first and only cosmetic procedure performed a month ago. Through on line research I chose Dr. Chris Nichols to do my breast augmentation surgery and I am so very pleased with the choice I made! From my initial phone conversation with a staff member to the one month post op appointment I had today, it's been a positive, life-changing experience, exceeding all my expectations! If you are looking for a talented surgeon who provides quality care in a comfortable environment and a wonderful support staff, I highly recommend Pearl Plastic Surgery. I am so incredibly thrilled with the results; well worth the money and, by the way, much more affordable than expected! If you're considering a cosmetic procedure, don't hesitate to make an appointment for a consultation. I can confidently say you won't be sorry!”
-2022 Breast Augmentation Patient
”I was made to feel comfortable and welcomed from the moment I had my first consultation with Dr. Nichols and his excellent team! I recently got a breast augmentation done, a procedure I have been putting off until now due to being scared of the risks, but when I had that first consult I felt like I had all of my questions answered with thoroughly thought out responses- I knew I was ready, and Pearl Plastic surgery was going to be the way to go. Not only was the staff just exceptionally amazing but the facility was beautiful and so clean. I loved every lady I met there, but I will point out that Evie the RN was the most amazing RN I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. She helped me stay calm through my nerves the morning of the procedure while being so personable and comforting I had forgot I was even nervous to begin with! I'm so happy with my results and that I had such a friendly, clean, and knowledgeable team to follow through this journey.”
-202`1 Breast Augmentation Patient
”Dr. Nichols and his team are incredible. I did a lot of research before choosing a doctor for my breast augmentation and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. The staff are always friendly and happy to see patients. Both the office and surgical center were clean and had pleasant atmospheres. They didn’t seem annoyed at all when I decided I wanted to go up in size from the original choice I had made, but instead helped me make a choice I would be happy with. They where always excited with me. Dr. Nichols himself prides himself in educating his patients on their chosen procedures and manages to keep a professional yet friendly mannerism. After about 2 minutes the awkward, uncomfortable feeling was gone. He also made sure to call my husband after my procedure and update him, but also provided his personal cell number if we had any questions or complications. He never once made me feel rushed in an appointment, nor did his staff. His nurse is also phenomenal. She always called back and was so helpful with anything I needed or had questions about. I couldn’t be more grateful. Kaitlyn, the office manager (I believe) always returned calls with in a timely manner, was kind and virtuous and would get me an answer to questions if she could. I highly recommend Dr. Nichols for anyone looking to have any work done. I can not say enough positive about my experience, and I recommend him to friends (even if it means them flying from out of state).. I expected a more augmented look when I went up in size and when I saw them for the first time post surgery, I couldn’t believe how natural they look. I originally wanted a more natural look but going up in size came with the “more augmented look” price tag. It was a pleasant surprise to say the least. It shows that Dr. Nichols listens to his patients and does what he can to give them what they want. He is incredibly talented and is passion about what he does and it shows. You can not beat the quality of care he and his entire team provide.”
-2020 Breast Augmentation Patient
