What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and size of a woman’s breasts using either silicone or saline breast implants. The procedure can increase breast volume or fullness, achieve a more rounded breast shape, or improve asymmetry between both breasts.
Breast augmentation is accomplished by either placing implants into the breasts or using the method of fat transfer to satisfy the patient’s desired outcomes.
We often see patients who come in thinking that they would like to have breast augmentation surgery, and after discussing their concerns and desired outcomes, they describe a mastopexy or breast lift procedure.
Board-certified plastic Surgeon Dr. Rafailov of New Jersey Aesthetic Surgery, serving Randolph, Sussex County, and Warren County, is an expert in the field of plastic surgery and has performed many successful breast augmentation procedures.
To learn what procedure is right for you, make an appointment and our doctor will help you decide what procedure may accomplish your desired outcomes.
Good Candidates for Breast Augmentation
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if:
- You are at least 18 years old (FDA approved for saline implants)
- You are at least 22 years old (FDA approved for saline or silicone implants)
- You are in good physical health
- You are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are unhappy by the size, shape or symmetry of your breasts
Most Common Types of Implants Available for Breast Augmentation
Silicone Breast Implants: These implants are FDA-approved for use in breast augmentation surgery in women age 22 or older. They are filled with a soft, silicone gel, and feel the most like natural breast tissue. Silicone implants are implanted pre-filled with silicone gel, unlike saline implants, also sometimes known as “gummy bear” implants.
Saline Breast Implants: These implants are FDA-approved for use in breast augmentation surgery in women age 18 or older. They are filled with saline (saltwater). Saline implants are filled with saline after the empty implant shell is placed in the patient first.
Planning for Your Breast Augmentation Consult
Come prepared to explain your expectations and potential concerns with our doctor during your consultation. You will have the opportunity to highlight your desired outcomes and Dr. Rafailov will recommend a course of treatment that will most likely help you achieve those outcomes.
To recommend an appropriate procedure, we will first evaluate your general health status and examine and measure your breasts. We will also obtain a list of your medical conditions, drug allergies, and use of current medications, vitamins, and supplements, as well as your consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use.
Preparing for Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
Prior to breast augmentation surgery, you will be given a list of instructions to follow concerning eating, drinking, smoking, medication use, and physical activity. You will also have to plan for another individual to be available to drive you home after your surgery.
Recovering from Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
After your breast augmentation surgery, you will be given a list of post-operative instructions to follow for your recovery and you will schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon.
You may be advised to avoid various forms of physical activity for several weeks after surgery. It is normal to experience soreness and swelling following your procedure. Your results will become visible within a few weeks and will continue to improve as the swelling reduces over the next several months.
Important Considerations of Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
- Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime, and they may need to be replaced in the future
- Pregnancy, weight loss, aging, and hormonal changes may influence the appearance of breast implants over time
- Breast augmentation requires regular examinations of your breasts and it’s important to see your surgeon annually, for an evaluation of your implant’s integrity
Cost of Breast Augmentation Surgery
The cost of breast augmentation surgery is specific to each individual patient due to the uniqueness of each patient’s needs and desired outcomes. This is an elective surgery and is rarely covered by health insurance. NJ Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgery offers several payment options including cash, check, and credit. Financing options are available via CareCredit.
Contact Our Office
Interested in learning more about breast augmentation? Contact NJ Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Samuel Rafailov is triple board-certified in general surgery, cosmetic surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery located in Sussex County, NJ, who is very skilled and has a vast amount of experience with the Breast Augmentation procedure.
