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Breast augmentation has remained an exceptionally popular cosmetic enhancement procedure for many years. This treatment is designed to add volume to the breasts while beautifully enhancing both contour and shape. Dr. Charles Perry, our board-certified plastic surgeon, is extensively trained and experienced with breast augmentation procedures and customizes all treatments to provide results that look as natural as possible.
Women choose to undergo breast augmentation for a variety of reasons. This advanced procedure can ultimately benefit individuals who would like to:
If you are over 18, generally healthy, mentally stable, and realistic about the limitations of breast augmentation, you are likely a good candidate for this procedure.
Breast augmentation is not recommended for:
Dr. Perry will talk with you about your expectations and perform an evaluation during the initial consultation. If you are an ideal candidate for breast augmentation, Dr. Perry can develop a customized treatment plan designed to achieve exceptional breast augmentation results.
*Disclaimer: If you are a smoker, you MUST DISCONTINUE smoking a minimum of four weeks BEFORE & AFTER SURGERY. A nicotine test will be administered.**
Advanced simulation technology such as the Mentor® Breast Augmentation Visualizer tool can help you obtain a clearer idea of what the results may potentially look like after having breast implants placed. With this innovative computer imaging system, you can upload your own photos and virtually “try on” breast implants of various shapes, sizes, and placements. You can also choose to view sample images of other breast augmentation patients to see the results that certain sizes and shapes of breast implants have produced for other individuals. The Mentor® Breast Augmentation Visualizer allows you to view the possible results of a custom breast augmentation procedure by presenting you with a before-and-after image of the treatment as though it had already been performed. You can also save the images and continue to modify them with different choices later. These simulated outcomes can be shared with our plastic surgeon during the consultation, where you can view them together and talk about your goals.
To get started with the Mentor® Breast Augmentation Visualizer tool, just click the button below:
Breast augmentation is performed by inserting a breast implant, usually filled with saline or silicone solution, behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscles. At Chrysalis Cosmetics, Dr. Perry prefers to utilize the dual plane approach, the most common technique performed in North America. During this procedure, the implant is placed behind the pectoralis muscle, while still remaining on top of another chest muscle (the pectoralis minor and the serratus anterior) — a method that ensures adequate soft-tissue coverage of the implant. While the dual plane approach is best performed through an inframammary incision (made along the fold of the breast), Dr. Perry also performs breast augmentation surgery through incisions located within the axilla (armpit) or around the perimeter of each areola.
Regardless of the approach, the location of the implant — as well as its size, shape and type — are chosen based on your anatomy, preferences, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
If you are experiencing breast sagging or are noticing stretch marks (diminished skin tone) on the breasts, reaching your aesthetic goals may require a breast lift procedure to be performed in conjunction with the breast augmentation. The breast lift will bring the nipple and areola upward, and excise loose skin.
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia.
Swelling, numbness, and bruising in the treatment area can be expected for a few weeks following breast augmentation surgery. This is normal and should fade as the breasts continue to heal. Discomfort during the recovery process can often be well-managed with medication. Most patients with jobs that do not require excessive physical strain or heavy lifting are able to resume work and other normal daily activities after about one week of rest. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a minimum of six to eight weeks after the procedure has been performed. Dr. Perry and our team at Chrysalis Cosmetics will provide you with a detailed post-operative guide that can help you achieve the smoothest recovery possible.
Patients thinking of undergoing breast augmentation surgery should consider the following:
If your breasts differ in size or shape going into breast augmentation surgery, it is unlikely they will become completely symmetrical afterwards. We can discuss options such as the breast lift or utilization of asymmetric implants.
Breast augmentation with saline or silicone-filled implants is rarely a one-time surgery. Breast implants, regardless of type, are not considered to last a lifetime. Most likely, secondary surgery to replace or remove your breast implants will become necessary, or you may want to undergo a breast lift as the skin relaxes with the aging process.
Surgical changes made to the breasts are not always reversible. These changes may cause the appearance of the breasts to become unacceptable if the breast implants are removed.
Breast augmentation, with or without breast lift surgery, is done on a fee-for-service basis, and as such the procedure is not covered by health insurance. Your total surgical fee will include the cost of surgical supplies, anesthesia, laboratory tests, medications, surgery center charges, and possibly more. If you experience complications, you will probably incur additional expenses. You can learn more about cost factors associated with breast augmentation surgery in its section toward the end of this page, as well as the many payment options we accept at our practice that can make paying for this treatment as convenient as possible.
While every surgical procedure involves some risk, the majority of women do not experience the following complications. However, we encourage you to discuss each risk, potential complication, and the long-term commitment associated with breast augmentation with Dr. Perry.
*Studies have shown that despite occasional problems, most women are satisfied with the results of breast augmentation surgery. We encourage patients to become well-educated on the risks of breast augmentation surgery so they can make an educated decision about whether breast augmentation is right for them.
There are two categories of complications: those specifically related to breast implants, and more general surgical risks.
*Individual Results May Vary
Just like other medical devices, implants can break or leak. The advantage of saline implants is that in the event that an implant deflates, the body will safely absorb the saltwater. Damaged implants cannot be fixed and must be replaced or removed during another surgical procedure. In addition, saline implants eventually wear out.
In some cases, scar tissue forms around the breast implant, then tightens. The result is a round, firm, and sometimes painful breast. Capsular contracture is impossible to predict and can occur anytime after surgery, though it is more common when implants are placed in front of the layer of chest muscle.
Infection or inadequate tissue coverage can result in the implant extruding through the skin. As the implant pushes through layers of skin, it becomes visible.
While some wrinkling is normal following breast augmentation, sometimes implants wrinkle in a way that is visible and palpable. This problem is most pronounced in those with textured implants or thin breast tissue.
*Immediately after breast augmentation surgery it’s common to experience some change in nipple sensation, similar to what happens after a breast reduction. Most patients recover normal sensation in a few months. However, it’s possible to experience partial or permanent loss of skin and nipple sensation, and these changes can affect sexual response or breastfeeding ability.
*Individual Results May Vary
The implant may migrate or rotate away from its initial placement, which can cause discomfort or the distortion of the breast’s shape. To correct this problem, additional surgery may be needed.
Post-operative bleeding may require emergency treatment to drain the blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid taking aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medications 10 days before surgery, as well as non-prescription herbs and dietary supplements.
This may contribute to infection, capsular contracture, and other problems. Additional treatment may be required to drain the fluid.
Though rare, infection is a possibility. Infection may be treated with antibiotics, removal of the implant, or additional surgery.
Though rare, it is possible that abnormal, unattractive scars will form, requiring additional corrective surgery.
These veins, which resemble cords, may develop in the area of the breast but should resolve without intervention. Ibuprofen is often helpful to manage the pain and swelling associated with this occurrence.
Pain is to be expected for a short period of time after breast augmentation surgery; however, in some cases it persists. Capsular contracture, sensory nerve entrapment, or injury to tissues can cause pain of various intensities and duration.
A variety of factors can lead to dissatisfaction with the results of breast augmentation surgery. These include asymmetry, nipple location, unanticipated breast shape or size, and unsatisfactory surgical scar location. In some cases, additional surgery may be needed or desired to remove the implants or improve your results.
Women with breast implants are generally able to successfully breastfeed, though it is unknown whether this poses increased risks to the baby. If a breast lift is done together with breast augmentation, this will probably not affect breastfeeding either.
A recent study of nearly 25,000 Canadian women found that those with breast implants actually had a lower rate of breast cancer than the general population. You should still perform periodic self-examinations, have regular mammograms, and visit a doctor if you notice a breast lump.
The presence of breast implants can complicate mammography and can obscure the detection of breast cancer. It’s also possible, though rare, for the breast compression of mammography to cause implant rupture. In addition, capsular contracture may also complicate mammography and make it more painful.
The gradual sagging of breast tissue is a fact of life. In addition, weight loss or gain, pregnancy, and other factors unrelated to your breast augmentation surgery will affect the shape of your breasts. If your breasts are already sagging as a result of age, mastopexy (with or without breast augmentation) can be an excellent solution.
In the future, it is possible that revision, removal, or replacement of breast implants will be needed. Each of these surgical procedures has its own risks and potential complications.
There will be residual scarring after breast augmentation; however, the noticeability of the scars will depend on the specific breast augmentation technique utilized for the surgery. In most cases, Dr. Perry places the implants through an incision along the inframammary fold (the crease under the breast). Other possible incision sites utilized at Chrysalis Cosmetics include the areola or the armpit. Dr. Perry is highly experienced with these procedures and will work to minimize the visibility of the resulting scars as much as possible. These scars should also diminish in appearance to some extent over time. Other surgical breast implant placement techniques, such as through the armpit or around the areola, typically lead to barely noticeable scarring; however, these options are not ideal for every patient. Dr. Perry will explore the various placement techniques with you during the initial consultation and recommend the best option for your needs.
The total cost of breast augmentation at our practice generally falls in the range of $7,800 to $8,600 for implant-based procedures, and between $10,000 to $11,500 for fat transfer-based breast augmentation. It is important to note that breast augmentation is often priced quite differently from one patient to another since the procedure is customized to each individual’s unique needs and goals. Factors that will determine the total cost of breast augmentation include the type of breast implants being placed, the technique that is performed, fees for the surgeon, operating facility, and anesthesia, and other components of the procedure. After your personalized breast augmentation treatment plan is developed during the initial consultation, a member of our team here at Chrysalis Cosmetics will present you with a comprehensive cost estimate that includes all expenses related to the procedure. Our practice accepts an extensive selection of convenient payment options. These include plastic surgery financing plans available through well-known lending agencies that offer qualified applicants a variety of affordable payment arrangements that can be advantageous for patients who would like to pay for their breast augmentation procedure over time. We look forward to answering any questions you may have about options that are best for your budget.
This comprehensive list of instructions will guide the pre- and post-operative behavior of patients undergoing breast augmentation surgery at our Sacramento practice. We recommend that you read over the instructions as soon as your surgery day is scheduled, then print them out and bring them with you on your surgery day.
The majority of women who were able to breastfeed before their surgery can still nurse with their breast implants in place.* The likelihood of successful breastfeeding generally depends on the state of your breasts before the procedure and the type of incision necessary to achieve your goals. Not all women are able to breastfeed prior to breast augmentation, and surgery will not change this outcome. However, if you previously had the ability to breastfeed and have plans to nurse in the future, Dr. Perry can take the appropriate steps to maximize this possibility.
Strategic implant and incision placement can be very effective in preserving the ability to breastfeed after surgery. The milk supply is generally less likely to be affected by breast augmentation if your implants are placed under the pectoral muscles, through an incision that leaves the areolas intact. While there is no guarantee that your implants will not affect breastfeeding function, Dr. Perry will always take every measure to achieve your goals and he encourages you to make your desires known during your consultation.
For patients wondering whether breastfeeding will cosmetically alter their breast implants, pregnancy and nursing may indeed change the way your breasts look or feel. These factors typically cause increased skin and tissue laxity, which can potentially affect the shape or size of your breasts over time. This is why Dr. Perry recommends postponing your breast surgery until after all plans for pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete, as pursuing surgery later may be the best way to ensure the results of your breast rejuvenation are long-lasting.
Since a breast lift is often incorporated into breast augmentation, it’s common for patients to consider adding a mastopexy to their treatment plan. Both can usually be performed in the same surgery if desired, allowing individuals to enjoy the benefits of two cosmetic procedures with only one recovery period. If you’re wondering whether you would benefit from a breast lift with implants, there are a few indications that suggest a joint procedure may further enhance your results. A breast lift can be an ideal addition to your augmentation if you have:
Every patient is different, so discussing your hopes for the outcome with Dr. Perry is usually the best way to confirm your candidacy for a breast augmentation-mastopexy. After evaluating your concerns, he will be able to guide you towards the most effective treatment options to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Your choice of breast surgeon will likely be the most important decision you make throughout the breast augmentation process. It’s essential that you perform the necessary research to ensure your plastic surgeon is not only extensively trained in aesthetic procedures, but also able to answer your questions openly and honestly without pressuring you to undergo a specific procedure. Some steps you can take to narrow down your options for a breast augmentation surgeon include:
Your initial consultation will be a great opportunity for you to learn about a prospective surgeon’s quality of care and determine whether they are the right person to perform your breast augmentation. The decision-making process may sound daunting, but our team at Chrysalis Cosmetics is more than happy to help you navigate your aesthetic journey.
*Individual Results May Vary
We encourage you to ask questions before undergoing breast augmentation surgery. After all, it’s a big decision to make, so being informed is very important. Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often.
During the surgery itself, the use of general anesthesia will ensure that patients feel no pain; however, as with any major surgery, a certain degree of soreness can be expected during recovery. You may be prescribed post-operative medications or directed to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, to ease pain during this time. It is also important to note that pain is relative, and that Dr. Perry will do his best to create as comfortable an experience as possible for each patient.
As we’ve described above, every procedure comes with risks. However, breast augmentation is considered very safe in the cosmetic world. Dr. Perry utilizes FDA-approved breast implants, and the surgery itself is quite routine.
Dr. Perry will take great care in discussing your medical history at your consultation to make sure you’re prepared to undergo the procedure. He encourages you to come to him for any safety-related questions.
If you’re worried that your implants will cause an increase to your weight, rest assured that implants are not typically heavy. Their outer shells hardly weigh anything at all, and the solution inside should usually only add two pounds at the most. The precise amount depends on the type of fill material (saline or silicone gel) inside the shell, but the difference is generally marginal.
It may take a few weeks or even months for breast implants to “drop,” or settle into their permanent position and shape. Patients frequently experience this phenomenon as their muscles and tissue gradually become accustomed to the implants. Before your implants “drop,” you may notice that they appear flatter or differently-shaped than what you were expecting, but rest assured that this is a common occurrence in advance of the implants settling into place.
Your ideal type of implants (i.e. saline or silicone) will depend on the type that feels the most natural and flatters the unique contours of your physique. During your initial consultation, Dr. Perry will discuss the advantages of both types and help you make an informed decision.
At our practice, we use “sizers” to test out the appearance of our implants. Doing so can give patients a general impression of the shape and cup size they want to choose. As an experienced breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Perry is proficient in helping patients choose the best implant sizes, shapes, and types.
Both silicone and saline implants are designed to feel as natural as possible, and Dr. Perry makes comfort a priority during each procedure. As a result, our patients usually find their implants comfortable and are able to get used to them fairly quickly, provided they carefully follow aftercare instructions.
While you should avoid vigorous exercise until approximately six to eight weeks have passed, it is important to keep your body in motion following your breast augmentation. Gently stretching your muscles as recommended and taking slow walks can facilitate proper healing and prevent blood clots.
Generally, Dr. Perry recommends that you sleep on your back for the first few weeks after the procedure in order to reduce pressure on your implants. You may also be advised to prop yourself up with pillows. In any case, Dr. Perry will transparently go over his recommendations for aftercare, including your specific sleeping instructions, when describing your treatment plan.
This is both a popular and important question, and the answer varies by patient. Some women are advised not to wear a bra for up to six weeks after surgery. For others, Dr. Perry may suggest a special bra, such as a sports bra, to wear for the first few weeks. Dr. Perry is happy to answer any questions you may have about the types of bras to wear during the initial healing process.
When you undergo breast augmentation at our practice, you can be assured that we strive to create results that fit your cosmetic goals, body type, and lifestyle. We seek to provide stunning, customized results, one patient at a time. Contact our cosmetic surgery practice today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
*Individual Results May Vary