Knowledge is power when it comes to prepping for any plastic surgery procedure, and that’s certainly the case for breast augmentation with implants. As an Orlando breast surgeon, I often answer questions from women about the cost, risks, and recovery process for the procedure. I want them to feel fully informed and empowered as they take their next steps.
In this post, I’ve compiled answers to a few of the questions I hear most often. Read on to get all the details about choosing an implant size, financing your procedure, and planning your future with a brand-new look you love.
How Much Do Breast Implants Cost?
The cost varies depending on the type of implant used. Saline implants cost less than silicone implants, but they also have some drawbacks, primarily a less natural look and feel.
While everyone loves a bargain, it’s best to choose the right implant (and surgeon) for you based on your goals rather than your budget. Financing options are a great way to break your costs into more affordable monthly payments.
How Long Do Breast Implants Last?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Eventually, they will need to be replaced. Most women find their implants last anywhere from 10 to 15 years and sometimes longer.
As your body, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals evolve, you’ll likely feel ready for a revision along this timeline. Revising your results gives you the chance to refresh your look and replace your implants with the latest and most advanced models.
Can I Use My Own Fat for Breast Augmentation?
Fat transfer is an excellent natural alternative to breast implants for women who want a very subtle or modest size increase. However, it doesn’t provide as noticeable a size difference as breast implants, so it’s not ideal if you are looking to go up several cup sizes.
You can learn more about how this approach works in my previous blog post.
What Are the Risks of Breast Augmentation?
Like any surgery, breast augmentation does come with a few risks. Other than infection, the main risk of breast augmentation is capsular contracture. This is a condition in which the scar capsule that naturally forms around the implant becomes too tight, making the implants feel hard. Capsular contracture is typically resolved with revision surgery.
The best way to avoid possible risks is to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive breast enhancement experience. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from former patients to learn about their experiences and complications.
When Can I Return to Work and Exercise After Breast Augmentation?
Most people return to desk work after about 3 to 5 days of downtime. However, if your job is very physically strenuous—especially if it requires upper body lifting—you may need closer to 4 to 6 weeks away.
As far as exercise, you can take short, light walks as soon as you feel up to it after surgery. You’ll need to wait about 4 weeks before you resume any strenuous exercise.
Can I Breastfeed After Breast Augmentation?
In general, yes. Certain incisions are better than others at preserving milk duct function. The periareolar incision, which circles part of the areola, is more likely to cause damage than the inframammary incision, which runs along the crease under the breast.
If you plan to have children in the future, let your surgeon know. They will factor that into your surgical plan so you don’t have to worry about the surgery compromising your future family plans.
Which Size Breast Implants Should I Get?
A survey of The Aesthetic Society members found the most common breast implant sizes fall between 300cc and 400cc. While larger and smaller implant sizes are available, sizes within this range typically provide a noticeable but natural-looking size increase for most women.
Choosing an implant is all about proportion. You want a size that balances your curves and fits your frame without being uncomfortably large or unsatisfactorily small. This is a decision you and your surgeon will spend plenty of time making together during the consultation process.
To see examples of what breast implants of different sizes look like, please visit my before-and-after photo gallery.
If you are in the Orlando area and want to discuss breast augmentation in person, please request a consultation online or call (407) 218-4550 to get in touch.
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