Breast Augmentation

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that utilizes the placement of breast implants or a patient’s own fat to enhance volume and fullness in the breasts. Having full, well-proportioned breasts can greatly enhance the overall contour of your body, helping you obtain an “hourglass figure.”

At the Personal Enhancement Center, board-certified New Jersey plastic surgeon Christopher P. Godek, MD and board-certified plastic surgeon Christina Pasick, MD are extensively experienced with breast enhancement procedures. Our doctor will listen to your aesthetic goals and customize the breast augmentation procedure based on your unique needs and desires. With proper implant selection and positioning, Dr. Godek or Dr. Pasick can help you achieve an ideal breast contour with beautiful, natural-appearing results.

• Breast Augmentation Before-and-After Pictures
• Breast Augmentation Benefits
• Breast Implant Options
• Choosing the Right Breast Implants
• Breast Augmentation Procedure
• Breast Augmentation Recovery
• Restore Breast Program for Breast Augmentation
• Natural Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer
• Breast Lift and Augmentation
• Breast Augmentation and Breastfeeding
• Breast Augmentation Scars
• How Long Do Implants Last?
• Choosing a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
• How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
• Additional Breast Augmentation FAQs

Breast Augmentation Before-and-After Pictures

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What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic enhancement procedures available. Depending on your particular needs and aesthetic desires, breast augmentation can help with the following:

• Increase the size of the breasts
• Enhance the overall shape of the breasts
• Improve breast symmetry
• Restore lost breast volume
• Create a more proportionate figure
• Improve the fit of certain tops, bras, and swimsuits

In addition to these enhancements, breast augmentation has been proven to be beneficial on an emotional and psychological level. The majority of patients experience a significant boost in self-confidence and esteem that carries over into their personal, social, and even professional lives.

What Are My Breast Implant Options?

During the consultation process, one of the main goals is determining which type of implant you is best for you. The following information can help shed some light on your available options.

Implant Types

There are two basic implant types: saline and silicone breast implants. The choice between the two will ultimately be based on your personal preference, but most women tend to select silicone implants. These implants are more favorable due to their exceptionally natural appearance and ability to feel like natural breast tissue.

Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants are composed of a silicone outer shell filled with a thick silicone gel. Here at the Personal Enhancement Center, we utilize some of the safest and most advanced types of silicone breast implants available. Often referred to as “gummy bear” implants, these breast implants are filled with highly cohesive silicone gel, which gives them a very natural look and feel. They are also known to have a strong safety profile because of their increased stability and decreased chance of rupture.

Silicone breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic breast augmentation in women who are ages 22 years-old or older, and for breast reconstruction patients of any age.

Saline Breast Implants
While silicone breast implants have been proven to be very popular over the years, saline breast implants still offer a variety of benefits and can be a good choice for the right patient. Composed of an outer shell made of silicone and filled with a saline (salt-water) solution. Saline implants can be inserted while they are still empty and then filled immediately after they are placed. This method can ultimately minimize the incision and therefore, the resulting scar. Another reason why some women prefer saline breast implants is that, in the rare event of rupture, the implant’s saline solution can be harmlessly absorbed by the body.

Saline breast implants are approved by the FDA for women ages 18 years-old or older, and for patients of any age when utilized for breast reconstruction procedures.

Implant Shapes and Sizes

Breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In regards to shape, individuals desiring to improve fullness in the upper portion of the breasts will generally benefit the most from a round implant with a “full” or “extra full” profile. The “profile” of an implant refers to how much the implant projects off the chest wall. “Full” and “extra full” profile implants are typically more narrow than “moderate” or “low” profile breast implants. For patients who are seeking a look and projection that more closely resembles the upper pole fullness and slope of a natural breast, implants of a lower profile may be a more appropriate choice.

In terms of implant size, it is important to keep in mind that bigger does not necessarily mean better. Instead of focusing on cup sizes, our doctors recommend paying more attention to how certain implant sizes actually look on one’s frame. To do this, they take various anatomical measurements and employ state-of-the-art 3D imaging. This gives patients a better idea of what implant would work for them. While Dr. Godek or Dr. Pasick will provide their own recommendations, the final decision will be the patient’s.

Implant Surface Textures

Our practice only offers silicone and saline breast implants with smooth surface textures. These implants typically have a softer feel than others and minimize the risk of causing a “rippled” appearance. Smooth surface implants do not cause the irritation or health risks associated with texture implants. In addition, the material composition of the outer shell is also usually thinner than other types.

How Do I Choose the Right Breast Implants?

The aim of our plastic surgeons is to come to a realistic goal based on patient expectations, body type, medical history, and a host of other influential factors, and then deliver the cosmetic results that were discussed and agreed upon with the patient. To help accomplish this, our doctors use advanced VECTRA^® 3D imaging to create personalized simulations of breast augmentation results that can potentially be achieved. With this interactive tool, you are able to select from a variety of implant types, shapes, and sizes, viewing how each option would appear on your own body. In addition to helping you select the right implants and formulate realistic expectations for surgery, VECTRA^® 3D imaging enables Dr. Godek and Dr. Pasick to gain a better understanding of the look you would like to attain, ultimately improving the level of care they are able to provide.

How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?

There are several methods of performing breast augmentation surgery. Our plastic surgeons will work with you at the time of your consultation to determine which technique can achieve the best results while minimizing the appearance of scars.

Incision Locations

Inframammary
An inframammary incision is made in the natural breast crease, where the breast meets the chest wall. This incision placement allows the residual scars to be hidden in the natural crease of the breast. The inframammary approach also allows our surgeons to place the implants through an area with less bacterial colonization when compared to other areas, such as the areola or axilla. This technique is quite popular for breast implant placement; however, the best technique for you will depend on your specific anatomical needs and your ultimate goals. The periareolar or transaxillary approach (described below) may be more ideal in certain circumstances.

Periareolar
For the periareolar breast augmentation technique, an incision is created at the edge of the areola, which is the darker, pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple. The scars that result from periareolar incisions are often unable to be distinguished from the normal, surrounding skin, as they are placed in the natural transition zone of areolar skin and breast skin.

Implant Placement

During the actual procedure, an incision will be made in the crease below the breasts (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar). Through this incision, our surgeon will carefully insert the breast implants. In most primary breast augmentation procedures, our doctor will place the implants below the chest muscle (subpectoral/submuscular). This approach typically allows for both natural-looking results and better long-term support of the breast implant and the implant pocket. In rare cases, our plastic surgeons may recommend a subglandular (over the chest muscle) approach. This technique may be indicated for patients who have had a previous subglandular augmentation and are undergoing a revision breast surgery to replace the implants.

Once the implants are situated, the incisions will be meticulously closed via tiny sutures. The entire breast augmentation procedure usually takes about one hour to perform, and patients are generally able to return home with the help and supervision of a loved one.

What Is Breast Augmentation Recovery Like?

After breast augmentation, the majority of patients can expect a minimal degree of swelling, bruising, a sensation of chest “tightness,” and breast sensitivity initially, though these side effects should dissipate over time. It is rare for severe pain to be experienced, but any potential discomfort can typically be well-managed with medication. Most women are able to return to office jobs and non-strenuous daily routines after about one week; however, we instruct all individuals to avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and various other physical activities for at least a few weeks in order to give the breasts enough time to heal.

Restore Breast Program for Breast Augmentation

The Restore Breast Program for breast augmentation at the Personal Enhancement Center is a unique and comprehensive program designed to focus on our patient’s overall breast aesthetics, health, and wellness. Consistent monitoring with annual exams and state-of-the-art diagnostic technology enables our board-certified plastic surgeons to help ensure long-lasting results and identify any potential complications or irregularities. The Restore Breast Program also educates patients about innovative new aesthetic and anti-aging treatments, and offers a range of other benefits.

Learn more about the Restore Breast Program.

Fat Transfer (Natural) Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation utilizing fat transfer techniques – known as “natural” breast augmentation – is a method of adding volume to the breasts without the use of breast implants. This treatment takes fat from another area of your body via liposuction and injects it into the breast tissue in precise areas to add volume and fullness. While breast augmentation with fat transfer may not be the best option for all patients, some women can effectively achieve their breast enhancement goals with this procedure. In some cases, fat transfer can also be a beneficial complement to breast implants, ultimately helping to optimize the results.

Learn more about breast augmentation with fat transfer.

Breast Lift and Augmentation

If you are experiencing breast ptosis (sagging) and are considering enhancing the size of your breasts as well as giving the breasts a firmer, “perkier” appearance, a combination breast lift with augmentation procedure may be your best solution. In addition to the placement of breast implants, this procedure – medically referred to as augmentation mastopexy – eliminates excess, inelastic skin and lifts the breasts to a higher, more youthful position on the chest.

Learn more about breast lift with implants.

Will I Be Able to Breastfeed after Breast Augmentation?

With the appropriate surgical technique, women should be able to breastfeed after undergoing breast augmentation. Some people may be surprised to learn that there is a significant percentage of women who are naturally unable to breastfeed. For most breast augmentations, if you are able to breastfeed before the surgery, it is likely you will retain the ability post-operatively. Please discuss any questions with either of our plastic surgeons during the initial consultation and they will develop a treatment plan utilizing techniques to help maintain the ability to breastfeed in the future.

Will I Have Breast Augmentation Scars?

The length and prominence of scars that result from breast augmentation ultimately depends on the specific technique performed (inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary). For most patients, the preferred inframammary technique involves an incision created on the underside of the breast at the crease where the breast skin meets the body. Fortunately, this incision is made in an area that is quite hidden. Also, our plastic surgeons are extensively experienced with breast augmentation surgery and can perform the procedure in such a way that signs of residual scars should be minimal. Additionally, scars from breast augmentation surgery often fade over time.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Officially, the lifespan of both saline and silicone breast implants falls in the range of 10 to 20 years. Our doctors advise patients who have silicone breast implants to strictly follow the FDA recommendations that they undergo periodic MRI imaging tests to check for signs of a “silent” (or unnoticeable) rupture. If a rupture occurs in either silicone or saline implants, they will need to be replaced or removed. Dr. Godek and Dr. Pasick also routinely follow up with their breast augmentation patients to ensure everything is going smoothly.

How to Choose a Breast Augmentation Surgeon

There are many doctors and practices offering breast augmentation surgery, so you should be diligent when considering your options. After all, choosing to have any kind of plastic surgery is a major decision. While there are numerous benefits to having surgery, it is important you choose an experienced plastic surgeon who utilizes advanced techniques and is committed to providing the safest possible care, in addition to beautiful and natural results.

Here are a few tips to help guide your search:

• Evaluate the surgeon’s credentials and experience. Ensure the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which indicates that he or she has extensive training in plastic surgery and has been rigorously tested on their education and experience.
• View breast augmentation before-and-after photos and read patient reviews. Images depicting the results of a surgeon’s previous patients can give you a good idea of his or her skill level with the procedure. Patient testimonials and plastic surgeon reviews can also provide a general overview of how other patients feel about the care they received at the practice.
• Evaluate the rapport you establish with the surgeon. During your initial consultation, the surgeon should answer all of your questions and address your concerns. You should feel confident in the surgeon and trust that he or she is attentive to your needs and can help you meet your goals in a safe and effective manner.

Please take a look at the biographies of Dr. Godek and Dr. Pasick to learn more about their background and philosophy of care. Our plastic surgeons are highly experienced with breast augmentation procedures and are dedicated to providing exceptional care in a safe and comfortable environment.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

The price of breast augmentation often varies for each patient as different needs will be met for every unique procedure. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your goals for breast augmentation and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Factors such as the technique utilized, the type of breast implants placed, and costs associated with use of the surgical facility, anesthesia, and other components will be taken into account for the final price. Our team will answer any questions you may have about the total cost estimate and discuss the many convenient payment methods we accept, which include plastic surgery financing options such as PatientFi^® that can help qualified applicants who wish to pay for their treatment over time.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation

Are breast implants safe?

Both silicone and saline implants are FDA-approved and have been safely and effectively utilized in breast augmentation procedures for millions of patients throughout the world. With that in mind, choosing an experienced and highly trained board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Godek or Dr. Pasick is an important step to increasing the safety profile of breast augmentation procedures. Skilled plastic surgeons who offer advanced breast implants and perform the procedure with an eye toward reducing risks and taking maximum precautions are necessary to increase the chances of achieving successful results from breast augmentation.

What do breast implants feel like?

Breast implants are designed and placed in a way that allows them to look and feel as natural as possible. Implants are silicone- or saline-based and both types are crafted with comfort in mind. Though there may be a brief adjustment period at first, patients typically acclimate to their breast implants quickly.

How much do breast implants weigh?

Generally, silicone and saline breast implants are not heavy at all. While the outer shells of the breast implants are virtually weightless, the inner material does not typically exceed two pounds. There is a slight difference in weight when comparing silicone and saline breast implants, but the difference is negligible. Ultimately, breast implants should not have any significant effect on an individual’s weight.

How should I sleep after breast augmentation?

During the first few weeks following breast augmentation, you should sleep on your back to avoid discomfort or disruptions in the healing process. Sleeping on your back will help avoid adding any unnecessary pressure to your breast implants. Our team will go over these details after your procedure and answer any questions you may have.

How painful is breast augmentation?

General anesthesia is utilized during the breast augmentation procedure, so there should be no pain as the operation is performed. However, following the treatment and after the anesthesia has worn off, there may be a certain degree of discomfort as the healing process begins. Medication can help control post-operative pain during recovery after breast augmentation surgery.

How do I know if I have a breast implant rupture?

Patients with saline breast implants typically notice very quickly if the implant ruptures or tears. A saline implant that has ruptured will often alter in size and shape as the solution is safely absorbed by the body. However, silicone implants that rupture may not produce any major signs of visible change as the thick gel can remain in the capsule. For this reason, routine check-ups are strongly recommended.

Both saline and silicone breast implant patients should carefully follow their surgeon’s post-surgery appointment schedule, conduct routine self-exams, and undergo regular exams by a physician to evaluate the health of the breasts and implants. As part of our Restore Breast Program, the Personal Enhancement Center offers state-of-the-art ultrasound imaging technology to detect ruptures or other complications. This advanced imaging technology can often identify irregularities that may be less noticeable with a standard physical exam.

Can breast implants affect mammograms?

Yes. Due to the placement and material, it’s possible for the breast implant to obstruct the view and results of a traditional mammogram. To help get the most out of your mammography, inform the facility and staff that you have breast implants. The technician or radiologist should be able to use special techniques to capture a clear picture, fully evaluate the breast tissue, or submit a referral for an MRI or digital ultrasound to achieve the most accurate results.

What if I change my mind about breast implants later in life?

The first step in making a breast augmentation decision is understanding appropriate and realistic expectations for your own personal goals and desires. Taking the time to assess and evaluate your unique position with a board-certified plastic surgeon may help you avoid having a change of heart later on. However, with life changes or new aesthetic preferences, there is certainly the opportunity to make adjustments – such as completely removing the implants, increasing or decreasing the size, or switching the type (saline to silicone and vice versa) in a breast revision procedure. During your initial consultation, our surgeon will be able to review your goals and discuss all of your options to discover the ideal treatment plan.

What is BIA-ALCL? Should I be concerned?

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of cancer of the immune system that has been found in a very small number of patients with certain types of breast implants. FDA data reports that BIA-ALCL has only affected an extremely small percentage of individuals with textured breast implants worldwide, and some types of textured implants (mainly BioCell^®) were recalled by Allergan^® in 2019.

Symptoms of BIA-ALCL are most commonly swelling or a sensation of tightness, pain near the breast implant, a lump in or near the breast, asymmetry, and changes in the breast appearance. Early detection of this condition is important, and patients should notify their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms or any kind of irregularity. Again, BIA-ALCL is an extremely rare condition. If you have any concerns whatsoever, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

What type of bra should I wear after breast augmentation?

Recommendations for each patient can vary depending on individual needs—some patients may be provided with a special bra to aid the recovery process, while others may be advised to avoid wearing a bra altogether. Details about post-operative recovery will be discussed in your initial consultation and after your treatment, as well.

Dr. Godek, Dr. Pasick, and our staff at the Personal Enhancement Center will be happy to talk with you about how breast augmentation can help you achieve your goals. If you would like to discuss your options, contact us online today, or call (732) 281-1988.