Breast AUgmentation

Although the placement of the scar in breast augmentation surgery will depend in part on the size, placement, and type of breast implant you chose, in almost all cases the scar is hidden in one of three locations: the armpit, the base of your breast or around your areola.

Following pregnancy, weight loss and naturally with aging, breasts can sag and appear small and deflated. A breast augmentation surgery can be combined with a breast lift surgery to both improve the size and shape of your breast. 

Per the current recommendations, you can expect this surgery to last around 10 years. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that a replacement surgery may occur during that time frame. It is important to note that we do have many patients who have had breast implants for much longer than 10 years and who have not needed a replacement.

Placing a breast implant underneath the muscle covers the implant better making visible rippling after surgery less likely. It also lowers the risk of developing scar tissue, otherwise known as capsular contracture, around the implant. Placing the implant above the muscle is also an option and in some cases can slightly lift your nipple and areola. 

There are many reasons that you would consider replacing your breast implants. The most common reason is if you have scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) that changes the shape and feel of your of the breast. Another common reason is to change the size of your breast implant with one that is smaller or larger, or to change the position of your breast implant in relationship to the chest muscle (pectoralis). Having an breast implant rupture or leak is rare but would also require a replacement or removal. 

Recovery times vary from person to person but in general, it takes several days to get back on your feet and return to non physical work duties, around 2 weeks to return to normal daily activities and 4-6 weeks to return to your normal workout schedule. Discomfort after this surgery is fairly universal so we have many tricks to help you during your recovery. We use long acting local anesthetics during surgery and pain medications, muscle relaxants and compression garments after surgery, to make your recovery much more manageable.