Breast Augmentation
Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in Edison, Marlboro, Warren and West Orange, NJ
Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance breast size and shape, using either saline or silicone implants or a patient’s own fat. Many women consider breast augmentation to achieve their desired breast fullness for various reasons, such as improving breast symmetry, restoring volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, or simply increasing self-confidence. (1)
At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer breast augmentation procedures using the most advanced techniques available. We are trusted by patients across New Jersey and New York, and our locations in Edison, Marlboro, Warren, and West Orange have helped countless individuals shape their breasts to their ideal image.
If you are considering breast enhancement or have further questions, please contact our practice and schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
If you would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call (732) 548-3200.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is an elective outpatient surgical procedure for enhancing breast volume and breast shape. An FDA-approved implant composed of either saline or silicone is placed beneath the breast tissue or the chest muscles, or a combination of both ( known as “dual plane” implantation). (1) The art of breast augmentation lies in carefully selecting the size and style of implant best suited to your body type and your beauty goals. Our doctors invest time and care into ensuring your comfort and safety.
Factors like pregnancy, hormone changes, and aging can adversely affect a woman’s breasts. (1) An attentive plastic surgeon will review your concerns in detail to form a plant to best address them. Breast augmentation is not a one-size-fits-all procedure; there is an intricate art to the implant selection process and placement.
The style, shape, and size of your implants will depend on your appearance goals, as will the incision and placement methods used in your procedure. You will have a wide variety of breast implant options to choose from. Implants are either filled with saline (salt water) or silicone, but both have a silicone shell.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are used in 15% of breast augmentations. Filled with medical-grade sterile salt water, saline implants are well-known for their superior safety. The size of saline implants can be highly customized during your procedure, as your surgeon can determine how much salt water to fill them with after placing them in the breast pocket. These implants often maintain a uniform shape and firmness. There are also more supportive saline implants that contain an internal structure that makes them feel more natural to the touch.
Silicone Implants and “Gummy Bear” Implants
Silicone implants are more commonly used; they account for 85% of all breast augmentations. These implants contain a gel that feels most similar to natural breast tissue. “Gummy Bear” implants are silicone gel implants that better retain their shape, as the gel they are filled with is more cohesive. Silicone implants can come in a “tear drop” shape, which is broader at the base and tapers in at the top of the implant.
Patients can also choose between textured, smooth, or round implants. Textured implants have a dimpled surface that contributes to better tissue distribution around the implant and helps them stay in place.
Benefits
At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we help individuals achieve:
- Increased breast size
- Improved breast symmetry
- Restored volume
- Enhanced body confidence
- Ability to wear clothing more comfortably
- Reconstruction after mastectomy
- Long-lasting results
- Minimal scarring
Candidates
Any woman over 18 years old for saline implants or over 22 years old for silicone implants may be eligible to receive breast augmentation. However, this procedure is most common among women in their late 20s to early 40s. Candidates may want to address a specific issue, such as breast asymmetry or volume loss, or they may simply want to enhance their appearance.
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are those who:
- Are in good health
- Do not smoke
- Are dissatisfied with the size or appearance of their breasts
- Have realistic expectations for their results
- Are willing to collaborate with their surgeon to create ideal results.
Personal Consultation
The goal of a breast augmentation consultation is to:
- Educate you about breast implants and the procedure
- Answer any of your questions about the procedure, preparation, or postoperative recovery
- Discuss types of breast implants
- Explore the benefits of subglandular or submuscular implant placement
- Determine the size and shape of implant that will best complement your body
You also have the opportunity to learn about the risks and complications–which have been made more rare with modern advancements–associated with breast augmentation, including capsular contracture and implant rupture.
By understanding your unique goals, our providers can create a treatment plan that aligns with your expectations and provides you with results that you can be confident with.
Preparation
You will receive personalized preparation instructions once your breast augmentation procedure is planned. Most patients can expect to:
- Change their medication use: Any blood-thinning medications or supplements should be avoided. This includes (but is not limited to) aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, vitamin E, St. John’s Wort, and more.
- Arrange transportation and assistance: You will not be able to drive after your procedure, so you must arrange transportation home. This person should also plan to stay with you for a few hours to monitor your initial recovery and help you remain comfortable.
- Discontinue smoking (if applicable): Smoking and other forms of nicotine use can interfere with your healing, so it is important to cease any nicotine use for a few weeks before your procedure.
If you have any questions about preparing for your procedure, please prepare to discuss them at your personal consultation or call any of our offices at (732) 548-3200 to get the information you need.
Procedure
You will receive general anesthesia before your procedure. Inframammary incisions are commonly used for breast augmentations. These incisions are placed in the natural crease beneath the breasts. This creates optimal access for implant placement while also effectively hiding scars. Incisions may also be periareolar (around the nipple), transumbilical (near the belly button), or transaxillary (near the armpit). (2) The type of incision used depends on your preferences and the type of implants used.
Implants are carefully placed inside of the breasts. Our team of providers takes special care to ensure that implants are placed symmetrically and in a way that suits your proportions. After achieving the desired look, the incisions are sutured shut.
Recovery
After a monitoring period, your care team will let you know when you are cleared to leave. A bandage will be wrapped around your chest after your procedure. Some soreness, swelling, and bruising is normal and your surgeon may prescribe pain medication. Initial discomfort typically subsides over the first two weeks. Most patients can return to desk work after this time. Rigorous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least a month. You should prepare to come in for several follow-up appointments so that our team can monitor your recovery and ensure an optimal healing process.
Results
It may take some time for final results to appear after a breast augmentation, as the implants will sit higher up on the chest at first; over the next few weeks, they will settle into a more natural position. Initial swelling may also obscure results at first. Once swelling dissipates, patients enjoy increased breast fullness, enhanced contours, and an improved overall silhouette. Many patients report a boost in self-confidence with their breast augmentation results as well.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Breast augmentation can be an effective way to restore volume that is lost in the breasts due to weight loss or age. The breasts are particularly susceptible to hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, the effects of aging, and more. Patients experiencing excess skin in addition to volume loss may want to incorporate a breast lift into their augmentation procedure. In a breast lift, excess skin is removed and the muscles beneath the breasts are tightened with sutures. This procedure helps your breasts to sit higher on your chest and have a more youthful, perkier appearance. Our practice offers specialized breast lifts with implants procedures to help you achieve a more comprehensive enhancement.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in New Jersey
At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we customize each procedure to a patient’s unique goals and anatomy. We can provide you with a personalized quote at your consultation. We offer various financing options as well.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at (732) 548-3200.
FAQ
What is the safest option for long-term breast enhancement?
Implants are best suited for breast augmentation, particularly with large breast augmentations, and have long-lasting results. Other options, like a fat transfer to the breasts, may only last half as long as implants.
How long will the results of breast augmentation last?
While breast implants are designed to be durable, they may not last indefinitely. Regular check-ups and monitoring are essential, and all implants eventually require replacement.
Will I be able to breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Your ability to breastfeed after breast augmentation is determined by the placement of your implants. Women who choose to have their implants placed under the muscle tissue have a greater possibility of being able to breastfeed following their augmentation procedure.
When can I resume normal activities after breast augmentation?
Light activities can typically resume after one week, while more strenuous exercises should be postponed for at least four to six weeks.
Will I have noticeable scars after surgery?
Scars can exist where incisions were made, but with careful placement and advanced techniques, scarring can be minimal and inconspicuous over time.
References
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
- Dowden R. Transumbilical Breast Augmentation Is Safe and Effective. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2008;22(1):051-059. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1019143
