All About Breast Implants And Augmentation Surgery (FAQ)
3/17/2023
One of the most popular types of plastic surgery is breast augmentation surgery , also known as breast implant or breast enhancement surgery. This procedure is able to change the size, shape and even profile of women’s breasts.
Why do some women choose to get breast implants?
Choosing to undergo breast augmentation is a highly personal decision, but some common reasons women consider implants include improving their self-confidence, enhancing their figure, and correcting breast asymmetry. Whatever the reason, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re making an informed choice. Breast implants have come a very long way over the past decade, giving you many more options than most women realize!
What types of breast implants are there?
There are two main styles of breast implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, while silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Overall, silicone implants are more popular than saline, often because they tend to last longer. There are also different profiles (how far they project from your chest) and sizes (volume in CCs) available, so you can choose the perfect fit for your body. And yes, silicone implants at Panacea are considered “gummy bear”-style, and no, they are not made of actual gummy bears, although that would be interesting, wouldn’t it! The gummy implants we use are from Natrelle , and earned the nickname because the silicone used is a bit thicker and more cohesive than other types, giving them a “gummier” feel. In fact, Natrelle implants are even offered in various degrees of “gumminess”; we have samples in our office so if you decide to come in for a consult, you can check them out for yourself!
What does a breast augmentation cost?
The cost of breast implant surgery at Panacea starts at about $7000 for saline, or $8000 for silicone. And while this is certainly a not-inexpensive investment, patient financing is available with plans like those from Alphaeon and Care Credit, some of which even feature low- or no-interest options. It’s important to note that breast augmentation surgery does not include a breast lift. If your breasts have extra tissue that has started to stretch or “sag” over time due to age, weight gain or loss, or breastfeeding, then a breast lift (mastopexy) or combination breast lift with breast augmentation may be better options for you to achieve your desired results.
How is breast augmentation surgery performed?
Breast augmentation surgery is performed by plastic or cosmetic surgeons. When it comes to the surgical breast enhancement procedure itself, Dr. Abboushi and Dr. Singh use the dual-plane breast augmentation technique for most patients. This involves creating a pocket beneath the breast tissue and chest muscle, allowing the implant to sit partially behind the muscle. It’s a popular technique because it can result in a more natural-looking breast shape and reduce the risk of complications.
Our doctors’ admitting hospital is Northside Midtown (Atlanta). All surgeries, including breast implant surgery, are performed there, and patients are able to return home the same day.
What is breast implant surgery recovery like? Are there scars?
Regarding recovery, while breast enhancement surgery is a major procedure, it has much less downtime overall than many other types of plastic surgery. So while you can expect to take some time off of work and other activities, you should be able to return to work after about a week, assuming your job doesn’t require much physical activity. You’ll also need to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks, and during that time, will be directed to wear a front-closure compression bra to minimize swelling and speed up the healing process. As for scarring, breast augmentation scars are usually quite minimal and can be easily hidden beneath clothing and swimwear.
What is breast implant illness (BII)? Is it common?
One concern that is often raised when discussing breast implants is breast implant illness (BII). BII is an exceedingly rare condition in which some women experience symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog after getting breast implants. While BII is a legitimate concern, it is important to note that the majority of women who opt to get breast implants do not experience any adverse effects. The FDA and other health organizations continue to monitor their safety, and the vast majority of women are satisfied with their decision to undergo breast augmentation. In fact, a recent survey found that 98% of women who had the procedure said they would do it again!
Choosing the best plastic surgeon for breast augmentation surgery
If you decide breast implant surgery is the right choice for you, it’s important to choose a plastic or cosmetic surgeon who is not only skilled and experienced but also caring and well-respected in the community, like our surgeons, Dr. Nour Abboushi and Dr. Kimberly Singh . They own and operate Panacea Plastic Surgery, a boutique-style clinic in the Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta offering highly-personalized care. Both doctors are board-certified and have a passion for helping women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin (check out their breast implant before and after photo gallery). They and the rest of their staff can’t wait to meet you!