Breast Augmentation

Please find answers to frequently asked questions about breast augmentation below. If you would like more information, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon, Dr. Ramin Behmand, please contact us today.

Are breast implants safe?

In the past, silicone-filled breast implants were often in the news due to concerns of leaks of the liquid silicone once placed in the body. Today, the formulation of the silicone within breast implants has changed to a cohesive gel formulation that holds together uniformly, while still creating a breast that looks and feels natural. These breast implants are FDA approved and regulated.An alternative type of implant is saline implants. These implants are filled with a saline solution (salt water), which already exists in the body. It poses no known health concerns if an implant leak should occur.

What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?

Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved and contain a sterile cohesive gel formulation that holds together uniformly, typically creating results that look and feel more natural.Saline breast implants are also FDA-approved and are filled with a sterile salt-water solution (a naturally-occurring substance in your body). Saline implants are typically firmer than silicone implants, but because they are filled with a naturally-existing body fluid, some patients prefer saline implants.

What risks are involved in having a breast augmentation procedure?

As with any surgical procedure, there are always certain risks involved. During your initial consultation, Dr. Behmand will review your medical history with you and will discuss any risks involved that are specific to your health history.

How old do I need to be to have breast augmentation?

Dr. Behmand performs cosmetic saline implant breast augmentation starting at 18 years of age. FDA guidelines on silicone implants stipulate that patients undergoing placement of silicone breast implants for cosmetic reasons be at least 22 years of age.

Can I still have breast augmentation if I don’t have children but want to have children in the future?

You can absolutely have a breast augmentation if you still plan on having children in the future. Breast implants neither prevent you from having children nor is there any known evidence that they can be harmful to a pregnancy. It is important to be aware that, just as your natural breasts will typically begin to drop with age due to softening tissues, gravity, weight loss and gain, and breast feeding, your breast implants could potentially begin to drop over time due to the same reasons. Eventually, you will likely need to re-do your augmentation surgery. This typically won’t need to happen for many years, and the precise amount of time is dependent on the factors mentioned above.

How much does a breast augmentation procedure cost?

Each individual may need a different set of procedures to accomplish their overall goals. Therefore, the mentioned costs here are only an estimate and may change based on the findings during your physical examination. The cost of saline augmentation is typically around $7,000 and silicone augmentation surgery starts at $8,000. If any other procedures are necessary (for example; a breast lift or contouring with liposuction), and depending on what type of silicone implant is recommended, then these fees will increase accordingly.

Can I pay for my surgery in installments?

The full cost of the surgery is due prior to the procedure date. We do work with two companies who provide financing for medical and cosmetic procedures. The companies we have chosen to work with have a long track record in the field and are endorsed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This information can be found in “Patient Information” under the “Our Practice ” tab.

Is there anything I should avoid leading up to surgery?

We will provide you with an extensive list of medications to avoid starting at 10 days prior to surgery. The most common things that most patients should plan to avoid are NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications) such as Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve and similar medications, all vitamins, diet medications, alcoholic drinks (including wine and beer), and smoking tobacco products.

Is the breast augmentation procedure painful?

You should expect to experience some discomfort, though the degree of which is highly individual. Dr. Behmand uses a long-acting local anesthetic in the surgical area which can significantly decrease pain right after surgery. Pain medication will also be prescribed, which will generally alleviate most post-surgical pain in the first week of recovery. Typically, you will take pain medication for 3-4 days. Some patients stop taking pain pills a little sooner and others a few days later as needed to be comfortable.

How long is the typical recovery for a breast augmentation?

In most cases, you will only need to take 1 week off of daily routines and work. However, you will be required to maintain minimal physical activity for 4 weeks following surgery. This means you will not be able to work out, go to the gym, or do any heavy lifting during that time.