Breast Augmentation
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is designed to enhance the size and shape of breasts with the placement of silicone or saline breast implants. There are a variety of implant options and advanced surgical techniques to achieve a patient’s desired shape, volume, and projection as well as improve any existing asymmetry between the breasts. As one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries, breast augmentation is well-known for providing beautiful, natural-looking results customized for each patient to best complement their overall body proportions.
Our board-certified female plastic surgeon in Nashville, Dr. Amaka Nwubah, ensures each patient receives attentive care, beginning with a personal and individualized consultation to thoroughly understand their concerns and aesthetic goals in order to provide a custom-tailored treatment plan.
What Are My Breast Implant Options?
Dr. Amaka offers the highest-quality implants for your breast augmentation procedure, with a comprehensive selection of silicone and saline breast implant options designed to elegantly complement each woman’s figure. These include the “gummy bear” silicone implants. Below is an overview to better understand the differences between silicone and saline breast implants:
Silicone Breast Implants
- Very natural look and feel that closely mimics breast tissue
- Pre-filled in a variety of sizes and shapes
- Outer shell made of durable silicone
- Inner composition of gel-like silicone
- FDA-approved for patients age 22 and older
Saline Breast Implants
- Implant is filled during surgery with a saline (saltwater) solution
- Customizable and adjustable to the desired volume
- Outer shell made of silicone
- Generally requires a smaller incision
- FDA-approved for patients age 18 and older
During an initial consultation, Dr. Amaka will perform an evaluation and discuss the options in depth to determine the ideal implant type, size, shape, and profile for your desired appearance. Dr. Amaka tends to use silicone implants in the majority of patients.
How is the Breast Augmentation Procedure Performed?
Typically, breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. It usually takes about one hour to complete. As a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Dr. Amaka utilizes her meticulous skills and experience to employ one of several different surgical techniques to carefully create incisions through which to insert the implants in the most optimal locations. This selection is important to ensure the pocket for the implant placement achieves the most natural-looking outcome as well as minimize tissue trauma for an easier recovery. Most commonly she uses a 2.5-3 cm incision in the fold of the breast where it is well disguised.
Implants can be placed either above or below the pectoral muscles, depending on the anatomy and preferences of the patient. The size and type of implant determined during the consultation will help Dr. Amaka thoroughly outline the surgical plan, so you know what to expect and have a clear understanding of the process.
What is Recovery from Breast Augmentation Like?
Breast augmentation is one of the least invasive cosmetic surgery procedures. However, it still does have a recovery time period to allow your body to heal and attain optimal results. Generally, patients are advised to take 3 days to 1 week off of work depending on the nature of their work. In patients who do heavy lifting at work (ie. More than 10 lbs), there is a 6-week restriction on heavy lifting. Dr. Amaka recommends 3 weeks of relative downtime during which you should avoid repetitive motions including laundry, cooking, wiping surfaces, and things that require a repeated back and forth motion of your arms. This is to prevent bleeding and other complications.
Implants generally take 4-6 months to settle, and in one full year, settling is usually complete. Patients should start massages on post-operative day one, and Dr. Amaka and her team will advise you on this part of the recovery. Patients are also in a supportive bra at all times for 6 weeks.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies based on breast implant options, placement techniques, surgeon and facility fees, prescriptions, and other factors. During a consultation with Dr. Amaka to assess individual aesthetic concerns and cosmetic goals, a personalized price quote and details of the breast augmentation plan will be provided. Dr. Amaka and her friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to review a breakdown of the costs, accepted forms of payment, and answer any questions. They are also available to discuss financing options through trusted third-party healthcare lenders to make cosmetic rejuvenation accessible and affordable for qualified applicants on virtually any budget.