Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation surgery (also known as breast enlargement) increases the size of the breasts through the insertion of silicon or saline implants.  There are many types of breast implants available on the market today, and that's why it can be difficult for a plastic surgeon's office to quote any sort of price without seeing you in person.
For the sake of understanding your breast augmentation options, there are three main factors your surgeon will consider before performing a breast enlargement surgery: 

1. Your body type
2. Your desired cup size (post surgery)
3. The look or shape you'd like to have 

 A good plastic surgeon will emphasize realistic results and help you choose a shape and size that is safe and healthy for your height and frame.  They will also explain how each type of implant--from silicon to saline, round to tear drop, smooth to textured will affect your surgery's outcome and the pros and cons associated with each one.




Typical Minimum Cost of Breast Augmentation:
$4,000.00
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Typical Maximum Cost of Breast Augmentation:
$6,000.00
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Average Cost of Breast Augmentation:
$5,000.00
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Time Required for Breast Augmentation:
1-2 hours are usually needed for a breast augmentation. Time requirements can, of course, vary between unique situations.
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Is Breast Augmentation an InPatient or OutPatient Procedure?
Outpatient.
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What are the Side Effects of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation side effects can include temporary discomfort, bruising, soreness, swelling, and/or skin wrinkling; temporary change in nipple sensation and altered mammography; temporarily excessive breast sensitivity.
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How Long do Breast Augmentation results last?
Breast augmentation results should be long lasting, but may change with pregnancy, weight fluctuation, and aging, creating the need for replacement of your breast implants.  This is precisely why it's important to choose an experienced surgeon who can give you the best results possible the first time around to ensure the longest results possible.
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What is the recovery time for Breast Augmentation?
After Breast Augmentation Surgery:

Day 1 - 7 Post surgery, you will wear a position-supporting bra home for initial stage of breast augmentation recovery.


Day 3 If you have a job that is not physically demanding, you can generally return to work a few days after breast augmentation surgery.


Day 7 - 12 Sutures can usually be removed about 7-12 days after surgery


Please Note**At least 3 weeks should be given after surgery before any aerobic activity is attempted.


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Will my insurance company cover Breast Augmentation?
If the breast augmentation is being performed out of necessity, usually in conjunction with post-cancer breast reconstruction, insurance may cover it. But because of the cosmetic nature of a breast augmentation, insurance most often does not apply to this procedure.

You should know, however, that many offices are offering plastic surgery financing through their office at extremely low interest rates (often through Medi Credit and Care Credit).  Please visit our Additional Resources section to the right for more information.


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Is there much discomfort for Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation pain and discomfort is usually quite tolerable, often lasting for just a few days, but can depend on the extent of surgery, how it is performed, and the anesthesia that is utilized.  All good topics to bring up during your consultation.  As a general rule, standard breast augmentation procedures require less recovery time compared to breast lifts with augmentation.

Before surgery, ask your plastic surgeon what he or she prescribes for pain management.  The first day or two after surgery, it is not uncommon for a prescription pain medication to be used, followed by standard over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol.  The best thing a patient can do for themselves post breast augmentation surgery is to listen to their surgeon's post-care instructions and make sure to get plenty of rest. 


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What types of anesthesia is necessary for Breast Augmentation?
In the case of breast augmentation, anesthesia of choice is usually local with sedation, but general anesthesia may also be opted for.
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What else can I combine Breast Augmentation with?
While still considered surgery, breast augmentation is generally a less invasive plastic surgery procedure, allowing for other cosmetic procedures to be performed in conjunction with breast enlargement.  Some of the most popular procedures combined with breast augmentation are:

• Breast Lift
• Liposuction
• Tummy Tuck

 


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What else is Breast Augmentation referred to as?
Augmentation Mammaplasty. Breast Enhancement. Breast Enlargement. Implants. Boob Job (slang).
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