Breast Augmentation

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation

To help you become well informed about breast augmentation, our surgeons have answered some frequently asked questions about this popular procedure. An FAQ section can only address so many concerns, however. For more information, we encourage you to reach out to our team to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.

• Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?

  One of the most important factors for determining breast augmentation candidacy is wellness. In addition to being in good overall health, a patient should also abstain from smoking. They should also have adequate skin elasticity and muscle quality to support the breast implants. All of these considerations are designed to provide you with the best possible outcome and to reduce complications. Our physicians’ number one priority is safety, and we go to great lengths to provide our patients with excellent care.

• How do I choose the right shape/size implants?

  Every woman’s body is unique, just as her cosmetic goals are unique. Choosing the right implant size and type is a process that must take into consideration a variety of factors, including your personal preferences, anatomic indicators, and desired outcome. Drs. Hankins and Sohn will be happy to help you determine which styles are most likely to provide the results you’re looking for, and we encourage you to learn more about the broad array of implant options that are currently available. We also offer fat grafting to achieve the most natural-looking appearance and feel possible. Each combination offers different benefits, and we will provide guidance to assist you in making a decision.

• Which implant placement provides the most natural appearance?

  Breast implants can be placed above or below the chest muscle, depending on your anatomical needs and aesthetic goal. The size, shape, and composition of the breast implants will play a role in which placement is selected, as will the volume of existing breast tissue, and the new breast pocket created on the chest wall by the surgeon. Women with smaller frames and little breast tissue may benefit from a different placement than women with more breast tissue and higher distribution of fatty tissue. Additionally, skin quality will also be taken into consideration. These factors help our plastic surgeons select the most ideal placement for each person.

• What are the incision options for breast augmentation?

  Our surgeons utilize the most advanced breast augmentation techniques available. An inframammary fold incision is one of the most common approaches, which is an incision that is made below the breast on the inframammary fold (where the breast meets the chest). Another option is a periareolar incision, which is an incision that is made along the periphery of the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple). As with most other breast augmentation choices, the right option for you will depend on your anatomic characteristics, personal preferences, and treatment plan.

• Can I still breastfeed after breast augmentation?

  Many women who have breast augmentation go on to breastfeed without difficulty. Breast augmentation, when performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, should not affect a woman’s ability to nurse her child if she was able to do so prior to the operation.² Dr. Hankins and Dr. Sohn can tailor your treatment plan to minimize damage to the mammary glands if you know you will want to breastfeed at some point in the future.

• Are there age restrictions for breast augmentation?

  The FDA requires that patients must be at least 18 years old to have saline implants and 22 years old to receive silicone implants unless undergoing breast reconstruction. There is no upper age limit for breast augmentation, rather skin quality, physical health, and cosmetic desire will determine candidacy above the age of 18/22.

• Do implants interfere with mammograms?

  Mammograms can be effectively performed on breasts with implants, including both saline and silicone styles. A highly qualified radiologist will adjust the technique to provide the best care. In some cases, the breast implant may obstruct the view of the breast tissue, in which case an MRI may be recommended instead. Always be sure and inform your radiologist that you have implants prior to your mammogram so they can be properly prepared for your visit.

• What are the risks of breast augmentation?

  Any surgical procedure comes with some risk of complications or side effects. Potential risks of breast augmentation surgery include capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, bleeding, changes in breast sensation, and general anesthesia risks. The experienced surgeons at Hankins & Sohn uphold high standards of safety to minimize risk.³

• Do I need to worry about Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?

  BIA-ALCL is a rare type of cancer that develops near breast implants at a low estimate of 1 in roughly 30,000 cases.⁴ Most instances of BIA-ALCL are found in patients with textured breast implants.⁵ BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer, it is cancer affecting the immune system.

• Will I have scars after breast augmentation?

  Yes, breast augmentation does result in visible scars. Of the two most popular and safest incisions, the inframammary incision scar is the least noticeable because sutures are placed in the natural breast fold, while the areolar incision scar is slightly smaller.

• How much does breast augmentation cost?

  The cost of breast augmentation will vary from person to person based on their needs and goals. Some other factors that will affect the final cost include the surgeon’s fee, hospital facility fee, and anesthesiology fee. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss the details and fees associated with your operation. As a cosmetic procedure, breast augmentation will not be covered by medical insurance; however, there are many other financing options available to help you bring this treatment into your budget.