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Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast Implant Surgery

For women who may be dissatisfied with their breast size or who wish to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy, breast augmentation surgery – also known as augmentation mammaplasty – is an elective surgery option that uses breast implants to create fuller breasts, improve the balance of your figure, and enhance your self-image and self-confidence. The implants in breast augmentation may also be used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or injury.

Breast augmentation is a highly-individualized procedure that may be a good option for you if you are physically healthy, if your breasts are already fully developed, and you have realistic expectations for your surgery and potential outcomes. Breast augmentation does not correct some drooping breasts issues. If you want your breasts to be lifted due to physical sagging, a breast lift may be required in conjunction with your breast augmentation procedure.

The Initial Consultation

The success of your breast augmentation procedure depends on the quality of your participation in the initial consultation. You will need to be prepared to discuss why you want breast augmentation surgery, your personal medical history, drug allergies, use of medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs, and any family history of breast cancer, as well as the results of any mammograms or previous biopsies.

Dr. Cohn will perform a physical examination and take detailed measurements of your individual physical attributes, as well as note breast asymmetry that may need to be addressed at the time of your procedure. Photographs will be taken for your medical record. At that point, Dr. Cohn will be prepared to discuss your surgical options, recommend a course of treatment, and discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast augmentation procedure.

The consultation consists of a thorough discussion regarding implant types and choices (saline versus silicone, smooth versus textured), options for implant positioning (above or below the chest muscle), rationale for various incision options, and includes an opportunity for you to “try on” various implant sizes to get a sense of what an anticipated final appearance might look like. Dr. Cohn is happy to assist with recommendations while using your personal goals to guide final decision making.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

  • I. The breast augmentation procedure begins with anesthesia, where intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be provided. Dr. Cohn will recommend the best choice for your surgery.
  • II. After the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. You and Dr. Cohn will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome. Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference. Types of incisions include:
    • a. An inframammary incision – placed in the proximity of the crease where the underside of the breast and chest meet.
    • b. A transaxillary incision – placed in the natural folds of the skin in the armpit.
    • c. A periareolar incision – placed along the outline of the areola surrounding the nipple.
  • III. After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/subglandular placement). The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on degree of enlargement desired, your individual body type, the type of implant (saline or silicone) utilized, and Dr. Cohn’s recommendations.
  • IV. After the implants are in place, the incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue, as well as with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape over the skin.

Breast Implant Risks and Complications

The decision to have breast augmentation surgery is extremely personal and not without risk. Dr. Cohn will fully review and explain the risks associated with your surgery. After you fully understand the procedure, you will be asked to sign consent forms.

Although there are potential risks and complications with breast implants, there is no known health risk to your breast following placement of breast implants. Further, no scientific studies have established any reason to believe that breast implants are responsible for any negative long-term health impact, including autoimmune diseases or other systemic illnesses.

Recovery Time for Breast Augmentation

Although many factors are involved in your recovery time, you will likely experience a post-surgical recovery period between 24 and 48 hours. You will also require a reduced-activity period of a few days. During recovery, you will likely experience soreness and swelling for a few weeks. Exercise and normal activity can resume at Dr. Cohn’s direction.

Following all of Dr. Cohn’s post-surgery instructions is crucial to the success of your surgery. Surgical incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during healing. Dr. Cohn will give you specific instructions on how to care for your breasts and incisions following breast augmentation surgery, which medications to take, how to reduce the risk of infection, and when to make a follow-up appointment.

Birmingham Breast Augmentation Costs

As with any elective surgery, the cost of breast augmentation is a consideration for many patients. Cost may include a surgeon’s fee, hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, breast implant costs, prescriptions for medications, post-surgical garments, and any associated medical tests. Cohn Plastic Surgery proudly offers patient financing plans, so be sure to ask if such a plan is of interest to you.

For more information about breast augmentation surgery within Birmingham, we invite you to call us at (205) 930-1600 – Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm – to schedule an appointment. You may also use the Contact Form page to send us a message.