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Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure designed to add volume to the breasts with breast implants, resulting in an improved shape and increased breast fullness. For women who would like to enhance the size, shape, and proportions of their breasts, or who want to achieve a more noticeable breast contour, this procedure may be an ideal solution. Breast implants are known for creating more aesthetic balance between the breasts, making them a versatile option to help you attain your desired physique. With comprehensive knowledge of the most optimal implant shapes, sizes, and placement techniques for each patient’s needs, Dr. Geoffrey Leber—our board-certified and fellowship-trained Boston plastic surgeon—can achieve remarkably natural-looking results by personalizing the procedure according to your goals.
We understand that you have many different options with regard to your choice of breast augmentation surgeon. As a procedure that affects your health and appearance, the utmost care should be given to selecting the best plastic surgeon for your individual needs. In addition to staying abreast of the most advanced implant options available, Dr. Leber has decades of experience performing breast augmentation at his successful practices in Boston and Scottsdale. Having undergone a prestigious aesthetic surgery fellowship in Beverly Hills focused entirely on the most effective cosmetic techniques, Dr. Leber is uniquely qualified to achieve results that can look natural and complement your existing features. With his reputation for unmatched patient satisfaction, Dr. Leber offers a high standard of safety, experience, and care that you deserve in your breast augmentation procedure.
Good candidates for the procedure have similar cosmetic goals to those listed below while maintaining realistic expectations for the final outcome. Additionally, those interested in breast enhancement should have no debilitating medical conditions that may disrupt their recovery period. During a careful consultation, Dr. Leber will review your medical history, listen to your unique concerns, and ultimately help you determine whether breast augmentation is right for you. In general, breast augmentation can benefit patients who wish to:
Patients may seek breast augmentation for a number of personal reasons. While some women simply wish to improve their breast appearance, others may pursue the procedure as part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy or tumor removal. Whatever your unique concerns may be, Dr. Leber goes to great lengths to ensure the cosmetic outcome of breast augmentation meets your surgical goals and will work with you through every step of the process to actualize your aesthetic ideal.
While the benefits yielded by a breast augmentation typically vary according to each patient’s cosmetic goals, the procedure can generally:
Dr. Leber offers saline and silicone implants in a variety of shapes and sizes. With patient safety and satisfaction as his top priorities, Dr. Leber works diligently to create the best aesthetic outcome possible. Our practice offers a number of useful tools that can help you decide the most optimal implant size and type. Your breast implant options will include:
While both choices can allow results that appear natural, silicone implants have a distinct advantage over saline implants for patients who have less tissue to cover the implants. Silicone implants feel softer and are less likely to have visible wrinkling and/or rippling than saline implants.
Saline implants are composed of a saline solution housed inside of the implant shell. This option has the advantage of being filled after insertion above/below the chest muscle, typically resulting in a smaller incision scar. Additionally, in the rare event that the implant ruptures, the saline is absorbed harmlessly into the rest of the body.
During the surgical process, you will work with Dr. Leber to determine the most ideal implant type and size, as well as the most beneficial location for the implants and incision. There are pros and cons to each type of implant, which Dr. Leber will thoroughly explain in person to help ensure you can make a fully informed decision.
During the consultation process, there are several ways that Dr. Leber can help you determine which cup size is best for your figure and allow you to visualize the potential cosmetic result:
Choosing the right implant size and type can be challenging, but rest assured that Dr. Leber will use many resources to provide you with a realistic idea of your new breast appearance prior to undergoing surgery.
The implant can be placed either over or under the pectoral (chest) muscle. Each location has its own distinct advantages depending on your unique needs. Generally, placement over the chest muscle is better suited for women with sufficient breast skin and tissue to provide proper coverage for the implants’ edges. In contrast, individuals with thin breast skin may benefit more from placement under the muscle, as this approach can allow adequate implant coverage and may decrease the risk of scar tissue formation (known as capsular contracture) when compared to an over-the-muscle technique. Dr. Leber prefers to place the implant under the pectoral muscle because it generally provides greater support, and the likelihood of skin rippling and capsular contracture is minimized.
The technique used to place your breast implants will be discussed during one of your pre-operative appointments. After Dr. Leber explains the pros and cons of each incision, you will both work together to determine the most beneficial approach for your augmentation. The three possible incision options to choose from include:
A transaxillary incision is located along a fold of the underarm (armpit) and usually leaves the breasts unscarred. That said, this technique is limited in usage and can only accommodate saline and small silicone implants.
The periareolar incision is placed along the outer edge of the areolas, allowing the resulting scars to remain somewhat camouflaged by the natural change in pigmentation. This technique may come with a slightly higher risk of breastfeeding difficulties for women who are planning to nurse after surgery. Furthermore, certain sizes and types of implants may not be easily placed through a periareolar incision.
This incision is made along the natural crease where the lower breasts meet the chest wall. As one of the most common approaches to breast augmentation, the inframammary incision can provide a versatile technique for a range of different implant types.
Each technique can achieve results that look natural, and the most ideal type of breast augmentation for your needs will be determined based on your body frame and the size of your implants. If you’re receiving a breast lift at the same time as your augmentation, certain incision options may not be possible—Dr. Leber will fully inform you of what to expect when he evaluates your needs in person
The best incision location will depend on which implants you select and your unique anatomy. With your preferences in mind, Dr. Leber will use the incision that can provide the most natural-looking results with the least amount of scarring. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and takes less than one hour to complete, depending on your treatment plan. After Dr. Leber places the incision, he will carefully position the implant and subsequently close the incision. If you are undergoing a combination procedure, such as a breast lift with implants, Dr. Leber will walk you through every step of the process prior to surgery.
Patients often come across the term “natural breast augmentation” when researching their breast enhancement options, which refers to a procedure that uses fat transfer rather than implants to rejuvenate the breasts. Fat transfer or “fat grafting” is a technique that borrows excess fat from another part of the body and transfers it to the face, breasts, or body. This essentially allows patients to enhance their features using their own natural volume.
This approach to breast augmentation can be effective, but it’s important to note that fat transfer breast augmentation is not capable of significantly enlarging the breast size; therefore, fat transfer alone may not offer the best results if you’re wanting dramatically larger or rounder breasts. However, this technique can make the breasts more supple by offering additional coverage for implants, thereby softening the breast contours. If you’re interested in fat transfer breast augmentation, Dr. Leber would be happy to discuss this technique with you in your consultation.
Below are a few cases from our extensive gallery, click here to view more.
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After After surgery, patients will be in recovery under observation by our staff for a short amount of time. Based on the details of your treatment plan, you can generally return home with a friend or loved one on the same day to continue recovering from the comfort of your own surroundings. There will likely be some initial bruising and swelling, but any discomfort can typically be managed well with oral pain medication. While individuals can usually return to light work duties within a few days and resume normal activities within one to two weeks, high-impact aerobic exercise should be avoided for three to four weeks. The aesthetic outcome of breast augmentation will typically improve as the implants settle and your healing process progresses.
Breast implants can remain in good condition for decades, with most types of implants lasting at least 10 to 15 years. Saline and silicone implants typically do not need to be replaced unless a complication arises, such as visible implant edges (implant rippling), implant rupture, or scar tissue formation (capsular contracture). That said, we recommend that patients with silicone implants undergo periodic evaluations over the years to ensure their implants are intact. While saline implants produce a noticeable change in the breast appearance if a tear or leak occurs, many types of silicone implants tend to keep their shape in the rare event of rupture.
Any surgical procedure will leave some type of scar, but breast augmentation incisions often blend naturally into the contours of the skin, leading to relatively mild visible scarring after the procedure. For example, the periareolar incision—a commonly utilized technique that places the incision around the borders of the areola—can allow the resulting scar to blend harmoniously into the change in pigmentation once the incision is fully healed.
The inframammary incision is another option for breast augmentation, which is made along the fold of the breast crease for discreet scarring after the procedure. Some patients who desire saline implants may be able to utilize an incision in the natural fold of the underarm (transaxillary), leaving the breast completely unscarred. In any case, Dr. Leber prioritizes achieving results that look as natural as possible, and breast augmentation scars are of little concern to most patients. To gain a better idea of what you can expect, we encourage you to peruse our gallery of before-and-after photos.
There is a chance of complication(s) with every surgical procedure; however, the most common complications associated with breast implants are usually non-life threatening and easily corrected with a breast revision procedure. In general, placing saline and silicone implants can come with the risk of:
Patients with both types of implants are encouraged to be mindful of any potential changes in the look or feel of their breasts, as these symptoms may signify a potential complication. Since breast implants are not meant to be lifetime devices, the potential need for surgery in the future should be accepted by patients before deciding to proceed with breast augmentation. That said, the likelihood of negative outcomes from breast implant placement can be vastly reduced when you select a board-certified plastic surgeon to advise you on the best choices for your implants, such as the most ideal placement location, incision, implant size, and fill material for your needs. Dr. Leber will make sure you are well-informed of the benefits, risks, and limitations of breast augmentation during your consultation.
In Boston, Massachusetts, the cost of breast augmentation typically ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 depending on whether saline or silicone implants are utilized. The general complexity of your procedure as well as the experience of your plastic surgeon can also factor into the total cost of the procedure. Since many details of breast augmentation are unique to your treatment plan, such as the best incision location and the type of implants desired, an accurate price estimate cannot be made until Dr. Leber sees you in a consultation. However, rest assured that our patient care coordinator will provide you with a complete breakdown of your breast augmentation expenses as soon as your needs are assessed. Some patients prefer to pay for their surgery in smaller installments with plastic surgery financing plans, which we accept through CareCredit® and Prosper® Healthcare Lending. This healthcare lending institution, which is widely utilized for cosmetic procedures nationwide, provides qualified patients with various low- to no-interest payment plans to help them proceed with treatment while accommodating any budgetary concerns. If you have further questions about the cost of breast augmentation or your possible payment options, please call our practice to learn more.
Although a breast augmentation can largely enhance the breasts’ appearance, it is not designed to correct breast sag that may result from genetics, gravity, pregnancy, or nursing. Women who experience breast sag as a result of increased skin laxity or a flattened upper breast pole may still be able to reach their cosmetic goals with a breast augmentation with lift. Medically referred to as a breast augmentation mastopexy, this procedure combines the benefits of both a breast lift and breast augmentation for total aesthetic improvement. Many women opt to undergo this combination procedure so they can achieve twice the rejuvenation during one recovery period. For the right candidate, the procedure can increase the volume of the breasts while lifting their position on the chest wall to minimize a sagging appearance and enhance breast projection.
If you had the ability to breastfeed before surgery, it is certainly possible to retain nursing function after breast augmentation. If you have future plans to breastfeed after your procedure, it’s essential that you communicate your desires to Dr. Leber before surgery. Depending on your anatomical needs and your hopes for the cosmetic outcome, Dr. Leber may be able to place your breast implants while using special techniques to preserve the nerves and glands responsible for milk production.
While breastfeeding with implants can still occur, Dr. Leber recommends postponing your surgical plans until after pregnancy and nursing are complete. Unfortunately, the physical changes caused by pregnancy and breastfeeding, such as depleted volume and increased skin laxity, can often reverse the outcome achieved with the procedure.
Breast augmentation is often performed as one component of a Mommy Makeover—a treatment plan customized to address several cosmetic concerns at once by combining procedures. Most often, this is performed for women who have experienced multiple body changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. All of these life-changing events can cause the breasts to lose volume, shape, and elasticity over time, prompting patients to enlist a breast augmentation to restore more rejuvenated breast contours. Despite its name, a Mommy Makeover can be performed for any woman who is interested in more than one cosmetic procedure; motherhood is not a prerequisite for treatment. Our team can discuss your Mommy Makeover options with you in a consultation if your goals indicate you may benefit from a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Yes! In addition to breast augmentation, Dr. Leber also offers breast revision for patients who would like to upgrade or exchange their breast implants for a different size, shape, or type of fill material. In most cases, the same incisions used in the original breast enhancement procedure can be re-used during breast revision to prevent further scarring. This secondary breast surgery can also remove one’s implants altogether if desired, although breast lift techniques may be necessary following explant surgery to restore the breasts to their original shape and contour.
Breast augmentation patients typically wear a special surgical bra for approximately one to two weeks after their surgery. This compression garment should be worn day and night to protect your incisions, minimize swelling, support your implants, and facilitate the healing of your new breast contours. After the initial healing period, Dr. Leber will let you know when you can switch to a non-underwire sports bra. It’s very important to select a bra that will adequately support your implants and allow you to get dressed while lifting and stretching as little as possible—we recommend a bra with a front-facing clasp.
The best position for sleeping after undergoing breast implant surgery is generally on your back, with pillows propped up to slightly elevate your upper body. It can also be helpful to place pillows on your sides as well to ensure you don’t roll onto your stomach throughout the night. Dr. Leber will give you instructions on when you can expect to sleep normally again based on the details of your treatment plan.
You will likely feel achy and sore after your breast augmentation; therefore, it can be helpful to have a friend or loved one assist you with household chores and daily responsibilities so you can dedicate the first few days of your recovery to healing. Patients with physically laborious or demanding jobs may not be able to return to work for at least three weeks. While most swelling should dissipate within two months of the recovery period, it can take three to six months for the implants to settle into position and for swelling to fully resolve.
While Dr. Leber will provide more personalized instruction in person, patients should generally avoid swimming and high-impact aerobic exercise for four to six weeks after their breast augmentation. It’s very important to obtain clearance from your plastic surgeon before swimming, as well as to protect your incisions with SPF sunscreen once it’s safe to do so.
The weight of your breast implants depends on the volume of the enhancement chosen. In general, silicone implants weigh 0.23 pounds per 100 cc’s of fill material, which is slightly more than the 0.21 pounds attributed to saline devices. Depending on the amount of additional volume desired for your breast augmentation, most patients’ implants weigh approximately 1.26 to 1.5 pounds together. During your consultation, you will be able to “try on” different implant sizes to get an idea of how they will look and feel on your body.
You do not usually need to replace breast implants unless you experience a complication (a rare event) or you want to upgrade your devices for another type, shape, or size. In some cases, you may want to switch to a smaller breast size decades after your original enhancement while still maintaining youthful breast contours. If so, breast revision can be performed to achieve your goals. That said, many patients do not ever feel a need to replace or remove their implants, as they can remain in good condition for several decades. Again, this varies from person to person.
According to FDA guidelines, patients must be at least 18 years old to receive saline implants and at least 22 years of age to receive silicone gel implants. There are sometimes exceptions in cases of breast reconstruction after cancer removal surgery, but each patient is assessed on a case-by-case basis based on their level of physical and emotional maturity,
BIA-ALCL stands for Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma — an extremely rare condition associated with some types of aggressively textured breast implants. The types of implants linked to BIA-ALCL were voluntarily recalled and are no longer on the market. Dr. Leber only uses the safest, most predictable implants available.
For patients who have reached full maturity, there is no way to naturally enhance your breast size without surgery. Although the breasts may grow larger from weight gain, this does not mimic the results of a breast augmentation. Excess fatty tissue can even stretch the skin and elongate the breasts, making them more pendulous. Receiving implants via breast augmentation is generally the most effective way to increase volume while also enhancing the shape and contours of your breasts.
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about breast augmentation performed by Dr. Leber, please contact our practice today.
