Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, or breast implant surgery, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States. The primary goal of breast augmentation surgery is to increase a patient’s bust size while producing a natural-looking result; however, each individual has her own personal reasons for choosing to have breast augmentation. Some women want to reverse the effects of age or pregnancy, while others simply want to increase their bust size. Whatever the reason behind your choice to undergo breast augmentation, board-certified plastic surgeon Jeffrey Copeland, MD can help you achieve your goals. Adult women of all ages have undergone breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Copeland and many have later referred their friends and family to Copeland Cosmetic Surgery.

What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast Augmentation Benefits
Breast Augmentation Candidates
Breast Implant Options
Breast Augmentation Incision Options
Breast Implant Placement
The Breast Augmentation Procedure
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast Augmentation Cost
Breast Augmentation Results

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that involves the placement of breast implants to create the appearance of larger, more shapely breasts. The procedure can also enhance symmetry, cleavage, and the overall proportion of the physique. In order to achieve a natural-looking result, breast augmentation surgery is highly customized based on the patient’s preferences and anatomical measurements. The process of choosing the right breast implant type, shape, and size is greatly simplified with the help of an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Copeland.

Breast augmentation surgery can usually be completed in about two hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation can provide several benefits based on your needs and desired result. Dr. Copeland can perform breast augmentation to:

Enlarge breast size
Enhance breast shape
Achieve improved breast symmetry
Create more prominent cleavage
Enhance breast projection

Restore breast shape and volume following pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging-related changes in the breasts. In these cases, breast augmentation may be combined with breast lift techniques.

At your breast augmentation consultation, Dr. Copeland will listen attentively to your concerns and goals and design a surgical plan that is personalized for your desired outcome. During this process, you can expect him to provide you with a full explanation of the breast implants, incision techniques, and placement options that are available. A wide range of different techniques can accommodate various preferences. Using his vast experience and knowledge, Dr. Copeland can guide you toward a breast augmentation plan that delivers optimal results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are typically individuals who are in relatively good health and are looking to enhance the size and/or shape of their breasts. This procedure can be a good option for those who would like to attain larger/fuller breasts and improved proportions, restore breast volume that has been lost over time, or improve breast symmetry. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those who are currently undergoing chemotherapy or other specific types of medical treatment, are likely not ideal candidates for breast augmentation at this time. Dr. Copeland wil be happy to discuss your candidacy for this procedure during your consultation appointment and help you determine if breast augmentation is the right option for your needs and goals.

What Are My Breast Implant Options?

There are quite a few decisions to make when it comes to choosing the right breast implants for your breast augmentation procedure, and Dr. Copeland will provide you with outstanding assistance each step of the way. The first consideration is determining the type of breast implant you want—silicone or saline-filled:

Silicone Implants

Silicone breast implants are comprised of a silicone shell filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Dr. Copeland exclusively uses the modern cohesive gel implants for those who choose gel. When compared to saline implants, silicone implants tend to create results that look and feel more like natural breasts. They are also less likely to cause visible rippling or wrinkling. Instances of leaks or rupture are unfortunately harder to detect in silicone implants, and patients must take this fact into consideration during the selection process. Modern silicone implants are available in a wide range of sizes and projections.

Saline Implants

Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saline (salt water). For a more natural look and feel, saline implants are more frequently recommended for placement under the pectoral muscle. Due to an increased tendency of rippling and wrinkling, saline implants may not be an optimal choice for patients with very little body fat or natural breast tissue. Leaks or ruptures of saline implants are easily detected and the water from the implants is safely absorbed by the body—many patients decide on saline implants for this reason. Saline implants are available in a wide range of sizes and projections, but they only come in a round shape.

When deciding on the right size implant for your breast augmentation, Dr. Copeland considers your preference of volume, desired projection, and bodily stature. He will also offer you a complimentary trial of various-sized breast implants to help in your decision process.

What Are My Breast Augmentation Incision Options?

Breast augmentation is typically performed using one of these incision techniques:

Inframammary – The inframammary technique involves the incision being made along the natural crease beneath the breast. This allows for direct access to the breast tissue and pectoral muscle, as well as more precise placement of the breast implant. A popular and common method, the resulting scar from an inframammary incision is often easily hidden.
Periareolar – The periareolar approach involves an incision created around the lower half of the areola, which can lead to a scar that blends in with the natural edge of the areola. This technique may be more useful for the placement of saline implants.

During the consultation process, Dr. Copeland will carefully examine your individual needs and goals and assess which incision technique is the best fit for you.

Where Will My Breast Implants Be Placed?

Breast implants are often placed either over the muscle (subglandular), under the muscle (submuscular), or over the muscle but below the connective muscle tissue (subfascial). In the subglandular approach, the implant is positioned directly behind the breast tissue but on top of the pectoral muscle. This placement can provide a more pronounced contour and is often chosen for its less uncomfortable and quicker recovery. However, it may be more visible under the skin, especially in individuals with thinner breast tissue.

In the submuscular approach, the implant is placed underneath the pectoral muscles. This method is preferred for its more natural appearance, as the muscle provides an additional layer over the implant, reducing visibility and palpability. It is also associated with a lower risk of capsular contracture. The choice between these placements depends on individual anatomy, desired aesthetic results, and specific health considerations.

Another approach, dual plane, combines the benefits of subglandular and submuscular placements. This method positions the upper half of the implant underneath the chest muscle and the lower half sits over the muscle. Dual plane placement can produce a natural-looking appearance, improve cleavage, and hide upper rippling while filling out the lower portion of the breast.

Slightly less common, the subfascial placement positions the implant beneath the thin connective tissue layer overlying the pectoral muscle. This technique can provide authentic-looking results, minimize post-operative discomfort, and often allows for a quicker recovery compared to submuscular placement, while still offering some muscle support to the implant.

Dr. Copeland can explain the incision placement techniques in further detail during the consultation and recommend the best option for your needs.

What Is the Breast Augmentation Procedure Like?

The breast augmentation procedure is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure usually takes about two hours to complete. To begin, an incision is made either within the border of the areola or along the crease at the bottom of the breast (called the inframammary fold). Through this incision he creates the implant pocket either above or below the pectoralis muscle and inserts the breast implant. Once optimal positioning and shape has been achieved, he carefully closes the incision and repeats the process with the other breast. Dr. Copeland is always mindful of achieving symmetry between the breasts for beautifully natural-looking results.

What Can I Expect During Recovery from Breast Augmentation?

Dr. Copeland uses several techniques to minimize recovery time and maximize comfort during the recovery process. As a result, many of his patients are able to return to work within a week following surgery. Immediately after surgery, some swelling and discomfort is expected. Follow-up appointments track your healing progress and Dr. Copeland will clear you for additional activity at certain recovery benchmarks. Some scarring is to be expected, though Dr. Copeland does his best to keep any incisions as inconspicuous as possible. Proper care of the incisions can help minimize scar prominence. Within a year after surgery, any scar visibility should be dramatically reduced.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

At Copeland Cosmetic Surgery the average price range for breast augmentation surgery is between $8,000 and $9,000. The complexity of the case and the cost of the specific implants you choose will affect pricing, and a comprehensive quote for surgery will be provided to you once you have settled on a breast augmentation plan. The quote you receive will include Dr. Copeland’s fee, anesthesia, surgical facility fees, and any other associated costs so that you are aware of the full price of your breast augmentation up front. We offer financing through CareCredit^®, a trusted third party lender, to make the cost of surgery more affordable for qualified applicants. Our knowledgeable office team can answer any questions you may have about cost, financing, payment options, and procedure scheduling.