17 Things You Should Know Before Having Breast Surgery

Breast augmentations are immensely popular, and have been for many years. Because of this, they have become rather routine procedures for plastic surgeons, and more and more women are more open to the idea of breast surgery. Nevertheless, it’s important to do your research before you undergo plastic surgery. The NuBody team has put together some answers for you.

Candidates for Breast Augmentation

1. How old do you have to be for a breast augmentation?

We prefer for patients to be 18, although there are some exceptions. Our implant vendor recommends patients be a minimum of 18 years. old for saline implants and a minimum of 22 years old for silicone implants. The surgeon will make the final determination at the time of consult.

2. Can I have a breast augmentation if I’m planning to breastfeed in the future?

Generally, yes. In most cases, breast implants do not negatively impact a mother’s milk supply or the ability to breastfeed. However, recent studies have shown that there may be exceptions depending on factors like where the surgeon places the incision, the position of the implant, or whether scar tissue builds up. Get more information at Breastfeeding with Implants.

3. Do I need insurance to have a breast augmentation?

Having no insurance will not affect your procedure at NuBody Concepts. However, you will be given prescriptions post procedure that you will need to pick up.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

4. What types of breast surgery can I choose from?

Broadly, there are three types of breast surgery: 1) Traditional breast augmentation using implants; 2) A breast lift without using implants; and 3) Fat Transfer for Breast, a procedure that uses liposuction to eliminate fat from one area of your body and inject it into your breasts as a filler. This article is mainly about the first option, a breast augmentation using implants.

5. Does a breast augmentation require general anesthesia?

Breast surgeries at NuBody Concepts are outpatient procedures that do not require general anesthesia. We perform plastic surgeries under a combination of local anesthesia and IV sedation. If you choose a less-invasive breast enhancement via fat transfer, you will need less sedation than for implant surgery.

6. Are breast implants safe?

Breast implants, and silicone gel implants in particular, are among the most researched devices in the history of medicine and are perfectly safe.

7. What different types of implants do you offer?

We offer both saline and silicone implants. Gummy bear implants are a form of silicone implants. While silicone implants are more common, some patients prefer saline implants because they are more affordable and can be inserted through a smaller incision around the areola/nipple. Read more in Saline or Silicone Breast Implants?

8. What is the difference between under the muscle and above?

This has to do with where the implant is placed. Our plastic surgeon will evaluate you at your consultation to determine and discuss with you which placement is best for your situation.

Breast Augmentation Cost

9. How much does a breast augmentation cost?

While we cannot give you an exact quote without a personal consultation with our plastic surgeon, you can be sure that at NuBody Concepts all quotes are all-inclusive without any added or hidden fees. Our pricing starts at $5,900 for saline implants – no surcharges of any kind.

10. How much are “gummy bear” implants?

Gummy bear implants, also called highly-cohesive implants, are a type of silicone implant and therefore carry the same price as silicone implants – which are slightly more expensive than saline implants.

11. How do I qualify for financing for a breast augmentation?

We can apply for you in office when you are in for your consultation, which takes less than 5 minutes. The banks we work with have specific criteria for credit approval similar to applying for a credit card. You will know immediately if you are approved or not.

12. Are there any added fees in addition to my quoted price?

No. At NuBody Concepts, we always quote all-inclusive prices without any hidden fees. It includes all taxes, fees, follow-up appointments, and anesthesia. The only cost associated with the procedure that is not covered is any prescription drugs; these are generic and typically covered by insurance. When comparing quotes with other providers, make sure you ask if the quote is all-inclusive like at NuBody Concepts, or whether there will be additional fees.

13. What is the cost for an implant exchange?

If there is no lift or capsulectomy involved there is no additional charge to remove current implants if you are replacing them with new implants.  An explant by itself without exchange is priced lower than the cost of placing or replacing implants.

Recovery from a Breast Augmentation

14. How soon can I exercise after a breast augmentation?

We want you to refrain from any heavy lifting or straining for 2 weeks. If your healing looks good at your 2-week follow up appointment, we will let you know when you can resume exercise and strenuous activity.

15. How long will my recovery take?

Since we don’t use general anesthesia for your breast augmentation, your recovery time is reduced from 2 weeks to approximately 3-5 days. It is even shorter for Fat  Transfer for Breast procedures, which have the same recovery time as Liposuction, about 24 to 48 hours. But please bear in mind the note about heavy lifting above, always making sure you follow your plastic surgeon’s post-op instructions.

16. How long do I have to avoid swimming after a breast augmentation?

How soon you can swim after a breast augmentation will be part of your surgeon’s post-op instructions. As soon as your scars are healed, he or she will give the green light for swimming. Learn more on the NuBody Blog: Your Implants in Water and Sun: Get Ready for Summer!

17. Will I lose sensitivity in my nipples after a breast augmentation?

It is not uncommon for patients to experience a temporary change in nipple sensitivity after breast surgery. Typically, patients regain more normal nipple sensation after about three months. This is something your plastic surgeon will cover in more detail during your consultation.

We hope that we have answered most of your questions about breast augmentations. If you think you are ready to take the next step, please contact us to schedule a personal consultation with our double board-certified plastic surgeon.

References: Breastfeeding.support, Breastfeeding with Implants