Main Content
Breast Augmentation in Buckhead
Breast Augmentation in Buckhead
Breast Augmentation in Buckhead
Breast augmentation (sometimes called a “boob job”) uses implants or fat grafting to enhance breast size and shape. At Monarch Plastic Surgery’s Buckhead practice, Dr. Carmen Kavali and Dr. Teri Moak offer a warm, supportive environment to guide you through this journey. Both surgeons are fellowship-trained and board-certified (Dr. Kavali is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery), ensuring you receive expert care. In fact, Dr. Kavali has led local medical associations and was recently named a NewBeauty Top Doctor, having guided patients “from breast augmentation in college to Mommy Makeovers after childbirth and facelifts later in life.” Our female-led team emphasizes honest communication and meticulous attention to detail to achieve natural-looking, confidence-boosting results.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
This procedure inserts saline or silicone implants – or uses your own fat – to add volume and improve breast contour. Implants can increase fullness and projection, balance your figure, and restore breast volume lost after pregnancy or weight change. It’s not just cosmetic; many women report enhanced self-confidence after augmentation. We personalize every surgery (often under general anesthesia) for your body and goals. Incisions are hidden in breast creases or around the areola, so scars are discreet. Dr. Kavali and Dr. Moak will explain each step, answer your questions, and review the American Society of Plastic Surgeons guidelines so you know what to expect.
Am I a Candidate?
Ideal candidates are healthy adults who have realistic expectations. Breast augmentation is popular among Buckhead women who have completed childbearing and desire fuller, youthful breasts. For example, a Mommy Makeover bundles a tummy tuck and lift with your augmentation to address multiple areas at once. We also frequently pair augmentation with Liposuction or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to refine the waist and hips, restoring a pre-pregnancy shape. Patients should not be pregnant or nursing at the time of surgery. We will discuss your medical history and aesthetic goals during a private consultation. Every patient is unique: whether you live near Lenox Square Mall, Peachtree Road, or Chastain Park, our team will help determine if augmentation is right for you.
Implant Options & Techniques
We offer all the latest FDA-approved implant choices. In a consultation we’ll review:
- Saline Implants – Sterile saltwater implants that can be filled during surgery and provide a uniform shape. They are FDA-approved for women 18 and older. If a saline implant leaks, it will visibly collapse and the body safely absorbs the saline.
- Silicone Gel Implants – Gel-filled implants that feel very natural and are FDA-approved for women 22 and older. If a silicone implant leaks, the gel typically stays in place or is safely absorbed over time. For safety, the ASPS recommends periodic imaging (ultrasound/MRI) to check silicone implants.
- Gummy Bear (Form-Stable) Implants – A subtype of silicone implant with thicker gel that holds its shape even if the shell is broken. They often require slightly longer incisions but tend to reduce rippling.
- Structured Saline Implants – Saline-filled implants with an internal support structure to feel more natural. Also FDA-approved for women 18 and older.
- Fat Transfer to the Breast – A natural breast augmentation using your own body fat (harvested with liposuction and injected into the breasts). This avoids synthetic implants altogether. Fat grafting is ideal if you want a modest increase and prefer a more organic approach.
Your surgeon will tailor the implant size, profile (projection), and placement (over or under muscle) to your body and goals. For women concerned about sagging, a breast lift is often recommended along with augmentation. In fact, the ASPS notes that augmentation alone “does not correct severely drooping breasts”; a lift (mastopexy) may be needed for long-term fullness. See our Breast Lift page for details.
Surgery Steps
- Incision: We create a small incision – usually in the breast crease, around the areola, or (rarely) in the armpit – where it will heal hidden.
- Create Pocket: A pocket is formed either just under the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle, depending on your anatomy and implant type.
- Insert Implant: The chosen implant is carefully placed in the pocket. We position each implant for symmetry and the best aesthetic result.
- Close & Dress: Incisions are closed with fine sutures and covered with dressings. We provide custom surgical bras to support your breasts as they heal.
The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours under general anesthesia. Most patients spend a few hours in recovery under close observation before going home (Monarch’s comfortable facility and compassionate staff help make the experience smooth).
Recovery & Results
After surgery, you’ll experience swelling and soreness, which improve quickly. Patients usually take 1–2 weeks off work to rest. We provide detailed post-op instructions. Common experiences include:
- First 24–48 hours: Rest and keep your upper body elevated. Expect bruising and swelling. We’ll prescribe pain medication and explain when you can shower.
- Week 1: Many patients return to desk work. You should avoid heavy lifting or upper-body strain. Light walking is encouraged to aid circulation.
- Weeks 2–4: Swelling continues to subside. You may begin gentle arm movement. Bras without underwire (surgical bras) are worn.
- Weeks 4–6: You can usually resume moderate exercise by week 4 (with surgeon approval) and more vigorous activity after 6 weeks. Your surgeon will clear you on timing.
- Long-Term: Final results emerge as swelling fully resolves (often by 3–6 months). Scars will fade over 1–2 years but should remain well-hidden in natural creases.
Monarch provides follow-up care at regular intervals. We examine your healing in person and with photographs. For scars, our MedSpa can offer treatments (laser, microneedling, etc.) if needed. Patients love that even after breast surgery, they can continue facial or body rejuvenation at our clinic – procedures like Botox, laser, or Ultherapy® skin tightening are available to complement your look.
Risks & Safety
Your safety is our top priority. Breast augmentation, like any surgery, has potential risks. We thoroughly review these during consultation. Key considerations include:
- Capsular Contracture: All implants develop a thin scar capsule; rarely this tightens and hardens around the implant. We use gentle handling and tissue techniques to minimize this risk.
- Infection or Bleeding: These general surgical risks are uncommon (<1%). We use sterile techniques and may prescribe antibiotics.
- Implant Rupture or Deflation: Saline implants will visibly deflate if they leak; silicone gel implant ruptures are usually silent, which is why ASPS recommends MRI/ultrasound screening of silicone implants. Implants are not lifetime devices; they may need replacement in 10–15 years.
- Changes in Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple/breast sensation can occur. Many patients notice numbness during healing, which often improves over time.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Asymmetry, rippling, or dissatisfaction with size may occur. We make careful measurements and planning to get it right the first time.
- Rare Complication – BIA-ALCL: Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is a very rare lymphoma linked almost exclusively to textured implants. Because of this, Drs. Kavali and Moak primarily use smooth-surface implants and will explain this risk. (No implant surgery can be guaranteed risk-free, but we follow all ASPS safety guidelines and keep you well-informed.)
Our emphasis on patient education and board-certified care reflects our experience. Dr. Kavali helped found Physicians for Patient Protection, advocating for safety and transparency in cosmetic medicine. You can trust that Monarch surgeons will guide you honestly, answering every question. Our RealSelf reviews are full of praise – one patient exclaimed, “I had a fabulous experience… my experience with breast augmentation… was awesome! Excellent quality, masterpiece results…” reflecting the outstanding care we provide.
Why Choose Monarch in Buckhead?
Monarch Plastic Surgery is located just north of Buckhead on Peachtree Road, minutes from Lenox Square Mall and Chastain Park. We welcome patients from Buckhead’s communities (Tuxedo Park, Garden Hills, etc.), as well as Midtown and Sandy Springs. Our office offers private rooms, digital imaging, and a full-service MedSpa for any additional skin or body treatments you desire.
Dr. Kavali and Dr. Moak bring over two decades of combined experience to every procedure. They have been recognized as leaders in Atlanta – Dr. Kavali was installed as President of the Medical Association of Atlanta, and Drs. Kavali and Moak were featured as Top Doctors in a NewBeauty press release. We tailor each breast augmentation to the unique needs of Buckhead patients, blending artistic skill with high medical standards.
The decision to undergo breast enhancement is highly personal, and we honor that by providing a comfortable, patient-focused experience. Monarch has been a trusted name in Atlanta (monarch means “leader”), and our surgeons’ media appearances (such as Dr. Kavali on Fox 5 Atlanta discussing innovative injectables) underscore their reputation as experts you can rely on. Our goal is to help you look and feel as confident as you deserve in Buckhead and beyond.
If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation with our team. We will answer your questions, review your health, and help you envision your results in a supportive setting. Whether you’re curious about implant types, incision choices, or combining procedures (like Mommy Makeover or a breast lift), we’re here to guide you. To take the next step, please contact our office for a private appointment.
Questions & Answers
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that increases the volume and external projection of the breasts. This procedure generally involves carefully inserting saline or silicone implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles, making the breasts look fuller and rounder. In some instances, fat grafting to the breasts may also be an option for increasing breast volume.
A breast augmentation is about so much more than just breast size. In planning your augmentation, several decisions should be made carefully. These are not just what size you want to be and the method of augmentation (i.e., with fat grafting versus implant placement) but also the profile and projection of the implant, the type of implant, and where it is located. Your surgeon will select the ideal breast implant material, size, and shape based on your unique goals and concerns.
The benefits of breast augmentation are unique to each individual. Benefits of breast augmentation may include:
- Boosting your self-esteem
- Adding balance to your figure
- Improving your self-confidence at the beach or in certain types of clothing
- Restoring breast volume that was lost after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
- Correcting mild asymmetry
- Making the breasts look fuller and rounder
- Improving breast shape and cleavage
Maybe your breasts never developed to the size you would like or have lost their volume after childbearing and breastfeeding. Perhaps you’ve lost weight, and your breasts have gotten smaller as part of that process. Possibly, your breasts developed unevenly and differ in size from right to left. For those whose breasts are smaller than they would like, breast augmentation may be the right option.
In addition to deciding whether breast augmentation can meet your personal goals, there are several factors to be considered in determining whether you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. Good candidates for breast augmentation include those who:
- Want to achieve fuller breasts
- Want to achieve optimal proportions for their figure
- Have generally good physical and mental health
- Are you a nonsmoker, or are you willing to stop smoking before breast augmentation
- Have realistic expectations from breast augmentation surgery
While breast augmentation can address a variety of concerns, it does have limitations. Knowing these limitations and understanding when you may be a candidate for a different type of surgery is essential. Breast augmentation cannot:
- Lift breasts
- Correct sagging/ drooping
- Tighten loose skin
- Completely correct asymmetry
When planning your augmentation, you should make several carefully considered decisions. Your surgeon and her team will help guide you through these decisions and ensure that you are educated about your breast augmentation journey.
Implant Selection
With the FDA’s approval of silicone gel implants in November of 2006, women can now choose between saline and silicone implants. Dr. Kavali and Dr. Moak participated in two national registries, which allowed us to continue collecting data on breast implants and their safety. These registries are NBIR (National Breast Implant Registry) and PROFILE (Patient Registry and Outcomes for Breast Implants and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Etiology and Epidemiology).
- Saline
- Silicone
You’ll be able to see and feel both types of implants during your consultation. You’ll also be given written information on both types of implants to ensure you are well-educated about your decision.
Implant Placement
- Subglandular/ Subfascial
There are several good reasons to place an implant above the muscle. If you do a lot of chest exercises and don’t want to feel the implant move, you should consider putting the implant above the muscle. If you have a small amount of breast sag now but don’t need a formal breast lift, the implant might be placed above the muscle to give it a better shape. - Submuscular
The dual-plane / submuscular technique has well-known benefits. The muscle protects the implant, so the pectoral muscle covers the top half of the implant. This can create a more natural breast shape. In addition, when the implant is placed below the muscle, there is less wrinkling and rippling of the implant visible through the skin. Submuscular implant placement may protect it from capsular contracture when the scar tissue around it feels firm.
Incision Location
Silicone implants generally require incisions a little longer than those for saline implants. This is because saline implants are filled after placement, but silicone implants are pre-filled before placement. All the incisions tend to heal quite well.
- InframammaryThis is the incision we use most often, as it has been shown to deliver safe and favorable results. This incision is placed in the natural breast fold, where the bottom of the breast meets the chest.
- Trans-Axillary IncisionThis type of incision, which is made in the armpit, is less commonly used. There are certain patients, however, who may be good candidates for this approach.
- Fat GraftingCertain patients may be candidates for fat grafting to augment the breasts rather than using an implant. Fat grafting involves liposuction of another body area with excess fat. This fat then undergoes a cleaning process, after which it is injected into the breast tissue. Many factors determine the success rate of fat grafting to the breasts. Your surgeon will discuss this option, its risks, and its benefits with you if she thinks you may be a candidate for this technique of breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia in an operating room. After your surgery, you will be placed in dressings and a bra. You will spend a short time in the recovery room before a friend or family member takes you home, where you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night. We will advise you on pain medication to ease any discomfort, give you detailed post-operative instructions, and schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress.
It is expected to experience some pain and swelling in the first few days after surgery.
Incisions usually heal between 2 and 3 weeks after surgery. Depending on your type of work, you can generally return to work within one week. Initially, you will have some activity restrictions, but most people can return to total activity six weeks after surgery.
You may notice less sensation in the nipple and areola areas. This is usually temporary. It may, however, take weeks, months, or even more than a year before the sensation returns to normal. Your breasts may also require some time to assume a more natural shape. Final results are usually seen at six months to a year after surgery.
Every patient’s recovery is different. Your recovery may be quicker or take more time than average.
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that uses implants or fat transfer to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. At Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center, Dr. Carmen Kavali and Dr. Teri Moak customize every treatment to help patients achieve natural, confident results that complement their body proportions.
Healthy, non-smoking adults with realistic expectations make excellent candidates for breast augmentation. Many Buckhead patients choose the procedure to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight change. During your consultation, Dr. Kavali or Dr. Moak will review your goals and medical history to ensure a safe, personalized plan.
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater, providing a firmer feel. If a saline implant leaks, the saline is naturally absorbed by the body. Silicone implants contain a cohesive gel that feels more natural, mimicking real breast tissue. Both implant types are FDA-approved and safe when monitored by board-certified surgeons.
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts 1–2 hours. Many patients choose to combine it with a breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction as part of a Mommy Makeover for complete rejuvenation.
Most patients return to work or light activities within one week and resume exercise after four to six weeks. Final results become visible once swelling subsides, typically after three to six months. Monarch’s team provides personalized recovery guidance and follow-up visits to support healing.
Incisions are made in discreet areas—usually under the breast crease, around the areola, or in the armpit. Over time, scars fade significantly. Our Microneedling and Laser Skin Resurfacing treatments can further reduce scar appearance for smoother, more even-toned skin.
Implants typically last 10–15 years or longer. Regular exams and imaging (ultrasound or MRI) help ensure they remain in excellent condition. Monarch’s surgeons recommend routine checkups to maintain your safety and results over time.
In most cases, yes. Breast implants do not affect breastfeeding for the majority of women. During consultation, your surgeon will choose incision placement and implant type that best support your goals and future plans for nursing.
As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening), or implant rupture. Serious complications are rare. Monarch’s board-certified surgeons use advanced sterile techniques and modern implants to ensure safety and minimize risks. Learn more about implant safety at the ASPS Breast Implant Safety resource.
Your ideal implant size depends on your anatomy, tissue elasticity, and desired outcome. During consultation, Dr. Kavali or Dr. Moak will use 3D imaging and sizing demos to help visualize how different implants will look and feel on your body.
Yes. Many patients combine augmentation with a breast lift, tummy tuck, or liposuction as part of a Mommy Makeover to achieve complete body contouring results in one surgery.
Breast augmentation increases volume and projection, while a breast lift raises and reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening tissue. Some patients benefit from combining both procedures for the best overall contour.
Yes. Both saline and silicone implants are FDA-approved and safe when placed by qualified surgeons. Dr. Kavali and Dr. Moak prefer smooth implants, which reduce the already rare risk of BIA-ALCL. Monarch follows all Physicians for Patient Protection standards for safety and transparency.
Most women find their implants feel soft and natural, especially when silicone gel or “gummy bear” implants are used. Proper surgical technique and sizing ensure results that look and move naturally.
Costs vary based on implant type, facility, and anesthesia fees. Monarch provides transparent, all-inclusive pricing during your consultation. Request your personalized estimate through our contact page.
Yes. Fat transfer breast augmentation uses liposuction to harvest fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and inject it into the breasts for subtle, natural enhancement. It’s ideal for women who prefer to avoid synthetic implants.
During your private consultation, you’ll meet with Dr. Kavali or Dr. Moak to discuss your goals, review before-and-after photos, and explore options using 3D imaging. You’ll receive a custom surgical plan, recovery outline, and complete cost estimate.
Most patients return to desk work within a week and resume full physical activity by six weeks. Your surgeon will provide a detailed recovery plan tailored to your needs.
Implants can slightly obscure breast tissue on a mammogram, but skilled radiologists use specialized displacement views for accurate screening. Always let your imaging technician know you have implants before your appointment.