At Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center, we listen to you to learn how you want to look. Our goal is to give you the most natural-looking breast augmentation results and ensure you achieve the look and feel you want. Our highly experienced plastic surgeons have specialty training in the most advanced techniques for breast augmentation surgery, and we offer a full range of breast implant options. We know each patient is unique, and we never take a cookie-cutter approach.

Why Should I Choose Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center for My Breast Augmentation?

Our female-led team is committed to ensuring that you get the care and results you deserve. At Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center, our highly skilled plastic surgeons have the breast augmentation experience needed to help you safely achieve your cosmetic goals.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carmen Kavali has been honored as one of “America’s Top Plastic Surgeons” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America several years in a row. She has displayed her vast expertise in journals, on radio shows, in magazines, and in national medical publications.

Fellowship-trained board-eligible aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. Teri N. Moak has contributed award-winning pieces to national medical publications, written textbook chapters, and peer reviewed scientific journal articles.

Both of our surgeons have lectured at national and international plastic surgery conferences and are members of several medical associations. They are on staff at Perimeter Surgery Center and Northside Hospital.

Saline and Silicone Breast Implants

Implant-based breast augmentation involves the placement of either saline or silicone breast implants. Each of these implant types offers its own pros and cons, many of which are based on factors like the patient’s goals and body type.

Saline breast implants are silicone shells filled with saline (salt water). They are inserted empty and then filled after they have been inserted. This offers several benefits. Because their size is much smaller when empty, the incision required for insertion is smaller. Additionally, if needed, the size of saline implants can be adjusted after insertion in order to achieve optimal results.

Saline implants generally feel firmer and cost less than their silicone counterparts. In the event of an implant rupture, they will visible deflate, making patients aware of the issue so that they can take corrective action. The body will safely and harmlessly absorb the saline.

Silicone breast implants are silicone shells filled with silicone gel. They are inserted pre-filled during breast augmentation surgery. Because silicone gel is thicker than salt water, ruptures do not always lead to visible deflation. When there is no visible deflation, this is known as a silent rupture and must be detected with an MRI or other imaging test.

Many patients prefer silicone implants because they feel lighter than saline implants and create results that more closely mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue. Patients who do not have a lot of breast tissue and are thinner often find silicone implants to be the preferable option. This is because for these patients, saline implants can result in the appearance of rippling in the skin.

Choosing a Breast Implant Shape – Consider removing; we do not offer anatomic shaped implants, as they are textured, and we do not use textured implants secondary to risk of BIA-ALCL

When it comes to implant shape, there are two options: round and teardrop-shaped (or anatomical). Each of these shapes can be beneficial depending on each patient’s unique case.

Because round breast implants are designed to increase volume and fullness in the breasts’ upper pole, they are preferred for those seeking to enhance their cleavage. For patients with round implants, when implant rotation occurs, there is no change in the breasts’ appearance.

Anatomical implants more closely mimic the breasts’ natural anatomy due to their teardrop shape, which features a very natural slope. These implants increase volume and fullness in the breasts’ lower pole.

Choosing a Breast Implant Profile

Breast implants are available in a range of profiles: low, moderate, moderate plus, high, and ultra-high. A breast implant’s profile refers to the distance that the implant projects from the chest wall. Lower-profile implants have a wider base, whereas higher-profile implants have a narrower base.

Lower-profile implants create subtler and more natural results. Higher-profile implants create more dramatic results. The ideal profile for you will depend on your body’s proportions and tissue characteristics, along with your cosmetic goals and lifestyle.

Why Are Implants Measured in cc’s Instead of Cup Size?

Because bras are measured in cup size, many people assume that the volume of silicone and saline breast implants would also be measured in cup size.

A cup-size-based measurement system for implants would, unfortunately, lead to a great deal of confusion, because cup size is not standardized. It varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and thus cannot be relied upon for accurate breast augmentation results.

Breast implant volumes are instead measured in cc’s (cubic centimeters). This standardized unit of measurement is consistent no matter the context, helping plastic surgeons provide much more precise results. Implants generally range from 120 to 800 cc, and in some cases, they can exceed 800 cc. Larger implants are more commonly used in breast reconstruction whereas moderate to smaller implants are more commonly used in cosmetic augmentation.

What Is the Minimum Age for Breast Augmentation?

The minimum age for breast augmentation depends on the filling of the chosen breast implants. For saline breast implants, patients must be at least 18 years old to undergo breast augmentation. For silicone breast implants, patients must be at least 22 years old.

Can I Undergo a Breast Augmentation While Pregnant/Breastfeeding?

Many patients are curious about whether it is safe to come in for a breast enlargement while they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Generally, plastic surgeons prefer to avoid performing breast augmentation and any other elective surgeries while a patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.

This is because, even though it is rare, there is always a risk of unexpected complications during surgical procedures. Additionally, a woman’s body goes through a number of physiological changes during pregnancy, which may require a different surgical approach post-pregnancy to achieve a patient’s goals compared with a pre-pregnancy plan.

Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are instead encouraged to wait until this process is complete before considering augmentation mammoplasty.

Pairing a Breast Augmentation with a Breast Lift

Breast enlargement can be paired with a number of other plastic surgery procedures, and one of the most popular options being a breast lift. This combination procedure is known as augmentation mastopexy, or a breast augmentation with lift.

Augmentation mastopexy offers the benefits of both breast procedures, reducing sag and restoring perkiness while also increasing breast volume and projection. It is an excellent option for patients whose breasts droop and are smaller than they would prefer.

Patients who have sagging breasts but are satisfied with their breast size would not benefit from this combination procedure and are instead encouraged to learn more about the breast lift procedure.

If you are interested in learning more about this combination surgery, it’s best to ask questions about it during your consultation. Your surgeon will evaluate the degree of breast sag that is present, and she will then discuss augmentation mastopexy with you in further detail.

Including a Breast Augmentation in a Mommy Makeover

Breast augmentation in Sandy Springs can be included as part of a comprehensive combination procedure called a mommy makeover. Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can all result in a number of unwanted cosmetic changes. With a customized mommy makeover, we can restore mothers’ pre-pregnancy bodies for a more rejuvenated and contoured appearance.

A mommy makeover can include any combination of breast augmentation, a breast lift, augmentation mastopexy, a tummy tuck, liposuction, vaginal rejuvenation, and various med spa treatments. Typically, these are performed during a single surgical session, allowing patients to avoid multiple long and uncomfortable recovery periods.

If you are interested in designing your own custom mommy makeover, discuss this option during your personalized consultation at Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center. Your plastic surgeon will be able to answer any questions you may have.

Before Your Breast Augmentation

Before the date of your breast augmentation in Atlanta, you will need to follow our preparation instructions closely. This will ensure that your procedure goes smoothly with a minimized chance of complications.

You will need to come in for a pre-operative appointment. At this time, blood tests and other tests will be conducted. Your surgeon will prescribe and recommend various medications and post-operative supplements. She will discuss any changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle that will be required to prepare for breast augmentation. You will also fill out medical paperwork.

Before your breast augmentation, you must avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and herbal supplements. These can increase the chance of bleeding during and after breast enlargement surgery. You must also avoid diet pills, since they can negatively interact with anesthesia, resulting in complications.

Smokers will need to quit several weeks before their breast augmentation. Smoking reduces circulation, causes a decline in skin health, results in an increased risk of complications, and prolongs the healing process after surgery.

Purchase all recovery aids well in advance, including recommended bras, pillows, blankets, and towels. This will ensure that you have a well-stocked recovery area and do not need to shop while healing. Making sure to have water bottles and nutritious meals ready will also be incredibly helpful.

Make sure to arrange in advance for someone to help with taking care of children or pets during the early part of your breast augmentation recovery process.

Augmentation mammoplasty is a major transition and can involve a fair amount of anxiety, worry, and body-image changes. Because of this, it is important that you fully prepare yourself on an emotional level and make sure to have a strong support system.

You will need to avoid eating or drinking six hours before your breast augmentation procedure. This is necessary to prevent complications with anesthesia.

What Happens During a Breast Augmentation?

Typically, augmentation mammoplasty surgery in Atlanta and Sandy Springs takes anywhere from one to three hours to perform. General anesthesia is administered in order to place the patient into a temporarily unconscious state for the entirety of the surgery. This helps prevent any pain during the procedure.

Next, the plastic surgeon will create a precise breast augmentation incision. The specific type of incision made will be chosen during the consultation. Incisions will be placed in strategic locations, ensuring that post-surgical marks are well hidden and nicely camouflaged in the body’s natural contours.

The surgeon will separate the skin from the soft tissue and the muscle, and she will then make a pocket in the chest tissue. This will be designed to snugly house the chosen breast implant. She will place the implant into the pocket through the incision, making sure to center it beneath the nipple.

Finally, the incision will be closed with sutures and dressed accordingly. Drains may be placed to carry out excess fluids during recovery, preventing seromas and hematomas.

After Your Breast Augmentation

Once you have returned home after your breast enlargement procedure, the healing process will begin. You will need to rest and recover for the next five to seven days, allowing for optimal healing.

During recovery, it will be incredibly important to closely follow your plastic surgeon’s post-surgical care instructions. This will minimize the likelihood of complications, ensure a shorter healing process, and offer the best possible cosmetic results. If you have questions regarding recovery directions, please contact our office anytime.

You may experience a degree of temporary discomfort and nausea at the start of recovery. Nausea should fade after a day, and discomfort should start to fade in two to three days. If pain persists for much longer than expected, it will be important to contact us immediately.

Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to ease pain and discomfort. She may also prescribe antibiotics in order to prevent infection during recovery.

You will experience swelling and possibly bruising after surgery. In some cases, one breast may experience more swelling than the other breast. Most of the swelling and bruising will subside in the coming weeks, though some of the swelling may still be present six months to a year after surgery.

For the first two days, avoid showering. After this time, you will be able to carefully shower safely again.

While recovering from breast augmentation in Sandy Springs, you will need to wear very soft bras with no underwire, since underwire can damage the tissues of the breasts. Surgical bras and cotton jogging or runner bras may be recommended. These types of bras will keep your healing breasts supported and encourage amelioration of swelling.

A small amount of movement is encouraged during the first two days of recovery, but it is best to avoid light exercise until cleared to resume it. Driving can be resumed after around five days, and physically strenuous activities like heavy exercise and sports should be avoided for four to six weeks.

You will need to come in for follow-up appointments as directed. This will allow the surgeon to evaluate your healing and address any complications.

What Will My Breast Augmentation Results Look Like?

Right after your breast enhancement surgery, you will be able to see a change in the size of your breasts. However, there will also be a degree of bruising and swelling present, so you won’t be able to enjoy your final results just yet.

At this time, your implants may also look as though they are high-riding (meaning higher up in the breasts than expected). This is the result of chest muscle spasms and tissue swelling.

In around one to four weeks, your breast implants will settle and will no longer appear high-riding. Swelling and bruising will decrease gradually over time. Remember that it is normal to feel anxiety, worry, and depression during this period. These feelings are only temporary and will pass.

Once all healing is complete, you will be able to see the final appearance of your new breasts. There will be an increase in size and projection, and your cleavage will be more pronounced.

What Happens If I Want My Implants Removed?

The vast majority of our breast augmentation patients are extremely satisfied with their results. However, there are always exceptions, along with cases where other surgeons’ patients come to us to have their implants taken out. No matter the reason, we will be happy to perform breast implant removal surgery.

No new incisions are required for this operation, because it typically utilizes the same incisions created for the primary breast augmentation procedure. Along with removal of the implant, this process can also include the removal of the natural scar-tissue capsule that forms around the breast implant.

After implant removal, the breasts may look somewhat deflated. To help return them to their natural appearance, a breast lift procedure may be performed. Discuss your options with one of our plastic surgeons during a consultation.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

The total cost of breast augmentation in Atlanta varies from patient to patient, since it is impacted by numerous factors. The price of breast enlargement is determined based on factors like breast implant cost, anesthesia fees, the specific techniques utilized, and total surgical time.

Schedule Your Consultation

To learn more about breast augmentation, Atlanta patients are encouraged to contact Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Renewal Center. Our plastic surgeons will be happy to meet with you for a consultation and answer any questions that you may have. Schedule your appointment today.