What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as breast enlargement or augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery to enhance both the size and shape of the breasts. The procedure involves placing silicone or saline implants or natural fat transfer for a subtle, natural increase in breast volume.

Plastic Surgeon handing a breast implant to a patient.
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Breast Augmentation at Florida Plastic Surgery Group: The Journey To True Beauty

At Florida Plastic Surgery Group, we treat our patients like family, and our service and care extend throughout the entire journey. Our surgeons are leaders in the field, having taken care of thousands of patients and performing custom breast and body procedures.

Beyond the exceptional skills and service in breast augmentation surgery in Jacksonville, we are committed to offering competitive, transparent pricing, including for the procedure, with 24/7 access to our providers for aftercare and support. 

Your Tailored Breast Augmentation Experience

For breast augmentation patients, our goal is to help our patients enjoy life with confidence, with breasts that have a natural, lovely, plump appearance, ideally balanced. We offer a narcotic-free enhanced recovery after breast augmentation surgery.

There are a set of variables when undergoing breast augmentation. Each variable must be customized for the individual patient. Our doctors will explain and consider all the options, including types of incisions, implant material (i.e., silicone vs. saline implants), implant sizes, and implant placement, to create a customized approach for each patient considering breast augmentation. Our plastic surgeons assess over ten variables for each augmentation to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient and deliver this quality at an affordable cost.

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Dr. Michael Fallucco answers some of the most common questions about breast augmentation

Dr. Michael Fallucco, plastic surgeon in Jacksonville, Florida

What can breast augmentation do for me?

The reasons for electing to undergo augmentation mammoplasty include:

  • Enhance body shape and proportions
  • Correct breast asymmetry
  • Restore breast volume after pregnancy and nursing
  • Breast reconstruction

Breast augmentation has helped many women enhance the appearance of their breasts with beautiful results. If you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss how this procedure can help you achieve your goals, please contact Florida Plastic Surgery Group today.

What are my breast implant options?

Implant types

There are generally two choices in implant fill material: silicone or saline implants. Below you will find the advantages and disadvantages of both silicone and saline implants. The breast implants we use have a smooth surface. The type most appropriate for each case is explained to all patients by our cosmetic surgery team.

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Saline implants

Advantages:

  • Smaller incisions
  • Implant costs are less
  • Easy to detect ruptures
  • Available for all ages
  • If the implant ruptures, the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body

Disadvantages:

  • Can result in visible rippling of the tissue
  • Not as soft or natural feeling

Silicone implants

Advantages:

  • Softer, more natural feeling
  • Less rippling
  • Improved results for patients with thin skin

Disadvantages:

  • Larger incisions
  • Cost of implants is higher
  • Not available for women under 22 years old
  • Implant leaks can be more difficult to detect and diagnose
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Implant size

The size of the implant is a very personal choice, as each woman has her own preferences and ideal body image. Our doctors listen to your input on sizing to help pick an implant size that satisfies each patient’s expectations and fits with the patient’s anatomy to maximize surgical success.

When assessing implant size, patients should be aware that very large implants will result in sagging of the breast tissue faster than smaller implants.

Implant shape

The smooth saline and silicone implants we use are round in shape. The silicone implants come in different degrees of cohesiveness which some patients refer to as gummy bear implants which can give a more anatomic or tear drop shape depending on the amount of cohesiveness. In addition, implants come in different ranges of projection or profiles to help match your chest width. All of these factors are taken into account to ensure patient satisfaction regarding the final surgical shape and the amount of projection and cleavage created from breast enhancement.

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Where are breast augmentation incisions placed?

There are four possible breast augmentation incision options through which the breast implant can be placed:

  • Periareolar incision around the nipple-areola complex
  • Inframammary incision at the base of the breast (this is the most common used)
  • Transaxillary endoscopic augmentation 
  • precise pocket under the muscle is created for the implant
  • TUBA (Transumbilical Breast Augmentation) Incision around the belly button (umbilicus)
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Types of incisions

The incision option you choose depends on several factors, including:

  • Whether a saline or silicone implant is used: In a transumbilical incision, only a deflated saline implant can be inserted. Either implant can be inserted through the armpit, but there may be certain size restrictions for a silicone implant inserted through the underarm.
  • Your expectations and desires: The various incisions create different scars. A transaxillary or periareolar incision may be suggested if you prefer a highly concealed scar. When the incision is within the armpit, the scar is well hidden even when you lift your arms. Around the nipple, the scar blends into the color and texture change occurring between the areola and breast skin.

Depending on the parameters of your breast augmentation in Jacksonville, our experienced plastic surgeons will make incision suggestions and offer additional information to help you make important decisions about your procedure.

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How is the breast augmentation procedure performed?

Breast augmentation is commonly performed on an outpatient basis at a surgical center or hospital while the patient is under general anesthesia. During the procedure, local anesthetics are used around the breast to block the nerves producing pain before breast surgery. 

Scarless breast augmentation surgery

The minimally invasive breast augmentation technique is performed by placing the incision in the armpit to ensure NO scars on the breast itself. The incision under the armpit heals quite well and, after one year, will likely be imperceptible. A precise pocket is created under the muscle with the assistance of a small video camera, after which a silicone or saline implant is placed. Immediately after the implant is placed, the incision is closed in a layered manner to prevent implant exposure or scar widening.

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Diagram of breast implants

Implant placement

There are three options for implant placement when undergoing breast augmentation. The implant can be placed in the following places:

  • Subglandular – Above the muscle, but under gland.
  • Submuscular – Under the muscle. The amount of muscle coverage is individualized to each patient and depends on the location of the nipple preoperatively. By utilizing this dual-plane technique, the nipple-areola complex can be raised without making further unnecessary incisions.
  • Subfascial – Under the gland and fascia of the muscle.

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What is recovery from breast augmentation like?

Every patient’s body heals differently, so the exact length of breast augmentation recovery periods varies. Postoperative recovery begins with plenty of fluids and walking as soon as possible. Bandages are placed over the incision for about a week, though patients can shower on the same day of surgery.

Patients are asked to take a short course of antibiotics after the operation to prevent an infection. A supportive bra is worn to help support the breast as the incisions heal, and the implants settle into position.

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Minimizing scars

As the incision begins to heal (after 1 week), there are a number of things you can use to help minimize the size and appearance of the scar. Massaging the scar with firm finger pressure will help minimize the appearance of the scar and decrease the swelling. In addition, paper tape and silicone gel sheeting have both been shown to help minimize the scars with time. Some commercially available products, such as Silagen or vitamin E, may also have some benefits.

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What is the downtime?

Generally, patients can expect to resume their normal activities after about a week of downtime. You should refrain from any vigorous cardio exercise for two weeks and no upper body exercises for the first month to prevent postoperative bleeding and allow the implants to settle. Since swelling takes time to fully dissipate, the final results of your breast augmentation surgery may not be apparent for several months.

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Happy woman with her hands on her breasts
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How much does breast augmentation cost?

Breast augmentation is customized to each patient’s needs. With that in mind, the cost of the procedure will not be the same for every patient. A variety of components are factored into the total price. The estimate from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons regarding the price of breast augmentation surgery is $4,516; however, it’s important to note that this estimate is usually based on the surgeon’s fee only and does not include the costs relating to operating room facilities, anesthesia, the complexity of the procedure, postoperative medications, the geographic area in which the practice is located, and other factors. 

Custom breast augmentation in Jacksonville – your cost.

The national average cost of breast augmentation with those factors included tends to hover in the $8,000-$12,000 range. At Florida Plastic Surgery Group, our average range is around $5,999-$6,999. Beyond the reasonable pricing, the procedure is performed by a plastic surgeon who has achieved national acclaim for beautiful, refined results. Again, breast augmentation surgery is a customized procedure; therefore, the overall cost is highly dependent on the individual’s needs and goals and will vary between patients. Once you have completed your initial consultation with one of our surgeons and a preliminary treatment plan has been developed, a member of our team can produce an estimate of the total cost.

We are committed to transparency at the outset, providing you with the clearest possible valuation of your procedure so that you will know what to expect. Our staff can talk with you about the price estimate and the many payment methods we accept to help you determine the ideal option for your budget. Our cosmetic surgery team constantly evaluates multiple companies to find the most reliable financing options for our patients. Please view our plastic surgery financing page to learn about the options available to you.

Breast Augmentation Before & After

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What is the best age for breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a way for women of diverse ages to achieve the breast volume, symmetry, and balance they have always desired. In fact, women from 18-60 years of age and above have safely received breast augmentation and enjoyed the results. If you are a woman in her 50s, 60s, or beyond and you are in good general health, you are most likely a candidate for breast augmentation. If you are a young adult, the FDA recommends you must be at least 18 years of age to receive saline breast implants and at least 22 years of age for silicone breast implants. Other factors concerning age and breast augmentation include:

Plans for pregnancy

If you are planning to become pregnant in the next few years, you may want to postpone breast augmentation. Breast implants will not hinder your ability to become pregnant or negatively affect the progress of a pregnancy or breastfeeding, but the physical changes accompanying pregnancy will most likely change the aesthetic results of the procedure.

Financial considerations and breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is an investment for many people. Prior to making the decision to undergo surgery, you should ensure you have the fiscal means to comfortably pay for treatment. If you wish to learn more about planning for the cost of breast augmentation, you may want to review our practice’s plastic surgery financing options.

Physical and emotional maturity

The main physical component to consider is your breast development. Many young women have fully developed breasts by the age of 18. However, some women do continue to develop physically into their twenties. It is best to receive breast augmentation only after your breasts have fully developed.

Your decision to have breast augmentation surgery should also be guided by your emotional maturity. In addition to choosing the procedure for your own interests and not to please another person, you should have realistic expectations of what the procedure may achieve. Although you may experience improved social interactions because you feel more confident in your body, breast augmentation should not be used to correct severe feelings of low self-esteem.

Ultimately, the best age for you to receive the procedure depends mostly on your discussion with one of our plastic surgeons who are experienced in providing breast augmentation to women of many different ages.

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Breast augmentation with a lift

For women who would like to reduce signs of breast ptosis (sagginess) in addition to enhancing the size and volume of the breasts, a breast augmentation combined with a breast lift may be the ideal solution. This procedure, medically known as an augmentation-mastopexy, involves the placement of breast implants as well as the removal of excess, inelastic breast skin that may be causing a sagging appearance. The remaining skin is tightened, and the breasts are lifted to a higher position for a firmer, more youthful aesthetic. Combined with breast augmentation, this procedure can provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation, restoring fullness, shape, and projection.

Learn more about breast lift with implant procedures

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How do I choose a breast augmentation surgeon?

Choosing the best possible breast augmentation surgeon for your needs is critically important. In fact, it’s one of the ideal ways to increase the chances that your results will meet – and hopefully, exceed – your expectations. Feel free to reach out to our surgeons serving patients in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach and Fleming Island, FL.

Researching the background and qualifications of surgeons you are considering, asking for recommendations, and taking the opportunity to “interview” the surgeon during your initial consultation are all necessary parts of the decision-making process.

Remember: all types of surgery involve some level of risk, which makes it vital that the surgeon you are considering is extensively trained, skilled, and experienced in performing the procedure for which you are interested.

Advanced techniques for breast augmentation surgery and recovery

The doctors at Florida Plastic Surgery Group are some of the most skilled and talented plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the nation. They have a broad range of experience and are committed to utilizing advanced techniques to provide you with beautiful and natural-looking breast augmentation results. A highly-qualified plastic surgeon who is willing to answer all of your questions, go through every aspect of breast augmentation surgery with you, and offer you honest advice about your options can ultimately help you feel more comfortable and confident when making your decision.

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Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)

Your recovery should be fast, uneventful, and safe. With our advanced pain management protocols, called ERAS, you can avoid the use of strong pain medications that come with side effects and tend to prolong the recovery.

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Research the plastic surgeon’s qualifications prior to your consultation

Here are some of the steps you can take in order to gauge the level of qualifications of the surgeon you are considering against other potential candidates. It’s always good to begin this research before you schedule the initial consultation:

  • Take a look at his or her education and training
  • Find out what other patients have to say by reading testimonials and recommendations about the surgeon
  • View before-and-after breast augmentation photos. This can give you a general idea of the results that can be achieved
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What you should learn during the consultation

There are some things you can do to prepare for your initial consultation that can help you evaluate the surgeon and determine your comfort level with his or her expertise. Be sure to bring a list noting all over-the-counter and prescription medications you are taking, as well as herbal and vitamin supplements. 

You should also note all doctors you are currently seeing and be upfront about any history of complications or conditions experienced by you or members of your family in the past. Never be afraid to ask questions – a good plastic surgeon will be completely honest and forthright with you at all times. 

Here are a few questions that can help you in your evaluation:

  • How many times have you performed this procedure during the last year?
  • What are the risks and potential complications associated with this procedure?
  • What kind of support does your practice provide after surgery and during the recovery process?
  • Do you recommend this procedure for my specific body type? Why?
  • What can I do if I don’t like the outcome?
  • What can I expect in terms of the recovery process? What kind of pain medication do you often prescribe to deal with discomfort effectively?
  • What is the overall cost of the treatment?
  • What kind of financing options are available through your practice?

An open discussion with your potential surgeon is vital to determine whether you feel comfortable moving forward. Researching the surgeon’s background and credentials and evaluating how you feel about his or her expertise after the consultation can go a long way toward narrowing down your choices and feeling confident in your decision.

Breast Augmentation FAQ

Will I have to massage my implants after surgery?

Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast augmentation?

Will I lose sensation in my nipples?

What is capsular contracture?

What causes capsular contracture?

How can capsular contracture be prevented?

Can capsular contracture be treated non-surgically?

What is the surgical treatment of capsular contracture?

Are breast implants safe?

How painful is breast augmentation?

How much do breast implants weigh?

What do breast implants feel like?

How should I sleep after breast augmentation?

What type of bra should I wear after breast augmentation?

Will I have to massage my implants after surgery?

There are different opinions amongst plastic surgeons in regard to the benefits of massaging your implants to prevent capsular contracture. There have been no reputable studies demonstrating a benefit, so our plastic surgeons at Florida Plastic Surgery Group do not ask patients to massage their implants, as it results in unnecessary discomfort.

Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast augmentation?

According to studies, only about half the women with no prior breast surgery who attempt to breastfeed are able to do so. With the inframammary and minimally invasive breast augmentation (transaxillary) techniques, none of the breast tissue or glands are injured. Therefore, if a woman was able to breastfeed before her surgery, she could continue to breastfeed afterward.

Will I lose sensation in my nipples?

This is a very common breast augmentation question. The way your surgery is performed is critical to preserve the sensation in the nipples. The periareolar breast augmentation does have a slightly increased chance of changes in nipple sensation. However, if performed properly, all the techniques will result in normal nipple sensation for the majority of women. Patients should note that during the healing process and as the swelling resolves, nipple sensation may be diminished, but any lost sensation generally returns with time.

What is capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture is the hardening of the capsule around the breast that can occur months to years after surgery. There are generally four grades of capsular contracture, depending on the severity. The result is either one-sided or bilateral breast firmness and elevation of the breast mound.

What causes capsular contracture?

There has been no clear cause for the development of capsular contracture, but some evidence suggests that micro-infection of the breast pocket may predispose some patients to develop capsular contracture.

How can capsular contracture be prevented?

There is no foolproof way to prevent capsular contracture of the breast. However, there are a number of techniques to minimize the chance of developing capsular contractures. The placement of older-generation silicone implants in the subglandular position did result in a slightly increased risk of developing capsular contracture. Therefore, if you choose to have silicone implants, the placement of the implants in a subfascial or submuscular (under the muscle) position is recommended.

In addition, since there seems to be a correlation with bacteria around the pocket and the development of capsular contracture, the utmost attention to sterilization is important. Our plastic surgery team tries to eliminate any bacteria by using anti-bacterial solutions to wash out the pocket and to coat the implant prior to implant insertion. In addition, the implant is opened and touched by a surgeon only after new gloves are worn and the implant pocket is ready and the skin is covered with a protective barrier. This ensures almost no contamination from the skin or air.

Can capsular contracture be treated non-surgically?

There are no proven non-surgical means of treating capsular contracture. There have been several drugs and modalities that have been used with anecdotal reports of success. A leukotriene inhibitor named Singulair has been used but results can be variable depending on the degree of contracture, time to start medication and duration. One of the newer, less well-known non-surgical methods of treating early-stage capsular contracture is using transdermal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory patches. Please ask our plastic surgery team for more information about this non-surgical treatment.

What is the surgical treatment of capsular contracture?

Generally, the implant is removed, and the scarred capsule is surgically removed from the breast. The implant pocket is then thoroughly washed with an antibiotic solution and a new implant replaced. A site change is also frequently performed if the implant was originally above the muscle to now place below the muscle to help reduce the chance of recurrence of the contracture. At Florida Plastic Surgery Group, we perform drainless en bloc capsulectomy – the most advanced technique.

Are breast implants safe?

When performed by a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon who uses high-quality, FDA-approved breast implants, breast augmentation surgery can be an extremely safe procedure. With that in mind, no surgical procedure or implantable device is completely free of risk. Our surgeons are extensively trained and skilled with these treatments, and they work diligently to minimize the risk of complications. We will explain all aspects of breast augmentation with you during your initial consultation and go over all of the potential risks and benefits associated with breast implants so you have a clear understanding before making your decision. It is important to understand that breast implants are not a life-long device.

How painful is breast augmentation?

Since major surgery is required to perform breast augmentation, a certain degree of discomfort is not uncommon during the recovery process. However, this is often relatively minimal and manageable as the breasts heal. Medication may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort while recovering, and the majority of pain typically begins to dissipate after the first two to three days following surgery. Many patients are able to stop using medication after four to seven days once the discomfort has significantly faded.

How much do breast implants weigh?

The best answer to this question is: not really enough to have much of an effect on a patient’s overall weight. Both silicone and saline implants are rather light in weight—the solution inside the implant’s shell is typically only about one to two pounds and may even be less than that in some cases. Overall, even in larger implants, the total amount of weight is so small that it should not cause significant weight gain.

What do breast implants feel like?

Breast implants are designed to look and feel as natural as possible. The feel will differ between silicone and saline breast implants; however, both of these implant types have seen major advances over the years and are designed to feel like natural breasts. While silicone implants are known to offer a more natural feel due to their composition, the fact is that both silicone and saline implants have distinct advantages. Ultimately, a variety of factors – including the size, type, and placement of the implants, as well as the current amount of fatty tissue in the breasts – will determine how the implants will feel. Our doctors will develop a treatment plan designed to provide results that look and feel as natural as possible.

How should I sleep after breast augmentation?

To avoid unnecessary pressure to your breasts after breast augmentation, it is recommended that patients sleep on their back for several weeks. Before surgery, patients may be instructed to go ahead and begin sleeping on their back to become more comfortable with the position. We may also advise patients to place pillows behind the back to prop up their upper body while sleeping. These recommendations are only temporary and are necessary to ensure the best possible healing for the breasts during the recovery process.

What type of bra should I wear after breast augmentation?

The type of bra patients should wear after breast augmentation is dependent on each individual’s unique needs. Immediately after surgery and in the weeks that follow, the breasts will likely be swollen, sensitive, and somewhat tender. To control these effects and to aid in maintaining the intended shape and position created by the breast augmentation procedure, some patients will be instructed to wear a special surgical bra during recovery. Others may be advised not to wear a bra at all for a specified period of time. Our plastic surgeon will provide instructions regarding the use of a bra after breast augmentation surgery based on your needs and what is best for the healing process.

If you have any additional questions about breast augmentation, please contact us for an initial consultation.

There’s not a single negative thing to say about Florida Plastic Surgery Group! My surgeon was Dr. Desai and he has got to be a magician! I am overwhelmingly pleased with my results and would recommend him to anyone! He and his staff are truly kind and genuinely care about their patients, and it shows! PHENOMENAL!!

Tynesha V.

I had an incredible experience with the team at Florida Plastic Surgery. The entire staff is so kind and helpful, the facilities are welcoming, and I couldn’t be happier with my results. Dr. Parks and his assistants helped me find the perfect implants for my body size and the reasoning behind what made me so self-conscious about my chest appearance. They made me feel so comfortable throughout the ...

Angie L.

I’m so glad I chose Dr. Rinkinen for my surgical procedures! He provided a detailed plan of what he would do, answered questions thoroughly, and explained everything really well so I felt comfortable. My surgery went well and I experienced minimal discomfort and great results. Beyond all that, he is a very sweet and personable doctor with great bedside manner and will make you feel comfortable. I ...

Kim S.

I can’t say enough about the fabulous job that Dr. Fallucco has done for me. He is extremely experienced and takes the time to listen to his patient’s wants.

Kelly D.
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