Your Consultation

The success and safety of your breast augmentation procedure depends on your complete candidness during your consultation with Dr. Gray.  She'll ask a number of questions about your health, objectives and lifestyle, including:

• Why you want breast augmentation surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Previous surgeries
• Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

Dr. Gray will

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Examine your breasts, and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples
• Take photographs for your medical record
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of breast augmentation surgery and any risks or potential complications
• Ask you to acknowledge required medical documentation if you elect to have Dr. Gray perform your Breast Augmentation procedure
  
• Discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast augmentation procedure

Prior to breast surgery, Dr. Gray may ask you to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
• Stop smoking well in advance of your breast augmentation surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• Post-operative care and follow-up
• Breast implant registry documents (when necessary)

Dr. Gray will also discuss where your procedure will be performed.

You'll need help

If your breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

The procedure

Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during breast augmentation surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Gray will recommend the best choice for you.

The incision

Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Dr. Gray will discuss which incision options are appropriate for your desired outcome.

Incisions vary based on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your particular anatomy, and patient-surgeon preference.

Implant choice: Silicone breast implants or saline breast implants?

Breast size and shape are important, so be honest and open about your expectations when talking with Dr. Gray.

Implant type and size will be determined not just on your desired increase in size but more importantly on your breast anatomy, skin elasticity and body type.

Options for Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water. They can be filled with varying amounts of saline which can affect the shape, firmness and feel of the breast. Should the implant shell leak, a saline breast implant will collapse and the saline will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.

Silicone breast implants are filled with an elastic gel. The gel feels and moves much like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell, or may escape into the breast implant pocket.

A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not collapse. If you choose these implants, you may need to visit  Dr. Gray regularly to make sure the implants are functioning properly. An ultrasound or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants.

Implant manufacturers occasionally introduce new styles and types of implants, so there may be additional options available.

Currently Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 18 years of age and older.

Currently Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women 22 years of age and older.

Saline or silicone implants may be recommended at a younger age if used for reconstruction purposes.

Inserting and placing the breast implant

After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:

• Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or
• Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/ subglandular placement)

The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and Dr. Gray's recommendations.

Closing the incisions

Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin. Over time the incision lines will fade.

The results

The results of breast augmentation surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover and realize the fulfillment of your goal for fuller breasts.

The decision to have Breast Augmentation Surgery is a personal one and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks of breast implant safety and potential complications are acceptable.

Dr. Gray and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The risks of breast implants and complications after breast augmentation include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, may be temporary or permanent
• Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant
• Implant leakage or rupture
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
• Anesthesia risks
• Fluid accumulation
• Blood clots
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Although there potentially may be complications with breast implants, they do not impair breast health.  Careful review of scientific research conducted by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine has found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.

Other important considerations:

• Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and future surgery may be required to replace one or both implants.
• Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts over the course of your lifetime.

The Cost
Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Surgeon's cost for an arm lift may vary based on her or his experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location. Patient financing is available through CareCredit.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Surgeon's cost for a Breast Augmentation may vary based on her or his experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location.

Costs will include:

Dr. Gray's surgical fee

Hospital or surgical facility costs

Anesthesia fees

Prescriptions for medication

Post-surgery garments

Medical tests

Your satisfaction involves more than a fee. When choosing a plastic surgeon for an Breast Augmentation, remember that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with her or him is just as important as the final cost of the surgery. 

Many health care providers are now performing plastic surgery procedures, but that doesn't mean they're all qualified. American Society of Plastic Surgeon Member Surgeons are trained in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of all types.

Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. 

Board certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are required to:

• possess at least 6 years of training and experience in surgery, with 3 years specifically in plastic surgery
• be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• operate only in accredited medical facilities
• adhere to a strict code of ethics
• fulfill continuing education requirements, including patient safety techniques
• be your partner, working to achieve your goals