Breast enhancement in Charlotte is performed by placing a breast implant under the breast tissue or muscle to enhance both size and shape of the breast. The implant can be placed through one of several incisions, including the axilla (armpit), around the nipple, or under the breast. This procedure can be done alone, or in combination with a breast lift. A breast lift may be required if there is excessive “drooping” or “sagging” of the breast.

If you are considering breast enhancement, it is important to consider the reasons why you want this procedure performed. While breast enhancement can improve your appearance, confidence and self-esteem, it cannot change the way you are viewed by other people. Discussing your concerns with one of our board certified plastic surgeons will help you to understand what can and cannot be accomplished with breast enhancement surgery.

The best candidates for breast enhancement surgery are otherwise healthy women who are simply unhappy with the size or appearance of their breasts. Most women seeking breast enhancement are in their twenty’s to late forty’s. Breast health is an important consideration as to whether to proceed, and your personal and family history of breast health should be openly discussed with your surgeon.

There are two types of breast implants available in the United States: silicone implants and saline implants. Both types of implants have a silicone shell. Saline implants are filled with a salt-water solution. Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. Both types of implants are approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and both are safe. The silicone implants that we use today are superior devices than the “old” silicone implants that were removed from the market many years ago. Silicone breast implants are restricted to patients 22 years and older. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to see and feel both silicone and saline implants. Together, you and your surgeon will determine the best implant to use in your particular case.

Your procedure begins with a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons. A detailed health history and physical exam will be performed. Your primary concerns and expectations will be discussed. Once determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, you and your surgeon will decide on the type of implant to use, the site of implant placement (under or on top of the muscle), the location of the incision, and any other procedures that may be required (for example, a breast lift). In preparation for surgery, you will be provided pre-operative instructions, including medications to avoid, and when to stop eating and drinking prior to surgery.

Your procedure will be done in the office under general anesthesia. Your safety is our primary concern. Each of our outpatient surgical facilities is certified by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF). A breast enhancement (without a lift) usually takes under an hour. You will spend up to an hour in the recovery room, and will be discharged home with a family member or caregiver. You will be seen the next morning by your surgeon, and ongoing instructions will be provided. You may resume normal activity within a few days’ time. You should, however, avoid heavy lifting and jogging for up to six weeks. You may return to work within a week, but that all depends on the type of work you do.

It can take up to six months for you to see your final results from the procedure. Initially, the implants may look “high”. You will be instructed on implant massage, and what type of bra to wear. You may be given a bandeau to wear, to help the implants “settle” more quickly. Your surgeon will see you at frequent intervals to assess your progress. All of your post-op visits are included in your surgical fee.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with breast enhancement surgery. The doctors at Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology are well trained and experienced in breast enhancement. We have performed many thousands of these procedures, and maintain and excellent safety record. At your consultation, we discuss the risks involved, and do everything possible to minimize the risks of surgery.

Some of the risks include bleeding, or hematoma formation. Although this is rare, should it occur, the blood collection can be evacuated by your surgeon. If the implant gets infected, this may require removal of the implant and treatment with antibiotics. You may experience some numbness or hypersensitivity of the nipple or breast skin. If this occurs, it usually resolves with time. Other risks include implant malposition, implant rupture or capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant). These are usually seen much later (sometimes years) after your surgery, and may require additional procedures.

If you are considering breast enhancement, please call to schedule your personalized consultation today!. We will answer all of your questions and help you to decide whether this is the right procedure for you.