What does breast augmentation improve?

Breast augmentation increases breast volume, improves shape, enhances symmetry, restores fullness after pregnancy or weight loss, and helps balance overall body proportions.

What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and deflate visibly if they rupture, but they may feel less natural and show more rippling. Silicone gel implants feel more like natural breast tissue and usually have less rippling, but rupture may be silent and monitored with imaging over time.

Are textured implants used in breast augmentation?

Textured implants are used less frequently due to their association with a rare lymphoma called BIA-ALCL. Dr. Freedland primarily uses smooth implants for most patients.

Should implants go over or under the muscle?

Under-the-muscle placement can reduce rippling and capsular contracture risk and often looks more natural in thinner patients, but recovery may be longer. Over-the-muscle placement can have a faster recovery and stronger cleavage, but may show more rippling in patients with thin tissue.

Where are the incisions placed for breast augmentation?

Common incision options include the breast crease (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). Dr. Freedland often prefers the breast crease because it gives the best control and heals discreetly.

How is implant size chosen?

Implant size is selected based on your chest width, breast tissue, skin quality, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Sizers in a surgical bra help visualize options, and Dr. Freedland recommends sizes that fit safely within your anatomy.

What is recovery like after breast augmentation?

Most patients wear a support bra for several weeks. Discomfort is normal, especially with under-the-muscle placement. Many patients return to work in about a week and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks.

Do breast implants last forever?

Implants are durable but not lifetime devices. Many last 10 to 20 years, but future surgery may be needed for rupture, capsular contracture, or cosmetic changes over time.

Why doesn’t Dr. Freedland recommend cosmetic fat injection to the breast?

Fat grafting to the breast can lead to fat necrosis and calcifications that may resemble or obscure breast cancer findings on mammograms. Because cosmetic augmentation is elective, Dr. Freedland avoids introducing long-term screening risks.

Can I still get mammograms with implants?

Yes. Implants do not prevent mammography. Technicians use special imaging views to visualize breast tissue effectively, and you should always tell your imaging center that you have implants.

What are common risks of breast augmentation?

Risks include capsular contracture, implant rupture or deflation, infection, bleeding or fluid collection, scarring, rippling, sensation changes, implant malposition, and the rare risk of BIA-ALCL. Dr. Freedland takes precautions to minimize these risks.