Archive for category: Breast Augmentation

Selecting the size for your new breast implants can be a difficult task.  Many women allow this decision to “stress them out” because they fear making the wrong decision.  I will start out by saying that while the decision is important, it should not be a major source of anxiety regarding your breast augmentation. 

Many women are too focused on the volume number (or “cc”) when the truth is that there is very little noticeable difference between close volumes – only your plastic surgeon (maybe) will be able to tell the difference between a 330 cc implant and a 350 cc implant after it is implanted.  In general, people only notice volume differences of at least 50 cc.

Understanding Breast Implant Sizes

Here are a few guidelines to help you choose your Breast implant size.

1. Determine your personal preference of implant size – This is done by looking at magazines and photographs in order to determine “how big” you want to be.  You should find 3 photographs: “just right”, “too big”, and “too small.”  You should bring these photographs with you so that your surgeon will have a sense of what you are looking for.
2. As breast implants get larger, they also get wider – This concept is important in choosing a size breast implants that fits your body. If you are very small framed, then large breast implants may be too close to each other in the center or may protrude off the side of your chest.  Your doctor will measure the width of your chest to determine you “base diameter.” This will help him guide you towards a size that fits your body shape and size.  Breast implants are now available in several different shapes such as low projection and high projection and moderate profile implants. This gives you added ability to have an breast implants that fit your body.
3. You may not be able to be as large as want – It is not possible to make a big jump in breast size in all women. This is because there may not be enough natural breast tissue (breast and skin) to allow for a very large increase in size. Your doctor will examine you to be sure, but size increases of more than 2 full cup sizes may not be safe.  If you are an A cup, and desire to be a DD, this may not be possible in a single breast augmentation surgery. You may have to increase to a full C, than a few years later (after your tissue has stretched out) have the implants increased in size to a DD.
4. Small volume differences may not be noticeable – Most people only notice volume changes of at least 50 cc, so if you cannot decide between a 330 cc implant and a 350 cc implant, so not stress because the difference will be difficult to tell once they are placed. When trying different sizes, you should increase and decrease by 50 cc volumes
5. Larger implants are heavier – As an implant gets larger, it also gets heavier. This means that very large implants may result in shoulder and back pain, similar to the complaints of women requesting breast reduction surgery.  Also, heavier implants may increase the likelihood of future breast sagging, or ptosis.
6. Take your time – You should not feel rushed or pressured into choosing your implant size. Your surgeon should allow you time to “try on” the implants and examine yourself in clothing.  It is best to try them with a simple, non-padded, non-push-up bra, and a tight t-shirt.  This will give you the best idea about your post-operative result.  Many surgeons will also allow you to borrow the sample implants so that you can see how you feel about the size of the implants over a few days. I routinely tell my patients to wear the implants for a few days, go out to dinner, visit friends, or wear them to work – this is the best way to determine how you feel about the size.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Breast Implant Sizes

Choosing the right breast implant size is a highly individualized decision that should take into account the personal preferences and lifestyle considerations of the patient. It’s essential to understand that what may be the ideal size for one person may not be suitable for another, as each patient has unique aesthetic goals and lifestyle requirements. Here’s why personal preferences and lifestyle considerations are crucial in determining the appropriate breast implant size:

Aesthetic Goals

Every person has their own aesthetic goals and desires when it comes to breast augmentation surgery. Some may prefer a more natural look, while others may desire a more dramatic or voluptuous appearance. The desired breast size should align with the patient’s personal aesthetic goals, and the implant size should be chosen accordingly. A patient who prefers a subtle enhancement may opt for a smaller implant size, while a patient who wants a more prominent change may choose a larger size.

Body Proportions

The patient’s existing body proportions, including their height, weight, chest width, and breast base diameter, should be considered when choosing the right breast implant size. The goal is to achieve a balanced and harmonious appearance that complements the patient’s overall body shape. For instance, a petite patient with a narrow chest may require smaller implants to avoid an overly unnatural look, while a patient with a broader frame may need larger implants to achieve the desired proportion.

Lifestyle Considerations

The patient’s lifestyle and daily activities should also be taken into account when selecting the breast implant size. For example, a patient with an active lifestyle may prefer smaller implants that do not hinder their physical activities or cause discomfort during exercise. On the other hand, a patient with a more sedentary lifestyle may be comfortable with larger implants. Additionally, the patient’s profession, fashion preferences, and social activities may also impact their choice of breast implant size.

Psychological Well-being

Breast augmentation can have a significant impact on a patient’s self-confidence and body image. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the psychological well-being of the patient when choosing the right breast implant size. It’s important for the patient to feel comfortable and confident with their decision, as it can affect their overall satisfaction with the results of the procedure.

Long-term Considerations

Breast implants are not permanent and may require replacement or revision in the future. Considering long-term factors, such as potential aging, weight changes, and future pregnancies, is crucial in determining the appropriate breast implant size. Choosing an implant size that aligns with long-term considerations can help minimize the need for revision surgery or further adjustments in the future.

The personal preferences and lifestyle considerations of each patient are crucial factors in determining the appropriate implant size. It is imperative for patients to openly communicate their aesthetic goals, lifestyle requirements, and personal preferences with their board-certified plastic surgeons.

This ensures that the breast augmentation procedure aligns with their expectations, resulting in a successful outcome that enhances their overall well-being. Open and honest communication with the surgeon is key to achieving the desired breast size and appearance, tailored to the patient’s individual needs and preferences.

Questions and Answers

What is the ideal breast implant size?

The ideal breast implant shape and size is one that matches the diameter of the natural breast or is slightly smaller/narrower. If the breast implant diameter is wider than the breast, it may cause the implant outline to be visible, which is not desired. Therefore, it’s important to choose an implant size that aligns with the patient’s natural breast width to achieve a more natural and aesthetically pleasing result. This consideration helps to ensure that the implant blends seamlessly with the patient’s existing breast tissue, creating a harmonious and balanced appearance. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon can provide expert guidance in determining the appropriate implant size based on the patient’s unique anatomy and desired outcome.

What is the most common implant cup size?

In the United States, breast implants are available in a wide range of sizes, typically ranging from 100cc to 800cc, with the most common sizes falling within the 300cc to 400cc range.

What is the average size breast implant?

The typical implant size commonly falls within the range of 300 to 360 cc, which is often sufficient to achieve a fuller shape without appearing overly dramatic on most women’s frames. This size range is often chosen to provide a natural-looking enhancement that complements the patient’s existing breast tissue and body proportions.

Book Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

If you are interested in learning about breast implant size by a New York City Board Certified Plastic Surgeon please contact Schulman Plastic Surgery to book your consultation and get the results you have been wanting.

Dr. Schulman is the top Plastic Surgeon specializing in plastic surgery of the breast body and face. With over 10 years of experience helping patients look and feel their best you can feel confident you will that he is the doctor for the job. 

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery but are uncertain about the expenses involved, you have landed on the appropriate page. In the following sections, we will discuss the probable cost of your breast implant surgery, taking into account several factors related to your breast enhancement procedure.

However, I advise you to confirm that breast augmentation is the surgical option you desire before we proceed further.

Why?

You’d be astounded at how many potential patients I see in my office who don’t realize that breast augmentation isn’t really for them. There are actually a lot of other breast surgeries out there. 

You want to make sure that breast augmentation is the right one for you.

What Is the Average Breast Augmentation Surgery Cost?

One of the first things patients want to know about breast augmentation is how much it’s going to cost.

This is totally understandable. You’re not made of money, and you certainly want to know that the money you do plan on spending is going to be well worth it.

So, let’s look at the average cost of breast augmentation in the United States today.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), “The average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,516.” Remember that this is the average cost. We’ll look at the factors that go into this price later on.

For now, what does this cost include? Let’s take a look:

• Medical tests and labs
• Anesthesiologist fees
• Surgical facility or hospital fees (if applicable)
• Surgeon’s fee
• Fees for medical devices (such as post-op compression garments)
• Prescription fees

How Breast Augmentation Surgery Cost Varies

You’re probably going to hear a lot of numbers thrown around when it comes to the average cost of breast augmentation. There’s the average cost we’ve outlined above. And then there’s the costs you’ll see online on forums or the ones your friends tell you.

The first thing to remember if someone divulges the cost of their breast augmentation to you is that that was their cost of surgery. And unless you are going to the same surgeon, in the same year, and opting for the exact same stipulations as that person, the cost of your surgery will probably be different. 

Ultimately, the cost of surgery depends on factors such as the following:

Your surgeon and the surgery location

The surgeon you choose and the location of your surgery will impact the overall cost of cosmetic surgery. Most notably, surgeons with extensive training and experience will typically charge more for their services. Likewise, busy, in-demand locations will usually charge higher prices as well.

The implants you choose

There is an array of options to choose from when it comes to selecting breast implants for your breast augmentation. 

First, you’ll decide what size and material type, either saline implants or silicone implants. Sizes run the gamut from around 200 cc to 600 cc. Material type options include saline, silicone, and gummy bear. You’ll also be able to decide between anatomical implants (teardrop shaped) and round implants. Finally, you can discuss other options such as projection and surface material. 

All of these factors will impact the overall cost of your surgery.

Whether other procedures will be performed at the same time

Lastly, the breast implants surgery cost will naturally be higher if you plan on getting a breast lift, injections from a fat transfer, or any other procedures performed at the same time.  

A combination breast lift and breast augmentation, for example, is a common surgery that costs more than breast implants cost for augmentation alone. Likewise, if a patient wants to achieve an even more natural look by combining breast implants with injections of fat taken from other parts of the body through liposuction, this will raise the cost as well.

There are also mommy makeovers, which involve multiple procedures all rolled into one surgery. For instance, a patient may opt for a tummy tuck and liposuction in addition to breast augmentation for their mommy makeover. While getting all of these surgeries performed at the same time will ultimately lower the cost of each individual surgery, the bottom line cost is going to be higher.

Will Health Insurance Cover My Breast Implant Surgery?

In the majority of cases, a breast augmentation procedure will not be covered by health insurance. This is because most breast augmentation surgeries are elective (they have the intention of enhancing a person’s appearance as opposed to being medically necessary).

On the other hand, if you had breast cancer and, as a result, had one or two mastectomies, your medical insurance company will most likely cover the reconstruction of your breasts, which generally includes implants. If you have questions about potential health insurance coverage for breast augmentation surgery, it’s best to consult with your health insurance provider directly.

Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation

Want to know exactly how much your breast implant surgery cost? We will be unable to tell you the ultimate cost of this surgery until we meet with you in person.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Matthew Schulman today to discuss your options for surgery and the expected cost of the procedure.

Questions and Answers  

How long does breast augmentation last?

The longevity of breast augmentation results can vary depending on several factors, including the type of implant used, the surgical technique used, and the patient’s lifestyle.

On average, breast implants can last between 10 to 20 years. However, it is important to note that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be replaced or removed due to complications such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or implant displacement. 

How do most people pay for breast augmentation?

Here are some of the most common ways people pay for breast augmentation:

Out-of-pocket: Many people pay for their breast augmentation surgery out-of-pocket using their personal savings, credit cards, or financing plans.

Financing: Some plastic surgery practices offer financing plans to help patients pay for their breast augmentation surgery over time. These plans often require a credit check and may charge interest.

Insurance: In general, breast augmentation is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. However, in some cases, insurance may cover the cost of breast augmentation costs or reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy.

Learn about Breast Augmentation Cost! Contact us Today!

Interested in Breast surgery like breast augmentations. Book your consult with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Matthew Schulman

References 

 https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/cost

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-augmentation

“Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase breast size and enhance breast shape, typically through the placement of silicone or saline breast implants.”  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Breast Augmentation, or augmentation mammaplasty, consistently remains among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed each year.

In fact, in 2020, breast augmentation again topped the list of all surgical procedures performed, and there were over 300,000 breast implant surgeries. For reference, the second most commonly performed procedure was liposuction.  In general, this procedure is extremely well tolerated and the recovery is relatively quick.

Things to consider when getting ready for breast augmentation

There are several important things to consider when preparing for your breast implant surgery.

Ask yourself these question when you choose your breast surgeon:

• What type of implants you desire – saline or silicone?
• What size you want to ultimately be?
• What incision location will be used?
• Will your implants be placed over or under the muscle?
• Will I need to replace these implants in the future?
• Will I need other procedures like a breast lift with my implants?
• How much recovery time will I need?

These are all important questions and I have addressed these in previous blog posts. However, one topic that is often not addressed is how to select your breast implant surgeon.

Choosing your surgeon for your breast implant surgery

Finding the right surgeon for your breast implant surgery is critical. The right surgeon will be able to answer all of your pre-operative questions and also be able to successfully guide you through the entire process. But finding the right surgeon can be a tough task for some people, so here are some tips to find the right surgeon.

Keep in mind that everyone is different and the “right” surgeon for one person may not be the “right” surgeon for another. The following tips are designed to help you understand the basic qualities you should look for, so you can make the decision that is right FOR YOU.

• Board Certification:

The most basic qualification is that your surgeon is a BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON.  This means that they have been granted Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The criteria for becoming an ABPS certified plastic surgeon is extensive and includes:

• Fully completing an accredited training program
• Passing extensive written and oral exams
• Completing ongoing educational courses
• Meeting ethics and standards established by ASPS
• Experience in Breast Augmentation

So, the surgeon you are interested in is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, but do they routinely perform the procedure you want? There are dozens of different plastic surgery procedures and it is impossible for every surgeon to be great at every procedure. You want to be sure that your surgeon routinely performs breast augmentation. This will mean that they can properly advise you about your different options for your surgery, such as implant type and implant placement.

An experienced surgeon will also be able to accurately guide you through the recovery process. It is hard to say how many breast augmentations a surgeon needs to be considered “experienced”, but most plastic surgeons would agree that he or she should have successfully completed at least one hundred of a certain procedure.

• Check out their results

Now, we know they are board certified and experienced in breast augmentation, but do they give the results you are looking for? Everyone has a different style, and plastic surgeons are no different. Some perform small, modest augmentation surgery, while others place large, oversized implants. You should look at as many post-op surgical results as you can, and make sure you like what you see.

You want to be sure that the “after” results are long-term, meaning the photos have been taken at least 1 year after surgery and the longer the better.  You should be able to find examples of their results on their website and social media pages.

• Find out what other patients are saying

It’s important to hear what other patients are saying about your surgeon. It is no different than checking the references of a job applicant. This may mean personally speaking to other patients. Most offices will be able to provide contact information for other patients upon request. More commonly though, in 2021, is reading online reviews. There are several sites dedicated to providing patients’ experiences. One very popular site is Real Self. You will be able to read reviews about the doctor. Now, take everything with a grain of salt. Not every patient is comfortable writing an online review, so even the best surgeons may not have many reviews for you to read.

Also, happy patients tend to be less inclined than unhappy patients to write an online review. This means that you should expect to see some negative reviews online for everyone. It is simply not possible to make every person happy, so if a surgeon has performed many thousands of operations, I do not think it is a red flag to see a handful of negative reviews. It is a red flag, however, to find a surgeon who has nothing but 5-star reviews without anyone saying anything negative. This may indicate that they may have found a way to “scrub” negative reviews or hide them from your view. So, online reviews are helpful, but should not be your only criteria.

• See if your personalities match

When you select a surgeon, you are entering a very personal and long-term relationship. This means that personality matters. Some surgeons are super laid back and chill, while others are more uptight and “professorial”.  Do you want a surgeon who tells you what they think is best because of their vast experience, or do you want a surgeon who is more comfortable listening to what you want? You need to figure out which personality meshes best with yours.

You may get a sense of their personality from speaking with other patients or from online reviews, but the best way to learn about it is to meet him or her. This is one of the purposes of the consultation. Yes, it’s to learn about the procedure, but it’s also to see if you are compatible. It’s almost like a first date. This is why it may require multiple consultations with multiple surgeons before your find the right one for you.

Contact Us to Book Your Breast Augmentation Surgery

As you can see, there are many things that go into finding the right surgeon for your breast augmentation surgery. Hopefully the above tips help you in making your journey easier.

If you would like to consider New York Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Matthew Schulman, for your breast augmentation, you can contact us through our website or by phone.

Breast augmentation with implants is among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed worldwide. Women want to know if they need to change their breast implants every 10 years. This is a very common question asked by women who have breast implants, or women who are thinking about getting breast implants. The quick answer is “No.” Implants are not car tires that have an “expiration date”. They are carefully studied medical devices that you can technically live with forever.

They don’t “stop working” or “fall apart” 10 years after they are placed.

What Type of Issues Can I have with My Breast Implants?

Like with anything, issues can occur. There is a small chance that your breast implant can rupture or leak. The shell of the implant may develop a small hole or tear over time. Also, some abnormal thickened scar tissue may develop around the implant, making the implant feel hard. This is called capsular contracture and can vary from very mild to more severe.

Mild capsular contracture can result in an implant that feels slightly “harder”. As the severity increases, the scar tissue can distort the shape of the implant, making is appear more oval than round. Severe capsular contracture can cause painful breasts.

Other issues with breast implants can occur, such as implant malposition or “shifting”. The implant may appear to shift upwards or even into sideways into the armpits. The may also be visible folding or rippling of the implant, or bottoming out where the implant seems to drop below the breast fold.

These would be reasons to change, or remove, your breast implants. So, as you can see, there are certainly reasons why you may need to have another surgery on your breasts after breast augmentation surgery.

Where Did The 10-Year Recommendation Originate?

Where did the “ten-year” thing come from and why does everyone focus on this time frame? “Ten-years” exists for a variety of reasons. The FDA studies that were done on breast implants were incredibly detailed and carefully followed women for 10 years. The studies found that although the rate of all complications was relatively low, the risk increases the further out you get from the date of surgery.

So that means that you are more likely to experience an implant-related complication at 10 years after your surgery then you would only 3 years after your surgery. This does not mean that you WILL experience a complication at 10 years. It just means that the longer you have your breast implants, the higher the likelihood. The vast majority of women, however, do not experience any problems at 10 years after surgery. I have met some women, including some of my own patients, who have had breast implants for 20 years and have absolutely no adverse issues.

What Do I Tell My Patients?

So what does this mean and what recommendations do I give to my patients who are thinking about getting breast augmentation with breast implants? I tell all my patients that breast implants are not considered a “lifetime” device. In fact, the FDA specifically says that breast implants should not be considered a lifetime device.

If you have breast implants placed when you are young, there is a very high likelihood that you will have another surgery (or surgeries) on your breasts in your lifetime. However, it will usually be because you “want” another surgery, not because you “need” another surgery.

Why Would You Want Another Breast Surgery?

There are several reasons why you may choose to have another breast implant surgery, even if you are not having any complications like rupture, rippling, malposition, or capsular contracture. Perhaps you decide that you want a different size. Maybe you want them to be made a little larger or a little smaller. This would require that you schedule a surgery to exchange the implants. Maybe your body changes as you age, or after childbirth, and your breasts change in size or shape.

It would not be uncommon to require a breast lift, or breast reduction, after aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancies. This would require and additional breast surgery. You may also just want to “upgrade” your breast implants. Technology is always changing and improving, and breast implants improve.

The implants we have today are significantly better than the implants we offered just a few years ago. It is also true that the implants we will offer in the future will be even better in terms of safety, comfort, and appearance. In this case, you may want to “upgrade” in the future to an improved implant.

Why Would I Want to Upgrade My Implants in the Future?

There are many women coming in today to have their older implants changed to current implants that are more advanced. For example, 10 years ago, most women were getting breast augmentation surgery with saline, or salt water, filled implants. These implants are satisfactory and have been placed in millions of women. However, they have a higher rate of visible rippling and also tend to look and feel a little more “fake” than silicone alternatives.

The data also shows that these implants have a higher rate of rupture, or leaking, than current silicone implants. Many women who have saline implants, are electively asking to change to silicone implants now. Also, even women who received silicone implants years ago, are requesting that their implants are changed.

This is because the silicone implants of the past are very different than the silicone implants of today. Older silicone was a liquid consistency.

Today’s silicone is a cohesive gel, or a “gummy bear” consistency. The more cohesive silicone tends to look and feel more natural as compared to older, liquid silicone. New, cohesive silicone implants have a lower incidence of leaking, rupture, and capsular contracture.

What if I Am Not Willing to Have Another Surgery in The Future?

It is indisputable that if you are considering breast implant surgery, you should accept that at some point you may have more surgery and with surgery comes recovery. If you are 100% opposed to any future surgeries, then breast augmentation with implants is not the procedure for you, since additional procedures are likely. It is possible that additional surgery will be needed because of an implant-related complication, but more likely it will because you desire a change or an upgrade.

The 10-year mark is a fabricated number, but it is a reasonable guide for you to be aware of. It serves as a good mental reminder that you may want to consider a change or upgrade. But, if you are happy with your size, and you are not experiencing any implant-related issues, you do not have to schedule a routine procedure after 10 years. So, while you may find that you want to change your breast implants after 10 years, you are not required to.

Learn More About Breast Augmentation

You can learn answers to more Frequently Asked Questions about breast augmentation here. When you’re ready to discuss your plastic surgery goals with Dr. Schulman and specifically discuss breast augmentation, feel free to give our New York City office a call at (212) 289-1851. We’d be pleased to help you schedule an appointment and get you in for your initial consultation with Dr. Schulman.