| Dr. Julene Samuels is a plastic surgeon and has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Breast Augmentation.
Q. What is breast augmentation?
A. Breast augmentation is a procedure whereby we use saline and silicone breast implants inserted under the breast tissue or chest wall muscle to restore fullness and shape to breasts that are either too small, saggy or uneven.
Q. How should one prepare for breast augmentation surgery?
A. The best way to prepare for breast implant surgery is to visit our office for a consultation, during which time all information is given to the patient regarding implant options - saline and silicone - and information on the best recommendations for each individual patient can be discussed. We provide our patients with implant safety data, discuss implant options (including investigational devices, as I am an invited participant in all implant trials, future as well as current devices), and discuss the procedure specifics (incision choices, facility and anesthesia, recovery issues, the surgical experience, and risks, benefits and limitation, if any). We show patients before and after photos, and periodically offer informational seminars, where existing patients of ours can mingle with prospective new patients. We also provide new patients with information about the breast implant manufacturers and warranties. We only use brand name devices manufactured by companies who are leaders in the industry, and who offer lifetime warranties for rupture.
Q. How is a breast augmentation surgery performed?
A. Incisional approaches used for breast augmentation are an incision placed in the breast fold, around the areolae or in the axillae (armpits). The approach is chosen to provide the most concealed location, which varies between individuals. We also take into account whether a woman may want to breast feed in the future.
Q. Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
A. Some women never develop a pleasing breast size, some lose breast tissue after pregnancy or breast-feeding, and some women lose breast tissue or develop sagging of the skin or nipple with aging or weight fluctuations. There is no age limit for patient candidacy, except to say that the patient should have reached breast maturity, and it is best performed in patients who are at a stable weight. We recommend that patients who have recently breast fed wait three months after discontinuing breast feeding, and there is not a problem with future breast feeding after implant surgery.
Q. What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?
A. Longterm revision rates are related to implant rupture, capsular contracture (scar tissue development around the outside of the implant), infection, bleeding, implant malposition or asymmetric healing, as well as normal aging of the breasts which can cause sagging or decrease in size of the breasts. Revision rates due to some of the above-mentioned complications are low in my practice and most revisions are due to aging and related concerns. Implants can always be removed, and there are no health risks associated with either saline or silicone implants, as both have been proven to be safe in both short and longterm studies.
Q. How much does breast augmentation cost?
A. The cost of breast augmentation performed without lifting (mastopexy) or any other associated procedures is between $5,400 and $6,000 for silicone implants, and between $4,600 and $5,100 for saline implants. The range is reflective of whether or not patients require intraperative sizing or the use of different facilities, but these are all inclusive prices (ie, include everything - the surgeon's fee, facility, anesthesia, and implant fees).
Payment options that are the most popular with our patients are Care Credit (owned by GE), which offers 18 months interest-free payments at competitively low rates and immediate qualification and approval assessments online. We also participate with Surgical Loans. Additionally, I offer seasonal and procedural discounts on procedures that I can perform at my surgery center, Baptist Eastpoint.
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