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Everything You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation Surgery

Posted January 16, 2020 By: The Office of Birmingham Specialists

Breast Augmentation


3 Min Read

Are you thinking about breast augmentation surgery? 

It is normal to have questions and concerns before going under the knife. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding breast augmentation surgery.

Surgeon preparing a woman's breast for breast augmentation.

How Do I Choose the Right Size for Breast Augmentation?

Choosing the size of your breasts is often the hardest decision a woman makes before her actual surgery. It is best to wait until you talk with the plastic surgeon so you can work together to identify the right size.

Plastic surgeons measure the size of implants by cc’s, so simply knowing the bra size you want is not enough. Typically, 125-150 cc’s is generally equivalent to one cup size, but everyone is different, and the implants will sit in different ways and vary depending on their shape and profile.

During your consultation, your surgeon will help guide you toward an obtainable and healthy implant size. This can be done using sizers that allow you to “try on” different implant sizes to see how they look and feel on your body. 

It is important to remember that while you may think you desire very large implants, the sudden presence of large breasts will be an adjustment.

Will Breast Augmentation Affect My Ability to Breastfeed My Children?

Many women who have breast augmentation surgery can breastfeed without any complications. Properly placed implants are inserted below the breast tissue so that they do not affect the natural glands that allow the breasts to produce milk.

If a periareolar breast augmentation approach is used, there is the potential for complications with breastfeeding, which should be discussed with your doctor. Be sure to let your surgeon know if breastfeeding in the future is a concern for you.

How Long Does Recovery From Breast Augmentation Surgery Take?

Every woman’s body is unique. Therefore, recovery is different for every person who decides to undergo breast augmentation surgery. However, in most cases, full recovery is complete in six weeks.

Most women report that they can return to most activities with no pain by the first or second week of recovery. Outside of heavy lifting, most patients can return to the daily activities of life and work after the first week.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?

The average cost of breast augmentation is between $4,500 and $5,200, but this can vary significantly depending on your procedure specifications. This is why you should consult with your surgeon for the most accurate estimate. The costs can vary based on surgeon’s fees, facility fees, implant choice, post-surgical dressings, and anesthesia fees.

Will Breast Augmentation Increase My Risk of Breast Cancer?

Many women are hesitant about breast augmentation because they fear it will increase their risk of breast cancer. Multiple studies have been conducted that show women with implants do not have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

It is worth noting that implants do not prevent a physician or patient from finding lumps that may indicate the presence of breast cancer later in life. Women with augmented breasts who are diagnosed with breast cancer have the same remission rate as those without.

Interested in Learning More About Breast Augmentation in Birmingham, AL?

If you have any further questions or are ready to schedule a consultation for a breast augmentation, call the Plastic Surgery Specialists of Birmingham, Alabama, at (205) 298-8660. We are happy to address your concerns and guide you through your breast augmentation.