Breast Augmentation in Charlotte – FAQs
Breast Augmentation
- What is the procedure like?
- Who are good candidates for breast augmentation?
- What is the typical recovery time?
- What are the risks associated with the procedure?
- How much does breast augmentation cost?
Breast augmentation is performed in our private surgical suite. Twilight anesthesia is used, where the patients are asleep; they don't feel or remember anything, but they are breathing on their own. We also use local anesthesia so that when the patients awaken, they have very little discomfort. As the local anesthesia wears off, the sensation is like that of having a pulled muscle. This makes sense because the muscle has been partially cut to place the implant in the proper position. The muscle then stretches over the implant and this produces the same feeling as having a pulled muscle. This sensation passes at about the same rate as a pulled muscle heals in or about 7 to 10 days.
Most of our Charlotte breast augmentation patients are discharged approximately 1 hour after surgery is completed, when they are alert and can take liquids well. They are sent home where most people sleep for several hours. We write prescriptions for pain medicine, antibiotics and nausea medicine for the occasional patient who doesn't tolerate the anesthesia well. The doctor will call the evening of the procedure to check on you and to answer any questions.
Who are good candidates for breast augmentation?
Women who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure are ideal candidates for breast augmentation.
Women may wish to increase the size of their breasts for a number of reasons, including:
- feelings that their breast size is too small or disproportionate to their body
- breasts have become uneven and symmetry is desired
- significant weight loss may have also shrunk breasts
- breast size and shape may have changed after pregnancy
What is the typical recovery time?
Recovery from breast augmentation surgery may take two or three weeks. Most patients can return to light-duty work within one week postoperatively. Exercise can be resumed at three weeks postoperatively, and driving can be resumed as soon as the patient feels she can make evasive movements without hesitation and is off all pain medications.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, just like there are risks in everyday life. For instance, when one drives a car, the risk of a flat tire, a dead battery, or an accident is small compared to the huge benefit of rapid transportation. Similarly, in breast augmentation, the risks are small compared to the benefits of the procedure. Each patient, however, should be aware of the risks so that they may make their decision regarding proceeding with the operation. The risk of bleeding or infection postoperatively is small; perhaps 1 to 2%. Correction of these problems may require additional surgery. We do not charge to treat these problems but there is a facility charge for the cost of doing the procedure that patients are responsible for. So, there is both a small health risk as well as a financial risk in any surgical procedure. Some patients experience temporary increased or decreased nipple sensation changes after surgery, but it is rare to have a permanent change.
How much does breast augmentation cost?
The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees. Please contact us for a personal consultation.
