How Long Does Breast Augmentation Take?

Breasts come in the widest imaginable range of shapes, sizes, and appearances, but all have their own unique beauty. However, if you are one of the many women who feel like their breasts are too small, oddly shaped, or asymmetrical, breast augmentation can help you see results that make you feel confident. You can finally enjoy the contours you have always wanted with full, shapely breasts that balance your figure and enhance your curves.

What is Breast Augmentation?

The desire for more breast volume has kept breast augmentation on the list of top plastic surgery procedures for many years. Because breasts are such a noticeable and important part of a woman’s feminine figure, feeling dissatisfied with them can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Breast augmentation uses implants to add shape, volume, and projection, creating breasts contoured for your unique body.

At Specialty Aesthetic Surgery, our team of surgeons offers different areas of specialization, letting each surgeon excel in their specialty. Dr. Michael Stein performs all our breast and other body procedures with the assistance of our superior surgical team.

How is Breast Augmentation Performed?

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, and each procedure is different. Depending on the size and type of implant, your surgeon may make incisions around the edge of the areola or under the breast crease. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a space to hold the implant. This space may be above or underneath your chest muscle. Once the implants are in place, your surgeon closes the incisions, and you will go to the recovery area to wake up while we monitor you.

How Long Does Breast Augmentation Take?

How long a breast augmentation procedure takes will vary widely depending on the details of your treatment plan. Your surgeon will discuss the details before your surgery, including how long he expects it to take. Factors that affect the length of your breast augmentation surgery include:

The size and type of implant
The method of implant placement
Your breast anatomy
The complexity of your procedure

Women who have had breast implants before will often have scar tissue that has formed around them over time. This scar tissue may need to be removed before new implants can be placed. If you have unusual breast anatomy other other factors, the procedure may also take longer. The average breast augmentation procedure takes a few hours, but it is difficult to offer a more accurate estimate since each procedure is unique.

What is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation?

You can return home to rest after surgery, although you will need someone to transport you. Ideally, you should have someone available for the first day or two since you will spend most of this time resting and recovering. Soreness and swelling will steadily improve after the first few days, and your post-surgical support bra will help with this process.

Many people feel comfortable returning to low-activity jobs after about a week. You will have several follow-up visits with your surgeon, who will usually clear you to resume normal activities, such as your exercise routine, within about six weeks. It can take six months or more for the swelling to fade entirely, allowing you to enjoy your best results.

What Types of Breast Implants are Available?

Breast implants come in many forms, but they generally contain saline or silicone. Saline implants are silicone shells that contain sterile salt water, which the body can harmlessly absorb in the rare event of a rupture. Silicone implants contain a firm, safe silicone gel that holds its shape. Many women find that they have a more natural look and feel, but we can help you choose the right implant type for your body and concerns.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

While breast implants can last for many years, they are not designed to stay in place forever. The lifespan of the average breast implant is ten to fifteen years. However, some women choose to have them removed sooner. Signs you need replacement implants include:

Capsular contracture (hardened scar tissue around the implant)
Rippling or other textural changes
Implant rupture
Desire to try a new implant size or shape

Your Specialty Aesthetic Surgery team is with you for the long term and will be happy to assess your implants if you ever have concerns about them.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

When you arrive for your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your medical history, goals and concerns, and many other factors to determine whether breast augmentation is a good option for you. Good candidates should be healthy and have realistic expectations. You might not be a candidate if you have certain medical concerns or are pregnant. Your health and well-being are our highest priority.

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about breast augmentation? Schedule your consultation online or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About Our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck.

Dr. Anna Frants is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her areas of expertise include surgery of the face, neck, nose, eyelids, eyebrows, and ears.

*Individual results may vary