Many patients are interested in enhancing their curves with breast implants. But those not familiar with breast augmentation may be unsure of what to expect. We often remind our breast augmentation patients at our New Jersey practice that the procedure follows 3 general steps: a consultation, the procedure, and recovery.
By knowing what to expect before your breast augmentation, you can feel more comfortable and confident about your decision. Here is an outline of what you will go through during your breast augmentation journey.
Your Consultation
When you arrive for your consultation, I take time to listen. You may have a dream bra size in mind, but I will explain how implant size (measured in cc’s) works in relation to your frame. That’s why we use a hands-on Sizing and Shaping session that lets you try silicone implants in different volumes and shapes. I also use Vectra® 3D imaging so you can see what various implant profiles will look like on your body.
We’ll go step by step:
Incision location: Inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary—all options are thoroughly explained, and we decide based on your anatomy and preferences.
Implant type: Most patients agree that cohesive silicone gel implants offer a more natural look and feel, while the size of saline implants can be fine-tuned after placement.
Implant profile: Low, moderate, high – I’ll explain how each projection affects your final look.
Placement: I typically use a dual-plane technique for a very natural, lifted appearance, with less risk of capsular contracture and improved mammogram imaging.
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Your Procedure
When you arrive at our fully accredited surgical suite in Paramus, you’ll be welcomed by our team. I’ll administer a short-acting general anesthetic along with anti-nausea meds for a smoother recovery. The procedure takes around an hour, unless it’s combined with a breast lift or other procedures.
During the procedure, I’ll position you in a “beach chair” pose, allowing me to sculpt and view your breasts mid-procedure, ensuring perfect shape and symmetry. In most cases, I place the implants using a dual-plane technique—partially under the muscle—for a more natural look and feel— and then meticulously close incisions so scars fade beautifully over time.
Once you wake up, you’ll spend a short time in recovery with gentle support. Then, you’ll go home—usually within an hour or two.
Recovery
We use a “Rapid Recovery” protocol that helps you bounce back faster and more comfortably than standard approaches. Here’s what I include:
- Medication Cocktail: Pre-, intra-, and post-op meds to minimize pain, nausea, swelling, and bruising.
- Medical Manual Lymphatic Massage: Three sessions over the first 2 weeks to reduce swelling and accelerate healing.
- Advanced Scar Care: I provide top-of-the-line scar cream to help your incisions heal with minimal visibility.
Here’s what most patients experience:
- Day 1: Expect mild soreness. It’s important to move your arms gently to improve circulation—no heavy lifting.
- First Week: Most patients feel comfortable returning to a desk job by day 5–7. Incision straps may still be on, and swelling or bruising gradually improve.
- Weeks 2–4: Continued resolution of swelling. Light exercise permitted at 2 weeks; avoid heavy lifting until week 6.
- Six Weeks: Your implants settle into place, scars soften significantly, and swelling largely resolves
- Beyond 6 Weeks: You can resume all activities, including workouts and lifting.
Why This Approach Works
- Dual-plane placement helps minimize capsular contracture and looks more natural while easing future imaging.
- Rapid Recovery means less pain, faster return to life, and often skipping narcotics.
- Lymphatic massage and scar management reduce swelling and ensure smooth incisions.
Follow-Up & Long-Term Care
We’ll see you regularly post-op to monitor healing and implants and provide guidance on when maintenance may be necessary. Unlike the myth of “10-year implant replacements,” when done correctly, implants can last much longer than a decade with routine follow-ups.
If you’re interested in enhancing your curves with breast augmentation, be sure to find a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. If you would like to learn more about your breast augmentation and other plastic surgery options here in New Jersey, please request a consultation using the online form. You can also contact the practice by phone at (201) 967-1212.
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