If you are considering a breast enhancement procedure, you probably have many questions. To help you get started, here are answers to the most commonly asked questions, provided by Dr. Michael Cohen, Board-Certified Plastic Surgery and Breast Specialist. Still have questions or want to learn more about a personalized breast enhancement procedure? Call us today! We’d be happy to schedule you a private, complimentary consultation with Dr. Cohen, during which he can answer all your questions in person.
Q: Who is a good candidate for cosmetic breast surgery?
A: Good candidates are women who wish to change the size and/or shape of their breasts, who are in good health both physically and mentally, and who have a realistic expectation about the outcome of their procedure.
Women with breasts that are too large for their body frames are good candidates for a reduction. For breast reductions patients, there’s usually an immediate end to back and neck pain and an increase in physical activity. Women who want larger breasts or a more flattering shape will benefit from a breast augmentation. Women with sagging, drooping breasts will need a Breast Lift to give them a prettier, more youthful look. Some require a lift with an implant to achieve their goals. Almost all cosmetic breast surgery patients feel a renewed sense of confidence and excitement about their new shape and enjoy wearing clothes that fit well and make them feel beautiful.
Q: What happens if I’m not happy with my results from a prior surgery?
A: If you are displeased with your results from a prior surgery performed elsewhere, a breast revision procedure can correct or improve upon them and give you the look you desire. Women seek breast revision surgery for many reasons, including unexpected developments during the healing process, bodily changes due to natural aging or weight fluctuations, or they simply wish to be a different size than originally anticipated.
Revision surgery is often more complicated and requires more advanced skills than the initial cosmetic procedure. There is scar tissue, changes in the skin, and other challenges that require advanced techniques, skilled expertise, and meticulous attention to detail that are critical in achieving an optimal outcome.
Breast Revision Surgery happens to be one of my specialties. I enjoy these cases because many present unique and interesting challenges for which I feel uniquely qualified to achieve. As a Breast Enhancement Specialist, I’ve had extensive training and decades of experience. I stay informed about new and innovative techniques and technologies. I have the skill, depth of knowledge, artistic eye, and ability to problem-solve; all of which are imperative to revision surgery. I’m thrilled to help patients improve their surgical results so that they can finally look and feel as beautiful and confident about their appearance.
Q: Can you make me “this” cup size?
A: Yes, but please know that cup size is a very subjective measurement. Most women think in cup sizes because that is how they buy bras. But bra manufacturers make them differently and women wear bras differently. Implant sizes (measured in volume units, such as ml’s or cc’s) do not correlate to cup sizes. For instance, Breast Augmentation patients can receive the exact same implants and have widely different cup size results. I make surgical recommendations based on a patient’s overall body proportions, skin quality, amount of breast tissue, breast shape and desired outcome.
Q: Will I be able to breastfeed after cosmetic breast surgery?
A: Yes, you should more than likely expect to breastfeed successfully after your procedure, even with implants. During surgery, I deliberately avoid the ducts and glands that produce milk after pregnancy and place the implants below the muscles to protect the option of breastfeeding.
Q: Will mammograms be less accurate in detecting breast cancer?
A: Breast implants do make reading mammograms more “challenging” but experienced radiology technicians can capture reliable x-rays of breasts with implants, and most radiologists (MD’s) are experienced with reading mammograms of patients who have undergone a cosmetic procedure. The only difference is that more x-ray images are needed for people with implants.
Q: How long will it take me to recover from my breast procedure?
A: Recovery is different for every patient, but my breast patients generally follow this recovery timeline:
- About 4-7 days: return to work and low-impact daily activities, but no lifting anything heavier than 3lbs.
- About 2 weeks: feel more like yourself and resume your normal routine with a good level of energy.
- About 3 to 4 weeks: resume aerobic exercise, except for chest and upper body
- About 4 to 6 weeks: chest and upper body exercises can now be resumed
- About 3 months: breasts heal and patients can begin to shop for new bras, clothes, and swimsuits. At this point, a breast patient can really enjoy their new shape!
Q: How much do Breast Enhancement procedures cost?
A: The price range for breast enhancement procedures are as follows:
- Augmentation: $6,000 – 7,500
- Lift: $7,000 – $12,000
- Augmentation with Lift $9,000 – $10,500
- Reduction: $8,000 – $9,000
- Revision: $7,000 – $12,000
- Male Breast Reduction: $5,000 – $8,000
It is important to note that pricing varies, based on the unique goals and anatomy of each patient. The best way to learn about exact pricing for your procedure is to have a consultation, during which we’ll discuss your options and develop a plan that meets your needs and goals. To help patients afford their procedures sooner rather than later, we have Financing Specialists to help guide them through the entire process.
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