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Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures, and for good reason. Breast augmentation provides a way to enhance the size and appearance of the breasts and bring balance to the appearance of the figure. Many women are unhappy with the natural size and appearance of their breasts which can negatively affect their confidence and comfort with their appearance.
At Shafer Clinic in New York City, our goal is to understand your reasons for choosing to undergo breast augmentation and what your aesthetic goals are so that we can provide you with your ideal results.
Is a Breast Augmentation Right for Me?
It is not uncommon for a woman to want to change her breast size, shape or position to achieve a more natural appearance. Reasons for choosing surgery are highly personal and many women consider the option of breast surgery for years before deciding to proceed. Potential candidates should discuss with plastic surgeon Dr. Shafer the options, risks and anticipated results of breast surgery.
Women who have small breasts or whose breasts are smaller and less firm following pregnancy may be interested in increasing the size and proportion of their breasts. Some women may have mildly saggy breast skin while others desire to bring a significantly smaller breast into balance with the other.
In some cases, a breast lift may be performed along with a breast augmentation in order to provide the patient with better overall results. This is to ensure the breasts have a nice shape and sit higher up on the chest for a more youthful appearance.
Key Facts
Anesthesia: Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia
Length of procedure: 1 to 2 hours
Length of stay: Home the same day
Discomfort: Depending upon placement, may be mild to moderate to severe controlled with prescription pain medications
Anticipate: Swelling may last up to 6 weeks, and depending upon implant placement, some bruising is likely and some temporary numbness is possible
Final result: 3 months
Duration of results: Years
The Goal of Breast Augmentation
It is important that patients discuss with Dr. Shafer their reasons for wanting breast enlargement and their expectations of the results. The goal of the procedure is improvement of appearance and proportion, not perfection. For example, breast enlargement will not improve stretch marks on the breast or change breast nipple position. A slightly droopy breast may be improved with enlargement, but the improvement may only be temporary. A breast lift procedure mastopexy may be necessary to address droopy breasts.
Choosing the Right Breast Implant
Patients need to talk with Dr. Shafer about the advantages and disadvantages of the various surgical options, including the size of the implant, its surface texture and shape, placement of the incision and position of the implant.
The more clear and open patients are about their goals and concerns, the more likely that they will be pleased with the results.
Take time to get used to the new appearance and sensations of implants. They may feel slightly firmer than a natural breast. Breast implants are not permanent and will need replacement. How often varies with each patient.
View Breast Augmentation Gallery
Implant considerations include:
- Shape
- Implant surface (smooth or textured)
- Implant position
- Incision placement
- Implant size
- Implant filling
What to Expect
The breast consists of milk ducts and glands, surrounded by fatty tissue that provides its shape and feel. Situated beneath the breast is the pectoralis major muscle. Incisions may be made under the breast in the inframammary crease, at the border of the areola the colored skin around the nipple, or in the axilla armpit. A saline implant, filled to the desired volume during surgery, can be positioned under the breast tissue or under the pectoralis muscle.
Breast implants filled with saline, a sterile salty solution, are almost rarely used now that silicone implants are approved by the FDA.
The procedure may be performed using intravenous sedation or more commonly with general anesthesia.
Recovering from Breast Augmentation
There will be some swelling that will take some time to fully subside. Bruising and tenderness are to be expected. Pain can be managed with medication. A surgical bra will need to be worn during the recovery process to provide support and manage swelling. There may be some feelings of tightness and discomfort around the chest area.
Most patients will need around two to three weeks of recovery before they can resume most of their normal activities. Exercise and heavy lifting will need to be avoided for several more weeks. It can take several months to see the full results of your breast augmentation.
Vectra 3D Imaging
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Vectra 3D Imaging
A perfect fit for today’s aesthetic practice, the VECTRA M3 delivers extraordinary performance in an advanced 3D imaging solution. High-resolution capture assures photorealistic rendering of the finest details, while the elegant design complements any setting. Click here for more information
Breast Augmentation Cost
Each breast augmentation procedure is customized to provide the patient with their ideal results. There are multiple aspects of the procedure that can be customized like the incision location and the type of implant used. The cost of your breast augmentation in New York City will be based on a variety of factors that our team can go over during your consultation at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue.
5 
Dr. Shafer did not rush me. We had a very comfortable and realistic discussion about my hopes for the augmentation. My new breasts are beautiful and I am now the envy of dear friends who chose other surgeons years ago. I don’t believe I was a straightforward case as my natural breasts seemed to ‘look’ in different directions. Thank you Dr. Shafer for your surgical abilities and caring manner.
RealSelf Q&A with David Shafer, MD
Schedule a Consultation
Contact Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue today to schedule a consultation for your breast augmentation in New York City with Dr. Shafer. Dr. Shafer is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the experience and skill needed to provide our patients with beautiful and natural-looking results. He can address any question and concerns you may have about breast augmentation and can provide you with excellent results from your breast augmentation in New York City.