Breast Augmentation FAQs

Breast Augmentation FAQs

How do you pick the right implant?

It starts with an open discussion between you and our surgeons.  Most women have a pretty good idea of the shape and size they’re hoping for.  Most commonly, we hear “a full C cup – something that is proportional for me”.  For some patients, it’s more conservative. And some ladies want a very full, round, and voluptuous look.  Let us know what you have in mind.  Bring in a few pictures of breast shapes you like – it’s helpful for discussion purposes.

The key concept is to start by matching the width of the implant to the width of the patient.  It’s about measurements, not cc’s, of the implant at this stage.  For example, a petite lady, who has a narrower breast width needs a smaller diameter implant than a broad-shouldered lady who has a wider breast width.  Using this measurement-based approach helps us get nice cleavage without excessive space between the breasts. It also helps avoid unwanted excess fullness at the side of the breast, aka “side boob”.

Once the width of the implant has been determined, then we can talk about the implant shape, or “profile”.  Higher profile implants give more fullness in the upper part of the breast.  Lower profile implants give less fullness and a very “natural, nonsurgical” look.  Women who want a much fuller, rounder shape may want to look at the high profile or super-high profile implants.  Between the 4 FDA-approved implant companies, there are many choices for every body type.

Often, the selection is a matter of the patient’s personal preference and taste.  There may be several implants that could potentially look good for a particular patient – they can pick the one they like the best.
We spend a lot of time with our patients, having them “try on” implant sizers.  We find this is a helpful method to figure out the optimal implant for each person and explains the effects that different sizes and implant profiles will have.  Additionally, the Volume Sizing System-shaped sizers by Mentor & Allergan also help to predict what the post-op shape of the breasts will look like.

What is an average implant size?  The smallest? The largest?

While it depends on the patient, average implant sizes commonly run in the 325-425 cc range, which gives a proportional look for the average-frame patient.    The smallest implants we typically use are in the 180-250 cc range, while the largest have been in excess of 1 liter.

Should I bring photos of what I like to the consultation?

Many patients do – and these are a good starting place to discuss what your preferences are for breast shape and size.  Think about the results you like, and the ones you don’t care for.  It’s often convenient to have these loaded on your smartphone or tablet.  Dr. Fiala will discuss with you the best strategies to achieve your desired size and shape, based on your preferences.

How is the breast augmentation procedure performed?

Breast augmentation is performed by our board-certified surgeons in our on-site AAAASF-certified, hospital-grade operating room, under general anesthesia. The anesthesia is provided by one of our board-certified MD anesthesiologists, for optimal safety. The selected breast implant is carefully inserted behind the breast and pectoral muscles, in a precisely-tailored tissue pocket, using the Keller funnel and “no-touch” technique.  Dr. Fiala usually prefers the “dual plane” method, which has proven benefits of safety, effectiveness, and a very natural-looking result. The incision is typically placed in the crease area beneath the breast. This placement for the incision is also known as the “inframammary incision”.

Breast implant surgery typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes, with another hour or so for recovery from anesthesia.  A responsible adult then takes the patient home.  With the modern techniques used, most patients are pleasantly surprised that the recovery from breast augmentation is much easier than they expected.  With our enhanced recovery protocol, most patients use very few prescription pain meds at all!
If you also have breast droop or sagging, you may require a breast lift operation to get an attractive result.

A breast implant, by itself, doesn’t lift the breast – it just fills it to a larger size.  In most cases, a breast lift can be performed at the same time as breast augmentation. The breast lift repositions the nipple upward, and tightens the loose skin of the breast, for a more youthful contour.

Does a breast augmentation lift my breast?  Will it replace a breast lift?

No – if the breast is droopy and the nipple position is low, typically a breast lift is needed to get an attractive result.  Sometimes a breast lift and a breast augmentation can be combined in the same surgery.  An augmentation, by itself, just gives you a “bigger version of what you already have”, and the nipple position would continue to below, with the lower breast hanging off the implant.  If you find yourself lifting up or pushing up your breast in order to see the appearance you would ideally like – then you’ll probably need a breast lift.  Click here for more information about breast lift surgery.

I already have breast implants and am looking for a size change.  Can you help me with that?

Yes – the size change can either be an increase in volume, or a decrease, depending on your goals.  Different shapes of implants can also be considered, in order to ensure that the implant width nicely fits the patient’s chest width in a proportional way.  For example, if your breast seems too wide, following breast implant placement, switching to a narrower diameter implant may help to restore a slimmer shape.  Click here for more information on implant exchange and other secondary breast implant surgery.

Does Fiala Aesthetics perform a lot of breast augmentation surgeries?

Yes, it’s our #1 most common procedure, with more than 200-300 breast augmentation surgeries performed each year for women from all over the United States, and from all walks of life.

Why should I choose Fiala Aesthetics for my breast augmentation surgery?

Communication: we spend a lot of time with each patient, understanding their goals, and helping them find an implant that can meet their needs.

Technically: We have a great deal of experience with breast implant surgery, and have been on the forefront of technological advances.  Fiala Aesthetics was one of the first surgery centers in Central Florida to adopt the rapid recovery technique for dual-plane breast augmentation and was one of the first locally to adopt the proportional sizing method, based on measurements of the patient.

We were also one of the first locally to adopt the use of the “no-touch” technique with the Keller funnel for all augmentations – both silicone and saline, which has been shown to reduce the chances of complications.

Also, we were also one of the first practices in Central Florida to adopt the innovative structured saline implant, which dramatically improves the feel of the saline implant, compared to the traditional model.   This has been ideal for women who prefer a saline implant but want an improved implant to feel over the traditional saline device.

These advances and innovations make the surgery experience better for the patient, with a quicker recovery and improved outcomes.

What is the 14 point plan for reducing complications in breast augmentation?

The 14 point plan was developed by Australian surgeons in 2013 and presented at US meetings shortly thereafter.  It is designed to minimize the number of bacteria that could potentially contaminate breast implants at the time of surgery.  Current thinking is that bacterial contamination – even at levels too low to cause actual infection – may be linked to capsular contracture development and subsequent revisional surgery. The suggested steps are:

1. Use intravenous antibiotics prior to the incision.
2. Avoid periareolar incisions (around the nipple).
3. Use nipple shields during surgery.
4. Perform careful dissection to minimize damage to the breast tissue.
5. Carefully stop any bleeding during surgery, to minimize blood collecting around the breast implants.
6. Avoid cutting into the breast tissue itself. Using a submuscular or dual plane pocket also decreases the risk of bacteria from the breast tissue coming into contact with the breast implant.
7. Perform pocket irrigation with appropriate solutions, including half-strength betadine or proven antibiotics solutions.
8. Use an introduction sleeve, so that the breast implant does not come into direct contact with the skin and its bacteria.
9. Change surgical gloves before handling the implant.
10. Minimize the time between opening the breast implant from its sterile packaging and placing it in the anatomical pocket.
11. Minimize repositioning and replacement of the implant.
12. Use a layered closure.
13. Avoid using a drainage tube, which can be a potential site of entry for bacteria.
14. Consider the use of antibiotic prophylaxis to cover subsequent procedures that breach skin or mucosa.

By using the 14-Point-Plan, the number of bacteria attaching to implants may be reduced, and the risk of breast implant complications may be minimized.  These are guidelines and are still awaiting confirmation by subsequent studies.  Dr. Fiala agrees with this concept and has used this plan since its introduction.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

How do I schedule a breast augmentation consultation?

To schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Fiala, please call 407-339-3222 today. Located in Altamonte Springs, we welcome women from Winter Park, Orlando, Maitland, Heathrow, Altamonte, Longwood, and all surrounding areas of Central Florida.  Also, if you’d like to get some preliminary information, please feel free to call our office, and speak with one of our cheerful nurses about the procedure.