Breast Augmentation
Reid Health’s board-certified plastic surgeon in Richmond, Indiana, provides personalized breast augmentation to help you achieve a natural, balanced look with care and precision.
Natural-looking breast augmentation results
Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. At Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer safe and personalized care. Your privacy is very important to us, and we keep your information confidential. Whether you want to enhance your breasts, restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight changes, or balance your body’s proportions, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from your first visit through recovery.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is a type of plastic surgery designed to improve the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts. This procedure is most often performed with silicone or saline breast implants, but fat transfer breast augmentation (using liposuction to move fat from one part of the body to the breasts) is also an option for some people.
At Reid Health, our surgeon uses the latest techniques to minimize breast augmentation scars and create natural looking results that fit your goals.
Benefits of breast augmentation
People choose breast augmentation for many different reasons. In some cases, plastic surgeons might recommend a breast lift and augmentation together to improve breast shape while also increasing size. Other benefits of breast augmentation include:
- Boosting confidence and self-image.
- Correcting uneven breast size or shape.
- Enhancing proportions that might be unbalanced.
- Restoring breast volume after weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Who is a good candidate?
You may benefit from breast augmentation if you are healthy, meaning that you do not have active infections, untreated cancer, or serious health problems that could affect healing. If you smoke, your plastic surgeon will recommend quitting before surgery, as smoking can affect healing. Reid Health offers support to anyone who needs help quitting.
People over age 18 are typically eligible for breast augmentation, but saline implants are approved only for people age 22 and up.
As with any plastic surgery, it also helps to have realistic expectations about the results. Breast augmentations typically last a long time, but the duration depends on many factors. Some women need additional breast augmentations to maintain their desired look.
Implant types: Understanding your options
Choosing the right implant is one of the most important decisions in breast augmentation surgery. Our surgeon will discuss the benefits and considerations of each type to help you make an informed decision.
Saline implants
These implants contain sterile saltwater. Surgeons typically place them and then fill them with the saltwater solution until they reach the desired size and volume.
Silicone gel implants
These implants contain silicone gel and are popular for their natural look and feel.
Textured breast implants
These implants have a roughened surface designed to help the implant stay securely in place within the breast pocket — the space created by the surgeon inside the breast tissue to hold the implant. These implants are not for everyone. They might increase the risk of some cancers, so your surgeon can help you decide if they're right for you.
Fat transfer breast augmentation
This procedure uses liposuction to remove fat from one area of the body and inject it into the breasts. Surgeons generally use it if you’re looking for only a small increase in size.
Risks and considerations
Like any surgery, breast augmentation comes with risks. Your surgeon will review all risks with you in detail and help you decide if breast augmentation surgery is right for you. Potential complications include:
- Breast augmentation scars that are thickened or raised
- Breast implant illness (a set of symptoms some people have reported, including feeling very tired, joint pain, and brain fog)
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Infection or bleeding at the incision site
What to expect during breast augmentation surgery
Breast augmentation surgery usually takes one to two hours, and most people can go home the same day. You’ll receive either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, which means you’ll be asleep the entire time. Here’s what typically happens:
- Your surgeon makes an incision. Incisions might be made under the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit. Your surgeon will choose the best approach to minimize visible breast augmentation scars.
- Your surgeon places the implant. The implant is positioned either under the chest muscle or behind the breast tissue, depending on your anatomy and goals.
- Your surgeon closes the incision. They’ll use stitches to close the cut and put a surgical dressing over it to protect it as it heals.
Breast augmentation recovery
Recovery time after breast augmentation varies for each person. Before you leave the hospital, your team will give you a comprehensive postsurgical discharge plan to help address concerns you might have in the hours and days after surgery.
Before surgery, you can help ensure a smooth recovery by preparing your home and having comfortable clothing ready. You can find necessary supplies through our Home Medical Equipment store.
While full recovery typically takes four to six weeks, many patients feel well enough to return to work within about a week. Here’s what you can expect during the recovery process:
- First few days: You could feel soreness, tightness, or swelling in the chest area. Pain medication and supportive garments can help.
- First week: You might be able to return to light activities within five to seven days.
- Three to six weeks: You’ll likely be back to some of your daily activities, including exercise. But you should avoid heavy lifting until your surgeon says it’s OK.
- Long-term: Breast augmentation scars typically fade over time, but they will not disappear completely. Regular follow-ups with your surgeon will help them monitor healing and implant health.
How long do breast implants last?
Though durable, breast implants aren’t necessarily designed to last a lifetime. On average, silicone and saline breast implants could last 10–20 years, but some might need to be replaced sooner because of implant rupture, scar tissue, or cosmetic concerns. Your surgeon might use imaging (such as MRI or ultrasound) to monitor implant health.
How painful is breast augmentation?
It’s normal to feel discomfort and tightness in the chest after breast augmentation surgery, especially in the first week. Your surgeon can give you pain medicine to help manage your discomfort. Your pain should get better as you heal. Most people describe recovery as uncomfortable but manageable.
Why choose Reid Health for breast augmentation?
When you choose Reid Health for breast augmentation, you’re choosing a team committed to your safety, satisfaction, and long-term confidence. At Reid Health, you can expect:
- Experience: Our board-certified plastic surgeon has extensive experience in breast augmentation.
- Personalized treatment plans: Every procedure is tailored to your goals and body.
- Advanced techniques: Our surgeon uses the most appropriate procedure and implant to limit scarring and allow for more natural results.
- Comprehensive care: Your team offers presurgical planning, postoperative follow-ups, and ongoing support, including financial services to help you pay for your procedure.
- A trusted healthcare system: Reid Health is known throughout the region for excellence, safety, and compassionate care.
financial Services
Care Credit
Care Credit offers an affordable way to pay for cosmetic surgeries and other health costs. If you qualify, the program gives you a credit card with flexible financing options, so you can receive the procedures or services you need and pay for them over time. Easy, flexible, and accepted at Reid Health.