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Breast augmentation is among the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in the United States, and at MetroDerm’s Center for Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, it is performed by Dr. Farzad R. Nahai, a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized by Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons and Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors. Dr. Nahai uses digital imaging to help patients visualize results before surgery and tailors implant selection, size, and placement to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Implant Options: Saline vs. Silicone
Saline Implants
Filled with sterile saltwater after insertion, saline implants allow a smaller incision and are filled to the surgeon’s precise specification at the time of surgery. If a saline implant ruptures, the saline is safely absorbed by the body. Best for patients who want flexibility in size adjustment or prefer the peace of mind of an obvious rupture indicator.
Silicone Gel Implants
Pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Most patients prefer the more natural look and feel of silicone. Modern cohesive gel implants are designed to minimize leakage even if the shell is compromised. FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women age 22+.
Procedure Details
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1 hour. Afterward, patients will wear a compression garment for two weeks.
For his Atlanta breast augmentation patients, Dr. Nahai uses an approach combining face-to-face meetings along with digital imaging to develop the patents individualized surgical plan. With this state-of-the-art technology, a patient can view before and after images of her surgical procedure.
Incision options include inframammary (in the fold under the breast (most common), periareolar (around the lower edge of the areola), and transaxillary (in the armpit). Implants are placed either subfascial, subglandular (above the muscle), or submuscular (below the pectoralis major muscle — most common).
Aftercare & Recovery
After the procedure, your breasts will be wrapped in gauze and an elastic bandage or support bra to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. You will be closely monitored in a recovery area for a minimum of one hour. You may be allowed to go home when you are stable for discharge.
Dr. Nahai will provide specific postoperative instructions including:
- Wear your support garment around the clock as instructed.
- Follow instructions carefully on cleansing, applying ointment and bandaging.
- Avoid normal activities for the first several days to minimize the likelihood of bleeding into the pockets around the implants.
- Patients may receive post-op medication if they weren’t prescribed in advance. This may include pain pills and antibiotics to prevent infection.
- A follow-up appointment will be scheduled. It is very important to keep this appointment.
Acute pain subsides after one to five days but swelling and soreness can linger for a few weeks. Dr. Nahai will notify you when you can resume exercise and normal activities. Final results may not be apparent for a few weeks until the swelling subsides and the skin stretches. Dr. Nahai is committed to ensuring your surgery is totally successful. Please call his office at any time if you have questions or concerns.
Who Are Candidates for Breast Augmentation?
You may be a candidate for breast augmentation surgery in Atlanta if your breasts are fully developed, and you are physically healthy. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not candidates for breast augmentation; however, many women consult with Dr. Farzad R. Nahai after pregnancy or weight loss because they are dissatisfied with the loss of breast shape and volume. Other reasons include size (too small), and asymmetrical appearance (not same size).
During a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Nahai in our Atlanta office, he will discuss the procedure, listen to your expectations and expertly determine the best surgical solution. It is important that patients have realistic expectations and openly communicate with Dr. Nahai for the best possible outcome and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose the right implant size?
A: Dr. Nahai uses dimensional planning and digital imaging to help patients select a size that is proportionate to their frame, achieves their stated goals, and minimizes the risk of complications from oversizing. Most patients find that seeing projected digital images of different sizes is the most helpful part of the consultation process.
Q: Does breast augmentation affect breastfeeding or mammograms?
A: Most breast augmentation patients can breastfeed, though a small percentage may have reduced milk supply. Implants do not increase cancer risk and can be accommodated at mammography with special imaging views (Eklund technique). Inform your mammography technician of your implants at every screening.
Q: What are the risks of breast augmentation?
A: Risks include capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant), implant rupture, asymmetry, changes in nipple sensation, and the need for revision surgery. BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) is an extremely rare condition associated with textured implants. Dr. Nahai will review all risks in detail at your consultation.
Atlanta Breast Augmentation Resources
American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast Augmentation
American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: Breast Augmentation Guide
Procedures & Treatments
