Breast Augmentation FAQs

How long does the breast augmentation surgery take?

Each breast augmentation surgery takes about an hour or two, depending on the surgery plan and whether the patient is having additional procedures done at the same time (breast lift and implants, for example).

How long do I have to stay in the hospital after a breast augmentation surgery?

Since breast augmentation is an out-patient surgery, there is no hospitalization required (in the traditional sense). After the breast augmentation surgery is performed, most patients are picked up and transported home to recover. However, some patients request to be transported to another out-patient facility to be cared for by professionals and to receive extra care through the recovery process.

What is the long-term outcome for most people after a breast augmentation?

Most people are happy with the long-term outcome after a breast augmentation, but breast implants do not last a lifetime in most cases. Ask your breast augmentation surgeon about replacements and how long implants last. As a general rule breast implants last 10 – 20 years, but it is different for everybody.

What if I've already had a breast augmentation?

It is very common for patients to get their breast implants updated and re-done. Many surgeries are performed on patients that have already undergone breast augmentation – and for one reason or another, patients want to have their breast implants replaced. In many cases, patients want to go larger, but it varies.

Does the breast augmentation surgery hurt?

There is a saying “no pain, no gain,” which applies to breast enhancement surgery. The pain after a breast augmentation surgery is localized to the upper torso region, due to the breast implant placement. Patients will experience some pain after breast augmentation, but the medication will reduce the pain, dramatically. It is important for patients to follow the prescribed routine with medications after the breast augmentation surgery. Pain tolerance varies per patient. Most patients only feel some pain the first week after breast augmentation surgery. For two weeks, the pain will subside and the body will adjust to the new breast implants.

Does the breast augmentation leave scars?

Small incisions are placed either below the breasts, in the armpit region or the belly -button area to insert the breast implants. Small scars will be visible after the breast augmentation surgery, but they will fade and blend into the skin over time. More than likely, there will be small incision scars that will remain, but can be covered by garments - so they are not visible.

What if my breasts are two different sizes?

You can have breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery on one to even out the sizes.