Breast Augmentation
North Raleigh Plastic Surgery
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North Raleigh Plastic Surgery
3319 Heritage Trade Dr #201
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Phone: 919.532.2270
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
North Raleigh Plastic Surgery
3319 Heritage Trade Dr. Suite 201
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Phone: 919.532.2270
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Whether you’ve dreamed of increasing the size of naturally small breasts, want to restore volume after having children, or wish to make your breasts appear more symmetrical, breast augmentation at our Raleigh, North Carolina, practice creates beautiful, natural-looking results. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Juan A. Ortiz sees breast augmentation patients from Durham, Greensboro, Cary, and throughout the Triangle region.
Breast Augmentation
Before & After Photos
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Breast Augmentation Benefits
Nearly 300,000 breast augmentation procedures are performed in the U.S. annually, and that popularity can be traced to its many benefits. Increasing breast size is the most obvious benefit of breast implants, but women consider breast augmentation for several other reasons, too. These reasons include:
Enhanced Body Proportions
Breast augmentation creates a more balanced and harmonious overall body shape. It can help women achieve an hourglass figure and improve their upper and lower body proportions.
Improved Symmetry
Few women have perfectly symmetrical breasts. In some cases, though, the difference in size may be noticeable and make someone self-conscious. Breast implants can correct differences in size and shape, resulting in a more balanced appearance.
Restoring Volume After Pregnancy or Weight Loss
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss often lead to changes in breast size and shape. Breast augmentation surgery can help women regain their desired breast appearance.
Clothing Choices
Having smaller breasts may limit your clothing and swimwear options. Breast augmentation expands your wardrobe styles and improves the fit of your clothes.
Boosted Self-Confidence
If you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your body, breast augmentation often results in increased self-esteem and feeling more comfortable in clothing.
Ideal Breast Augmentation Candidates
When consulting with you about breast augmentation, Dr. Ortiz assesses your overall health and asks about your motivation for getting implants. You may be an ideal candidate if you want to improve how you feel about your body and you don’t feel pressured by someone else. You should also have realistic expectations about the results.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in the Raleigh, NC, Area?
The cost of breast augmentation depends on the type of implant you choose, whether the areola is manipulated, and whether you combine other procedures with it. Our practice offers competitive pricing for breast augmentation. After your consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed price quote. We also partner with healthcare financing companies that offer attractive payment plans. The cost of your breast augmentation includes all pre-op and post-op appointments, the surgery and surgical materials, and a surgical bra.
Breast Augmentation Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Ortiz will take the time to understand your goals and why you’re considering breast augmentation. While choices such as implant type and size may feel overwhelming at first, he will guide you through the process and help you narrow your decisions based on your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired results.
Dr. Ortiz will also explain the procedure in detail, including cost, and what you can expect regarding recovery, potential risks, and scarring. He’ll spend as much time as needed answering your questions and encouraging open conversation so you feel informed and confident about taking your next steps.
Questions to Ask at Your Consultation
When considering breast augmentation surgery, it’s crucial to ask your surgeon certain essential questions during your consultation, including:
- How many breast augmentation procedures have you performed?
- Can you show me before and after photos of your previous patients?
- What is your policy on revision surgery, if necessary?
- Are there alternatives to breast augmentation?
Choosing Breast Implants
Your choice of implants is a personal decision that Dr. Ortiz helps you make by explaining the benefits and limitations of your options, including the type, size, and shape of your implants.
Types of Breast Implants
You can choose implants filled with either cohesive silicone gel or saline, each offering distinct characteristics.
- Silicone Gel Implants: Silicone gel implants are available in varying levels of cohesiveness and are known for looking and feeling more like natural breast tissue than saline implants. Approved by the FDA for patients age 22 and older, they hold their shape even if they rupture, which is why periodic imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, is recommended.
- Saline Breast Implants: Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater and tend to feel firmer than silicone gel implants. Because they are filled after placement, incision size may be smaller, and any rupture is immediately noticeable as the implant deflates.
Other Implant Factors to Consider
In addition to implant type, factors such as size, shape, and profile influence the overall look and feel of your breast augmentation. Dr. Ortiz will help you evaluate each option to ensure your results align with your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals:
Implant Size
Implant size is often the most discussed decision because it directly impacts breast appearance. The ideal size depends on your body frame, existing breast tissue, lifestyle, and desired outcome—not just cup size. Dr. Ortiz will help you choose a size that looks balanced and feels comfortable long term.
Implant Shape
Round implants provide fullness in both the upper and lower parts of the breast, while teardrop (anatomically shaped) implants mimic the natural slope of the breast for a subtle, tapered look. The most appropriate shape depends on your anatomy and whether you want a softer, more natural look or added upper-pole fullness.
Implant Profile
Breast implants come in various profiles, including low, moderate, high, and extra-high. The profile determines how far the implant extends from the chest wall, and the choice of profile can influence the final shape and fullness of your breasts. Selecting the right profile helps ensure your results look proportional to your body.
Breast Implants vs Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
If you’re interested in breast augmentation without implants and want only a modest size increase, a good option may be fat transfer breast augmentation using your own fat to enhance your breasts.
The technique uses liposuction to harvest fat where it’s unwanted, such as the abdomen or buttocks. The fatty tissue is spun in a centrifuge to isolate and purify the fat, which is then strategically injected into the breasts.
The increase in size is typically no more than 1 bra cup. The results of fat transfer breast augmentation are less predictable than those of breast implants, which enable precise size control. You can get more details about fat transfer breast augmentation during your consultation.
What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll return home on the day of your surgery. Our licensed anesthetist administers IV sedation for your safety and comfort. The steps involved in the procedure include:
Step 1: Incision Placement
Dr. Ortiz makes incisions in a location determined during the consultation. The 3 options include:
- Inframammary fold (where the breast connects to the chest)
- Periareolar (along the lower edge of the areola)
- Transaxillary (in the armpit)
The inframammary fold is the most common location, with the choice depending on your anatomy and the type of implant.
Step 2: Implant Placement
After making the incision, Dr. Ortiz creates a pocket for the implant. Placement is determined by your anatomy, existing breast tissue, and aesthetic goals.
- Under the Muscle (Submuscular): Placing the implant beneath the chest muscle provides additional coverage for a more natural look. This approach is often ideal for thinner patients or those with less natural breast tissue.
- Over the Muscle (Subglandular): With this placement, the implant sits in front of the muscle and behind the breast tissue. It may be recommended for patients with adequate natural breast tissue and can offer a shorter recovery in some cases.
Dr. Ortiz evaluates which approach best supports your anatomy and desired results.
Step 3: Closure and Dressing
After placing the implants, Dr. Ortiz meticulously closes the incisions with sutures and may apply surgical tape or adhesive to support the healing process. Dressings are applied, and in some cases, the surgeon may insert temporary surgical drains.
How Long Is Recovery From Breast Implant Surgery?
You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after your breast augmentation surgery. You will be on narcotic pain medication for around 2 days following the surgery and over-the-counter medications for any pain after 2 days.
You will be able to drive once you have stopped taking narcotics. Most patients can return to work in 2 to 3 days. Dr. Ortiz recommends you wear a surgical bra for 6 weeks, and you should avoid strenuous activity and exercise for the same length of time. During recovery, it is important to sleep on your back or side.
You will have a minimum of 3 post-op appointments with Dr. Ortiz at 1 week, 2 months, and 6 months. If you need to see Dr. Ortiz at any time between these appointments, please call us at 919.532.2270.
Breast Augmentation Results
You should expect your breasts to be elevated for approximately 3 months after the surgery; you may hear it described as breasts that are “riding high.” After about 3 months, your implants will begin settling into their final position, a process often called “drop and fluff.”
Breast augmentation results are typically long-lasting, and you can enjoy the benefits of the surgery for many years. However, it’s essential to follow postoperative care instructions and attend regular checkups to ensure the longevity of your implants.
Combined Procedures With Breast Augmentation
If you’re getting breast implants to restore volume after having children or weight loss, you may want to combine the procedure with a breast lift or body contouring surgery as part of a mommy makeover.
Some of the common procedures you can combine with breast augmentation include:
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Breast augmentation is often combined with a breast lift to address sagging or drooping breasts. This combination provides a fuller and lifted breast appearance.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Patients seeking both breast enhancement and abdominal contouring may opt for a breast augmentation and tummy tuck combination.
Liposuction
Liposuction can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation to contour other areas of the body, such as the hips, thighs, or abdomen.
Buttock Augmentation
Patients looking for overall body enhancement may opt for a combination of breast augmentation and a buttock lift, butt lift with auto augmentation, or Brazilian butt lift to achieve balanced proportions.
Breast Augmentation FAQ
How long does breast augmentation surgery take?
You should plan to be at the surgery center for around 3 hours. The procedure takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the remaining time will be spent administering anesthesia and preparing you to go home.
What type of boob job looks the most natural?
The most natural-looking breast augmentation depends on your anatomy, goals, and implant choices. In many cases, a modestly sized silicone gel implant placed under the muscle creates soft, natural contours that blend seamlessly with your body.
What kind of scars will I have following breast augmentation surgery?
Dr. Ortiz carefully makes incisions as short and concealed as possible. Most patients have a 1- to 2-inch scar on the breast crease, which gradually fades. If you choose a periareolar incision, the darker skin of the areola conceals the scar.
Are there complications or risks associated with breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a very safe procedure. Only about 5% of patients nationally experience complications. The most common complications are infection at the incision site, hematoma, and unsightly scars. Dr. Ortiz discusses all risks of complications and addresses any concerns at your consultation.
How do breast implants feel inside your body?
Most patients report that breast implants feel like a natural part of their body once healing is complete. After the initial recovery period, implants typically feel soft and move naturally, especially when properly sized and placed by Dr. Ortiz and our team.
Can I pay monthly for a boob job?
Yes. Many patients choose to pay for breast augmentation with monthly payments by taking advantage of the convenient financing options offered through our practice, making the procedure more manageable within your budget
Get Started
Dr. Ortiz takes pride in his personalized consultations with patients. He takes the time to answer all questions and ensure patients make informed choices about their procedures. You can request a consultation using the online form or call us at 919.532.2270 to schedule an appointment.