Breast Augmentation FAQ
As a female plastic surgeon who is also a mother, Dr. Christa Clark offers a unique perspective when consulting with breast augmentation patients from Sacramento, Granite Bay, Roseville, and surrounding communities. Questions about this procedure are very personal, and Dr. Clark understands the value of candid, straightforward answers. You can find responses to some of the most common questions about breast augmentation on this page.
Dr. Clark takes the time to get to know you in order to understand your lifestyle and your needs. If you’re considering getting breast implants in the Sacramento area and have additional questions about breast augmentation, request a consultation online to meet with Dr. Clark, or call our office at (916) 983-9895 to schedule an appointment with her.
Should I choose silicone or saline breast implants?
Questions about implants are very common when patients come in for a breast augmentation consultation at Dr. Clark’s Folsom, CA practice. All breast implants are made of a silicone shell. Some are filled with a saline solution and others with silicone gel. Saline implants are filled after Dr. Clark places them in the breasts, allowing her to fine-tune the size and often requiring shorter incisions. Silicone implants are pre-filled to a specific size, and many women believe they feel more natural. Silicone implants are divided into 2 categories:
- Silicone gel implants — These implants are filled with a gel-like silicone that is more viscous than saline.
- Form-stable, highly cohesive gel implants — The latest generation of silicone implants, nicknamed “gummy bear” implants, retain their shape even when ruptured. Think of a gummy bear candy when it is cut in half. It is still soft, but the inside doesn’t leak.
Should I choose round or anatomic shaped implants?
Breast implants can be either round or anatomic (teardrop-shaped) to resemble the natural slope of the breast. Women who want more fullness in the upper part of the breasts often choose round implants, and those who want a more subtle, natural look choose anatomic shaped. The choice is highly personal, and Dr. Clark is glad to talk you through the different factors to find the right option for you.
What are the different incision options?
Dr. Clark uses 2 different incision locations, and she discusses the advantages and limitations of each while planning your surgery. They include:
- Inframammary: This is the most common location, near the base of the breast where it connects to the chest. Dr. Clark inserts the implants through a small horizontal incision and places them in the pocket she creates. The scar that results is small and hidden in the natural crease.
- Periareolar: Dr. Clark makes a small incision on the lower border of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). The scar is camouflaged by the darker skin of the areola.
What is the Keller Funnel™?
Dr. Clark is certified in the use of the Keller Funnel for breast augmentation. The Keller Funnel is a device designed by a plastic surgeon that allows surgeons to place silicone implants quickly and gently without actually handling the implants. It is a clear, conical-shaped device that significantly reduces the risk of contamination and allows the easy placement of implants through smaller scars and less overall trauma to the area during surgery, which results in a quicker recovery process.
How much does breast augmentation cost?
The cost of breast augmentation surgery varies based on a number of factors, including the type of implants you choose and other specifics of your procedure. That’s why it’s difficult to give an accurate quote without a consultation. Keep in mind the final cost of breast augmentation surgery should include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical facility costs
- Medical tests, if required
- Medication prescriptions
- Surgeon’s fee
Dr. Clark strives to make breast augmentation affordable so it is possible for all her patients. You can find more information about paying for your procedure on our Fees & Financing page.
How do I prepare for a breast augmentation?
Once you’ve decided to get breast implants, Dr. Clark provides you with detailed preoperative instructions to follow in the weeks leading up to your procedure. Some of these are health-related, such as not taking aspirin or ibuprofen for 2 weeks prior to your surgery to help limit bleeding during and after the procedure. You should also consider who is going to drive you home following surgery and arrange for a friend or family member to help out around the house for at least the first few days. If you have small children, for example, you won’t be able to pick them up for several days after breast augmentation surgery.
What is the recovery like?
Dr. Clark is trained in advanced surgical techniques that are designed to limit bruising and soreness following breast augmentation surgery. Her use of the Keller Funnel also helps shorten the recovery period. Patients are prescribed pain relief medication to use as needed in the first few days, but your discomfort should diminish quickly. Expect to spend about a week recovering before resuming your everyday activities. Dr. Clark encourages patients to walk gently as much as possible — even on the day of surgery — to help accelerate recovery.
How long does it take before I see the final results?
Dr. Clark has a saying in her office: “Don’t look at your breasts for at least 1 month following breast augmentation surgery.” That’s because breasts are swollen and distorted in the first several weeks after the procedure, especially for patients who have implants placed under the pectoral muscle. It’s common for patients to wonder about the results in those early weeks, but it takes time for implants to settle into the new skin envelope as the skin stretches to accommodate the additional volume. Dr. Clark counsels her patients to wait at least 6 months before expecting to see the final results of breast augmentation surgery.
