-Dr. Megan Jack, Board-Certified Female Plastic Surgeon in Knoxville, TN
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that can enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts. In Knoxville, TN, many women are considering breast augmentation to improve their self-confidence and achieve their desired look or to restore breast volume after pregnancy and nursing. If you are one of them, our Breast Augmentation Guide will provide you with the top things you need to know about the procedure, including anesthesia options, surgery length, recovery process, and frequently asked questions. Look no further—East Tennessee Plastic Surgery has all the answers you’re looking for to help you get the beautiful breasts you desire!
What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery, also known as augmentation mammoplasty (slang = boob job), is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves the placement of breast implants to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation can also be used to correct breast asymmetry, restore breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, and improve self-confidence. Most of our patients at our Knoxville plastic surgery office choose silicone breast implants, but we offer both silicone and saline options. Breast implants are most often inserted through a small, easily concealed incision in the fold beneath the breast. There are two options for where a breast implant is placed in the breast—on top of (subglandular) or below (submuscular) the chest or pectoralis muscle. Most of our patients opt for a submuscular approach as it has a lower risk of certain complications, including capsular contracture.
At East Tennessee Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer over 38 years of combined experience in cosmetic surgery of the breast. We use only FDA-approved silicone or saline breast implants that have gone through rigorous safety and efficacy testing, including gummy bear breast implants. Breast implants come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and cohesiveness, allowing you and your surgeon to work together to customize your breast augmentation to help you get to your goals—whether they be a natural or augmented look, small or large breast. We help you choose the right implant for your body and have all sizes of breast implants available, from small to large. . . not all boob jobs use big breast implants and give a “done” look. Alternatively, select patients may be candidates for a natural breast augmentation, using your body’s own fat for a smaller, more subtle augmentation.
Breast augmentation surgery is suitable for women who are in good health, have realistic expectations, and are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breasts. During your initial consultation at East Tennessee Plastic Surgery, you will meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons—Dr. Timothy Wilson or Dr. Megan Jack. Your surgeon will evaluate your medical history, examine your breasts, and discuss your goals/expectations to determine if breast augmentation is right for you. We will also go over the pros and cons of saline vs. silicone breast implants, incision options, and subglandular vs. submuscular implant placement. We will then develop a personalized plan to help you get to your goals while minimizing risk.
Anesthesia Options for Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep and comfortable during the procedure. However, there are other anesthesia options available, such as local anesthesia with sedation. The choice of anesthesia depends on several factors, such as your medical history, the type of procedure, and the surgeon's preference.
General anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia used during breast augmentation surgery. In our practice, patients having a breast augmentation under anesthesia have their surgery at Parkwest Medical Center, right next door to our office. Your surgery is outpatient, meaning you get to go home the same day. It involves the administration of medication through an IV to make you very sleepy after which a breathing tube is placed to ensure proper breathing during the procedure. General anesthesia overall is extremely safe for most patients but does carry some rare risks, such as allergic reactions, breathing problems, and nausea, but these risks can be minimized by following the pre-operative instructions carefully.
Local anesthesia with sedation is another option for breast augmentation surgery. This involves the injection of numbing medication into the breast area to block pain, and the administration of medication through an intravenous line to induce a relaxed state and is typically done in our certified office surgery suite. You remain awake during the procedure but may not remember it afterwards. Local anesthesia with sedation generally carries fewer risks than general anesthesia, but it may not be suitable for all patients especially patients with anxiety, fears, and/or those who choose larger breast implants placed under the muscle.
During your consultation at East Tennessee Plastic Surgery, we will discuss the anesthesia options available for your breast augmentation surgery and help you choose the best option for your needs and preferences.
Length of Breast Augmentation Surgery
The length of breast augmentation surgery varies depending on several factors, such as the type of procedure, baseline breast asymmetry, the size and shape of the implants, and the patient's individual needs. On average, breast augmentation surgery takes about 1 hour to complete.
During the surgery, the plastic surgeon will make incisions in the breast area to create pockets for the implants. The implants can be placed either above or below the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy and preferences. Once the implants are in place, the incisions are closed with sutures and surgical tape.
At East Tennessee Plastic Surgery, we offer several types of breast augmentation procedures, including traditional breast augmentation, breast lift with augmentation, and fat transfer breast augmentation or natural breast enhancement. The length of the surgery and the recovery time depend on the type of procedure and the patient's individual needs. When we do breast augmentation with breast lifting or a natural breast augmentation, the surgery may last 2-3 hours.
Recovery Process for Breast Augmentation Surgery
The recovery process after breast augmentation surgery can vary depending on your individual needs and the type of procedure. However, there are some general guidelines that patients should follow to ensure a smooth, successful recovery, to optimize results, and minimize the risks of complications.
After the surgery, most patients will need to take some time off work and avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. If you work from home, you can likely jump on your laptop within a few days after surgery to work. We ask you to avoid driving for about 1 week after surgery for safety reasons. For patients that have submuscular breast augmentation there are additional restrictions including heavy lifting and use of the chest muscles for a period of time after surgery. Mild to moderate pain, swelling, and occasionally bruising occur after breast augmentation surgery, but these can be managed with pain medication and compression bras. Some of our patients opt to use a special medication at the time of surgery called Exparel—a long-acting numbing medicine that has been shown to be helpful with reducing postoperative pain and narcotic use. Patients should also avoid sleeping on their stomach or side for at least two weeks after the surgery.
During the recovery period, patients will have follow-up appointments with their Knoxville plastic surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. At East Tennessee Plastic Surgery, we provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery and what to expect during the recovery period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implants
1. Are breast implants safe?
Breast implants are approved by the FDA and have been used for many years with a high degree of safety. However, like any surgery, breast augmentation carries some risks and potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, implant rupture, and capsular contracture. These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and following the post-operative instructions carefully. Dr. Tim Wilson and Dr. Megan Jack have extensive experience with breast implants and prioritize patient safety. We take precautions during every surgery to help minimize risks and maximize results.
2. How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be replaced or removed at some point. The lifespan of breast implants depends on several factors, such as the type of implant, the patient's age and lifestyle, and the surgeon's technique. At East Tennessee Plastic Surgery, we use high-quality breast implants that are designed to last for many years. We counsel our patients to continue annual breast exams AND to see us regularly long-term to continue to monitor breast and implant health.
3. Will breast implants affect my ability to breastfeed?
Breast implants can affect breastfeeding, but the extent of the effect depends on several factors, such as the type of procedure, the location of the incisions, and the patient's individual anatomy. In general, breast implants placed through an incision in the fold under the breast and under the chest muscle are less likely to affect breastfeeding than those placed above the muscle. During your consultation at East Tennessee Plastic Surgery, we will discuss the potential effects of breast implants on breastfeeding and help you make an informed decision.
4. How much does breast augmentation cost?
The cost of breast augmentation in Knoxville, TN, varies depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee, and implant cost. At East Tennessee Plastic Surgery, our cost for breast augmentation ranges from $5500 to $7000 (at the time of this article) and we offer financing options to help you pay for your breast augmentation procedure. During your consultation, we will provide you with a detailed cost estimate and discuss the financing options available to you.
Is a Breast Augmentation right for me?
Maybe! Breast augmentation surgery can be a life-changing procedure that enhances your self-confidence and improves your appearance. However, it is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon, understand the anesthesia options, prepare for the surgery and recovery period, and ask questions about the procedure. The best way to decide if a Breast Augmentation in Knoxville is right for you, is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons near you in our East Tennessee office. At your initial consultation, you will be welcomed into our friendly office, meet our ETPS team, and have privacy to discuss what concerns you have with your breasts. Your plastic surgeon will then examine you, discuss your options and their recommended surgical plan to help you reach your goals. There will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions so you can make an informed decision about whether breast implant surgery is the right choice for you.
If you have more questions about Breast Augmentation in Knoxville or would like to schedule your consultation today with one of our plastic surgeons, call or complete our contact form. You can also scroll through our Facebook, Instagram, and Before/After Galleries to see examples of our cosmetic surgery results. Please also feel free to learn more about Our Practice or Dr. Tim Wilson and Dr. Megan Jack.
ETPS is the only private plastic surgery practice in Knoxville, TN that offers patients the option of a male or female plastic surgeon. We work as a dynamic team to offer exceptional, safe care in an environment where you are part of our ETPS family. Similar to building a friendship, establishing a relationship with your plastic surgeon is essential to a positive experience and happy outcome. Mutual trust is critical to successful doctor-patient relationships. You deserve to have the time to establish that trust and to really understand what you’re getting into. . .and THAT is what our ETPS Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Tim Wilson and Dr. Megan Jack strive to provide.
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Dr. Tim Wilson and Dr. Megan Jack are board-certified Plastic Surgeons in East Tennessee--your ONLY male and female board-certified plastic surgeon team in Knoxville, TN. They offer East Tennessee over 37 years of combined experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery specializes in breast surgery, tummy tuck, body contouring, and Mommy Makeovers. Both doctors are passionate about delivering top-notch care and the best results possible.