If you have noticed that your breasts have lost their volume and vitality due to aging, breastfeeding, or weight loss, our breast surgery specialists are here to help. Breast augmentation represents one of the most popular methods of reshaping the bust for a more pleasing, youthful silhouette...and all the confidence that comes along with it.

Women of all shapes and sizes have successfully undergone breast enlargement thanks to the versatility of modern techniques and the wide array of implants available today, and our specialists at PPSD proudly provide some of the best results after breast augmentation in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman, and surrounding cities

Types Of Implants

Breast augmentation patients can select either saline or silicone implants. Both have been FDA-approved and rigorously tested for safety. Each has unique strengths and drawbacks, which can be discussed at length during your initial consultation with your doctor.

Saline Implants

These implants contain a silicone shell that is filled with salt water, the same harmless solution that is used in IV drips. If the implant were to rupture, there is no damage to the body, as the salt water is simply absorbed within hours. Some advantages of saline implants include their lower cost, safety, smaller incisions, and a lower occurrence of capsular contracture (scar tissue that hardens the implant). However, saline implants may not feel as natural as silicone implants. In addition, while rippling can occur with any implant, the risk of visible rippling is more common with saline implants—especially in thin and small-breasted women.

Silicone Implants

Filled with semi-solid silicone gel rather than salt water, these implants tend to feel more authentic to the touch, and are less at risk of rippling due to their natural firmness. Silicone implants also tend towards greater longevity.

Cosmetically, silicone implants offer more dramatic results for those with significant skin laxity and breast deflation.

Background media

Types of Silicone Breast Implants

There are two major categories of silicone implants: round and shaped. The round implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that molds to the shape of the implant pocket after place. Shaped implants are filled with a highly cohesive gel that maintains its shape while in place. Each type of implant comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, and we recommend talking through your options with one of our experienced, board-certified breast implant surgeons in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities during your preoperative consultation. Our team will work to ensure that you have all the information you need to make the decision that's right for you and your personal cosmetic goals.

Incisions

Depending on your goals and personal anatomy, your doctor will choose either a nipple incision, a crease (inframammary fold) incision, or an underarm incision. You'll get the chance to learn about each option during your consultation, to ensure that you have the most realistic possible expectations going forward.

Nipple Incision (Periareolar)

Often chosen when a patient is undergoing both breast augmentation and a breast lift, this is one of the most common incision sites, made just within or around the nipple-areola complex. The advantage of this site is that the skin’s natural pigment at the nipple will usually conceal the scar and make it very difficult to see.

Crease Incision (Inframammary Fold)

An incision made at the crease offers the benefit of obscuring scars by hiding them underneath the breast. These incisions are typically between 4-5 centimeters in length, and are among the most popular due to the ease of accessibility and control that they provide to the surgeon during implant placement.

Underarm Incision (Transaxillary)

An incision is placed in each axilla to provide access for implant placement. After a pocket is formed, the implant is slid through an incision hidden in the skin folds under the arm, helping to ensure that scarring is difficult to see. Not all implant types/sizes can be placed via this approach.

Banner media

Implant Placement

Breast implants can be placed in either a subglandular or submuscular position. There are risks and benefits to each, which again will be discussed with your doctor during your consultation. In general, the subglandular placement involves positioning the implant under the breast tissue above the pectoralis muscles. This often facilitates a speedier recovery with less downtown and discomfort.

During a submuscular placement, the implant is positioned primarily beneath the pectoralis muscles. This tends to result in a lower risk of capsular contracture, as well as a lower incidence of implant sagging. If saline implants are employed, a submuscular placement will discourage rippling and bulging.

Choosing The Best Plastic Surgeon For Your Breast Augmentation

PPSD offers an unsurpassed level of patient care that has earned the practice a glowing reputation for some of the best breast augmentation in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman, and surrounding cities.  Through their combined skill and decades of expertise, PPSD board-certified plastic surgeons have placed thousands of breast implants with stunning results.

Breast augmentation begins with a private consultation in the warmth and comfort of your plastic surgeon’s office, where he or she will carefully evaluate your goals, go over photographs and 3D imaging results, address any concerns and review your medical history. Some important questions to ask during your consultation are:

  • What is the best type of implant for me?
  • What is the best type of incision and implant placement for my body and goals?
  • What can I expect in terms of downtime and recovery?
  • Are there any risks associated with this procedure?
  • Can I see more before and after photos?
  • How can I pay for my surgery?

Meet Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons

Logo media

Details Of The Surgery

Your breast augmentation surgery will be performed at an AAASF-accredited surgical facility in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman, and other surrounding cities depending on which location is closest and most convenient to you. A qualified, experienced Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist will be on hand to provide your anesthetic to ensure your comfort and ease during the surgery. Breast augmentation generally takes about one hour, not including your preoperative prep and recovery times. You can typically expect to be at the facility for about 2 ½ to 3 hours, overall. Your surgeon will make an incision, create a customized pocket for the implant, and then adjust its position, possibly reshaping the nipple area for the most pleasing aesthetic outcome—if indicated.

Recovery

Patients recovering from breast implants will find that initial healing takes one to two weeks, although most patients are back to work within one week. Patients with jobs requiring heavy lifting or activity will require longer.

Patients should consider scheduling assistance in advance for everyday activities such as childcare and driving. Pain medication will be prescribed to help alleviate any discomfort.

Your doctor may ask you to wear a surgical bra, and to avoid any activity that could potentially damage or displace your new implants for several weeks. Follow-up is an important part of your surgery. Final healing—when your breasts have fully accommodated the new implants and your breasts have taken on their final shape—typically takes about 4 months. Your doctor will schedule aftercare appointments to ensure your continued health and happiness with your results.

Banner media

Embark on your Aesthetic Journey Schedule a Visit

Contact Us
Contact us media

Choose one option below

View All Locations

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 704-542-2220.
Contact Us