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What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to increase breast volume, improve shape and symmetry, or restore fullness lost due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or aging. The procedure typically involves placing breast implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle, with the size, type, profile, and placement selected according to the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.

At Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology (PPSD), breast augmentation is personalized to each patient rather than approached as a one-size-fits-all procedure. Your plastic surgeon evaluates factors such as existing breast tissue, chest dimensions, skin quality, breast position, and overall body proportions to develop an appropriate surgical plan. For patients with significant breast sagging, breast augmentation may also be combined with a breast lift to improve both volume and breast position.

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When is the time for a breast augmentation?

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 plastic surgeon.

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.

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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/board-eligible 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.

Motiva Implants

Motiva Implants are a modern, innovative option for breast augmentation, offering a soft, natural feel with advanced safety features. Designed to move with your body, Motiva’s ergonomic shape and SilkSurface™ technology help reduce complications like capsular contracture while enhancing comfort and aesthetic results.

With their BlueSeal® safety barrier and sleek design, Motiva implants are an excellent choice for patients seeking a more natural look with the latest in implant technology. Ask your PPSD surgeon if Motiva is right for your 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.

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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.

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Before & After: Breast Augmentation in Charlotte

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Why Choose PPSD For Your Breast Augmentation in Charlotte?

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/board-eligible 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

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Details Of The Surgery

Your breast augmentation surgery will be performed at an AAAASF-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.

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Breast Augmentation FAQ

What types of breast implants are available at PPSD?

What are Motiva implants, and are they different from traditional implants?

What incision options are used for breast augmentation?

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

What happens during the initial breast augmentation consultation?

Where is breast augmentation surgery performed?

What types of breast implants are available at PPSD?

PPSD offers both saline and silicone implants, both FDA-approved and thoroughly tested for safety. Each option has its own advantages, which your surgeon will review in detail during your consultation to help you choose the best fit for your goals.

What are Motiva implants, and are they different from traditional implants?

Motiva implants are a newer generation of breast implants known for their soft, natural feel and advanced safety features. Their ergonomic design and SilkSurface technology are intended to move naturally with the body and lower the risk of complications like capsular contracture, while their BlueSeal barrier adds an extra layer of protection. Your PPSD surgeon can help determine if they're a good match for your goals.

What incision options are used for breast augmentation?

Depending on your anatomy and goals, your surgeon may recommend a nipple (peri-areolar) incision, a crease incision along the inframammary fold, or an underarm (axillary) incision. Each approach is designed to minimize visible scarring, and your surgeon will walk you through the pros and cons of each during your consultation.

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

Women who feel their breasts have lost volume or fullness due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss are often good candidates. Breast augmentation is a versatile procedure suited to a wide range of body types and aesthetic goals, and candidacy is confirmed during a personalized consultation.

What happens during the initial breast augmentation consultation?

Your consultation takes place in a private setting where your surgeon reviews your goals, evaluates photographs and 3D imaging, discusses your medical history, and answers any questions. This is also the time to explore implant type, size, and incision options before finalizing your treatment plan.

Where is breast augmentation surgery performed?

Procedures are performed at an AAAASF-accredited surgical facility, with locations convenient to Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman, and surrounding areas, ensuring a high standard of safety and care throughout your surgery.

Our Gastonia 959 Cox Rd office has moved to our 937 Cox Rd location, Same providers, same great care, just next door. View 937 Cox Rd location.

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