Breast Augmentation What to Know Before You Decide

Breast Augmentation: What to Know Before You Decide

When it comes to reshaping confidence, few procedures are as transformative and personal as breast augmentation. Whether you're looking to restore volume, achieve a more balanced silhouette, or simply feel more at home in your body, breast augmentation can be a powerful step toward self-alignment. It’s not just about size, it’s about harmony, balance, and how you feel in your own skin every day.

At Dr. Studin's practice in Long Island, our goal is to educate and empower you to make the best decision for your goals, lifestyle, and anatomy. This guide offers an overview of what breast augmentation entails, from implant options to recovery timelines, and answers the most common questions we hear from patients just like you.

We also understand that surgery isn’t just clinical; it’s personal. That’s why this guide goes beyond the basics, giving you insight into the process, options, and outcomes, all in a way that supports confident, informed decision-making.

Understanding Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that increases breast size using implants or fat transfer. The reasons patients choose this procedure vary — some want to restore breast volume after pregnancy, others aim to balance asymmetry or enhance their natural shape.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best outcomes come from a personalized plan that considers your proportions, preferences, and medical history.

Types of Implants: Saline vs. Silicone

Saline Implants

Filled with sterile salt water, these implants are inserted empty and then filled during surgery. They tend to feel firmer and are FDA-approved for patients 18 and older.

Silicone Implants

Pre-filled with silicone gel, these implants are known for a more natural feel. They're approved for patients 22 and older and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Gummy Bear Implants (form-stable implants)

A firmer, teardrop-shaped silicone option that holds its shape even if the shell breaks. They're praised for their stability and subtle slope.

Placement Options: Over or Under the Muscle

  • Submuscular Placement (under the pectoral muscle): Often results in a more natural slope and less interference with mammograms.

  • Subglandular Placement (over the muscle): Typically allows for quicker recovery and may suit patients with sufficient natural breast tissue.

Dr. Studin evaluates your anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals to recommend the optimal approach.

Incision Techniques

There are several incision locations, each with its own pros and considerations:

  • Inframammary (under the breast crease): Offers excellent control and discreet scarring.
  • Periareolar (around the nipple): Allows for a more concealed scar but may involve higher risk of breastfeeding complications.
  • Transaxillary (under the arm): No scars on the breast itself, but may limit implant types.

What to Expect: The Recovery Process

Recovery from breast augmentation varies, but most patients can return to non-strenuous work within a week. Full recovery takes several weeks, with swelling subsiding gradually and implants settling into place (a process known as "drop and fluff").

Patients are typically advised to:

  • Wear a supportive surgical bra
  • Avoid lifting or intense activity for 4–6 weeks
  • Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing

Dr. Studin provides detailed recovery guidance tailored to your procedure and lifestyle.

Risks and Considerations

Like all surgeries, breast augmentation carries potential risks. These may include:

  • Capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening)
  • Implant rupture or leakage
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Infection or bleeding

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience — like Dr. Studin — significantly reduces these risks and improves your chances of a smooth, successful outcome.

Realistic Expectations: Results That Fit You

Breast augmentation is not about achieving a generic ideal — it’s about enhancing your natural form in a way that feels aligned with who you are. During your consultation, Dr. Studin uses visual tools and 3D simulations to help you see your options clearly and choose confidently.

Your results should feel like an extension of you — not a departure from who you are.

Confidence Starts with Clarity — and the Right Surgeon

Breast augmentation is more than a cosmetic choice — it’s a deeply personal decision that deserves the right balance of information, care, and expert guidance. Whether you're looking to restore, enhance, or redefine your shape, the goal should always be a result that feels natural and right for you.

At Dr. Studin’s Long Island practice, you're not just another procedure — you're a person with unique goals and questions. We’re here to help you explore your options, understand what’s possible, and make the decision that feels right — not rushed.

Ready to take the next step with confidence? Schedule a private consultation and discover what’s possible when experience meets individualized care. 

FAQ

How long do breast implants last?

Most implants last 10–20 years, but they aren't considered lifetime devices. Regular monitoring and occasional replacement may be needed, especially if you experience changes or complications.

Will breast implants affect my ability to breastfeed?

Many patients can still breastfeed after augmentation, especially with under-the-breast incisions. However, certain incision types and placements can increase risk, which Dr. Studin discusses during your consultation.

Can I combine breast augmentation with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients combine augmentation with a lift or other body contouring procedures. It all depends on your goals and anatomy — a personalized plan will determine what’s right.

How do I choose the right implant size?

Choosing implant size is a collaborative process. Dr. Studin uses 3D imaging, your body measurements, and your aesthetic goals to help you visualize and select the best fit.

What happens if I decide to remove or replace my implants later on?

Implant removal or revision is always an option and quite common. Whether for aesthetic reasons or health-related concerns, Dr. Studin offers guidance and support for any next step you choos