The Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons

Breast Augmentation
in Florida

Breast augmentation surgery, also known as augmentation mammoplasty enhances the size, shape and/or symmetry of the breasts. It is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures performed each year in the United States. Patients typically choose breast augmentation surgery in order to restore breast volume following pregnancy or weight loss, to improve symmetry or to enhance self-confidence. But very often, breast augmentation may be used to simply enlarge the breast if you are not happy with your current size.

breast augmentation model on florida beach

C. Cayce Rumsey, MD

What is Breast Augmentation?

During breast augmentation, your surgeon places implants in the upper chest through small incisions placed in the breast crease (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar) or in the armpit (transaxillary). The implants can be placed either subglandular (under the breast tissue but on top of the pectoralis muscle), submuscular (under the pectoralis muscle), or subfascial (under the covering of the muscle but leaving the muscle intact). The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes from one to two hours.

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Types of Breast Implants

Saline: filled with sterile salt water within a silicone shell. The fill can be adjusted at the time of surgery and, in some cases, later. If the implant leaks or ruptures the salt water solution is safely absorbed.
Silicone gel: filled with predetermined amount of silicone gel, the volumes of these implants cannot be adjusted. They are considered by most patients to be more natural feeling than saline filled implants. Versions of these implants with a thicker, more cohesive gel are known as form stable or “gummy bear” implants. Form stable implants are appropriate for patients who desire more upper pole fullness.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

Enhanced breast size and fullness
Improved breast shape and symmetry
Reconstruction of breast(s) to treat breast deformities (tubular or constricted breasts), injury or following mastectomy
Enhanced confidence and self-esteem

Who is an ideal candidate?

The best candidate for breast augmentation is someone in good health, a stable weight and with reasonable expectations for what the surgery can achieve.

Recovery

Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within a few days. Activities are limited during the first few weeks but most patients are able to return to full activity within six (6) weeks.
Subfascial and subglandular implants may have a faster and easier recovery.
It is common for implants to seem a little high during the first few weeks but typically settle into place within 3-4 months.
Tingling and other nerve sensations are common afterwards and almost always go away with time.

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Risks

Loss of sensation: it is common to have reduced sensation to the nipple and breast skin in the first few weeks following surgery but some patients may have permanent numbness in areas of the breast.
Hypersensitivity: areas of the breast, particularly the nipple, may be more sensitive immediately after surgery. This is usually temporary.
Bleeding: there is a small chance of bleeding after surgery. The highest risk is during the first 24–48 hours but, rarely, bleeding may occur at 1–2 weeks.
Infection: infection is very uncommon following breast augmentation surgery but if it occurs may require temporary removal of the implant(s).
Asymmetry: noticeable asymmetry is not uncommon during the first days or weeks but if it persists may require surgical revision.
Capsular contracture: this complication, typically occurring months to years after surgery, manifests as progressive firmness/hardness of one or both breasts as a result of thickening and tightening of the normal scar tissue capsule that forms around the implants. In some cases this contracture can be painful. This complication may require revision or replacement surgery or implant removal.
Implant rupture or leakage: breast implants are extremely sturdy but are not meant to last a lifetime. It is important for patients to understand that, following breast augmentation surgery, future surgeries may be necessary.
Implant monitoring: currently it is recommended that you undergo ultrasound after 5 years and every 2–3 years after to look for problems with the implant. Also you should get an ultrasound if there is a change in the breast. These ultrasounds do NOT take the place of mammograms or other tests to look for breast cancer.
BIA-ALCL: this is an uncommon type of cancer (NOT breast cancer) that can form in the capsule surrounding an implant. Talk with your board certified surgeon to understand which specific implants are at higher risk for this disease.
BII: BII or breast implant illness is an ill-defined set of symptoms and complaints that some women with breast implants may experience. Talk with your Board Certified surgeon about this entity.

How much does a breast augmentation cost?

Costs vary based on region, complexity and type of implant. Schedule a consultation with an FSPS plastic surgeon for a personalized estimate.

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Why Choose an FSPS Member Plastic Surgeon?

FSPS member surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery with extensive experience and a commitment to safety and excellence. With accessible locations throughout Florida including Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, they provide personalized treatment plans and comprehensive follow-up support.

What Should I Do Next?

Schedule a consultation with an FSPS member plastic surgeon today and discover how breast augmentation can help you feel more confident.

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Breast Augmentation in Florida