Breast Augmentation

You will not have pain during breast augmentation surgery because it is performed under general anesthesia.  After breast augmentation, patients report mild-moderate discomfort and sometimes some muscle tightness. You can expect some swelling, bruising, pain, and general discomfort during the early stages of your recovery. Dr. Molina can prescribe pain medications, which are generally only required for 1-3 days after the procedure.

After your breast implant surgery, Dr. Molina will see you for a postoperative visit two days after surgery and again a week later. At this point, incisions are generally almost healed, and swelling is beginning to improve. Patients are seen again in two weeks, and visits are spaced out up to one year after surgery. 

You’ll notice immediate changes to your breasts after augmentation, though swelling is common in the weeks following surgery. Your implants may initially sit higher than expected, but this is normal. Over time, they will gradually settle into their final position. It typically takes about three to four months for your breasts to take shape and reveal the final result fully.

Dr. Molina is a skilled breast augmentation surgeon who prioritizes minimal scarring. She uses precise techniques and discreet incision locations, such as under the breast or around the nipple. She works closely with patients on post-surgery care and recommends post-operative rituals like gentle massage and sun protection to help scars fade naturally.

Dr. Molina and her team focus on achieving natural, beautiful results with minimal visible scarring, ensuring a smooth healing process for each patient.

After your breast augmentation with Dr. Molina, you’ll be guided through a gradual return to exercise. In the first two weeks, focus on rest and light walking. About a month after the surgery, you can reintroduce low-impact activities and some light cardio, but avoid heavy lifting or chest movements for now.

Around two months, you can resume moderate exercises and light weight training while holding off on intense chest workouts. By three months post-op, you’ll be ready to resume your full routine with Dr. Molina’s approval. She will always support you every step of the way to ensure you’re safely back to your active lifestyle!

Childbirth can impact your breast implants, but the extent of the effect depends on various factors, including your body’s natural response to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and how your implants were placed. Hormonal changes and breast tissue expansion during pregnancy can cause the breasts to swell and stretch, which may affect the position and appearance of your implants. This can result in changes such as drooping, sagging, or a shift in implant placement, especially if you breastfeed.

However, the results of your breast augmentation are not permanent, and many women find that their breasts return to a natural shape and position after they finish breastfeeding. If significant changes do occur, some women choose to undergo a breast lift or revision surgery to restore their desired look.

Discussing your pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with Dr. Molina is important during your consultation. She can help you understand how childbirth might affect your results and suggest the best approach to achieving long-lasting satisfaction with your breast augmentation.

Certainly! Many women will combine breast augmentation surgery with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction or a tummy tuck or as part of a Mommy Makeover. You can always discuss your desire for multiple procedures during your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Bianca Molina.

As it is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance will not cover the cost of breast augmentation in most cases. Breast augmentation is typically performed to enhance appearance rather than for medical necessity. However, if you are undergoing breast augmentation as part of a reconstructive procedure—such as after a mastectomy for breast cancer—your insurance may cover some or all of the costs.

It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific policy and any potential coverage for reconstructive surgery. Additionally, if you’re considering breast augmentation for medical reasons, such as correcting asymmetry or congenital breast conditions, your insurance may offer partial coverage, depending on your plan.

Dr. Molina will have an in-depth discussion with you regarding the risks of surgery and implant-based breast enhancement surgery. Below are some potential risks of breast augmentation to be aware of.

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation
• Formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
• Implant rupture
• Infection
• Persistent pain
• Unfavorable scarring
• The need for revision breast surgery
• Wrinkling of the skin over the implant or implant visibility
• Breast implant-associated conditions such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC), and breast implant illness (BII)

Unfortunately, breast augmentation does not affect your risk or prevention of developing breast cancer. Some studies have shown that if you do have breast implants, it can make it slightly more challenging to detect breast cancer through routine screenings like mammograms, as the implants may obscure the breast tissue and make it harder to identify abnormalities. That being said, with proper imaging techniques such as additional views and specialty scans, breast cancer can still be detected in women with implants.

It’s important to continue regular breast self-exams and routine screenings, as recommended by your healthcare provider, regardless of whether you have breast implants. If you have concerns about your breast health or family history of breast cancer, discuss these with your doctor or surgeon, who can help create a personalized plan for monitoring and early detection.

It’s a common misconception that breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years. In reality, there is no set timeframe for replacing implants, and many women can enjoy their implants for 15 years or more without needing any revisions. However, some women may eventually choose to replace or revise their implants due to factors such as changes in appearance or feel. Over time, implants may shift, develop rippling, or lose their original shape, prompting a desire for an updated look. Additionally, personal changes like weight fluctuations or pregnancy may lead to a decision to alter the size or type of implants.

Another reason for implant replacement is if the implant ruptures, although this is relatively rare. Silicone gel implants usually remain intact within the capsule, while saline implants will deflate. In either case, any rupture should be addressed with your surgeon. Routine monitoring, such as regular breast exams and mammograms, can help ensure the health and integrity of your implants. Dr. Molina will guide you when replacement or revision may be necessary, tailored to your needs and goals.