Breast Augmentation in Minneapolis – St. Paul

What is a Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is one of the most popular surgeries that Dr. Rocheford performs. Many women in Minneapolis-St. Paul considering breast implants have thought about it a great deal and has a variety of reasons for choosing breast augmentation.

Concerns about breast fullness and shape, as well as asymmetry—differences in breast size—are among the most common reasons for people looking for breast augmentation surgery. Breast asymmetry can make it difficult to find a properly fitting bra, or contribute to low self-confidence or insecurity in certain clothing. In addition, changes following pregnancy, nursing, or weight loss can affect how breast augmentation patients perceive themselves and can impact their relationships. In some cases, breast augmentation is combined with a breast lift for optimal enhancement.

“Dr. Rocheford was very informative and calming throughout the whole process. My recovery was easy and the two follow up appointments were much appreciated. I would highly recommend Dr. Rocheford for breast augmentation!”
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Cost of Breast Augmentation:

Saline: $7,300
Silicone: $8,200

This includes your surgical fee and all follow-up visits with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rocheford. This estimate also includes the facility fee and anesthesia costs. However, this pricing is an estimate and may be different depending on your specific situation. It does not include the cost of your pre-operative physical, lab tests, or medications. Dr. Rocheford does charge $100 for consultations, and that fee is deducted from the price of your surgery or in-office procedure.

 

There are several breast augmentation procedures that can be done through an inframammary, axillary, or areolar incision. The incision is three to five centimeters in length, depending on whether a silicone or saline implant is used. Breast implant placement can be either under or on top of the muscle based on your anatomy and preference. The incision is closed with dissolving sutures and will be hidden under the crease of your breast.

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Breast Implant Surgery Details

  • Surgery: Breast augmentation surgery is done under general anesthesia at an outpatient facility, and patients can go home the same day. A typical breast augmentation procedure takes about 1-1.5 hours.
  • Discomfort: Mild to moderate. Anticipate three to five days of needing pain medication depending on whether your breast implants are placed above or below the muscle.
  • Bruising: Generally there is none upon breast augmentation recovery. If any bruising is present immediately after the procedure, it will improve in seven to 10 days.
  • Swelling: One to six weeks. Most of the swelling subsides after two weeks. Swelling is typically less severe if the implants are above the chest muscle. Being overactive will worsen swelling.
  • Bandages: None. The incision is covered with skin glue that wears off in a week.
  • Stitches: Internal stitches will dissolve over time.
  • Work: You may return to work in three to seven days if the breast implants are above the muscle or five to 10 days if they are below the muscle.
  • Exercise: May be resumed in two to four weeks.
  • Final Result: Seen after one to four months.

Dr. Rocheford Can Help You Achieve Your Aesthetic Goals

Dr. Rocheford wants to help you get the look and feel of your ideal breasts and will listen carefully to your concerns and priorities regarding breast implant surgery. Following their breast augmentations, Dr. Rocheford’s Minnesota and Wisconsin patients are thrilled with their beautifully proportionate figures and newfound fullness.

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Are breast implants under warranty?

Most implants are under warranty for up to 10 years. The plans differ depending on the brand and type of implant, so ask your surgeon for the specifics before your procedure.

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is when the breast implants harden. This happens in a small percentage of patients following breast enlargement surgery. The causes are infection, bleeding, and inflammation. During surgery, every effort will be made to minimize the risk of infection. You will be given antibiotics before and after surgery, the surgical site will be irrigated with a triple antibiotic solution and the implant will be soaked in this solution as well. To prevent bleeding, you will be required to stop all aspirin and ibuprofen-containing medications 2 weeks prior to surgery. During surgery, all bleeding will be stopped. The key to diminishing inflammation is to take it easy following your augmentation breast enhancement. Especially avoid any repetitive upper arm activity for the first two weeks after surgery. Additionally, you will be given instructions on breast massage to help diminish the risk of capsular contracture. If you get a capsular contracture and it is painful or distorts the appearance of your breast, then additional surgery will be required to alleviate this problem. There will be additional fees for this surgery.

How Often should Implants be Changed?

Implants do not need to be changed unless there is a problem. Every time you have surgery, you are at risk for complications. So, there is no need to subject yourself to unnecessary risk unless you have a problem such as capsular contracture or implant deflation.

Will an Augmentation Lift the Breasts?

Breast augmentation does not lift the breasts, it makes them larger. This often appears to have lifted the breast, because the areolar complex is projecting out further with more visible breast tissue below it. If you are concerned about breast droop, you may need a breast lift instead of a breast enlargement. If you are happy with your breast size in an unpadded bra but are unhappy with your breast appearance without a bra, then you are a better candidate for a breast lift or mastopexy. If your breasts are drooping and you also would like them to be bigger, then you may want to consider a breast lift in addition to augmentation. During your consultation, your breast measurements will be taken and this information, along with your individual concerns about your breast appearance will be used to determine what treatment plan fits your needs the best. Be wary of recommendations to place a larger implant than you are comfortable with for the “lift” it will give you. You will feel too large following surgery and will not have the lift you wanted.

Which type of breast implant should you choose?

Which type of breast implants to choose for breast augmentation is a very personal decision. Both types of implants are FDA approved and are very safe. There is no difference in how the implants look once in the body. I use both types of breast implants in my practice, and currently, the distribution is about 50 percent silicone and 50 percent saline. The main differences between these two breast implant options are:nn1. Cost - Saline implants are $900 per pair and silicone breast implants are $1800 a pair – the increased cost is due to the cost of the studies done over the last 15 years to determine their safety.nn2. Incision Size - The length of a saline implant scar is 2 centimeters. The implant comes empty so it can be placed through a very small incision and then filled once it is in place. Silicone implant incisions are 4 to 5 centimeters. Since silicone implants are pre-filled, they require a larger size to place the implant without damaging it.nn3. Palpability - Saline implants do not feel quite as natural as silicone implants. This is not an issue when there is adequate tissue to cover the implant. In very thin patients with minimal breast tissue, silicone may be a better choice. Silicone implants feel more like breast tissue. If you have adequate breast tissue to cover the implant, you are a candidate for either saline or silicone gel implants. If you are very thin and have minimal breast tissue, silicone may be a better choice for you. Regardless of which breast implants you choose, you will always be able to feel your implant. This is normal. Your partner will not likely feel the implant.nn4. Knowledge of RupturennSaline – If a saline implant ruptures, you will know because you will lose volume in that breast. The saline is absorbed by the body and will cause you no harm.nnSilicone – If a silicone implant ruptures, many patients will not know. This is because the silicone gel cannot pass through the capsule created by the body around the implant. The only way to tell will be through an imaging study such as a mammogram or an MRI. Although silicone implants have been studied extensively and are known by plastic surgeons to be safe, some patients have residual concerns about the silent rupture of a silicone implant. If this is your concern, saline may be a better choice for you.

Should a breast implant be placed above or below the muscle?

Implants can be placed below the pectoralis muscle or above the muscle. This is a matter that I will discuss with you and we will decide together what the best position is given your anatomy and goals. My goal is to give you the most natural appearing result that meets your breast volume goals. In a patient without much breast tissue to cover the implant, placing the implant under the muscle gives an additional layer of soft tissue coverage, which results in a natural appearance. Patients that have more droop or constricted lower breasts may be better candidates for placing the implants on top of the muscle. There is a slightly lower risk of capsular contracture (hardening of the breasts) if the implants are placed below the muscle. Implants below the muscle will also have more motion with muscular contraction of the pectoralis (chest muscle).

What is the difference in where the incision is made to place a breast implant?

The incision to place the implant can be placed in the crease below the breast, in the armpit (axilla), in the areola (pigmented tissue around the nipple), or even through the belly button (umbilicus). The incision below the breast crease is not visible to you or others and is the most direct approach to space above or below the muscle. It is my preferred location. The armpit and areolar incisions will be visible to you and others while healing. Usually, they fade to a fine line when healed. However, they may have permanent pigmentation following healing, resulting in continued visibility to you and others. The umbilical incision is quite a distance from the breast and although it has been used successfully as a breast implant procedure, if a complication such as bleeding should arise, the incision below the breast will be used to treat the complication, since visibility will be better.

Which breast implant size is right for me?

This is a very personal decision. It is difficult to look at breast photos on the Internet and find the person that “looks just like you”. The best thing to do is try on implants in the office and see what you feel comfortable with. When trying on implants, it is important to bring several items of clothing so you can see what you would like in different styles, necklines, suit jackets, and even swimsuits. Most patients are concerned about going too big and then say after surgery, “I wish I had gone bigger.” I will help guide you in choosing your implant size and shape based on your chest measurements and goals. While bra size cannot be guaranteed due to manufacturing inconsistencies between brands, I will help you determine what size you will most likely be following cosmetic surgery. If you choose a size that is not common, it may be difficult to find a bra that fits you well following surgery – that is a frustration you don’t need after you have treated yourself to this procedure. During the office visit, it is best to try on several sizes, even ones that you feel are too large, to determine your upper limit. Then you will not second guess yourself after the surgery about size! Ultimately, it is your decision and it is critical that you feel comfortable with your selection.

Can breast implants cause pain years later?

If you are experiencing any pain years after your breast augmentation, it could be a sign of rupture. Contact your doctor if you experience pain or any other changes.

Can breast implants last 30 years?

Sometimes implants can hold up for 30 years, but most will last about 10 to 20 years.

Can fat be transferred to breasts?

Yes, this is known as a fat transfer breast augmentation. Fat is taken from another part of the body and inserted into the breasts.

Can I move my arms after breast augmentation?

After your procedure, you can move your arms to your comfort level.

Can you breast feed after breast augmentation

After a breast augmentation, most women will still be able to breastfeed.

Do breast implants cause autoimmune disease?

Some studies have shown that women who get breast implants have a higher risk of developing an autoimmune disease. However, breast implants will not directly cause autoimmune disease.

Do breasts sag after breast augmentation?

It will take many years for your breasts to begin to sag after a breast augmentation. Larger implants naturally tend to sag quicker than smaller ones, but regardless this issue can be corrected.

Do you have to replace breast implants every 10 years?

As long as your implants are fine there is no reason to do anything.

Does getting breast implants make you gain weight?

The only weight you can gain directly from breast augmentation is from the addition of implants to your body. Some women do experience a small weight gain after the procedure due to swelling or lack of exercise during recovery.

Is saline or silicone better?

Which one is better depends on your preferences and needs. Saline implants are for anyone who is 18 and older. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are for anyone 22 and older, and often look and feel more natural.

How long does it take for the implant to drop?

In most cases, it takes three to six months for breast implants to drop or settle into place.

When can patients start lifting or exercising?

Patients can start lightly walking immediately after surgery and resume most cardio and lifting at one month. But any heavy lifting should wait until at least six weeks after surgery after checking with your surgeon.

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants typically last for years. Most saline and silicone implants are approved by the FDA for 10-20 years.

 

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Meet Dr. Rocheford

If you’re ready to discuss your breast enhancement surgery, now is a great time to schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Heather Rocheford, a board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Twin Cities Metro area including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, and beyond. Dr. Heather Rocheford provides a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical procedures. Request a consultation online with our contact form or call Rocheford Plastic Surgery at 651-739-1100 today to schedule your appointment.