Breast Augmentation FAQs

Breast augmentation can be a complex procedure. As you research and prepare for your own procedure, you’ll have many decisions to make: What kind of implants are best? Where will they be situated? How can you maintain your results in the long term? These kinds of questions are common. The surgeons at Portland Plastic Surgery Group encourage their breast augmentation patients to be educated and informed, so they have compiled a list of the most common questions asked by their breast augmentation patients in Portland, Oregon.

If your question isn’t answered here, or if you’d like to meet with us, request a consultation online, or call our office at (503) 292-9200.

Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?

The best breast augmentation results occur when the patient’s breasts have fully developed. This process is usually complete once a woman reaches her early 20s. Heredity and hormones can determine how much and when a woman’s breasts develop. Sometimes, patience pays off!

Besides being old enough, Portland Plastic Surgery Group recommends that their breast augmentation patients in Portland, OR be in good physical and mental health. A positive, realistic outlook for surgery is vital to obtaining the best results. Patients should also be nonsmokers who are fully committed to following their post-op instructions. Rushing into activity too soon after a breast augmentation can alter the results.

How much does breast augmentation cost in Portland?

At Portland Plastic Surgery Group, the cost for a breast augmentation starts at $8,010 which includes our surgeon’s fee, the cost of implants, the cost of garments needed after your surgery, the surgery facility’s fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, and CosmetAssure insurance for your procedure.

The costs associated with a breast augmentation may increase based on the complexity of your surgery, the amount of time needed for the operation, and the implants that you choose which is why it is so challenging for us to provide a cost estimate before we meet you. Silicone and saline implants are similar in cost, but there are several options for you to choose from and each option varies in price. A personalized surgery quote will be provided at your consultation after you and your surgeon have determined your surgical plan.

Which type of implant is best?

Saline and silicone breast implants are approved for use in the U.S., and they both have advantages. Some women choose silicone because they believe it creates a more natural look and feel, while other women opt for saline to avoid adding unnecessary chemicals to their bodies. It’s also easier to notice when a saline implant ruptures, while a silicone rupture is not immediately evident. Rupture is rare in both kinds, though.

Both saline and silicone implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Your surgeon can help you determine which implant will be most compatible with your lifestyle and desired results.

What will my scars look like?

Most surgeries create some degree of scarring, and breast augmentation is no different. Women receiving breast implants in Portland have several options for incision sites, including the armpit. Which incision you will have is dependent on factors such as implant placement and your own anatomy.

In most cases, your scars will not be visible in regular clothes or swimwear. Following your post-op instructions and practicing good sun protection habits will further diminish the long-term appearance of scars.

Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast augmentation?

Many women are pleasantly surprised to learn that breast implants do not automatically restrict them from breastfeeding in the future. Provided that the nipple is not affected by the incision, breastfeeding is usually possible, and the presence of breast implants has not been shown to affect the quality of milk.

It’s important to discuss your options with your doctor prior to your surgery, especially if you’d like to breastfeed in the future. He or she can develop a surgical plan that preserves the anatomical structures necessary for breastfeeding.

Doctors of Portland Plastic Surgery Group

Five Providers, One Goal

Combining artistry with the science of medicine, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Shannon O'Brien, Dr. H. Daniel Zegzula, Dr. Kyle Baltrusch, and Dr. Austin Hayes, and Colleen Phillips, PA-C serve women and men in Portland.

*Dr. Zegzula and Dr. O'Brien are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons

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What are the potential risks associated with breast augmentation?

All surgeries carry inherent risks, such as infection, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthetic. When performed by a properly trained, board-certified surgeon, these risks are minimized.

There are some risks and complications that are specific to breast augmentation. You may have heard of capsular contracture, a condition that occurs when excessive scar tissue develops around the implant. Capsular contracture can cause the breasts to feel hard and uncomfortable.

Another potential complication is sometimes referred to as “bottoming out,” which occurs when an implant shifts lower than it was originally placed, resulting in a misshapen breast.

Though these complications are not life-threatening, they generally require additional surgery to correct them. Your doctor will ensure you are fully informed of your risk potential before you undergo your breast augmentation.

How long will my breast augmentation results last?

With proper care, the results of your breast augmentation can look beautiful for many years. However, breast implants are not permanent. Implant manufacturers assign implants an average “lifespan” of 15 years, though yours may vary depending on your lifestyle and other factors.