We interview Dr. Brian M Kinney MD about this topic. Learn more about Dr. Brian Kinney and his experience with Breast Augmentation.
Q: How do I find a doctor who specializes in Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Brian Kinney: While many people search the internet for smaller procedures, deciding to undergo a breast augmentation is a major decision. You may search the internet, review pictures of before and after surgery, and scan various websites, but realize that many patients prefer privacy and don’t post comments or pictures online, especially those who desire the natural, subtle or “not done” look. Remember too, on websites there may be a number of people who are unhappy and much more likely to post than those who are happy. Weigh the pros and cons accordingly. Finding pictures of someone like you who has a result you like can be very helpful. Often computer imaging is available in the doctor’s office. Be aware of many doctors who claim special techniques or Board Certification from any organization other than the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is the original organization in place since 1937, while others are late newcomers, post 1990, since the surge of interest in cosmetic surgery.
For better information than the internet, ask your general doctor, your OB/Gyn or ask friends if they have a referral.
Q: Should I have more than one consultation for Breast Augmentation?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Yes, you may choose to have two or three consultations with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, one who has been referred by a friend or doctor. Generally having four, five or more consultations will not add much value. If you are comfortable with your first consultation, have a good friend who underwent a procedure in the office or if the doctor was highly referred, additional consultations are not essential.
Q: Do I qualify for a Breast Augmentation?
Brian Kinney MD: During your consultation, the doctor will take a thorough medical history, examine you and determine if you are a good candidate. The shape, size, consistency and health of your breasts are important. So is a personal history of breast feeding, breast cysts, lumps, cancer or birth conditions that affect the growth of the breasts. Reasonable, anatomically defined are crucial
You should ask a number of questions because this is a procedure that changes your body profoundly. Are you in a comfortable, happy state in your life (no recent divorce, job loss, death in the family, psychotherapy, sleep problems, excessive stress, for example)? Are you actually thinking this procedure is going to be a big breakthrough for you (get a promotion, become a famous actor or actress, become the best looking in your school, work, social circle)? Are the goals of your procedure generally acceptable and common in practice? Is it experimental or the latest, newest, “hottest” procedure (be cautious, especially if the doctor is promoting it heavily in the media)? Is it straightforward to perform surgically and relatively risk-free (do not always go for the risky, big change)? Will it put undue financial strain on you (too much time off work, too expensive)? Can you afford the loss of privacy if others notice your change?
Q: Should I do any kind of treatment before a Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Brian Kinney: Generally, good health, physical condition, height and weight are important. A commitment to nutrition, diet and exercise will enhance the results. Herbal formulas, supplements and over the counter “miracles” do not significantly enlarge or shape the breasts, in spite of the temptation to conclude otherwise.
Q: What risks can occur if pain medication is taken two days prior to a Breast Augmentation?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Some pain medications contain ingredients from compounds like aspirin, Motrin, Nuprin, Advil or Aleve that will cause the blood not to clot and thus cause excessive bleeding, bruising, and poor healing. It is necessary to stop these for 7-14 days before surgery. Please check with your plastic surgeon or general doctor.
Q: How long does a Breast Augmentation surgery take?
Brian Kinney MD: In a very straightforward case, perhaps the surgery will be an hour. In most cases, it will be between one and two hours, while difficult “redos” or reconstructive cases may take as much as three or more.
Q: When can I go back to day-to-day activities after a Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Brian Kinney: Arm movements need to be limited for a few days, but you can go back to work in about 4-5 days, sometimes in a shorter time. Over the muscle (under the breast) patients generally have less pain and return to activities more quickly. When implants are placed under the muscles, the muscle is stretched to make room for the implant. Therefore, it is a “pulled muscle” and this may require several weeks of healing before returning to strenuous activities.
Q: Is icing important after Breast Augmentation?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Yes, for the first couple of days, it always makes a difference. The more ice is applied the sooner the bruising, swelling and tenderness will resolve. Being good at following post-operative instructions in the early days makes a big difference for the healing weeks later.
Q: What are average Breast Augmentation prices?
Brian Kinney MD: They range from 5,000.00 to 15,000.00 depending on how involved the procedure will be. At the low end perhaps, there is a simple straightforward procedure in a first time operation. At the high end, the procedure may include substantial removal of capsular contracture, scar revision, reconstruction and reshaping the breast mound, utilization of advanced, newer implant designs or rarely, two-staged procedures.
Some centers will include just the surgeon’s fee in the quote, while others will include all costs like the operating room, implants, anesthesia, medicine and supplies.
Q: Will I need to stay in an aftercare facility post Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Brian Kinney: Most likely, you will not. Going home is generally acceptable. It all depends on the patient.
Q: What will I feel after breast augmentation surgery?
Doctor Brian Kinney: This is one of the happiest operations in all of plastic surgery. Patients generally awaken from anesthesia with minimal or no pain because the doctor injects local anesthetic in the area. The result is immediately obvious.
You will experience mild to moderate pain for 24-48 hours with swelling that usually peaks during the first half of the week before slowly subsiding over the next week or so. Most patients will stop taking pain medicines within three to five days.
Q: How long will my recovery time be after breast augmentation?
Brian Kinney MD: In general, your healing will have the following pattern:
- Three to five days for the initial bruising and obvious swelling to subside,
- Two weeks to start to see the moderate changes and for the shape to appear well,
- Three months to be mostly healed and have a preview of the final results and
- One year or more to be experience the subtle, final effects.
Q: What kind of scarring if any will I have after breast augmentation?
Dr. Brian Kinney: Minimal scarring will be noticeable, but a small percentage of patients will choose a scar revision, generally less than five percent.
Q: Will I see results immediately after breast augmentation?
Doctor Brian Kinney: The good news is the results are visible immediately! This means patients are happy almost all the time from day one. With a facelift, it is the opposite and this is not true. Patients must be assured the swelling will go down. It is not necessary to explain your postoperative course in this way after breast implant surgery. Patients often do not realize their result, which thrills them early, will actually improve as weeks and months pass by. At first, the breast do not move as naturally as they will later, but often the excitement of the new shape and size takes center stage until natural movement gradually returns as the surgical swelling diminishes.