Breast Augmentation at Criswell & Criswell
Whether genetics, age, or other changes in the body are responsible for unhappiness about the look or size of your breasts, breast augmentation can help provide the round, shapely breasts you desire. Breast augmentation can enhance the feminine physique and achieve a larger size, better shape, and appealing curve.
The decision to undergo breast surgery is personal, as breast augmentation may be desired for a number of reasons, including asymmetry, breast changes due to weight loss or pregnancy, and more. At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, we can help you achieve more flattering, natural-looking breast contours with expert surgical precision and the highest standard of care.
What is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a popular cosmetic surgery used to enhance the size of the breasts. Most commonly, breast augmentation is performed with the use of saline or silicone breast implants, which are customized to the individual’s preferences. Breast augmentation can also be done using a process called fat transfer, which involves removing excess fat from a different part of the body and injecting it into the breasts.
Who is a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Women who would like to restore breast volume or enhance their breast size and shape are typically candidates for breast augmentation in Charlotte, NC. Breast augmentation surgery is achieves fuller, more shapely breasts. Ideal candidates for breast augmentation should meet the following general requirements for the surgery:
- Are in good health, both physically and mentally
- Feel their breasts are too small
- Breasts are sagging, deflated or uneven
- Do not smoke
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have realistic expectations about what breast augmentation can achieve
- Do not have any active infections
- Over the age of 18 (or 22 for silicone implants)
What are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
If you’re unsatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, breast augmentation could provide you with some or all of the following benefits:
- Enhanced breast size
- Improved breast shape
- Improved breast symmetry
- More youthful-looking breasts
- Increased self-confidence
- Restored breast volume after pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or certain medical conditions
- Increased wardrobe options
- Long-lasting results
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Dr. Kara & Brian Criswell on Gummy Bear Breast Implants
It’s Your Choice: Silicone or Saline Implants
Every woman wants to feel that her breasts fit her body. For some women, that perfect picture may be of small, firm breasts. For others, it might be a look of voluptuousness that fills out their natural curves. No matter what look you would like see, there is a type of breast implant that can transform your shape.
During your consultation for a breast augmentation in Charlotte, the size of the breast implants that will be placed is always discussed. A recommendation for breast implant size is made by one of the board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Bryan Criswell or Dr. Kara Criswell. You and the surgeon will work together to ensure your goals are met.
Silicone Implants
Silicone breast implants are the traditional type of implants used for breast augmentation. These implants feature a silicone shell filled with silicone gel, and they’re known for their natural look and feel. However, if silicone breast implants leak, it can pose slightly more of a risk than a leaking saline implant. Silicone implants can only be used for patients who are over the age of 22.
Learn More about Silicone ImplantsSaline Implants
Saline implants also feature a silicone shell, but instead of silicone gel, they’re filled with saline solution. Typically, saline implants do not provide quite as natural of a look or feel when compared to silicone implants. However, when saline implants leak, the saline is simply absorbed and expelled by the body. Saline implants can be used for patients who are over the age of 18.
Learn More about Saline ImplantsGummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants, also called form-stable implants, are breast implants known for maintaining their shape even when the shell is broken. Gummy bear implants contain a thicker silicone gel than traditional silicone implants, which makes them firmer and more durable. These implants are tapered near the top and have more projection at the bottom, giving them the shape of a teardrop.
Breast Augmentation Surgery Includes:
- Breast lift
- Breast enhancement
- Breast contouring
Breast augmentation surgery can be customized to suit each patient’s needs. During the initial consultation stage of the breast augmentation process, patients’ concerns will be addressed, including implant selection and desired breast size.
The plastic surgeons at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery offer a choice of breast implants, including the new, more natural silicone gel breast implants and traditional saline breast implants. Whether you want to enhance the size of your breasts, restore breast volume following pregnancy or weight loss, or restore shapeliness and symmetry, breast augmentation can help.
Recovery and Care
Immediately following your surgery, the first step is to relax in our recovery room, overseen by our licensed registered nurse. You can remain there until you are fully awake, at which point you will be released to go home. Transportation should be arranged beforehand, as you will not be permitted to drive for 24 hours following the surgery.
While we recommend waiting a full week before returning to work, some patients are able to do it in 5 or 6 days, provided the work does not require physical strain. Normal bras and bikini tops may be worn once two weeks have passed. Exercise and any sort of strenuous activity are prohibited for the first five days following surgery. Light exercise may be resumed at this point, but more vigorous physical activity should not take place until three weeks since surgery.
Your relationship with our office is not over once the procedure is complete. For the weeks and months following the surgery, we are at your disposal—you are more than welcome to call whenever you like with any questions or concerns. Additionally, there will be several follow up appointments with your surgeon to check on the healing process. This will include information regarding breast health, including self-examination, exercise, sleeping habits and any future need for imaging or mammography. For more information, check out our useful patient education guide.
Why Should You Choose Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery For Breast Augmentation
Criswell & Criswell are a husband and wife team of board-certified plastic surgeons dedicated to achieving superior results in breast augmentation. They strive to stay on the leading edge of breast augmentation techniques. They have created an exclusive environment that is welcoming and relaxing. Choosing Criswell & Criswell is a natural choice, as they have the artistry and techniques that will give confidence that your breast augmentation will be a success, and will enhance your life experience. Schedule a consultation today for one of the best breast augmentations Charlotte, NC has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation
What Happens During Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Considered an outpatient procedure, breast augmentation surgery involves placing either silicone breast implants or saline breast implants behind the breasts. Breast augmentation surgery may also include a breast lift, which involves gently lifting sagging breasts and skin for a perkier appearance.
During this procedure, the areola can also be reshaped to achieve symmetry or a specific size. Another important aspect of breast augmentation surgery is breast contouring, which can add or remove breast tissue in strategically selected areas to restore symmetry and balance to the breasts.
Are there any risks involved?
With any invasive surgery, there are always potential risks. When you are under the care of our highly-rated, board-certified surgeons at Criswell & Criswell, you can be confident we focus on patient health and safety. Risks from surgery include infection, capsular contracture (uncomfortable scarring around the breast implant), or other rare complications. We strive to ensure our patients achieve genuinely superior results in every augmentation we perform.
Will I Have Scars From My Breast Augmentation?
Our plastic surgeons strive to ensure the most precise and discreet placement of your incisions to reduce their visibility, and for most patients, the scars fade over time. While we are sensitive to aesthetic concerns, breast augmentation is surgery, so it’s impossible to perform the procedure without any scarring.
How Much Bigger can Breast Augmentation Make My Breasts?
The knowledgeable plastic surgeons at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery can increase your bust size by one or more bra cup sizes. During your consultation, you can discuss your desired cup size with Dr. Kara Criswell or Dr. Bryan Criswell, and trust that they will provide you with guidance based on their aesthetic and surgical expertise.
Can I Still Get a Mammogram?
Yes. In fact, we recommend that you continue to get regular mammograms. Just make sure that you inform the technician that you’ve had breast augmentation surgery prior to your mammogram.
Do I Need to Have My Breast Augmentation Surgery At the Hospital?
No. Breast enhancement surgery does not require a hospital stay. Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery has a dedicated plastic surgery center. It’s fully Quad A-accredited and designed to provide the state-of-the-art technology, warmth and comfort our patients have come to expect of Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery.
Will I Be Able to Breastfeed if I Get Breast Augmentation Surgery?
For most patients, our breast augmentation surgery does not hinder the ability to breastfeed. However, if your breasts are lifted or reduced in size, there is a small chance that it might be more difficult to breastfeed. Most women do not experience difficulties with this, though.
How Much Downtime is Involved After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Because this is performed as an outpatient procedure, you should be able to return home a few hours after your breast surgery. A few days after your breast surgery, you should be able to return to work or your regular day-to-day activities. Soreness and swelling is common for up to two weeks following breast surgery, though every patient is different so you may feel these side effects for a longer or shorter period of time. We will provide specific care instructions and prescribe medications to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection.
How Do I Know if Breast Augmentation Surgery is Right For Me?
You can expect only the best care and results from our plastic surgeons at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, NC.
Learn more about arguably the best breast augmentation NC has to offer by calling us today to schedule a consultation and talk with one of our plastic surgeons. You can also fill out our convenient online contact form to get started by scrolling down and clicking "Schedule a Consultation". During your consultation, expect to review medical history, your goals, and any concerns or questions you may have.
How long do breast implants usually last?
Breast implants do not have an expiration date, but most come with a 10-year warranty, and typically last longer. Breast implants may need to be replaced under certain conditions:
- An implant has ruptured
- You want a smaller or larger size implant
- You have had your implants for many years and want to replace them
- You need revision surgery to correct a complication, such as capsular contracture
- You are unhappy with the look of your breasts after augmentation surgery
- The implants have shifted and are uneven on the chest wall
Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19
Your health, safety, and wellbeing is our top priority.
Our office is open, and we are excited to be providing you with select services! Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery is leading the way in Charlotte and the South East region with our cutting edge technology, and continued safety measures We appreciate the trust you place in us and wish to assure you we are addressing the COVID-19 outbreak at the highest level to continue to ensure you enjoy an exceptional experience.
Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery is committed to taking proactive precautions, grounded in science, to provide the highest level of quality care to our patients. In addition to our already stringent policies, our office has implemented strict protocols and procedures based on the recommendations of The American Society of Plastic Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service Task Force, and the CDC. All staff members and surgical patients have tested negative for COVID-19 meaning our Quad A certified surgical suite is among the safest centers in the region.
We strive to consistently provide you with cutting edge technology for an exceptional patient experience. Our practice offers virtual consultations which you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Our virtual consultation process ensures you have ample time to have your questions answered and spend time getting to know your physician. You can also enjoy full access to your skincare specialist, nurses, and Patient Coordinators through virtual visits.
We know everyone is very busy and your time is valuable. Our in-person visits are designed with you in mind to keep your wait times short, and your in-room time effective and focused on your goals so we can get you back to your life.
We are privileged to serve you at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery and are here to support you during these uncertain times.
Sincerely and with warm regards,
Bryan K. Criswell M.D., F.A.C.S.
Kara K. Criswell M.D., F.A.C.S.