Breast Enhancement

Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants)

Award-winning, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo has years of experience helping women love their curves through expertly performed breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide, with millions of women opting to improve the size and shape of their breasts with breast implants every year—and an overwhelming majority of these women are thrilled with their decision. While breast augmentation is primarily known for increasing breast size, enlargement doesn’t have to be your primary goal—the right breast implants can add proportion and balance to your entire body, improve symmetry, correct defects like tuberous breasts, and provide a naturally beautiful shape.

In addition to offering a variety of enhancement options, Maryland plastic surgeon Dr. Garazo and his talented team understand the reasons for choosing breast augmentation are as varied as the women who choose to have the procedure. We know that your goals are personal and unique, and we will work closely with you every step of the way to develop a customized surgical plan that gives you results you’ll love.

Am I a candidate for an augmentation procedure?

In addition to medical requirements—you need to be a non-smoker in general good health who is at or near your ideal weight—one of the most important factors that makes an ideal candidate for breast augmentation is realistic expectations. In the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Garazo, breast augmentation is a relatively safe procedure that can make a huge, positive difference in your body proportions and self-confidence, within reason.

Dr. Garazo believes the key to an optimal outcome is found at the crossroads of a patient’s desired results and a surgeon’s expert recommendation. During your consultation, Dr. Garazo will listen to your concerns and goals with breast augmentation. He’ll then take measurements of your body and chest wall and recommend a breast implant type and size he thinks will best complement your figure in a natural way. Going too big can give you an unnatural, disproportionate look, while going too small may result in you feeling unsatisfied with your results.

Breast augmentation can be a great choice if any of the following apply to you:

• You’ve always had a smaller bust and hope to improve your proportions and better fill out clothing.
• You’ve noticed your breasts look deflated or lack upper-pole fullness after pregnancy, weight loss, or natural aging (you may benefit from breast lift with implants)
• You are generally happy with your breast size but want a more shapely, symmetrical look.

Breast & body enhancement

Breast augmentation surgery is often combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures as well, such as abdominoplasty or liposuction for a full body makeover. During your free consultation, Dr. Garazo will help determine if your aesthetic goals can be safely achieved by combining certain procedures. Learn more about what to expect during your consultation here.

“I cannot say enough about my experience with Dr. Garazo and his staff. Coming in, I felt extremely awkward as I looked into getting a breast augmentation. They were extremely professional and handled my feelings with great care! From the first consultation to the final results, I am beyond thrilled. I would highly recommend Dr. Garazo and his staff for any of your plastic surgery needs. For those out there like myself, feeling too self-conscious to even ask, this is the office and doctor for you. The entire office runs like a family unit. I felt cared for by each person individually.” – Real patient review

Saline vs. Silicone breast implants

Many women begin considering saline vs. silicone breast implants early on in their breast augmentation research. Both saline and silicone breast implants are FDA-approved and have various advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to meet with a qualified surgeon and learn about both options to determine which type is best for you.

Why consider a saline breast implant

Saline breast implants are composed of a strong, flexible silicone outer shell that is filled after placement with sterile saline solution. Until the last 15 years or so, most breast augmentation surgery used saline implants. While silicone gel implants have replaced them in popularity, they can still be a good fit for patients who prefer a more natural implant filling and have enough natural breast tissue to camouflage any rippling. A saline implant will typically cost less than silicone gel and are slightly firmer and heavier than a silicone implant.

Why consider a silicone breast implant

Silicone breast implants are favored by a large number of patients for the natural look and feel they offer. These implants come pre-filled with cohesive silicone gel inside of a flexible silicone outer shell. While silicone implants usually require a slightly larger incision, many women feel this is worth the benefit of a very natural look. Silicone implants are a great option for patients who want a very natural look regardless of how much natural breast tissue they have.

Additional factors to consider

While breast implant type is an important decision, there are many other factors that will impact your final look, such as size, shape, and projection—and all of these factors play together to create the look you want. Learn more about implant types, shapes, and styles here.

Recovery after augmentation surgery

Part of preparing yourself for your breast surgery is understanding what the recovery process entails.

Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised to find their breast augmentation recovery is not as long or uncomfortable as they assumed. After your surgery, you’ll spend some time in recovery as you stabilize after anesthesia—and then you’ll be able to leave the surgery center and rest in your own home. You’ll need a designated driver and a little help around the house that first night as the effects of anesthesia wear off. While there will be some discomfort, most patients find they can switch to OTC pain relievers within just a few days. Some swelling, tenderness, and bruising are normal, and your surgeon may recommend intermittent icing for your comfort.

If you have a non-strenuous job, you should be able to go back to work within a few days if you’re feeling up to it. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and exercise will need to be avoided until you get permission from your surgeon, typically around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. While you’ll notice an immediate increase in your breast size, it can take a year or more for your breast implants to fully settle into their permanent position.

Frequently asked questions about breast enlargement

• How much does breast augmentation cost in Maryland?
• Where are breast augmentation incisions made?
• Will my implants affect breastfeeding?

How much does breast augmentation cost in Maryland?

The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on any special considerations, anesthesia time, etc. The final cost of your procedure will depend on a few factors, including the type of implants you choose.

The total cost of surgery will include:

• Your breast implants
• Dr. Garazo’s surgeon’s fee
• All of your pre- and post-operative visits
• Operating room time and supplies in our AAAASF accredited surgery center
• Anesthesia
• Post-surgical bra

After your consultation with Dr. Garazo, we’ll provide you with a surgery fee quote with your exact price. In addition to accepting cash, check, and card, we also work with CareCredit for plastic surgery financing.

Where are the breast incisions made?

• Inframammary Incision: Breast augmentation incisions are most commonly made in the natural crease under the breast, known as the inframmamary fold.  This not only allows your surgeon good access to the breast cavity without going through breast tissues, it also leaves patients with an inconspicuous scar that is naturally hidden in the shadow of the breast along natural contours. Dr. Garazo almost exclusively uses this technique.
• Peri-Areolar Incision: This incision is made around the outer edge of the nipple areolar complex, typically along the lower half, where it will be naturally camouflaged by the pigmentation of the areola.

Will my implants affect breastfeeding?

Breast implants may affect breastfeeding in some cases, but this depends on the type of implant and procedure used. Implant placement above the muscle is more likely to interfere with breastfeeding than placement below the muscle. You may also experience issues when breastfeeding if your nipples were surgically changed or moved during the procedure. If there is a chance that you may eventually become pregnant, it is important to discuss this with your surgeon beforehand so they can decide what type of implants and surgical technique is best for you.

Ready to get the curves you deserve? Board certified plastic surgeon Frederick plastic surgeon Dr. Henry F. Garazo has been helping women look and feel their best through breast augmentation for over 20 years. He is highly regarded for his no-pressure approach, informative patient consultations, and skill at safely and effectively helping patients meet their goals. Before and after photos of Dr. Garazo’s cosmetic surgery patients are available on our website, as well as patient testimonials. If you are considering breast enlargement, Dr. Garazo invites you to schedule a FREE consultation at Plastic Surgery Services by contacting us online or calling (301) 791-1800.