Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammaplasty)
Award-winning, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry Garazo has years of experience helping women love their curves through expertly performed breast augmentation
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.
“I searched for a doctor that I felt comfortable with for at least 8 months before finding Dr Garazo and his wonderful team in Hagerstown MD. I had breast augmentation that turned out beautifully. I had support and care from first appointment all the way through to complete healing and beyond. I received multiple phone calls during recovery checking on my progress. I cannot say enough about the amazing experience and professionalism I have received. I have been in the office several times and Dr. Garazo always makes sure he checks in personally with his patients. Just WOW!!!”
—Real patient review
Candidates for a breast 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 augmentation incisions
- 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.
“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 Dr. Garazo prefers 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.
Dr. Garazo’s implant of choice: Natrelle gummy gel implant
Natrelle® INSPIRA gummy bear breast implants are comprised of a firm silicone outer shell that is pre-filled with high-strength, highly cohesive silicone gel. They are available in several round options as well as a variety of profiles, and, just like traditional silicone gel implants, their size, base shape, and projection can be all be customized to achieve your preferred look. Learn more about the benefits of gummy bear implants here.
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.
Combined 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.
“Dr. Garazo and his team couldn’t have been more professional, kind and dedicated. Their professionalism blew me out of the water and their knowledge outweighed my expectations. I felt comfortable as I went through the surgery and recovery process. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Garazo and his staff if you are considering a breast augmentation.”
—Real patient review
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Enhanced Breast Volume: Breast augmentation can significantly increase the size of the breasts, fulfilling the desire for a fuller bustline.
- Improved Breast Symmetry: The procedure can correct asymmetrical breasts, making them more symmetrical and proportionate to the rest of the body.
- Restoration After Pregnancy or Weight Loss: Breast augmentation can restore breast volume and shape that may have been lost due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss.
- Corrected Congenital Breast Defects: The procedure can also correct congenital breast defects, providing a more typical appearance of the breasts.
- Anesthesia: Medication used to prevent pain during surgery; breast augmentation usually requires general anesthesia.
- Breast Implants: Medical devices placed in the breast to enhance size and shape. They can be filled with saline solution or silicone gel.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): A surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. It can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation to improve breast position and shape.
- Capsular Contracture: A complication where the scar tissue around the implant tightens, potentially causing discomfort and altering the breast’s appearance; it may require surgery to correct.
- Compression Garments: Specialized clothing worn after breast surgery to reduce swelling, support the breasts during healing, and help the skin conform to the new breast shape.
- Gummy Bear Implants: A nickname for form-stable, highly cohesive silicone gel breast implants that maintain their shape even when the implant shell is broken, similar to the consistency of gummy bear candies.
- Incision: The surgical cut made to insert the breast implant. Common incision sites include under the breast fold (inframammary), around the nipple (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary).
- Mammogram: A specialized X-ray used to detect breast cancer. Women with breast implants may require modified mammogram techniques.
- Mastectomy: The surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely, often due to cancer. Breast augmentation can be part of reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy.
- Periareolar: Referring to the area around the nipple; a periareolar incision is made around the edge of the areola for breast augmentation.
- Profile: The projection of the breast implant from the chest wall, available in low, moderate, high, and extra high profiles to achieve different aesthetic results.
- Recovery Time: The period required for healing after surgery. For breast augmentation, patients typically return to work within a week but may need several weeks for full recovery and to resume strenuous activities.
- Saline Implants: Breast implants filled with sterile salt water. If the implant shell leaks, the saline is absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
- Silicone Implants: Breast implants filled with silicone gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue. If the implant leaks, the gel may remain within the implant shell or escape into the breast implant pocket.
- Subglandular Placement: Placement of breast implants above the chest muscles but beneath the breast tissue, often used to achieve a more natural movement for women with adequate natural breast tissue.
- Submuscular Placement: Placement of breast implants beneath the pectoral muscle, which can provide a more natural contour and reduce the risk of certain complications.
- Textured Implants: Breast implants with a rough surface designed to minimize movement within the breast. Recent concerns about associations with a rare form of cancer (BIA-ALCL) have led to decreased use and regulatory scrutiny.
Breast enlargement FAQs
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 Quad-A 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.
Will my breast implants feel natural?
Most women feel like their breasts look and feel natural after augmentation, especially when they choose the right implant size and type for their goals. Silicone implants are favored for their natural feel and placing the implant under the chest muscles helps the implants appear more like natural breast volume and shape.
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.
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants are safe and incredibly durable: many last 10-20 years, but some may need to be replaced sooner due to complications or cosmetic reasons.
What is the difference between submuscular and subglandular placement?
Submuscular placement is under the chest muscle, which can provide a more natural look and potentially less risk of capsular contracture. Subglandular placement is above the muscle, which may allow for a quicker recovery.
What size implants should I choose?
You should choose your implant size should be chosen based on your body frame, breast tissue, and desired outcome. Dr. Garazo will guide you every step of the way and explain which options will work best for you.
What is a breast lift, and do I need one with my augmentation?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises sagging breasts to sit naturally higher on the chest. If breast implants alone will not be enough to raise your breast tissue, Dr. Garazo will explain how a breast lift with implants will achieve ideal fullness and a perkier breast position.
Are there alternatives to implants for breast augmentation?
Fat transfer, which uses fat from other parts of your body, is an alternative but the results are less predictable and only provide a subtle boost in volume and shape.
Will I have visible scars after breast augmentation?
It depends on where Dr. Garazo places your breast augmentation incisions; however, most scars are nearly invisible when patients follow all aftercare instructions.
How long does the breast augmentation procedure take?
The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours, but you’ll spend a little time in our recovery room to let the anesthesia wear off.
What kind of anesthesia is used during breast augmentation?
Dr. Garazo performed breast surgeries under general anesthesia for your safety and comfort.
Will breast augmentation affect mammograms?
They shouldn’t; simply inform your radiologist that you have implants so they can take additional images to view all tissues surrounding the implants.
What are the signs of implant complications?
Signs include pain, swelling, lumps, changes in shape, or asymmetry. In the first few weeks of healing, you may notice some differences between each breast—this is totally normal and no cause for alarm. Your breasts will even out and “drop and fluff” as they settle into their final shape and position. You’ll also attend follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing and verify you’re progressing as expected. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon greatly reduces your risk of uncommon, adverse reactions.
Meet Dr. Henry Garazo
Dr. Garazo is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience offering aesthetic procedures in the greater Hagerstown, MD area. Known for his thorough, expert, and friendly care, Dr. Garazo is a 6x winner of “Best Plastic Surgeon” in the Herald-Mail Tri-State’s Best Community’s Choice Awards. He prides himself on offering comprehensive, informative consultations and ensures every patient always meets personally with him.
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. 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.
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