Breast Augmentation Explained With Dr. Michael Niccole

What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves enhancing the size of the breasts by placing a device, whether an implant or some of the patient's own stem cells and body fat, inside the breast underneath the muscle.

What Can Breast Augmentation Do For Me?

Breast augmentation can:

• Enhance the size of your breasts
• Correct asymmetry if your breasts are uneven in size or shape
• Restore volume to breasts that are sagging and deflated
• Make you feel better about your appearance

What Types of Implants Are Available?

There are silicone and saline implants. An experienced surgeon can advise you on the type and size that's best suited to you based on your size and body composition, and the results you're looking for.

Dr. Niccole personally prefers the newer silicone implants for their durability and natural look and feel.

What Should I Look for In A Plastic Surgeon?

Dr. Niccole stresses the importance of doing your homework when choosing a plastic surgeon. He recommends:

• Choosing a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery
• Reading reviews and asking for referrals
• Visiting the office to ensure it's clean and organized
• Choosing a surgeon with a good demeanor

What Questions Should I Ask During the Consultation?

The consultation is your opportunity to ask any questions you have and Dr. Niccole says you “should ask a lot of questions."

Here are some things to ask:

• How much does the procedure cost and why?
• Do I have to come up with all of the money at once?
• How many breast augmentations have you performed?
• Can you give me the results I want?

Dr. Niccole has an imaging system that takes a photo of you and lets him show you what the enhancement can do for you. Ask if this is offered by the surgeon you're considering.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Surgery Cost?

Experience and location play a role in how much a plastic surgeon charges for breast augmentation. Breast augmentation can cost anywhere from around $6,000 to $15,000.

What Are The Potential Risks of Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Like with any surgery, breast augmentation carries the risk of infection and complications from anesthesia, though these are rare. There's also a small risk that your body will have a reaction to the implant, resulting in the formation of hard scar tissue.

Being healthy, disclosing your medical history to your surgeon, and choosing a reputable plastic surgeon minimizes the risks.

How Should I Prepare for Breast Augmentation Surgery?

You will be told which medications to avoid in preparation for surgery and will need to arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and stay with you for a few hours until the anesthesia has worn off. Stocking up on meals and anything you need during recovery ahead of time is a good idea.

What Can I Expect During Recovery From Breast Augmentation?

Following the aftercare instructions you're provided is crucial for your healing and your results. This will include avoiding strenuous activities.

Some other important points about recovery:

• You may be able to return to work within three or four days as long as your job is not physically demanding.
• You can't drive until you've stopped taking pain medication as it can make you drowsy.
• Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments; Dr. Niccole likes to see his patients the day after surgery and a week later.

CareCredit Financing for Breast Augmentation

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for Breast Augmentation and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. She's written extensively on physical and mental health conditions and treatments, as well as fitness, beauty, and relationships. She's best known for her empathetic and informative pieces for Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today, and more.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Michael Niccole is the Medical Director of CosmetiCare Plastic Surgery Center & MedSpa in Corona Del Mar, California, which he founded in 1982. He has been practicing medicine for 48 years and received his undergraduate education from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He received his medical education from the University of California Irvine, where he also performed his residency in General Surgery and Otolaryngology. Dr. Niccole performed his residency in Plastic Surgery at University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, and specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, nose, and body.

He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery. He was voted OC Weekly's "Best Cosmetic Surgeon" for multiple years and the Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Man of the Year" in 2008 for donating his plastic surgery skills to help those in need.