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Breast Augmentation in Charlotte, NC

Do It For You.

It’s your life. You have every right to change your appearance if it will promote your happiness and self-confidence. How a woman feels about her breasts is intensely personal. If your breast size or shape isn’t to your liking, it may be time to consider a breast augmentation to get the breasts you have always wanted.

Breast Augmentation at Premier Plastic Surgery Center

Premier Plastic Surgery Center respects that every woman has a unique vision of how ideal breasts should look.


Founder Victor Ferrari, MD, FACS, has earned his reputation as one of America’s top plastic surgeons. He combines elite-level training and experience with a deep personal commitment to his patients’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through a breast augmentation in Charlotte, he can help you achieve beautifully shaped breasts that enhance your physique.

breast augmentation Charlotte

What is Breast Augmentation?


Breast augmentation, also called breast enhancement or augmentation mammoplasty, refers to any elective surgical procedure that increases your breasts size or changes their shape. The most popular and well-known option is breast implant surgery, although natural fat injections are another way to enhance the breasts.

Women often seek to have the breast augmented to change the size or shape of the breast. During this procedure, either silicone or saline-filled implants are inserted through incisions made either under the crease of the breast, around the nipple, or through the armpit. Your implants can be placed under the breast tissue or beneath the main chest (pectoral) muscle. After breast augmentation Charlotte patients will notice that their breasts appear fuller and shapelier. Incision scars will fade over time. We have listed frequently asked questions in order to provide you with information regarding breast augmentation.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Charlotte breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Ferrari at Premier Plastic Surgery Center.

Benefits of a Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can change a woman’s life for the better by improving her appearance and boosting her self-image. Through breast implants or fat transfer at Premier Plastic Surgery, you can have fuller breasts that look more feminine and fit better in your preferred swimwear, brassieres, and clothing. Customizable implants can accomplish a wide range of goals, including:

  • Nicely defined cleavage
  • A better-fitting wardrobe
  • Increased breast projection
  • Improved body proportionality
  • Added fullness and a perkier shape

Hear What Our Patients Have To Say:

Am I a candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Ideal candidates have positive self-esteem and desire an increase in bust size for themselves and no one else.


Per the FDA, you must be at least 22 to get silicone implants and at least 18 to receive saline implants. Breast augmentation should never happen until after the breasts have fully developed. You must not present with health issues that can compromise your safety. Conditions such as diabetes, obesity, respiratory problems, or heart disease may disqualify some patients from undergoing breast augmentation.

You may be a candidate if you have any of the following:

  • Two different bra cup sizes
  • Volume loss in the upper breast pole
  • Breasts that are too small for your preference

Recipients of breast implants should be aware that:

  • Breast augmentation can, in some cases, interfere with lactation and breastfeeding.
  • Complications are rare, but may occur no matter who you choose to perform your surgery.
  • Some patients may find it difficult to get an accurate mammogram reading after receiving breast implants.
  • You will likely need an MRI three years after your surgery and every two years after that to screen for implant rupture.

Consultation and Preparation


Charlotte breast augmentation specialist, Dr. Ferrari will listen with compassion as you outline your goals and expectations. After discussing your medical history, including any family history of allergies, you may need to complete pre-surgical lab work. If you smoke, you must quit since nicotine use can lead to complications. Prior to your surgery, please refrain from taking NSAIDs or other medications and supplements that can increase bleeding. Dr. Ferrari may advise you to fill prescriptions, get fitted for a post-surgical bra, and arrange transportation and postoperative assistance.

breast augmentation Charlotte

Customizing Your Breast Augmentation


Dr. Ferrari will design a customized plan that matches your goals — along with the right surgical techniques and incision choice.

Breast Implant Size

The size of the implants are measured in volume, or cc’s. CC stands for cubic centimeter. A small implant is usually less than 250 cc. Medium implants are approximately 260 to 390 cc. The largest implants are 400 cc or more. Note that if your breasts are very small, an oversized implant may look artificial. You will need to have adequate natural breast tissue to conceal the margin of the implant. Instead of guessing what size will look good on you, allow Dr. Ferrari to help you make the decision. He is known for his artistic eye and will consider your preferences.

Combining Breast Augmentation with Breast Lift

Over time, breasts can lose their natural perkiness in addition to losing volume. If you have significant sagging, Dr. Ferrari may suggest combining breast augmentation with a breast lift. These procedures can happen the same day, so you will only endure one recovery period. In breast lift surgery, he raises the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the breast tissue, resulting in a firmer and more uplifted appearance. After elevating the breasts, Dr. Ferrari can place breast implants or perform breast fat injections to restore fullness and cleavage up top.

Types of Implants


Breast implants are not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Ferrari will work with you to make the ideal selections for your body type.

Silicone vs. Saline

Saline implants contain sterilized salt water, while silicone breast implants contain a viscous gel. Many women find that silicone implants look and feel more natural than saline. However, saline breast implants require smaller incisions, which may mean smaller scars. Ask Dr. Ferrari about newly developed hybrid implants that combine the best features of both saline and silicone implants.

Fat Transfer

Enhance Your Breasts Using Your Own Body Fat

Instead of placing an artificial prosthesis into your breasts, Dr. Ferrari may discuss breast fat transfer, which uses liposuction to remove fat from strategic areas, then injects the purified fat into your breasts. Not everyone is a candidate for this technique. Dr. Ferrari can let you know more during your consultation.

Smooth vs. Textured

Smooth implants have more freedom of movement than textured implants that adhere to the surrounding tissues. If you are concerned about implant malposition, then textured implants may be worth considering.

Teardrop vs. Round

Implants come in two different shapes. The shape of your augmented breasts may largely be determined by the implant shape you choose, especially if you have breasts on the smaller side. A round implant is a good option for those wanting added fullness at the top of their breasts. Premier Plastic Surgery also offers anatomical breast implants, also called teardrop implants. This style closely mimics the anatomical form of a natural breast for a more subtle and natural-looking result. Dr. Ferrari will help you make sense of your options so you can make the right choice.

High, Moderate, and Low Profile

Profile refers to the base width and projection of the implant. Think of it this way: A triangle with a narrow base would look taller. A triangle with a wide base would appear flatter and wider overall. Similarly, high-profile implants give the augmented breasts more forward projection, while low-profile breast implants project less. Your chest wall measurements may determine the base width of the implant that is suitable for you. After examining you, Dr. Ferrari will let you know what style he recommends.

Breast Implant Placement


Your surgeon may place the implants over or under your pectoralis major muscle.

Subglandular Placement

Subglandular implants placed over the muscle and beneath the glandular breast tissue are best for those with more natural tissue. The existing breast tissue acts as coverage to hide the implant. The implants can move naturally since they are not compressed by the muscle, just as natural breast tissue would.

Submuscular Placement

Submuscular implants may be better for those with flatter chests. By placing the implants under the pectoralis muscle, thin patients can lessen the likelihood of seeing or feeling the implant edges.

Breast Implant Incisions


Depending on the type of implants and surgical technique you and Dr. Ferrari choose, your incisions will be made either under your breasts, under your arms, or around your nipples. Dr. Ferrari is a master at limiting and hiding incisions and scars!

Transaxillary

An incision hidden near the armpit (axilla) avoids leaving scars on the breasts. While there is a limit regarding the implant sizes, it remains a popular option due to the discrete nature of the scarring. Transaxillary implant placement is also beneficial for patients with a history of keloid scarring or hyperpigmented scars. While poor scarring can occur in patients of all skin tones and backgrounds, this method is sometimes called ‘Asian Breast Augmentation’ due to its popularity among Asian women.

Inframammary

The most versatile and popular incision method involves a horizontal scar in the inframammary fold, just underneath each breast. This technique allows surgeons to insert implants of nearly any size or shape. When the inframammary scar fades, it is virtually invisible unless you look closely. As an added benefit, nearly all clothing and swimsuit styles conceal the scar.

Periareolar

This method has a circumferential incision around each areola. Periareolar incisions may only be able to accommodate silicone implants of a small-to-moderate size. This incision pattern is also an option for patients considering saline implants. The main benefit of this technique is the dark pigmentation of the areolas camouflages the resulting scars. Patients with light-colored areolas or a history of hypertrophic scarring may want to consider other options.

Trans-umbilical breast augmentation (TUBA)

While it is possible to place the implants through a tiny incision hidden in the navel, this is the least popular technique. The primary benefit is the scar is extremely well hidden and placed far away from the breasts, therefore not raising eyebrows for patients concerned about keeping their augmented breasts a secret. However, implant displacement is more likely since the surgeon cannot visualize the breast pocket as clearly as they would using other incisions. Other techniques offer similar advantages with fewer risks; thus, this method is uncommon.

Dr. Ferrari’s Technique


Augmentation mammoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure , meaning you can go home the same day. Dr. Ferrari may require an overnight stay if you undergo multiple procedures combined. The operation will take place while you are under general anesthesia. Breast augmentation surgery usually takes less than two hours.

More on Breast Augmentation Procedures from Dr. Ferrari


Results, Recovery, and Aftercare


Relax for a few days since your breasts will be swollen, tender, and firm. Bruising may also occur. Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions to ensure a shorter recovery. For example, do not lift heavy objects, take blood thinners, or drink alcohol. You may also need to wear a surgical bra for several weeks. Dr. Ferrari is available around the clock to address any questions or concerns you may have. He’ll also schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing as anticipated. In the unlikely event that you experience unexplained heat or redness near your incisions or feel unwell, contact him immediately. Note that dizziness, nausea, and chills rarely last more than 24 hours after anesthesia.

You should feel ready to return to light work duties, socializing, and driving within a few days. Your breasts will look fuller immediately, but it may take three to six months for the implants to settle within the breast pocket. This process is called the drop and fluff, and it requires patience. The next step? You may need to buy some new clothes!

Fat Transfer Recovery

Recovering from breast fat transfer is similar to what you can expect after any breast surgery. However, you may also have some burning, soreness, swelling, or bruising in the liposuction areas. Wear loose clothes and avoid putting pressure on these areas.

breast augmentation Charlotte

Why Dr. Ferrari?


Dr. Victor Ferrari is the first choice for many patients because he is board-certified and strives to deliver the best breast augmentation Charlotte offers. After two decades in practice, he possesses top-tier surgical skills and knowledge of the latest breast augmentation techniques. While there are many qualified Charlotte breast implant surgeons to choose from, Dr. Ferrari sets himself apart as a caring surgeon that treats every patient with the dignity and privacy they deserve. As Dr. Ferrari puts it, “True compassion makes for a better physician.”

Schedule Your Charlotte Breast Augmentation Consultation at Premier Plastic Surgery Center Today


Your results and satisfaction ultimately depend on your doctor’s training, technical expertise, and aesthetic eye. Premier Plastic Surgery Center founder Dr. Victor Ferrari is one of America’s elite plastic surgeons. Schedule a consultation today by calling (704)-844-8344.

Breast Augmentation FAQs


Over the years, Dr. Ferrari of Premier Plastic Surgery Center has perfected a breast augmentation procedure called “Quick Recovery Breast Augmentation”. When most surgeons perform breast augmentations, they typically utilize blunt trauma techniques to create the pocket which will accommodate the implant. As a result, there is bleeding and bruising of the tissues which causes more inflammation and therefore more pain.

Dr. Ferrari’s techniques start weeks before the surgery ever begins. First, we educate patients as to the nutritional supplements they can begin taking preoperatively to help their bodies heal faster.

Local anesthetics are injected after the patient is put to sleep, but before the surgery begins. This allows the surgery to be done with less intravenous medications which results in a decreased inflammatory response to the surgery which again, leads to less discomfort.

Dr. Ferrari performs the surgery without blunt trauma, but rather with careful and precise creation of the pockets for the implants with meticulous attention to stop any bleeding. Excess blood left in the pockets will cause more irritation of the tissues and lead to more inflammation and more soreness.

At the end of the procedure, local anesthesia is either sprayed into the pocket to assist with post-op discomfort (which lasts for a few hours) or, if you choose, a pain pump can be placed which gives pain relief for about 3 days.

These pain pumps use local anesthesia and do not cause sedation so you can be alert and have your pain controlled. As a result, many of our patients do not need to use any narcotic pain medications, thus avoiding the potential side effects of those drugs, and enjoying a quicker and more pleasant recovery.

We also encourage light activity to keep the muscles from becoming stiff and uncomfortable. A light compression ace wrap and bra are put onto your body after surgery to further reduce your post-operative swelling and tenderness. We encourage our patients to return to non-strenuous activity within 24 hours of their surgery. Most of our patients typically say that the procedure was much easier than they ever thought it would be and highly recommend it to other women. Their only regret is that they didn’t do it sooner so they could enjoy the benefits of their appearance longer!

When making this decision it is important that you consider your aesthetic goals and lifestyle.

Advantages of Under the Muscle (Submuscular) Implants

  • Saline implants typically look better under the muscle because there is more coverage of the upper part of the implant which tends to hide the edge of the implant. Also, saline implants have a higher tendency to show visible rippling and the pectoral muscle can minimize the visibility of the rippling in the cleavage area. The muscle does not cover the lateral or inferior aspects of the implant (i.e. technically called “partial submuscular”) and therefore rippling may be visible in these areas. Silicone implants can be put under or over the muscle and look good in either position.
  • Mammograms are slightly better with submuscular implants
  • Some studies show that the capsular contracture rate is slightly lower for submuscular implants when compares to the implants that are placed under the breast gland (subglandular), but other studies show no difference.
  • If the implants are placed in the subfascial plane over the muscle, then the rate for capsular contracture is about the same as under the muscle placement. At Premier Plastic Surgery Center, we have a very low capsular contracture rate (less than 3%). If capsular contractures do occur, our office has a non-invasive LASER which we can use to often times soften the capsular contractures without performing additional surgery.
  • If you do not work out your pectoral muscles, the pectoral muscle can help hold the weight of the implant allowing for less chance of sagging. If you do work out and do a lot of chest exercises, there is a good chance the implants could drift laterally and inferiorly over time due to the stretching out of the internal pocket by the pectoral muscle flexion.

Disadvantages of Under the Muscle (Submuscular) Implants

  • Post-op recovery can be more painful because the muscle gets stretched and a small portion of the muscle has to be cut. To lessen the pain, we recommend you consider getting a pain pump at the time of the surgery. The pain pump numbs the area where it is injected and can alleviate your pain for up to 3 days. The pain pump uses local anesthesia and does not cause sedation so you can still feel alert. Additionally, you will not have a need for narcotic pain medications, thus avoiding any potential side effects of those drugs.
  • When you have the implants placed under the pectoral muscle they can ride high for up to three months.
  • Whenever the muscle is flexed, your breasts will move with the muscle. Some women have indicated this breast animation is disturbing or unnatural as it has brought unwanted attention and questions regarding why their breasts move that way.
  • If you do upper body exercises such as weight lifting, resistance training, Yoga, or Pilates the pectoral muscle can stretch out the implant pocket over time and cause your implants to drift laterally and downward. Repairs for this shift require additional surgery. The implants must be removed, the implant pocket will have to be adjusted with multiple internal stitches, and new pocket will have to be created above the muscle in the subfascial plane. Some women require the removal of excess skin at the same time in order to regain a normal breast shape, which leads to additional scarring.
  • If you are a more athletic woman, we recommend you consider getting silicone implants above the muscle for the most natural look and feel.
  • Less Pain. You will not have to get the pain pump as mention above. Most patients go back to work in a few days versus a week (for under the muscle patients).
  • Quicker Recovery. When implants are placed above the muscle, the muscle does not lift the implant. Therefore there is no time spent with the breasts riding high.
  • Minimal Animation. When the pectoral muscle is flexed, there is minimal animation. Therefore, you can perform heavy chest exercises without dislodging the implants.
  • Softer Feeling. This is because in submuscular position, the pectoral muscle tone can exert constant tension on the implant making it feel firmer, but when placed above the muscle, the silicone is able to move without tension.
  • Internal Bra. The fascia above the pectoral muscle is a strong sheet of connective tissue. If we place your implants in the subfascial plane, it will act as an internal bra, preventing your implants from dropping over time.

In the 1990’s, there was some controversy as to the safety of silicone gel implants. The media portrayed silicone implants as toxic substances that were ruining women’s lives. Dow Corning decided on a $4 billion settlement instead of trying to fight the lawsuits. The FDA restricted first-time augmentation patients from getting silicone gel. However, what most people don’t realize is that the FDA did not completely ban silicone gel implants from the market. For example, if a woman had saline implants that rippled, she could get them exchanged for silicone implants; if a woman needed a breast lift along with augmentation, she could opt for silicone implants; and if a woman had breast cancer and needed reconstruction after mastectomy, she could choose silicone implants.

So, you must ask yourself; if the FDA thought silicone implants were dangerous, then why would they allow them in cancer patients? You should also ask yourself why the United States was the only country in the world to put a ban on silicone implants. The story is long and convoluted involving political and financial gain. In 2006, after the implant companies repeated all their safety studies for 10 years, the FDA re-approved silicone gel implants for women over 22 years old. They found no link between silicone implants and disease or cancer. Premier Plastic Surgery Center was one of the offices that was allowed to use silicone implants during the years they were “banned”. We submitted our data to the FDA which helped get the silicone implants re-approved for general use. Prior to 2006, about 35% of our patients chose silicone implants. Now, over 90% of our patients choose silicone because of the more natural look and feel.

Benefits of Silicone Implants

  • They look and feel more natural. Even though the implants are round, they take on more of a teardrop shape when compared to the saline implants. For small breasted women, this is particularly important. In addition, silicone implants look good under or over the pectoral muscle (see above for details). You could also choose to have an anatomic (“teardrop”) shaped implant placed which has the most natural appearance of all the implants. Some refer to this implant as the “gummy bear” because the silicone consistency is like chewing gum (and not like the old silicone which was like pudding).

Benefits of Saline Implants

  • The cost is lower and it’s easy to diagnose ruptures. The cost for saline implants is less than for silicone implants. Also, if a saline implant ruptures, your body absorbs the fluid making it obvious that you need to have a replacement. If the silicone implant ruptures, it is difficult to diagnose because the breasts look and feel the same due to the new “cohesive gel” used to fill the implants. You would need the help of a radiologist to detect a leaky silicone implant. For that reason, the FDA has recommended (but not required) that women with silicone implants undergo an MRI scan three years after surgery and every two years after that. The good news is that the new silicone implants have a cohesive gel that tends to stick together (“gummy bear”) and not migrate like the old silicone gel. Migration of the gel could cause the breasts or underarm lymph nodes to become lumpy, but there is no evidence that this caused disease or cancer.

Disadvantages of Saline Implants

  • Rippling. Saline tends to feel like a bag of water and not a natural breast. Because of this, the most saline implants are placed under the pectoral muscle to try and mask the rippling.

Thanks to general anesthesia, you will feel nothing during your procedure. Post-surgically, discomfort levels can vary. While over-the-counter drugs are usually sufficient, Dr. Ferrari can prescribe analgesics as needed.

All surgeries carry risks. Risks specific to this procedure may include:

  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant leakage or rupture
  • Shifting implant positioning
  • Breast-implant-related illness
  • Hematoma or seroma formation
  • Changes in breast or nipple sensation

Whenever any synthetic device is implanted in someone, the body will form a scar tissue capsule around the object. The good news is that this scar tissue capsule can help hold the weight of the breast implant and thereby reduce the tendency to droop over time. However, in some women (for reasons we don’t fully understand), the scar tissue capsule can shrink and squeeze the implant. We call this a “capsular contracture”. If this occurs, the breast will feel firmer and the implant typically takes on the form of a sphere. The capsular contracture can also change the shape or position of the breast implant. Typically, the implants are displaced upward. Factors that increase the risk of capsular contracture include trauma, bacterial infection, excessive blood or fluid (i.e. “hematoma” or “seroma”) in the breast pocket, smoking, and radiation.

To prevent capsular contractures, we use meticulous surgical technique to assure complete sterility and ensure that there is no bleeding at the end of the case. We also use powder-free gloves, antibiotic irrigation, and a “no touch” technique (the implant never touches the skin or surgical drapes. It is either in its sterile container or we are inserting it in the patient. Only the surgeon touches the implant; never the scrub tech or nurse.) The “cleaner” the implant, the less likely a capsular contracture will form.

Also, patients with smooth implants are instructed on how to do proper breast massages to further minimize the chance of contracture. Vitamin E along with multivitamins has also been shown to be beneficial. Finally, textured implants may reduce the likelihood of capsular contractures, but some studies failed to show any benefit.

Plan to have someone drive you home afterward. You will be sore and have some lingering mental fogginess from the anesthesia, which would make it difficult to drive defensively.

While you should be able to return to work and driving within a week, please allow six to eight weeks for a full recovery.

All surgical incisions produce scars, which tend to fade over time. Dr. Ferrari aims to make the smallest incisions possible and places them in virtually unnoticeable places, so visible scarring is unlikely to be a concern.

You may feel more comfortable sleeping on your back for the first few weeks since your chest may feel tender or sore.

Breast implants can last ten years or more, depending on your lifestyle, activity level, and wear on the implants. Some patients replace them sooner. Schedule regular MRIs to assess the condition of your implants.

Some women report a temporary change in nipple sensation after augmentation because the sensory nerves have been stretched. The nerves may take 3-12 months to fully recover from the stretch injury. About 1-2% of women do not recover sensation because their nerves were stretched so far they ruptured or were not anatomically in the right place and we damaged at the time of surgery. There is no way to tell in advance if you are at risk of losing nipple sensation permanently.

You can undergo breast augmentation at any age as long as you have allowed time for your breasts to develop fully. Dr. Ferrari only performs breast surgery on patients aged 18 or older.

Breast augmentation is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women since the operation requires general anesthesia.

Yes. Most women report that breast augmentation does not interfere with breastfeeding, but there are always outliers. If you choose to have your access incision in the underarm or at the bottom of the breast, then the breast should function normally. If you choose to have the incision around the nipple, then some of the ducts may get divided and there will be some decreased milk production, but that will not prevent you from being able to breastfeed.

Changes in nipple sensitivity are usually temporary, as it takes time for the nerves to heal. Once your neural pathways re-establish, sensation will gradually return. This process can take a few weeks to a year. It is natural to experience itching or brief shooting pains during this time. Rarely, sensation changes such as numbness are permanent.

The beauty of breast implants is that they can be swapped out should your needs change. Revision or removal procedures are available if your preferences change later in life.

Some brands of textured implants have been linked to BIA-ALCL, a rare type of cancer affecting the immune system. Dr. Ferrari only offers FDA-cleared breast implants that have passed clinical trials for safety to minimize this risk.

The breast implant cost in Charlotte can vary since it is a personalized surgery. The type of implant, surgical technique, and whether your breasts have been previously augmented tend to have the biggest impact on cost. Generally speaking, above-muscle implants cost less than implants requiring submuscular or dual-plane dissection. Saline implants are the most affordable type of breast implant. Anatomic implants may cost slightly more than round silicone implants.

We use implants from Sientra, Mentor and Allergan. All of our implants come with lifetime warranties for no additional charge. In addition, if they leak in the first ten years, the implant company will pay you certain amount of money to help offset any fees you may incur to have them replaced. We also offer upgraded warranties that will increase the reimbursement level in the first ten years. Ask our staff for more details.

Insurance rarely covers the costs associated with breast augmentation since it is an elective procedure.

Gummy bear implants are one of the options available for breast augmentation at Premier Plastic Surgery Center. The “gummy bear” term is a nickname for the teardrop-shaped, gel-based implants. They retain their shape better than other breast implants made of silicone and saline. Gummy bear implants keep their original shape even if the shell breaks due to their thicker gel. You may prefer these implants if you want more voluminous breasts without the extreme shape of saline and silicone implants. Gummy bear breast implants have silicone gel filling within a silicone shell. Compared to other silicone implants, gummy bear implants leave breasts much more naturally soft to the touch.

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