Breast Augmentation: A Guide to Options and Costs

Choosing breast augmentation involves more than comparing implant sizes online. A result that looks balanced on one person may not suit another person’s proportions, skin, or breast tissue. During a consultation, your surgeon will assess your anatomy and discuss saline or silicone implants, fat transfer, incision locations, placement, and whether a lift may be appropriate. You will also need to consider recovery, future pregnancies, weight changes, implant monitoring, and the possibility of revision surgery. Dr. Erick Martell, M.D. of North Star Plastic Surgery brings experience in breast enhancement, reconstruction, and body contouring to patients in Fairbanks and surrounding Alaska communities. Here is what to know before making your decision.

Key Takeaways

• Match the procedure to your goals and anatomy

  : Implants, fat transfer, hybrid augmentation, or a breast lift may each suit different needs, including volume loss, asymmetry, or sagging.

• Plan for recovery and ongoing care

  : Arrange support after surgery, follow activity restrictions, attend follow-up visits, maintain breast screenings, and understand that implants may require monitoring or future surgery.

• Use your consultation to make an informed choice

  : Discuss your health history, implant options, expected results, risks, costs, pregnancy plans, and recovery with Dr. Erick Martell at North Star Plastic Surgery.

What Is Breast Augmentation and How Does It Work?

Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that increases breast volume and may improve fullness, projection, or balance. A surgeon can use breast implants, fat transferred from another area of the body, or a combination of both. The best option depends on your existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, body shape, health history, and goals.

During a consultation, your surgeon evaluates your breast anatomy and discusses implant size, shape, placement, incision options, recovery, and potential risks. You can also talk through whether augmentation alone is appropriate or whether a breast lift would better address sagging or stretched skin. At North Star Plastic Surgery, Dr. Martell provides personalized guidance for patients considering breast augmentation, breast lifts, reductions, and reconstruction.

Breast augmentation is not intended to create identical breasts or guarantee a particular cup size. Instead, the procedure is planned around your proportions and the changes you want to see. Understanding the available techniques can help you have a more productive consultation and set practical expectations for your result.

Breast implants

Breast implants are medical devices placed beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle to add volume. They usually contain either saline, which is sterile salt water, or silicone gel. Each type has its own characteristics, including how it feels, how it looks, and how a leak or rupture may appear. The Mayo Clinic’s breast augmentation overview provides an introduction to these implant options.

Your surgeon will consider more than your preferred cup size when recommending an implant. Breast width, chest shape, existing tissue, skin elasticity, and implant profile all affect the final appearance. Implants may be placed above or below the chest muscle, based on your anatomy and surgical plan. Incisions can be made beneath the breast, around the areola, or in another suitable location. During your consultation, ask how each option may affect appearance, recovery, scars, and future monitoring.

Fat transfer augmentation

Fat transfer augmentation uses liposuction to remove fat from another area of your body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or flanks. After processing the fat, the surgeon injects it into the breasts to add volume or refine contours. Since the procedure uses your own tissue, it does not require an implant. However, you need enough available donor fat for the planned enhancement and this is reserved for small volume breast augmentation..

Fat transfer generally produces a modest increase in breast size rather than a dramatic change. Some of the transferred fat may not survive, so the final result can be smaller than the early postoperative appearance. Additional treatment may sometimes be recommended. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons outlines breast augmentation options, including implant and fat transfer techniques, so you can compare their benefits and limitations with your surgeon.

Augmentation versus reconstruction

Breast augmentation and breast reconstruction serve different purposes. Augmentation is primarily a cosmetic procedure designed to increase breast size or improve breast shape and fullness. Reconstruction rebuilds breast tissue after a mastectomy, injury, or certain congenital conditions. It may use implants, tissue from another part of the body, or a combination of techniques.

Some reconstruction plans also include surgery on the opposite breast to improve balance. Timing and technique depend on factors such as cancer treatment, healing, available tissue, and your personal preferences. Patients considering reconstruction can review North Star Plastic Surgery’s breast enhancement services, which include augmentation, lifts, reductions, and reconstruction.

During a consultation, your surgeon can explain which procedure fits your medical needs and desired outcome. You can also discuss whether staged procedures, tissue expansion, or symmetry surgery may be appropriate.

What breast augmentation can and cannot change

Breast augmentation can add fullness and projection, restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, and improve some differences in breast size. It may also change how clothing fits and create a more balanced overall appearance. However, augmentation cannot guarantee a specific cup size or make naturally different breasts perfectly identical.

Implants alone do not correct significant sagging. If your breasts have substantial drooping, stretched skin, or nipples that point downward, you may need a breast lift with or instead of augmentation. A lift removes excess skin and repositions breast tissue and the nipple, while augmentation adds volume. The ASPS breast augmentation guide explains why patients with considerable sagging may benefit from a lift.

Your surgeon may recommend augmentation alone, a lift alone, or a combined procedure after assessing your breast position and skin quality. Clear communication about the amount of fullness, shape, and lift you want will help create a surgical plan that matches your anatomy.

Is Breast Augmentation Right for You?

Breast augmentation may be a good fit if you want to increase breast volume, restore fullness, or create more balance between your breasts. The procedure may use saline or silicone implants, transferred fat, or a combination of approaches. The right option depends on your breast anatomy, available donor fat, skin quality, health, and personal goals.

A consultation is the best way to determine whether augmentation suits you. At North Star Plastic Surgery, Dr. Erick Martell can evaluate your concerns, discuss breast enhancement options, and explain what each procedure can and cannot accomplish. He can also determine whether augmentation alone is appropriate or whether a lift or another procedure may better address your concerns.

Your decision should include more than a preferred cup size. It should also account for recovery time, possible risks, future pregnancies, weight changes, implant monitoring, and the possibility of revision surgery. The goal is to choose an approach that fits your body and your expectations.

Common augmentation goals

Patients choose breast augmentation for different reasons. You may want more upper-breast fullness, a larger overall breast size, improved balance between your breasts, or a shape that feels more proportionate to your body. Others want to restore volume that changed after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging.

Breast augmentation increases volume, but it does not completely reshape every breast. Implant size, implant profile, placement, existing breast tissue, and skin elasticity all influence the final appearance. Fat transfer may provide a more modest increase and requires enough donor fat for the procedure.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes breast augmentation options, including implants and fat transfer. During your consultation, describe the look you want rather than focusing only on an implant number. Your surgeon can recommend an approach that suits your proportions and tissue characteristics.

Restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight changes can affect breast volume, skin elasticity, and breast position. Some patients notice a deflated appearance, especially in the upper portion of the breasts, even when their overall size has changed very little. Augmentation may restore some of that lost fullness.

If your breasts have also developed significant drooping, implants alone may not create the result you expect. A breast lift may be recommended to remove excess skin, reshape the breast, and reposition the nipple. Some patients choose a combined lift and augmentation to address both volume loss and sagging.

If you are planning another pregnancy or significant weight loss, discuss your timeline before scheduling surgery. Future changes may affect breast shape and position, and they may alter your long-term results. Reaching a stable weight can make surgical planning more predictable.

Improve breast asymmetry

Mild breast asymmetry is common, but differences in size, shape, nipple position, or breast fold can make some patients feel self-conscious. Augmentation may improve these differences by using different implant sizes, adjusting implant placement, or combining augmentation with another procedure.

Your surgeon may take separate measurements for each breast and create a customized plan. Depending on your anatomy, treatment may include two different implant sizes, a breast lift on one side, fat transfer, or adjustments to the breast fold.

Perfect symmetry is not always possible because the underlying breast and chest anatomy may differ from side to side. During your consultation, discuss the differences that matter most to you, including concerns about cleavage, breast width, nipple position, or how your breasts look in clothing.

Age, breast development, and FDA guidance

Breast development should be complete before cosmetic augmentation. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ implant guidance, saline implants are FDA-approved for breast augmentation in women age 18 and older. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for cosmetic augmentation in patients age 22 and older. Different age considerations may apply to breast reconstruction.

Age alone does not determine whether you are a suitable candidate. Your surgeon will also consider your physical health, breast development, medical history, expectations, and reasons for seeking surgery. Younger patients may need additional discussion about ongoing development, consent, long-term planning, and future pregnancy.

If you are considering surgery for a teenager, the decision requires careful evaluation. A consultation should address whether development is complete, whether the motivation is personal and stable, and whether the patient understands the procedure and its long-term considerations.

Health, stable weight, and nicotine use

Good general health can support safer surgery and recovery. Your surgeon may review your medical conditions, medications, allergies, previous operations, breast health, family history, and prior anesthesia experiences. Be sure to mention supplements and nonprescription medications as well.

A stable weight is also helpful. Significant weight changes after surgery can alter breast size, shape, and skin quality, which may affect your results. If you are actively losing weight or preparing for pregnancy, your surgeon may recommend waiting until your body has reached a more stable point.

Nicotine can interfere with circulation and wound healing. This includes cigarettes, vaping products, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine sources. Your surgeon may require you to stop using nicotine before and after surgery, and testing may be part of the preparation process. Share complete health information so your care team can plan responsibly.

Personal motivation and emotional readiness

Breast augmentation should be your decision. You should not feel pressured to pursue surgery because of a partner, family member, social trend, or outside expectation. Patients are more likely to feel satisfied when they have clear personal reasons for surgery and understand the recovery involved.

Emotional readiness includes accepting that results take time to settle. Swelling, tightness, changes in sensation, and temporary differences between the breasts can occur during healing. Your final appearance may not match an edited image or another person’s result because every patient has different anatomy.

You should feel comfortable asking questions, discussing concerns, and considering your surgeon’s recommendations. If you are experiencing significant body-image distress or hoping surgery will resolve broader emotional concerns, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional before scheduling.

Set realistic size and shape expectations

A specific cup size does not guarantee a particular result because bra sizing varies between brands and bodies. Implant dimensions, chest width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, and implant placement all affect the final appearance. A larger implant may create more fullness, but it may also increase stretching, visibility, or other long-term concerns.

Bring reference photos to your consultation and explain what you like about each image. Instead of requesting an exact match, describe whether you prefer a subtle, natural, athletic, or fuller appearance. Your surgeon can help translate those preferences into realistic options.

The ASPS breast augmentation overview recommends discussing your goals, concerns, medical history, and family history with your surgeon. Ask how your anatomy may affect the result and whether your preferred size is appropriate for your breast tissue and chest proportions.

When a breast lift may fit better

Breast augmentation adds volume, but it does not correct severe sagging by itself. If the nipple points downward, sits below the breast crease, or the skin has stretched considerably, a breast lift may be more appropriate. A lift removes excess skin and reshapes breast tissue to create a higher breast position.

Some patients benefit from a lift with implants. The implant restores volume, while the lift addresses drooping and nipple position. Other patients may prefer a lift without implants if they are satisfied with their current breast size and want to improve shape or position.

Your surgeon can compare these options based on your skin quality, breast tissue, desired fullness, nipple position, and tolerance for scars. Combining procedures may involve a different recovery and cost than augmentation alone, so ask how each option would affect your treatment plan.

Correct common augmentation myths

Breast implants are not automatically replaced after a set number of years. They are not considered lifetime devices, but the idea that every implant must be replaced at the ten-year mark is a misconception. Some patients eventually need revision, removal, or replacement because of rupture, complications, changes in breast tissue, or dissatisfaction. Others may keep their implants for many years without additional surgery.

The FDA provides breast implant safety information covering potential risks, monitoring, and symptoms that may require medical attention. Your follow-up plan may depend on the implant type and your individual health history.

Another misconception is that augmentation produces the same result for everyone. Implant type, placement, anatomy, healing, pregnancy, aging, and weight changes all influence the outcome. Ask how your surgeon handles possible complications and future changes so you can make a decision based on your own goals and long-term plans.

Which Breast Augmentation Options Fit Your Goals?

Breast augmentation is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The right approach depends on your current breast tissue, chest shape, skin elasticity, lifestyle, and the kind of change you want. Some patients prefer a subtle increase in volume, while others want more upper-breast fullness or a more projected silhouette.

Your surgeon will consider more than your preferred cup size. Breast width, asymmetry, nipple position, existing tissue, and the condition of your skin all affect which implants and techniques may work well for you. If pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging has left you with loose skin or a lower breast position, a breast lift may be more appropriate than augmentation alone.

During your consultation, ask your surgeon to compare implant material, shape, profile, size, placement, and incision location. Understanding how each choice may affect your appearance, recovery, and long-term care can help you make an informed decision. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ breast implant guide offers a helpful overview of these options before your appointment.

At North Star Plastic Surgery, Dr. Erick Martell can evaluate your anatomy and discuss whether breast enhancement fits your goals. A personalized plan is more useful than choosing an implant based on a trend, a photograph, or someone else’s result.

Saline and silicone Implants

Saline implants contain sterile saltwater. If the outer shell leaks, the body can absorb the saline, and the implant usually deflates. These implants are filled after placement, which may allow the surgeon to use a smaller incision and adjust the volume during surgery. Saline implants may also be easier to identify when they deflate, although rippling can be more visible in patients with limited natural tissue.

Silicone implants contain cohesive silicone gel designed to feel more like breast tissue. They are available in different sizes, profiles, and shapes. A silicone implant may not visibly deflate if the shell develops a leak, so your surgeon may recommend imaging as part of long-term monitoring.

The ASPS overview of breast augmentation can help you compare implants with fat transfer augmentation before discussing your options with a surgeon.

Cohesive gel and gummy bear implants

Cohesive silicone gel implants are commonly called “gummy bear” implants because the gel holds together more firmly than traditional silicone gel. This consistency can help the implant maintain its shape if the shell is damaged. Some gummy bear implants are shaped, with more fullness toward the lower portion and a gradual taper toward the top.

The term “gummy bear” does not describe one specific size, profile, or appearance. These implants come in various dimensions, and some are round while others are anatomical. Shaped implants require careful positioning because rotation can change the breast’s contour.

Your surgeon can explain how gel cohesiveness may affect feel, shape, incision size, and long-term monitoring. Ask whether a cohesive implant is appropriate for your amount of natural tissue and desired result. This guide to cohesive gel implants provides additional background, but your surgeon’s recommendation should be based on your anatomy and medical history.

Round versus anatomical implants

Round implants have an even shape and can create fullness across the upper portion of the breast. Higher-profile round implants may provide more forward projection, while lower-profile options can create a wider, softer appearance. Since a round implant has the same shape from different angles, rotation is less likely to change the breast’s contour.

Anatomical, or shaped, implants are designed with more volume in the lower portion and a gradual taper toward the upper breast. Some patients prefer this shape for a gently sloped appearance. However, shaped implants require careful positioning, and rotation may affect the result.

Neither option automatically creates a more natural appearance. The outcome also depends on implant size, placement, tissue coverage, skin elasticity, and your existing breast shape. Your surgeon can use your measurements and goals to compare the options. Review the ASPS explanation of implant shapes and profiles before your consultation so you know which questions to ask.

Choose implant size, profile, and dimensions

Implant size is measured by volume, not cup size. The same implant can look very different on two people because breast width, chest shape, skin elasticity, muscle coverage, and existing tissue all affect the result. Choosing an implant based only on a desired bra size or a photograph may not produce the appearance you expect.

Profile describes how far an implant projects from the chest. A lower profile may create a wider, more gradual appearance, while a higher profile can provide more forward projection without adding as much width. Implant height and width matter too, especially when the implant needs to match your natural breast base.

Tell your surgeon whether you want subtle fullness, more upper-breast volume, or a clearly fuller silhouette. Also discuss how your preferred size may affect skin stretching, rippling, discomfort, and future revision needs. The ASPS guidance on breast implant selection recommends reviewing implant type, shape, surface, risks, and benefits with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Create natural-looking or fuller results

A natural-looking result does not always require the smallest implant. It means selecting an implant that suits your body’s proportions and creates a balanced transition between your chest, breast tissue, and implant. Smaller implants may provide a subtle change, while larger or higher-profile implants can create more projection and upper-breast fullness.

Your natural tissue coverage also matters. Patients with less breast tissue may notice implant edges or rippling more easily, depending on the implant and placement. A larger implant may stretch the skin or create a result that feels out of proportion with your frame. Your surgeon may recommend a different implant dimension or placement to help address these concerns.

Bring reference photos to your consultation, but use them to describe specific features you like, such as upper fullness or a gentle slope. An image cannot account for your anatomy or predict an exact result. Your North Star Plastic Surgery breast enhancement consultation can help connect your preferences with realistic surgical options.

Choose implant placement

Implants may be placed above the chest muscle, below the muscle, or in a plane beneath the muscle’s fascia. The best location depends on your tissue thickness, chest shape, implant type, activity level, and desired appearance.

Placement below the muscle may provide additional coverage for patients with thinner tissue, which can soften the outline of the implant. It may also involve more early tightness and can cause the implant to move when the chest muscle contracts. Above-muscle placement may be suitable for patients with enough natural tissue and may avoid some muscle-related movement.

Placement does not determine the result by itself. Your surgeon will assess your breast base, tissue thickness, muscle anatomy, and goals before recommending an approach. Ask how each option may affect recovery, exercise, mammograms, animation changes, and possible revision surgery. If you regularly perform strength training or physically demanding work, mention that during your consultation so your plan accounts for your routine.

Select incision locations and scar placement

Breast augmentation incisions are commonly placed in the breast fold, around the edge of the areola, or in the armpit. The best location may depend on the implant material, implant size, breast anatomy, previous surgery, and your surgeon’s technique.

An incision in the breast fold provides direct access and may heal in a concealed location beneath the breast. An areolar incision may blend with the border between the areola and surrounding skin, but it may not be appropriate for every patient or implant. An armpit incision avoids a scar on the breast, although it can limit access and may not suit every augmentation plan.

Every incision creates a scar, and healing varies with genetics, skin type, sun exposure, and aftercare. Ask where scars may sit in different clothing and how your incision choice could affect a future lift or revision. Your surgeon should also explain scar care and what changes to expect as the incision matures.

Use sizers, imaging, and surgical planning

Trying implant sizers inside a bra can help you compare volume and projection under clothing. Sizers cannot reproduce the exact appearance of an implant beneath your tissue, but they give you and your surgeon a practical way to discuss size, comfort, and proportion. Reference photos can help too, especially when you explain which details you like.

Some practices use 3D imaging to show how different implant dimensions may change your silhouette. Imaging can support communication, but it cannot guarantee an exact postoperative result. Swelling, healing, implant settling, scar formation, and changes in your natural tissue can all affect the final appearance.

Bring a list of questions to your consultation. Ask how the proposed implant fits your chest measurements, whether a lift may be useful, and what recovery and long-term monitoring may involve. At North Star Plastic Surgery, a personalized consultation with Dr. Martell can help you compare options and develop a plan based on your anatomy, preferences, and health history.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is generally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, but every surgical procedure carries potential risks. Your health history, implant type, implant placement, incision location, and healing habits can all affect your experience. During your consultation, your surgeon should explain common side effects, less frequent complications, and the possibility of future procedures.

Understanding these risks does not mean you should expect complications. It gives you the information needed to weigh your options, prepare for recovery, and recognize changes that need medical attention. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ breast augmentation guidance is one helpful resource to review alongside the information provided by your surgical team.

Expect swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort

Swelling, bruising, soreness, tightness, and pressure are common after breast augmentation. These effects are usually most noticeable during the first few days and gradually improve as your body heals. Your breasts may sit higher than expected or appear uneven at first, particularly when one side has more swelling than the other.

Your surgeon may recommend medication, a support garment, cold compresses, and limited activity to help you stay comfortable. Follow your care team’s specific instructions. Applying pressure directly to the breasts or taking certain medications too soon may interfere with healing.

It can take several weeks or longer for implants to settle into their final position. Early changes do not necessarily reflect your long-term result. During a breast enhancement consultation, North Star Plastic Surgery can explain what to expect based on your procedure and recovery plan.

Understand anesthesia, infection, bleeding, and seroma risks

Breast augmentation involves anesthesia, which can cause medication reactions, breathing problems, or changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Before surgery, your team should review your medical history, allergies, medications, previous surgeries, and any past reactions to anesthesia.

Other possible complications include infection, bleeding, and a seroma. A seroma is a pocket of fluid that can collect near the surgical site. Some complications respond to medication, observation, or drainage, while others may require another procedure.

You can help support a safe recovery by following preoperative instructions, avoiding nicotine as directed, keeping incisions clean, and taking medications exactly as prescribed. Ask how the surgical facility monitors you before, during, and after the procedure. It is also important to know whom to contact if you have concerns after returning home.

Recognize blood clots and other medical complications

Surgery and reduced activity can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs, although these complications are uncommon. Your risk may be higher if you smoke, use certain medications, have a personal or family history of clotting problems, or remain inactive for an extended period after surgery.

Depending on your health history, your surgeon may recommend early gentle walking, compression devices, or other precautions. Do not begin strenuous exercise unless your care team says it is safe.

Tell your surgical team about heart or lung disease, diabetes, clotting disorders, sleep apnea, and previous surgeries. Provide a complete list of prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements. Do not stop a prescribed medication without medical guidance. A careful evaluation helps your surgeon determine whether augmentation is appropriate and develop a plan that addresses your individual risks.

Address rupture, deflation, rippling, and malposition

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and some patients eventually need removal, replacement, or revision surgery. A saline implant may visibly deflate if its shell develops a leak. A silicone implant can rupture without an obvious change in breast size or shape, which is sometimes called a silent rupture.

For this reason, the FDA provides monitoring recommendations for silicone implants, including imaging with ultrasound or MRI at recommended intervals. Your surgeon can explain which type of monitoring applies to your implants.

Rippling describes folds or wrinkles in the implant shell that may be visible or felt through the skin. It can be more noticeable in people with thin breast tissue or when an implant is placed above the chest muscle. Malposition occurs when an implant shifts, sits too high or low, or moves toward the side. Implant size, placement, tissue quality, aging, trauma, and healing can all affect these concerns.

Manage capsular contracture and breast asymmetry

The body naturally forms scar tissue, called a capsule, around a breast implant. In some cases, the capsule becomes unusually tight and firm. This condition, known as capsular contracture, may cause firmness, discomfort, visible distortion, or a change in the implant’s position.

Treatment depends on the severity of the contracture and your symptoms. Options may include observation, medication in select situations, or revision surgery to remove or release the scar tissue and address the implant.

Breast asymmetry may also persist or become more noticeable after augmentation. Most people have some natural difference in breast size, shape, nipple position, or chest wall structure. Implants can improve asymmetry, but they cannot always make both breasts identical. Your surgeon may recommend different implant sizes, a lift, fat transfer, or another technique. North Star’s breast enhancement services can be tailored to your anatomy and goals.

Prepare for nipple or breast sensation changes

Numbness, tingling, increased sensitivity, or changes in the way the breasts respond to touch can occur after augmentation. These effects often improve as swelling decreases and the nerves recover. However, sensation can remain altered for the long term, and some patients experience a permanent change.

The likelihood of a sensation change may depend on implant size, incision location, surgical technique, and individual healing. A larger implant may place more stretch on surrounding tissue, while some incision approaches may affect nearby nerves.

Discuss your concerns about sensation during your consultation. Your surgeon can explain how implant dimensions, placement, and incision options may affect your risk. Report sudden, severe, or worsening changes during follow-up appointments, particularly when they occur with pain, swelling, redness, or drainage.

Understand breast implant illness and systemic symptoms

Some people with breast implants report a group of symptoms commonly referred to as breast implant illness. Reports may include fatigue, headaches, joint or muscle aches, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, and skin changes. These symptoms can have many possible causes, and research has not established a single condition or definite cause-and-effect relationship between implants and every reported symptom.

Tell your primary care provider and plastic surgeon about new or persistent symptoms. Your care team may review other health factors, recommend testing, and discuss observation, implant removal, or other options when appropriate. Removing implants may not resolve symptoms in every patient, so a thorough evaluation matters.

The FDA’s breast implant safety information includes updates on reported symptoms, safety communications, and questions to discuss before surgery. Use this information to support a conversation with your medical providers rather than attempting to diagnose symptoms independently.

Learn about BIA-ALCL and other rare cancers

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL, is a rare type of immune-system cancer associated with certain textured breast implants. It is not breast cancer, and the risk varies by implant surface and manufacturer. The condition often appears as persistent swelling, a fluid collection, a lump, or pain around an implant, sometimes years after surgery.

The FDA has also reported very rare cases of other cancers, including breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma, in the capsule or scar tissue surrounding an implant. These conditions are uncommon, but they are part of the information patients should review before choosing implants.

Ask which implant products are being considered, whether they have a textured or smooth surface, and why a specific option fits your goals. Review the FDA’s breast implant safety communications, and contact your surgeon if you develop persistent swelling, a new lump, or pain around an implant.

Review FDA safety information and informed consent

Before breast augmentation, review the manufacturer’s patient decision checklist and current FDA safety information. These materials explain implant types, possible complications, monitoring recommendations, and circumstances that may lead to additional surgery. You should also receive information specific to the implant model recommended for you.

Informed consent is more than signing a form. It should include a conversation about your goals, health history, implant placement, incision, recovery, alternatives, and the possibility of revision. Ask questions until you understand the expected benefits and limitations.

You may also want to compare augmentation with a breast lift and other breast procedures. A lift may be more appropriate when pregnancy, weight loss, or aging has caused loose skin or significant sagging. In some cases, patients choose a lift with implants to address both skin laxity and lost fullness.

Identify symptoms that need prompt medical attention

Contact your surgical team promptly if you notice increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or an incision that opens. Sudden swelling, a rapid change in breast size or shape, a new firm area, or swelling that appears long after surgery also deserves medical evaluation.

Seek emergency care for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or sudden swelling and pain in one leg. These symptoms may indicate a serious complication and should not wait for a routine appointment.

Keep your surgeon’s contact information available after surgery, follow your discharge instructions, and attend scheduled follow-up visits. If a symptom feels severe or progresses quickly, contact your care team or emergency services rather than waiting to see whether it improves.

Breast Augmentation Recovery: What Can You Expect?

Breast augmentation recovery is often manageable, but each patient’s experience is different. Your timeline may depend on the implant type, implant placement, incision location, general health, and whether you have another procedure, such as a breast lift. Most patients return home the day of surgery and gradually resume normal activities as healing progresses.

Your surgeon’s instructions should always take priority over general recovery guidelines. Before scheduling surgery, review the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ breast augmentation guidance and make a plan for transportation, help at home, medications, meals, and follow-up appointments.

If you are considering breast augmentation in Fairbanks, North Star Plastic Surgery can explain what recovery may look like based on your procedure and goals. A detailed plan can help you feel prepared for the first few days and know when to contact your surgical team.

Prepare for the first 24 to 48 hours

You will likely feel sore, tired, and tight across your chest during the first day or two. Your arms and upper body may feel stiff, making tasks such as reaching overhead, opening heavy doors, or getting out of bed uncomfortable. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you initially, especially while the effects of anesthesia and prescription medication wear off.

Prepare a comfortable recovery space before surgery. Keep water, approved medications, your phone, and light snacks within easy reach. Choose loose clothing that opens in the front so you do not need to pull a shirt over your head. Follow your discharge instructions about eating, drinking, showering, sleeping, and walking.

Manage pain, tightness, swelling, and bruising

Soreness, pressure, swelling, and bruising are common after breast augmentation. Your breasts may feel firm or appear higher, fuller, or less even than expected at first. These early changes are not your final result. The tissues need time to heal, swelling needs to decrease, and the implants may settle at different rates.

Take pain medication exactly as directed. Depending on your health history, your surgeon may recommend a prescription medication, acetaminophen, or another option. Ask before taking additional over-the-counter medication or supplements, since some products can increase bleeding risk or interact with prescriptions. Use cold packs only as instructed, and keep them wrapped to protect your skin.

Use medications safely

Give your surgeon a complete list of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements before surgery. Some may need to be paused or adjusted, while others should be continued. Never stop a prescribed medication without medical guidance, especially medication for blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, or another ongoing condition.

After surgery, follow the instructions for each medication carefully. Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medication, and do not drive if you feel drowsy or impaired. Ask what to do if a medication causes nausea, constipation, itching, or another side effect. Your surgical team or pharmacist can help you make safe adjustments.

Care for incisions, wear support bras, and sleep comfortably

Keep your incisions clean and dry according to your surgeon’s instructions. You may have dressings, surgical glue, steri-strips, or a small amount of drainage. Do not remove or replace these materials unless your care team tells you to do so. Avoid baths, swimming, and hot tubs until your incisions have healed and your surgeon approves these activities.

A surgical or supportive bra may reduce movement and improve comfort, but the right garment depends on your procedure. Avoid underwire bras until your surgeon says they are safe. Sleeping on your back with your upper body slightly elevated may reduce pressure and swelling. Pillows can help prevent you from rolling onto your side.

Return to work and driving safely

Your return-to-work timeline depends on your job and your comfort. Patients with desk-based work may return within several days to a week, while jobs involving lifting, repetitive arm movement, or physical exertion may require more time. Plan for flexibility rather than committing to a fixed return date before surgery.

Do not drive while taking opioid pain medication or while you cannot comfortably turn the steering wheel, check your blind spot, or make an emergency stop. You should also be able to wear a seat belt without significant pain. Ask your surgeon when driving is appropriate, and arrange transportation to follow-up appointments.

Resume lifting, exercise, and intimate activity

Gentle walking is often encouraged soon after surgery. Short, easy walks can support circulation and help you avoid staying in bed for extended periods. Avoid lifting children, groceries, pets, or heavy objects until your surgeon gives you clearance.

Your surgeon will explain when to resume running, strength training, upper-body workouts, and other strenuous activities. Intimate activity may also need to wait until your incisions are healing and movement feels comfortable. When you resume, avoid pressure on your breasts and stop if you feel pain. Restrictions may be different if you also had a breast lift or another procedure.

Care for scars and healing incisions

Incisions may look pink, firm, raised, or darker than the surrounding skin during early healing. Scars can continue changing for many months. Their appearance depends on factors such as genetics, incision location, sun exposure, and aftercare. Protect healing incisions from direct sunlight, and do not apply creams, silicone products, or makeup until the skin is fully closed and your surgeon approves them.

Once your surgeon confirms that the incisions have healed, silicone sheets or silicone gel may be appropriate. Use these products consistently and as directed. Contact your surgical team if an incision opens, develops increasing redness, drains pus, or becomes more painful instead of gradually improving.

Attend follow-up visits and track settling results

Follow-up appointments allow your surgeon to examine your incisions, assess swelling, and confirm that the implants are settling as expected. Keep every scheduled visit, even if you feel well. Your surgeon may update your bra, activity restrictions, or scar-care plan as healing progresses.

It is common for one breast to settle faster than the other during the early weeks. Take occasional progress photos in consistent lighting if your surgeon recommends it, but avoid evaluating your result day by day. Contact your surgical team promptly about sudden swelling, severe pain, fever, shortness of breath, or a noticeable change in one breast. The FDA’s breast implant safety information also explains symptoms and long-term considerations patients should understand.

Manage emotional changes during recovery

You may feel excited about your decision and then temporarily anxious or discouraged when you see swelling, bruising, or an unfamiliar shape. Anesthesia, disrupted sleep, limited activity, and discomfort can affect your mood. These reactions do not necessarily mean something is wrong with your result.

Give yourself time to heal before judging your appearance or considering revision surgery. Accept practical help from people you trust, and share your concerns during follow-up visits. Contact your surgeon if sadness, anxiety, or distress feels intense, interferes with daily life, or continues longer than expected. Emotional support is a normal part of recovery.

Plan for Fairbanks travel, weather, and follow-up care

If you live outside Fairbanks or need to travel for surgery, plan to remain near the practice for the period your surgeon recommends. Arrange an adult escort, comfortable lodging, transportation, and access to a pharmacy. You may need to stay nearby until your first postoperative check, especially if you are traveling from a rural community or another part of Alaska.

Fairbanks weather can affect road conditions, transportation, and comfort, so allow extra time for travel and possible flight changes. Bring loose layers, a front-opening jacket, and footwear that is easy to put on without bending or straining. Before leaving the area, ask how remote follow-up will work and whom to contact if symptoms develop. North Star Plastic Surgery’s consultation page offers a starting point for discussing surgical planning, recovery, and follow-up arrangements.

Breast Augmentation Cost: What Does It Include?

Breast augmentation pricing is rarely one flat number. Your total cost may depend on the implant type, surgical technique, anesthesia, facility, surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of your procedure. Your geographic location also matters, so an estimate from another state may not reflect the cost of breast augmentation in Fairbanks.

Some advertised prices include only the surgeon’s fee. Others combine the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and implant charges into one package. Before comparing estimates, find out exactly what each price covers. Ask whether the quote includes consultations, medical testing, medications, support garments, follow-up visits, and care for unexpected complications.

Your goals can also affect the price. A straightforward augmentation may cost less than augmentation combined with a breast lift, fat transfer, or correction of asymmetry. The best way to understand your expected expenses is to discuss your anatomy, preferences, and surgical plan during a consultation with North Star Plastic Surgery.

Understand why prices vary

Breast augmentation is planned around your body and goals, so costs differ from patient to patient. Implant material, size, profile, shape, and placement may affect the surgical plan. Your skin quality, existing breast volume, chest shape, and degree of asymmetry may also influence the procedure.

Surgeon experience and geographic location can affect pricing as well. CareCredit’s breast augmentation cost guide reports a broad national range, from about $10,500 to $12,500. These figures are general estimates, not a Fairbanks price quote. A personalized estimate is more useful because it reflects your selected implants, procedure details, facility, anesthesia, and expected follow-up care.

Account for surgeon, facility, anesthesia, and implant fees

A complete breast augmentation estimate may include several separate charges. The surgeon’s fee covers surgical planning and the procedure itself. The facility fee may cover the operating room, supplies, nursing staff, and recovery area. Anesthesia fees cover the anesthesia professional and services provided during surgery.

Implant costs vary based on the manufacturer, material, shape, size, and other product features. Ask whether these charges are bundled together or listed separately. You should also confirm whether the estimate includes preoperative appointments, routine postoperative visits, and care for unexpected issues.

An itemized estimate makes it easier to compare practices fairly. It can also help you identify important differences between two quotes that appear similar at first glance.

Plan for medications, garments, testing, and follow-up care

Expenses outside the operating room may add to your total. These can include prescription medications, postoperative support garments, medical tests, incision-care supplies, and additional visits. Your surgeon may recommend testing before surgery based on your medical history, age, or existing health concerns.

Follow-up appointments are an essential part of breast augmentation care. During these visits, your surgeon checks incision healing, swelling, breast position, and your overall recovery. Ask how many routine appointments are included and how extra visits are billed.

If you live outside Fairbanks, include travel, lodging, meals, and time away from work in your budget. You may also need help with transportation during the first part of recovery, so consider those arrangements when planning your expenses.

Add costs for a breast lift or fat transfer

Implants add volume, but they do not remove excess skin or lift a breast that sits lower on the chest. If pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or weight changes have affected breast position, your surgeon may recommend combining augmentation with a breast lift. A lift involves additional incisions, surgical time, and professional fees, which usually increases the total cost.

Fat transfer augmentation may also change your estimate. This technique uses liposuction to collect fat from another part of your body, processes it, and transfers it to the breasts. Your cost therefore includes both breast enhancement and liposuction.

Some patients may need more than one fat-transfer procedure to reach their desired result. During your consultation, ask which option fits your anatomy, goals, available donor fat, and expectations.

Budget for revision, removal, and future surgery

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Some patients eventually need additional surgery because of rupture, deflation, capsular contracture, changes in breast shape, or personal preference. Others choose implant removal, replacement, or a breast lift after pregnancy, weight changes, or aging.

This does not mean you should expect replacement at a specific time. Instead, ask what long-term care may involve and which costs could apply if revision surgery becomes necessary. Revision procedures may be more complex than the original augmentation when they involve scar tissue, implant malposition, or changes in skin quality.

The FDA’s breast implant safety information explains why patients should understand monitoring recommendations and the possibility of future surgery before choosing implants.

Compare cosmetic and reconstructive insurance coverage

Breast augmentation for cosmetic enhancement is usually not covered by health insurance. Breast lifts are also commonly considered cosmetic. Patients typically pay for the consultation, surgeon, anesthesia, facility, implant, medications, and follow-up care.

Reconstructive breast surgery follows different coverage rules. Insurance may cover some reconstruction after mastectomy or breast cancer treatment, depending on your plan, medical records, prior authorization requirements, and the procedure involved. Coverage for congenital differences, significant asymmetry, or complications may also vary.

Ask your insurance company for a written explanation of benefits. You should also confirm which forms the surgeon’s office will submit and what expenses remain your responsibility. Cosmetic enhancement and medically necessary reconstruction are generally reviewed under different insurance standards.

Plan financing and out-of-pocket costs

After receiving an estimate, ask which payment methods the practice accepts and when each payment is due. Common options may include cash, checks, debit cards, or a payment plan offered through the surgeon’s office. Some practices may also work with third-party medical financing companies.

Review interest rates, promotional terms, fees, credit requirements, and the consequences of missed payments before accepting financing. A plan with a low introductory rate may become more expensive if the balance is not paid according to its terms.

Your personal budget should include more than the operation. Plan for prescriptions, support garments, transportation, time away from work, childcare, lodging, and travel from another Alaska community. A realistic financial plan gives you time to make a careful decision.

Request written estimates and payment details

Ask for an itemized estimate before scheduling surgery. It should identify the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, facility charge, implant cost, medical testing, postoperative appointments, medications, and support garments. Ask whether routine complication care is included and how additional treatment would be billed.

You should also request the practice’s deposit, cancellation, refund, and payment policies in writing. Confirm the final payment deadline and ask whether changing your implant selection would change the price. If you are considering a breast lift or fat transfer, request a separate estimate for those options.

Written details make it easier to compare treatment plans and reduce misunderstandings. Bring the estimate to your consultation and ask the team to explain any term or charge you do not understand.

Get an exact Fairbanks augmentation quote

Online price ranges can explain why breast augmentation costs vary, but they cannot determine your personal surgical fee. An exact estimate requires an evaluation, a discussion of your goals, and a treatment plan based on your anatomy. Your quote may depend on implant type, placement, incision approach, breast skin, existing tissue, and whether a lift would improve your result.

At North Star Plastic Surgery, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Erick Martell to discuss breast augmentation in the Fairbanks area. Ask about implant choices, recovery, long-term care, follow-up visits, and the total price. The team can explain which services are included and provide a customized estimate for your planned procedure.

Long-Term Breast Augmentation Care and Considerations

Breast augmentation is not a one-time decision with a permanent endpoint. Implants can remain in place for many years, but your breasts and overall results may change with age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, skin laxity, and changes in personal preferences. Long-term care involves more than checking the implants. It also includes routine breast health screening, monitoring for new symptoms, and staying connected with a qualified plastic surgeon.

Before surgery, ask how your implant type may affect future monitoring and what follow-up schedule your surgeon recommends. It is also helpful to discuss how pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, or future weight changes could affect your results. North Star Plastic Surgery offers personalized breast enhancement consultations in Fairbanks, where you can review implant options, surgical planning, recovery, and possible revision needs.

Keep your implant records and screening information in an accessible place. If you move, change health care providers, seek a second opinion, or need treatment years later, these records can help your care team understand your surgical history. Most importantly, do not assume that a change in appearance or sensation is normal simply because time has passed. Report concerns so they can be evaluated.

Understand why implants are not lifetime devices

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. The risk of complications may increase over time, and an implant can rupture, deflate, shift, or develop changes in the surrounding scar tissue. Surgical damage, significant trauma, infection, or normal wear may also affect an implant.

This does not mean every patient needs another operation after a specific number of years. It does mean augmentation should be viewed as an ongoing part of your health care. Regular appointments and recommended breast screening can help identify changes early. The FDA’s breast implant safety information explains known risks and monitoring recommendations.

Learn about replacement timing and the ten-year myth

There is no universal rule that breast implants must be replaced every 10 years. Some remain intact and comfortable for much longer, while others require attention sooner because of rupture, capsular contracture, infection, malposition, or another complication. You may also choose revision surgery because you want a different size, shape, or implant type.

Your surgeon can help determine whether continued monitoring is appropriate or whether removal or replacement makes sense. A change in appearance does not always mean an implant has failed. Your evaluation may include an examination, a discussion of symptoms, and imaging when appropriate.

Follow FDA monitoring recommendations for silicone implants

Silicone implant ruptures can be silent, meaning you may not notice an obvious change in breast size or shape. The FDA recommends ultrasound or MRI screening five to six years after silicone implant placement, followed by repeat screening every two to three years when results are normal. Earlier imaging may be appropriate if you have symptoms or your examination raises concerns.

Recommendations may change as evidence develops, so ask your surgeon which schedule fits your implant and medical history. Review the latest FDA guidance on silicone implant screening, and keep copies of imaging reports for future appointments.

Schedule mammograms and protect breast health

Breast implants do not replace routine breast cancer screening. Tell the imaging center about your implants when you schedule a mammogram. Technologists can use specialized implant-displacement views to capture more breast tissue, although some areas may remain difficult to visualize.

Continue screening according to your age, personal risk factors, and recommendations from your primary care clinician or gynecologist. Contact a health care provider if you notice a lump, persistent pain, skin change, nipple discharge, or another unusual finding. The American Cancer Society’s screening guidance can help you discuss the right schedule for your needs.

Consider pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, and weight changes

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, and weight changes can affect breast shape whether or not you have implants. Skin may stretch, breast tissue may lose volume, and the nipple or breast crease may change position. These changes do not necessarily indicate an implant problem, but they can alter your cosmetic result.

Many women can breastfeed after augmentation, although results vary based on anatomy, incision location, implant placement, and other factors. If you hope to become pregnant or breastfeed, discuss those plans during your consultation. Your surgeon can explain how timing and technique may affect your options.

Plan implant removal, replacement, lift, or revision

Long-term planning does not mean you must schedule another operation now. It means understanding the procedures that may become relevant if your preferences or breast shape change. Options can include implant removal, replacement, a breast lift, fat transfer, or a combination of procedures.

A lift may be appropriate when loose skin or a lower breast position is the main concern. Replacing an implant alone may not correct significant sagging. In other cases, removal without replacement may fit your goals. During a revision consultation, your surgeon can assess breast tissue, scar tissue, implant position, and skin quality before recommending an approach.

Keep implant records and product information

Keep your implant records in a secure, accessible place. They may include the manufacturer, implant type, size, volume, profile, serial or lot number, and date of surgery. Your surgeon’s office may provide an implant card or operative report with these details.

Also keep copies of follow-up notes, imaging reports, and information about any complications or additional procedures. These records can help if you change providers, seek a second opinion, or need care years after your original surgery. The ASPS breast augmentation guide provides additional information about implants, risks, recovery, and revision considerations.

Report changes and symptoms over time

Contact your surgeon or another qualified health care provider if you notice new or persistent breast pain, swelling, firmness, a change in size, a visible contour change, a lump, or a shift in implant position. Also report changes in nipple sensation, skin appearance, or arm movement. These symptoms can have several causes, and an examination is the best way to identify what is happening.

Seek prompt medical attention for sudden swelling, severe pain, redness, drainage, fever, or breathing difficulty. Do not try to diagnose a rupture or another complication based only on how your breast looks or feels. Your clinician may recommend an examination, ultrasound, MRI, or other testing.

Use reliable FDA and ASPS patient resources

Breast implant information online can be confusing, especially when advice comes from outdated recommendations or personal experiences. Start with dependable sources, including the FDA breast implant information page and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons patient guide. These resources explain monitoring, known risks, implant labeling, and questions to bring to an appointment.

Your plastic surgeon should also review the patient decision checklist and manufacturer information for the implant you are considering. At North Star Plastic Surgery, a consultation with Dr. Erick Martell can help you understand your implant options, follow-up plan, and long-term considerations before you make a decision.

Choose a Qualified Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Choosing a breast augmentation surgeon involves more than comparing before-and-after photos or looking for the lowest price. Your surgeon’s education, certification, breast surgery experience, facility, communication style, and follow-up process all influence your care. Look for a qualified plastic surgeon who performs breast procedures regularly and takes time to understand what you want to change.

Local access also matters for Fairbanks-area patients. You may need appointments before surgery, postoperative visits during recovery, and prompt support if a concern develops. Choosing a practice within reasonable reach of home can make those appointments easier to manage, particularly when work, transportation, or Alaska weather affects your schedule.

Verify board certification and plastic surgery training

Ask whether your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the specialty board recognized for plastic surgery certification in the United States. Board certification does not guarantee a particular result, but it shows that a surgeon has completed specific education, training, examinations, and continuing professional requirements.

Ask where the surgeon completed medical school, residency, and any fellowship training. Formal training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery may provide experience with different breast shapes, tissue characteristics, and healing concerns. During your consultation, the surgeon should explain the procedure in clear terms, discuss alternatives, and answer your questions without making you feel pressured to proceed.

Assess augmentation, lift, reconstruction, and revision experience

Breast augmentation does not look the same for every patient. You may want more upper-breast fullness, restored volume after pregnancy, improved symmetry, or a change in breast size. If your skin has stretched or your nipples sit lower on the breast, an implant alone may not create the result you want. A breast lift may be part of the treatment plan.

Ask how often the surgeon performs breast augmentation, breast lifts, implant removal, revisions, and reconstruction. Experience with related procedures can help the surgeon identify whether implants, fat transfer, a lift, or a combined approach better suits your anatomy. Reviewing the practice’s breast enhancement services can help you prepare specific questions for your consultation.

Confirm facility accreditation and anesthesia safety

Ask where your surgery will take place and whether the facility is licensed or accredited under applicable standards. Accredited facilities follow established policies for equipment, staffing, infection control, emergency preparation, and patient monitoring. The practice should be able to tell you which organization oversees the facility and what type of anesthesia care your procedure requires.

Ask who will administer and monitor your anesthesia, how your health history will be reviewed, and how you will be observed during recovery. These details are an important part of surgical planning, not an afterthought. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons outlines surgical safety considerations that can help you prepare for this conversation.

Choose personalized implant selection and informed consent

Your surgeon should recommend implants based on your chest width, existing breast tissue, skin quality, breast shape, and desired result. Choosing an implant only because it looks appealing in a photo may not produce a balanced outcome for your body. Ask about implant material, shape, profile, dimensions, placement, and incision options.

Sizers, reference photos, and other planning tools may help you describe your preferences. Informed consent should cover the procedure, expected results, risks, recovery restrictions, implant monitoring, and the possibility of future surgery. Review the FDA’s breast implant safety information before surgery, and ask your surgeon to explain anything that remains unclear.

Evaluate results without unrealistic comparisons

Before-and-after photos can help you understand a surgeon’s aesthetic approach, but they cannot predict your exact result. Each patient has different breast tissue, skin elasticity, chest shape, nipple position, asymmetry, and healing patterns. Lighting, posing, clothing, and the time between surgery and photography can also affect how results appear.

When reviewing photos, look for patients with anatomy and goals similar to yours. Ask whether the images show augmentation alone or include a lift, fat transfer, or another procedure. A responsible surgeon should explain what augmentation can and cannot change. Aim for a realistic improvement that fits your body rather than trying to recreate another patient’s result.

Confirm follow-up access and complication support

Ask how many postoperative appointments are included, when they occur, and whom you should contact if you have questions between visits. Find out whether the practice provides an after-hours phone number and how it handles urgent concerns. Clear instructions can help you understand which symptoms are expected during healing and which require prompt attention.

Also ask what support is available if you experience delayed healing, infection, significant asymmetry, implant malposition, or another complication. You may never need additional treatment, but understanding the process can make recovery feel more manageable. North Star Plastic Surgery provides a consultation request page for Fairbanks-area patients who want to discuss their surgical goals and care plan.

Review Dr. Erick Martell’s double board certification

Dr. Erick Martell is double board certified in General Surgery and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. These credentials reflect training in general surgical care as well as plastic and reconstructive procedures. That combination may be relevant when discussing your medical history, surgical risks, tissue quality, breast asymmetry, and related breast procedures.

Certification is one factor to consider, so ask how Dr. Martell’s training applies to your specific goals. Your consultation may include a discussion of implant placement, incision options, breast lift techniques, and the changes you want to see. North Star Plastic Surgery shares additional information about Dr. Martell’s background and training, which can help you prepare for your appointment.

Consider his 21 years of U.S. Army surgical service

Dr. Martell brings 21 years of U.S. Army service to his surgical career. His work included combat and humanitarian surgical care across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. This background added experience with patient assessment, surgical planning, and care in demanding settings.

Military service should be considered alongside board certification, relevant procedure experience, facility standards, and patient communication. During your consultation, ask how his training and past surgical work inform his current approach to cosmetic breast procedures. You can also ask about his experience with the specific implant type, placement method, and surgical technique being considered for you.

Review his facial, breast, and body-contouring experience

A surgeon’s experience with several procedure areas can be helpful when your breast goals overlap with changes elsewhere on your body. For example, patients who seek augmentation after pregnancy or weight loss may also want to discuss a breast lift, tummy tuck, or other body-contouring procedure. Others may need a plan that accounts for previous surgery, asymmetry, or changes in skin and soft tissue.

Dr. Martell’s practice includes facial, breast, and body-contouring procedures. Before your appointment, review information about North Star Plastic Surgery’s body procedures. Write down what you want to change, what you want to preserve, and any concerns about scars, size, shape, or recovery. This gives your surgeon a clear starting point for discussing suitable options.

Learn about North Star Plastic Surgery’s Fairbanks-area care

North Star Plastic Surgery serves Fairbanks and surrounding Alaska communities with cosmetic, reconstructive, hand, and non-invasive care. Breast augmentation patients can discuss implants, breast lifts, reconstruction, asymmetry, and related concerns with Dr. Martell during a consultation. The appointment also provides an opportunity to review your medical history, examine your anatomy, and develop a plan around your goals.

Before scheduling surgery, ask about the surgical facility, anesthesia arrangements, postoperative visits, urgent concerns, and travel requirements. Patients who live outside Fairbanks may need to arrange transportation, lodging, and a support person for the first few days after surgery. Learn more about North Star Plastic Surgery and prepare your questions before requesting a consultation.

Prepare for Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

A breast augmentation consultation is a chance to discuss your goals, health history, surgical options, recovery, and total costs with a qualified plastic surgeon. Preparing ahead of time can help you use the appointment well and feel more comfortable asking detailed questions.

You do not need to choose an implant or surgical technique before your visit. The best plan depends on your anatomy, breast tissue, skin elasticity, lifestyle, health, and desired result. Before your consultation, write down your questions, gather relevant medical information, and consider what you want your results to look like over time.

Define your goals for fullness, shape, and naturalness

Think about the changes you would like to make. You may want more upper-breast fullness, improved symmetry, a larger overall size, or a result that looks subtle in clothing and swimwear. Other patients prefer a rounder or more noticeable appearance.

Try to describe your goals using shape, proportion, and fullness rather than relying only on a specific cup size. Bra sizing varies between brands, and the same implant can look different on different bodies. Reviewing the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ breast augmentation overview can help you understand common goals and treatment considerations.

Gather your medical history, medications, and allergies

Make a complete list of your prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Include the dose and how often you take each one. Some products can affect bleeding, blood pressure, anesthesia, or healing, so accurate information is important when your surgeon evaluates your candidacy.

Also share previous surgeries, anesthesia experiences, chronic conditions, allergies, and any past breast procedures. Bring medical records, mammogram results, or imaging reports if you have them. The Mayo Clinic’s breast augmentation guidance explains why reviewing your health history is an important part of surgical planning.

Share nicotine use, supplements, and health conditions

Tell your surgeon about smoking, vaping, nicotine pouches, nicotine replacement products, and recreational drug use. Nicotine can reduce blood flow to healing tissues and may raise the risk of wound-healing problems. Your surgeon may recommend stopping nicotine before and after surgery for a specified period.

Mention conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, bleeding disorders, or a history of blood clots. You should also report recent infections, changes in your health, or past healing concerns. Do not stop a prescribed medication on your own. Instead, provide your full list and follow the instructions from your medical team.

Review breast health, family history, and imaging

Tell your surgeon about breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, previous biopsies, breast surgery, or abnormal imaging. Share your personal and family history of breast cancer and other breast conditions. Depending on your age, history, and screening status, your surgeon may recommend updated imaging or another evaluation before surgery.

Ask how implants may affect future mammograms and what to tell your imaging provider. Mammograms can still be performed after augmentation, although specialized views may be needed. The FDA’s breast implant safety information includes information about screening, risks, and long-term implant care.

Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, and future plans

Mention any plans for pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, or additional body procedures. Pregnancy and weight changes can alter breast volume, skin elasticity, and breast position, which may change your results over time.

Many patients can breastfeed after breast augmentation, but this varies according to breast anatomy, milk supply, implant placement, and incision location. If breastfeeding is important to you, bring it up before selecting a surgical approach. Your surgeon can explain how different options may relate to your plans while being clear that breastfeeding outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Bring reference photos and share your concerns

Reference photos can help communicate the fullness, shape, and proportions you prefer. Select images that show results similar to your body type when possible. During the consultation, explain what you like about each photo rather than expecting an identical result. Differences in chest width, breast tissue, skin elasticity, and body proportions affect the outcome.

Bring notes or photos that show concerns such as uneven breast size, drooping, stretch marks, or limited upper-breast fullness. You should also mention concerns about scars, sensation, implants, or recovery. Open communication gives your surgeon better information for developing a plan that matches your priorities.

Ask about implants, placement, incisions, and lift options

Ask which implant materials, shapes, sizes, profiles, and surface types may be appropriate for your anatomy. You can also ask whether placement above or below the chest muscle is recommended and why. Your surgeon should explain the benefits, limitations, and tradeoffs of each option.

Discuss possible incision locations, including the crease beneath the breast, around the areola, or through the armpit when appropriate. If you have loose skin or significant drooping, augmentation alone may not provide the result you want. Ask whether a breast lift, augmentation with lift, or another approach would better address your concerns. North Star Plastic Surgery provides information about breast enhancement procedures before your appointment.

Review risks, recovery, monitoring, and revision plans

Ask about potential complications, including infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, implant movement, rupture, deflation, rippling, capsular contracture, and asymmetry. You should also understand that additional surgery may be necessary in the future, whether because of a complication, changing preferences, aging, pregnancy, or changes in your breasts.

Review pain control, activity restrictions, follow-up visits, and symptoms that require prompt attention. Silicone implants may require imaging over time to check for silent rupture, while saline implant rupture is often noticed through deflation. The FDA’s breast implant patient decision checklist offers questions to review before choosing surgery.

Discuss total costs, financing, and next steps

Request a written estimate that explains the complete cost of surgery. Depending on the practice, this may include the surgeon’s fee, facility charges, anesthesia, implants, prescription medications, surgical garments, testing, and follow-up care. Ask how the estimate would change if you added a breast lift, fat transfer, or correction for asymmetry.

Cosmetic breast augmentation is usually not covered by health insurance, although coverage rules may differ for medically necessary reconstruction. Ask whether financing is available, when payments are due, and what happens if you postpone or reschedule. A practice-specific estimate is more useful than a national average because facility, anesthesia, implant, and care costs vary by location.

Arrange transportation, support, time off, and childcare

Plan for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you during the initial recovery period. Ask how much help you may need with meals, medication reminders, children, pets, and household tasks. Having support arranged in advance can make the first few days less stressful.

Your time away from work will depend on your job and your recovery instructions. Desk work may be possible sooner than physically demanding work, but you should not assume that you can lift, exercise, or drive right away. In Fairbanks, weather and winter road conditions may affect transportation, so arrange a reliable ride and consider travel conditions when scheduling surgery and follow-up visits.

Schedule a consultation with North Star Plastic Surgery

When you are ready, request a consultation with North Star Plastic Surgery in Fairbanks. You can discuss your goals, review your medical history, compare implant and lift options, and learn what preparation and recovery may involve.

Dr. Erick Martell is double board-certified in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His experience includes facial, breast, and body-contouring procedures, as well as 21 years of U.S. Army service. Bring your questions, reference photos, medication list, and relevant imaging so the appointment can focus on a treatment plan that reflects your anatomy, health, and priorities.

Related Articles

• Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: Which Is Right for You?

• What to Expect During Your Breast Augmentation Recovery

• Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer: What You Need to Know

• How to Choose the Right Breast Implants for Your Body

• Understanding the Risks of Breast Implants

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether I need breast augmentation, a breast lift, or both? Breast augmentation adds volume, while a lift raises sagging tissue and repositions the nipples. If your main concern is lost fullness, augmentation may be enough. If your breasts sit lower on your chest or have loose skin, combining a lift with augmentation may create a more balanced result. Dr. Erick Martell can recommend the option that best fits your anatomy and goals.

What is the difference between implants and fat transfer? Implants can provide a more noticeable and predictable increase in breast volume using saline or silicone. Fat transfer uses liposuction to collect your own fat and usually creates a subtler change. Fat transfer also requires enough donor fat, and some of the transferred tissue may not remain. Your surgeon can compare both choices during your consultation.

How long does breast augmentation recovery take? Most patients need several days of rest and may return to desk work within about a week, depending on comfort and their surgeon’s instructions. Heavy lifting, upper-body exercise, and physically demanding work usually require more time. Swelling, tightness, and changes in breast position can continue as the implants settle.

Do breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years? No. There is no automatic replacement deadline, but implants are not lifetime devices. Some patients never need additional surgery, while others may require revision because of rupture, capsular contracture, shifting, aging, pregnancy, weight changes, or personal preference. Silicone implants also require recommended imaging to check for silent rupture.

What should I ask during a Fairbanks breast augmentation consultation? Ask about implant type, size, shape, profile, placement, incision location, possible need for a lift, recovery restrictions, long-term monitoring, risks, and the complete cost. Share your medical history, medications, nicotine use, future pregnancy plans, and any breast imaging. A consultation with Dr. Erick Martell at North Star Plastic Surgery can help you compare options and create a plan suited to your body.