Breast Augmentation & Implants in Miami

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Breast Implant Choices

Breast implants can be either saline or silicone filled, and may have a smooth or textured surface. Each type has pros and cons. For instance, saline implants are not pre-filled, which means they can be placed using a smaller incision than silicone implants. In case of a rupture or leak, the body will naturally absorb the saltwater saline solution. Silicone implants come pre-filled, so they require a slightly longer incision for placement. It is also more difficult to detect a rupture or leak with silicone implants. Still, many women prefer silicone implants because they believe that the implants more closely mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue than saline implants.

To best meet his patients’ expectations and cosmetic goals, and to provide them with the most honest and realistic perspective of their own proportions and size after breast augmentation surgery, Dr. Craft now offers the MENTOR Volume Sizing System. This new system provides the opportunity for each woman to see what the various implant sizes will look like on HER body. The system features a unique shape that fits over the natural breast and creates a more realistic preview of a patient’s new size, helping her make a more confident choice.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

What Happens During Surgery?

Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. There are several incision approaches (locations) through which breast implants may be placed, including the periareolar (through the areola), inframammary (where the breast crease meets the chest wall), or transaxillary (through a small incision in the armpit) approaches. In breast augmentation with lift, the incision pattern may vary slightly to allow the surgeon to make the modifications needed for lifting the breasts. In any case, Dr. Craft is careful to make the incisions to minimize post-operative scarring. Once the modifications are complete, Dr. Craft will close the incisions with sutures and place a surgical bra and soft bandages to support the healing tissues.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

What Should I Expect After Surgery?

Patients should expect to take one to two weeks off of their normal routine, including work and exercise. Strenuous activities such as bending and heavy lifting should be avoided during this time. Minor side effects include swelling, bruising and discomfort, which should subside over time. Plenty of bed rest is key to allow the breasts to heal quickly and safely. Patients will meet with Dr. Craft and his team for follow-up appointments so the doctor can monitor healing and make any recommendations if necessary.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Why Choose Dr. Christopher Craft for Breast Augmentation

Dr. Christopher Craft combines advanced surgical training with an artistic eye and a personalized approach to breast augmentation. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he takes the time to understand each patient’s goals and to create a treatment plan designed to enhance natural proportions and achieve balanced, individualized results.

Patients also benefit from Dr. Christopher Craft’s emphasis on safety, clear communication, and attentive care throughout the surgical process. His experience in breast and body procedures allows him to guide patients toward breast augmentation options that complement their anatomy, preferences, and overall aesthetic goals.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation

Is breast augmentation painful?

Surgery is performed with anesthesia so you will not feel anything during the operation. After surgery, you might have mild to moderate pain or discomfort, or feel sore for a few days. You can manage any pain with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants do not have an expiration date, and can last for many years. You do not need to replace your implants unless they develop a leak or rupture, or you become unhappy with the appearance of your breasts. The risk of an implant rupturing increases about 1 percent every year after placement.

How long do I have to sleep on my back after breast augmentation surgery?

Dr. Craft will advise you to sleep on your back for four to six weeks after surgery to prevent putting pressure on your implants and healing breasts. Propping yourself up on a few pillows can make you more comfortable while sleeping on your back, and placing pillows on either side of your body can prevent you from rolling over onto your sides as you sleep.

What if I am unhappy with the size of my breast implants?

If you are unhappy with the size of your breast implants, you can have them removed and replaced with a bigger or smaller pair. It is best to wait at least six months after surgery for your breast size to stabilize before pursuing revision surgery.

When can I drive after breast augmentation?

Dr. Craft will clear you to resume driving after breast augmentation. You must wait until you have stopped taking pain medication before you can resume driving. Most women can drive about a week after surgery.

When can I resume work after breast augmentation?

Dr. Craft will advise you as to when you can resume work after your surgery. If you work a sedentary desk job, expect to take about a week off from work. If your job is physically demanding, you will likely need to take a few additional days off before returning.

When can I resume exercise after breast augmentation?

You can resume walking as soon as you feel ready after surgery. In fact, taking short, slow walks can help promote good blood flow and healing.

You must avoid more strenuous exercise (including any activity that involves jumping) for at least four weeks. Dr. Craft will give you a more exact timeline for resuming exercise during your post-operative appointments.

Will I have scarring from breast augmentation?

You will have scarring along your incision lines. Dr. Craft places breast implants through incisions around the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple), in the breast crease or in the armpit. With the proper post-operative care and scar management techniques, your scars should fade very well over time. Any scarring is concealed under a bra or bikini top.

Will my nipple sensation change after breast augmentation?

It is difficult to predict whether you will have permanent changes in nipple sensation after breast augmentation. For most women, any changes in nipple sensation are temporary and resolve within six months to a year of surgery. However, a small percentage of women do experience temporary changes in nipple sensation.

Can breast augmentation make my breasts look more symmetrical?

Yes. Breast augmentation can often improve differences in breast size, shape, or fullness by using implants selected to create better balance. However, perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed, as some natural differences between the breasts may persist.

How do I know if I need breast augmentation alone or augmentation with a lift?

Breast augmentation primarily adds volume, while a breast lift addresses sagging and repositions the breast tissue. If you have significant drooping or downward-pointing nipples, your surgeon may recommend combining augmentation with a lift to achieve a fuller, more elevated shape.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

Many women can breastfeed after breast augmentation, although the ability to do so may depend on surgical technique, incision location, and individual anatomy. Breastfeeding ability cannot be guaranteed following breast surgery.

Can breast implants interfere with mammograms?

Breast implants may make it difficult to see some breast tissue during a mammogram, but routine breast cancer screening is still possible. Always tell the imaging facility that you have implants so the technologist can use appropriate techniques and additional views when necessary.

How does implant placement affect the final appearance of my breasts?

Implants may be placed above or beneath the chest muscle, and each approach can influence breast shape, implant coverage, movement, and the visibility of the implant edges. Your anatomy, amount of natural breast tissue, implant choice, and desired appearance all help determine the most appropriate placement.

How do I know which breast implant profile to choose?

Implant profile means how far an implant projects forward relative to its width. Dr. Craft can recommend a profile based on your chest dimensions, existing breast tissue, implant size, and aesthetic goals so the implant complements your natural proportions.

How can I avoid choosing breast implants that look too large for my frame?

Choosing implants should involve more than selecting a desired cup size. Dr. Craft will consider factors such as your chest width, body proportions, existing breast tissue, skin quality, and desired amount of fullness to help select an implant that looks balanced with your frame.

What does “drop and fluff” mean after breast augmentation?

“Drop and fluff” is an informal term used to describe how breast implants gradually settle into a natural position as swelling decreases and surrounding tissues relax. Early in recovery, implants may appear higher, firmer, or rounder than the eventual result.

When will my breast augmentation results look natural?

Breasts typically continue changing as postoperative swelling subsides and the implants settle. While improvement occurs gradually, it can take several weeks or months for the breasts to soften and for the final shape to become more apparent.

Will my breasts feel firm after breast augmentation?

Some temporary firmness or tightness is common during the early stages of healing. The breasts generally soften as swelling decreases and the tissues adjust around the implants. 

What are the signs of capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture is when scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant becomes unusually tight. Possible signs include increasing breast firmness, tightness, discomfort, changes in breast shape, or an implant that appears higher or distorted. Contact your Dr. Craft if you notice new or progressive changes.

How can aging and gravity affect breast augmentation results over time?

Breast implants can provide long-lasting enhancement, but they do not stop the natural aging process. Over time, gravity, changes in skin elasticity, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations can affect breast position and shape. Some patients eventually choose a breast lift, implant exchange, or another procedure to refresh their results.

For more information about breast augmentation, please contact Dr. Craft today.