Breast Augmentation & Implants

Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation increases breast size with implants. It can also improve breast symmetry, correct breast changes related to age, weight loss or pregnancy, and enhance your self-image. 

At University of Vermont Health Network, we offer a full range of breast augmentation procedures in a safe and welcoming environment. Our talented plastic surgeons are skilled in placing new implants and exchanging and removing existing ones. We can also combine augmentation with other procedures, such as breast lift, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or body sculpting. 

As a leading plastic surgery program in the region, we offer: 

• Extensive expertise: You receive care from skilled plastic surgeons dedicated to giving you beautiful, natural results. Many are academic leaders, training the next generation of physicians in the latest surgical techniques. 
• Supportive team: Every team member works to give you an exceptional experience. From consultation to surgery and follow-up care, you have a knowledgeable and compassionate team by your side. 
• Personalized approach: Our surgeons help you understand the pros and cons of breast augmentation and the options available to you. We listen to you, then develop a surgical plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. 
• Comfort and convenience: Your comfort, safety and privacy are top priorities for our team. With offices in Vermont and northern New York and digital health options for some types of visits, we make it easy to access care. 

Types of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation surgery varies based on multiple factors. These include: 

Type of Surgical Procedure 

The two main surgical approaches are: 

• Traditional breast augmentation: Your surgeon inserts the implants through an incision around your nipple, under your breast or in your armpit.
• Endoscopic breast augmentation: Your surgeon uses a thin tube with a camera and small instruments (endoscope) to view internal structures and place the breast implants. We insert the endoscope and implant through a small incision in your armpit, resulting in minimal scarring and faster recovery. 

Implant Placement Location 

All implants sit underneath your existing breast tissue. This area contains layers of connective tissue (fascia) and chest muscle. There are several options for positioning implants within these layers: 

• Subglandular: Just under your breast tissue but above the fascia and chest muscle 
• Subfascial: Under the fascia but above the muscle 
• Submuscular: Under both the fascia and muscle 

Where we can place the implant depends mainly on the implant type, amount of enlargement and your body.

Type of Breast Implant 

We offer both saline breast implants and silicone breast implants to give you your desired volume, look and feel. 

There is a low risk of lymphoma associated with breast implants. Most cases of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) occur in textured implants. UVM Health Network does not offer implants with textured surfaces.

Breast Augmentation Consultation

A comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons will help you understand the options available to you and the pros and cons of each.

Important factors you and your surgeon will discuss include: 

• Age: You must be 18 for saline implants and 21 for silicone.
• Anatomy: The size of your existing breasts may determine the size of implant and type of surgical procedure you can have. 
• Cost: Our team provides estimates prior to any procedure.
• Monitoring: Silicone implants require regular MRI monitoring starting five years after implantation. 
• Risks: Breast augmentation carries short- and long-term risks. Your consultation includes a review of the latest breast implant safety information for the different types of procedures and implants available. 
• Scars: Some procedures have a greater risk of visible scars than others.

What to Expect

We perform breast augmentation in an operating room using general anesthesia, so you are asleep during surgery. You can typically go home the same day. Before you go home, we provide: 

• Instructions on how to care for your surgical incisions 
• Medication prescriptions to help manage pain 
• Supplies, such as dressings and support garments 

Follow-Up Care 

Throughout your recovery, you have the full support of our team. In the six months following your surgery, you’ll have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing. Soreness and swelling are the most common side effects during the first few weeks.

Most people can resume light activity after two weeks and full activity after six weeks. After your last surgical follow-up appointment, we recommend annual visits with your surgeon to check the implants.

Breast Augmentation Scars 

While scars at your incision sites are typical, our skilled surgeons use special techniques to minimize their appearance. Scars may look red at first, but they will fade over time — often becoming barely noticeable. Your care team will provide instructions on how to care for your incisions to minimize scarring.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last? 

Breast implants typically last 10-20 years, and come with a warranty that covers replacement and, in some cases, partial reimbursement of surgical expenses. 

Patient Resources

American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast Augmentation

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