Breast Augmentation FAQ

In his 20+ years in private practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Louis Cutolo has answered thousands of questions about breast augmentation and breast implants. Women from Long Island to Staten Island and surrounding areas trust him to provide the information they need to make informed decisions. You are invited to use this page and our breast augmentation page to help you plan for your procedure.

After you have explored our site, feel free to make a list of any remaining questions to discuss with Dr. Cutolo during your consultation. You can request your complimentary consultation online now or call  (718) 720-9400 to schedule an appointment.

Breast Augmentation
 Before & After Photos

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Will breast augmentation make sagging breasts look better?

Breast implants may take up some of your breasts’ laxity, but they will not correct excessive ptosis (sagging). In fact, the weight of the implant can make it worse. If you wish to lift sagging breasts, you would benefit from a breast lift. My patients from Staten Island and Brooklyn often combine breast augmentation with breast lift to improve the position and volume of their breasts.

Are there age restrictions for breast augmentation?

The FDA has approved the use of saline-filled implants for women 18 years and older. Silicone gel implants are indicated for women 22 and older. As far as a maximum age, healthy women in their 80s have successfully undergone breast augmentation.

Can breast implants fix uneven breasts?

If correcting asymmetry is one of your goals, Dr. Cutolo can use breast implants of varying sizes or profiles to create greater symmetry in shape, projection, and volume. No woman has completely symmetrical breasts. Unless the difference is drastic, you are likely more aware of it than others are.

Can breast implants correct tuberous breasts?

Yes, breast augmentation can fix tuberous breasts by expanding the rough ring of tissue around the areola. The procedure can also give breasts extra volume and lift the areola and breast fold into position.

What happens if I breastfeed after implants?

Most women do not experience complications with breastfeeding after breast augmentation. In addition, breast implants have been proved to present no risk to breast milk and nursing infants. Subglandular implant placement and areolar incisions pose slightly higher risks of interfering with nursing, but other incision and placement options exist. A possible compromise for some women is to wait until after you have weaned your last child to undergo breast enhancement.

Dr. Louis C. Cutolo Jr.

Dr. Louis C. Cutolo, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S Dr. Louis C. Cutolo, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S

Meet Dr. Louis C. Cutolo Jr.

A board-certified plastic surgeon in Staten Island, Dr. Louis Cutolo, Jr. is an active member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the... read on

Meet Dr. Cutolo

How long will my breast implants last?

Breast implants are not designed to last for a lifetime; however, some women have had the same implants for as long as 30 years. Implant manufacturers recommend replacing implants every 10 years. As long as you are satisfied with your implants and there is no medical reason for removal, you do not have to replace or remove your implants.

How long will I need to take off of work after breast augmentation?

For most women, no more than 5 days provides adequate recovery time. You will want to refrain from lifting more than 20 pounds for at least a week and more than 50 pounds for at least 2 weeks. If you have a physically demanding job or one that requires a lot of arm or upper body movement, you may require a longer period for recovery.

Do breast implants affect mammograms?

Breast implants affect how your mammogram is performed, but they don’t impede you from getting a regular mammogram to detect any concerns in your breast tissue. When you schedule your mammogram appointment, let your provider know you have implants so your technician can adjust the positioning and technique of your scan for an accurate exam.

How should I sleep after breast augmentation?

For the first week or 2, you’ll need to sleep on your back, ideally in a reclined position. This position keeps you from putting pressure on your implants or straining your incisions. After 2 weeks, you can transition to sleeping on your side, and then move to sleeping on your stomach after about 4 weeks.

Is breast augmentation painful?

Breast augmentation is not typically painful. Some women experience discomfort, soreness, or tightness for a week or so after surgery, but this is typically managed with medication.

Is there a way to get a scarless breast augmentation?

Because breast augmentation involves placing an implant within the breast, an incision is always required. While there is no real method of breast augmentation that leaves zero scarring, there are many options for less noticeable scars. Keep in mind that we place incisions in inconspicuous locations to reduce the amount of visible scarring.

How long will it be before my breast augmentation scars fade?

Most scars from breast augmentation become very thin and fade after around 2 years.

How long after surgery will my implants drop?

Generally speaking, breast implants will gradually drop over the course of 6 weeks. Your final results will settle into place around 3 months after surgery.

Will my breasts look natural after surgery?

Yes, our goal with breast augmentation is to create results that complement a patient’s natural shape. We offer breast implants in different sizes, shapes, and profiles so we can match the implant to your unique body structure.

Is there anything I should avoid right after getting breast implants?

Immediately after breast augmentation surgery, avoid sleeping on your stomach and don’t allow your incisions to get wet. Also, refrain from lifting heavy items or consuming alcohol or tobacco.

How long after breast augmentation should I wait before I can safely exercise?

Gentle walks after surgery can promote healing, but more intensive exercise should wait until 1 month after treatment. After around 6 weeks, most patients are fully healed and can resume running, weight lifting, and other high-impact workouts.

Does insurance cover breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is not covered by insurance because it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure.

Is breast augmentation safe?

Like any surgery, breast augmentation carries some risks, including infection and capsular contracture, a complication in which the scar capsule contracts around the implant. The best way to keep your procedure safe and low risk is to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who operates in a fully accredited hospital or surgery center.

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