You’ve been thinking about it for a while now. Maybe it started as a passing thought after catching your reflection, or maybe it’s been sitting quietly in the back of your mind for years. Either way, you’re here because the idea of breast augmentation has moved from “someday” to “tell me more,” and that shift alone takes courage.
More than half of all breast augmentation procedures worldwide are performed on women between 18 and 34, according to the ISAPS 2024 global survey. That means you’re far from alone in weighing this decision at exactly the stage of life where confidence, body image, and personal goals intersect most intensely.
At Meadows Surgical Arts in Commerce, Georgia, we understand that choosing breast augmentation is as much an emotional decision as it is a medical one. Triple board-certified surgeon Dr. Michael Kluska has guided patients through this process for over 25 years, and the question he hears most often is simple: Where do I even start? This article walks you through candidacy, implant options, the consultation experience, what happens during surgery, recovery, and long-term care so you can move forward with clarity.
Key takeaways
- Good candidates are healthy adults at a stable weight, with realistic goals about what implants can and cannot change in their body shape.
- Silicone implants feel the most natural, which is why roughly 85% of patients choose them, but saline and fat transfer are also viable depending on your anatomy and preferences.
- The consultation is a two-way conversation where you evaluate your surgeon just as much as they evaluate you, and it covers sizing, technique, and financing all in one visit.
- Recovery allows most patients to return to desk work within a week, with full activity typically resuming around six weeks for most patients, confirmed by your surgeon.
- Implants typically last 10 to 20 years, and routine follow-up imaging helps catch any issues early while keeping your results on track.
Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Candidacy comes down to three things: your physical health, the stability of your weight, and whether your expectations match what the procedure can deliver.
If you’re a healthy adult over 18 (or 22 for silicone implants per FDA guidelines), a nonsmoker, and at a stable weight, you’re likely in a strong starting position. Consider the following key factors:
- Maintain a stable weight for at least 3–6 months before surgery for predictable results
- Good general health is required
- Active infections, untreated cancer, pregnancy, or breastfeeding will delay surgery
- Smokers are generally advised to quit before surgery
One of the biggest misconceptions is that implants fix sagging. They don’t, at least not on their own. Breast augmentation adds volume and fullness, but if gravity or pregnancy has changed the position of your breasts significantly, a breast lift may be needed alongside implants to get the result you’re picturing. The two procedures can be combined, and your surgeon can assess this during a consultation.
Researching all of this before making a decision is exactly the right approach. Furthermore, a consultation with a board-certified surgeon will clarify whether the timing, your health, and your goals align.
What types of breast implants should I choose?
This is where the decision starts to feel personal, because the right implant depends on your anatomy, your lifestyle, and what “natural” means to you. Here’s how the main options compare.
| Feature | Saline | Silicone | Fat transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Firmer | Most natural | Natural |
| Fill material | Sterile saltwater | Cohesive silicone gel | Your own body fat |
| Rupture detection | Immediate deflation | Requires MRI monitoring | Not applicable |
| Volume range | 100 to 800+ cc | 100 to 800+ cc | Up to 300 ml average |
| FDA age minimum | 18 | 22 | 18 |
Saline and silicone implants
Silicone implants feel closest to natural breast tissue, which is why roughly 85% of patients prefer them, according to ASPS data. Saline implants cost less and make a rupture immediately obvious (the implant deflates), but they tend to feel firmer and show more rippling in patients with less natural tissue coverage.
Both come in smooth shells. Textured implants, once common, have fallen out of use entirely since 2020 due to their association with BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma. Smooth implants carry no such risk.
Dr. Kluska trained at the Cleveland Clinic Health System and holds Master Surgeon accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation. He discusses both saline and silicone options during your consultation to match the right material to your anatomy and goals.
Sizes, shapes, and profiles
Implants range from 100 to over 800 cc, with most patients choosing somewhere around 400 cc. Round shapes are by far the most popular (used in 99% of procedures), while teardrop shapes create a more gradual slope. Profile, which controls how far the implant projects from your chest, ranges from low to extra high.
The same cc looks completely different on different body frames, which is why cup sizes are unreliable for surgical planning. Your surgeon uses chest wall measurements, sizer trials, and reference photos to find the right fit.
Placement: under or over the muscle
Submuscular placement (under the chest muscle) accounts for about 56% of augmentations and continues to trend upward. It creates a more natural contour, lowers the rate of capsular contracture, and improves mammogram reliability. Subglandular placement (over the muscle) offers a shorter recovery but higher contracture rates.
At our practice, we typically place implants beneath the chest wall muscle to achieve softer and more natural-looking results.
Fat transfer as an alternative
Fat transfer uses liposuction to harvest fat from another area of your body and inject it into the breasts. The result feels completely natural, and there’s no implant to maintain. The trade-off is volume: the average gain is about 300 ml with 50% to 70% fat retention, which limits how much size you can add in a single session.
Incision options
The inframammary incision (in the fold beneath the breast) is used in about 80% of augmentations because it hides well, allows precise implant placement, and has the lowest capsular contracture rate, at 1.64%. Periareolar (around the nipple) and transaxillary (through the armpit) are alternatives, though each comes with different tradeoffs in visibility and access.
What happens during your consultation and preparation?
This is where the process stops being theoretical and starts becoming yours. A breast augmentation consultation isn’t an audition. It’s a two-way conversation where you evaluate whether the surgeon and the practice feel right, and your surgeon evaluates whether the timing, your health, and your goals align for a strong outcome.
At Meadows Surgical Arts, your in-person consultation takes place at one of three Georgia offices in Commerce, Buford, or Monroe. The Commerce location houses the AAAHC-accredited surgical facility where procedures are performed.
During the visit, your surgeon examines your anatomy, discusses your aesthetic goals, reviews your medical history, and walks through implant options. Nothing is off limits. If you have a photo of what you’re hoping to achieve, bring it.
Questions worth asking include whether the facility is accredited, which implant type and placement the surgeon recommends for your body, and what the full range of costs looks like. It’s also worth noting that insurance does not cover cosmetic breast augmentation, so the financial picture matters. To help make your goals more accessible, we offer flexible financing through Cherry, CareCredit, Alphaeon, and PatientFi, so you can choose a payment plan that fits your budget.
Preparation in the weeks before surgery is straightforward. Stop smoking at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead (and plan to stay off for the same period after). Pause aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood-thinning supplements about 2 weeks before your date. Line up a friend or family member to drive you home and help around the house for the first few days, and stock your recovery space with everything you’ll need within arm’s reach.
Bailey, who recently had breast implant surgery at the Commerce office, shared:
“I recently had breast implant surgery with Dr. Kluska, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. From the very first consultation, I felt completely at ease. Dr. Kluska took the time to listen to my goals, answer all of my questions, and explain every step of the process.”
If you’re ready to start the conversation, reach out to our team or call our Commerce office at (706) 335-3555 or our Buford office at (678) 541-0339 to book your consultation.
How is breast augmentation surgery performed?
Knowing what happens in the operating room takes a lot of the mystery (and anxiety) out of the experience. Here’s how the procedure typically unfolds.
Anesthesia and preparation
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, so you’re completely asleep and comfortable throughout. Before surgery begins, your surgeon carefully marks incision sites on your skin to guide precise implant placement. The entire process takes place in an outpatient setting, meaning you go home the same day.
Incision, pocket creation, and implant placement
The surgeon makes a small incision, most commonly in the inframammary fold, and creates a pocket either beneath the chest muscle (submuscular) or above it (subglandular). The implant is then carefully positioned and adjusted for symmetry. Silicone implants are inserted pre-filled, while saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after placement, allowing for minor volume adjustments.
Duration and going home
The procedure itself typically takes 45 to 90 minutes. Afterward, you spend a short time in recovery before heading home with a friend or family member. Most patients describe the post-anesthesia feeling as groggy but manageable.
Combining augmentation with a breast lift
If sagging is a concern alongside volume loss, your surgeon can perform a breast lift in the same session. This combined approach adds about 20 minutes to the procedure and addresses both fullness and position in a single surgery. Complication rates are slightly higher with the combination (around 13% versus 7% for augmentation alone), so the decision depends on your starting anatomy.
What is recovery like after breast augmentation?
Recovery after breast augmentation is often more manageable than patients anticipate, though it requires a disciplined commitment to patience. Because your body is healing around an implant, allowing for proper “settling” time is essential for a beautiful, long-term result.
The Initial Healing Phase
The first 48 hours are the most intense, characterized by chest tightness, swelling, and lingering effects from anesthesia. During this window, pain typically peaks, averaging a 5.9 out of 10 in clinical studies, before tapering off significantly by day three.
Most patients transition from prescription medication to over-the-counter relief within the first week. You will wear a surgical compression bra 24/7 to support the new contours, and short, frequent walks are encouraged to promote healthy circulation. You’ll also sleep on your back with your upper body elevated rather than on your side or stomach during these early weeks, which keeps pressure off the healing implant pocket. Side sleeping comes back gradually, and your surgeon will let you know when it’s safe based on how you’re healing.
Returning to work and exercise
Most patients return to a desk job within about seven days. No heavy lifting (nothing over 10 to 15 pounds) for the first two to three weeks, and no driving until you’re off prescription pain medication. Light lower-body exercise usually gets the green light around week three, with full workouts, including chest exercises, resuming at the six-week mark.
Your surgeon provides detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your procedure and recovery pace, so you’ll know exactly when each milestone is safe to hit.
Scar management
Incision scars start as thin pink lines and continue maturing for 12 to 18 months. Starting silicone scar gel or sheeting around week four (once your surgeon confirms the incision is fully closed) helps scars fade faster. Sun protection is important during this window, as UV exposure can darken healing scars.
Recovery Timeline at a Glance
| Timeframe | Activity Level | Support & Care |
| Days 1–3 | Rest; short walks only | 24/7 Surgical compression bra |
| Days 4–7 | Return to desk work; no driving | Follow-up visit for incision check |
| Weeks 2–3 | Light lower-body exercise; no lifting | Continued use of supportive bras |
| Weeks 4–6 | Silicone scar therapy begins | Gradual return to full workouts |
| 6 Months+ | Final results visible | Scars continue to fade/soften |
When to call your surgeon
While complications are rare, early intervention is key. Contact your surgical team if you experience a fever over 101°F, significant swelling localized to just one side, unusual redness or drainage, or pain that does not respond to your prescribed medication.
To ensure your journey is as stress-free as possible, we offer flexible payment plans, so you can focus on your recovery and results without the financial side of your decision becoming a barrier.
What are the risks, results, and long-term care?
Every surgery carries some degree of risk, and breast augmentation is no exception. The reassuring part is that serious concerns are genuinely uncommon, outcomes are well-studied, and the vast majority of patients are happy with their results for years.
Capsular contracture, BIA-ALCL, and rupture
Capsular contracture, where scar tissue around the implant tightens and hardens, is the most common long-term concern. It occurs in about 7.2% of primary augmentations over seven years, according to FDA postapproval data. Grades I and II are mild and often require no treatment, while grades III and IV may need revision surgery.
BIA-ALCL is an extremely rare lymphoma linked specifically to textured implants, with a lifetime risk estimated between 1 in 3,000 and 1 in 30,000. Smooth implants, which are now standard, carry no known risk of BIA-ALCL.
Implant rupture rates are low: about 0.5% for silicone in the short term and 2.5% for saline. Saline ruptures are immediately visible (the implant deflates), while silicone ruptures are “silent” and detected through imaging.
Breastfeeding and mammograms
About 79% of patients successfully breastfeed after augmentation, based on a follow-up study of more than 3,500 women. Submuscular placement and inframammary incisions are least likely to affect milk supply. Mammograms remain effective with implants, though the technician uses a displacement technique to ensure clear imaging.
Final results and implant longevity
Swelling resolves gradually over one to three months, and your final shape settles into place during that window. In a prospective study of 225 patients, 98% reported satisfaction with their results, and 85% felt their size was “just right.”
Implants typically last 10 to 20 years. They don’t come with a fixed expiration date, but your surgeon will monitor them over time through annual exams and, for silicone implants, periodic MRI or ultrasound screenings starting around year five to six.
Choosing a qualified surgeon and ongoing care
Your surgeon’s qualifications matter more than almost any other variable. Look for board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, membership in professional societies like ASPS, and procedures performed at accredited facilities. With 921 Google reviews across three locations and a 5.0 out of 5 rating at the Commerce office, Meadows Surgical Arts has built a track record that patients can evaluate for themselves.
Kortneigh M., who spent years researching before choosing her surgeon, shared:
“After years of consideration, research, and weighing my options, I’m officially just 18 days away from my breast augmentation surgery + lift and I couldn’t be more confident in my decision to go with Dr. Kluska! From the very beginning, Dr. K impressed me with his honest, straightforward approach.”
Long-term care is simple: attend your annual follow-ups, perform regular self-checks, and schedule imaging as your surgeon recommends. Maintaining a stable weight and following aftercare instructions helps protect your results in the long run.
Conclusion
The mix of excitement and uncertainty you may be feeling right now is a natural part of the journey. It shows you are approaching this transformation with the care and gravity it deserves. While researching and browsing patient galleries can help you visualize the possibilities, nothing replaces the clarity and confidence gained through a professional evaluation.
At Meadows Surgical Arts, Dr. Kluska brings over 25 years of experience and triple board certification to a practice built on a singular philosophy: delivering world-class surgical results alongside an unwavering commitment to patient care.
Beyond surgery, our team also provides non-surgical care under the same roof — Botox, dermal fillers, and a medically supervised weight loss program, along with spa treatments like Diamond Glow facials, dermaplaning, and microdermabrasion, so your aesthetic goals can be supported well past recovery.
Whether you are ready to move forward or simply need expert guidance to map out your next steps, our team is here to support you. Contact us today to schedule your personal consultation at our Commerce or Buford offices by calling (706) 335-3555 or (678) 541-0339. Take the first step toward the silhouette you’ve earned. You deserve to feel as confident in your reflection as you do in your own skin.
Frequently asked questions
How much does breast augmentation cost?
The total cost varies by implant type, surgical technique, anesthesia, and facility fees. Because breast augmentation is considered cosmetic, insurance does not cover it. The best way to get an accurate picture is during a consultation, when your surgeon can provide a detailed breakdown based on your specific plan.
How long is the recovery time?
Most patients go back to desk work within about a week and regain full activity, including exercise, around six weeks. Swelling may persist for 1 to 3 months, gradually revealing your final shape. The speed of recovery varies depending on your placement type, overall health, and adherence to your surgeon’s instructions.
Saline or silicone implants: which is better?
Neither is universally better. Silicone feels more natural and is chosen by most patients, while saline is less expensive and ruptures are immediately obvious. Your anatomy, goals, and comfort level with follow-up monitoring (silicone requires periodic imaging) all factor into the best choice for you.
Can I breastfeed after getting implants?
Yes. Submuscular placement and inframammary incisions are least likely to affect the milk ducts. If breastfeeding is a priority, share that with your surgeon so they can plan accordingly.
How long do breast implants last?
Implants are not lifetime devices. They typically last 10 to 20 years, though many patients go longer without issues. There is no fixed replacement schedule. Your surgeon monitors them through annual exams and periodic imaging, and recommends replacement only if a problem is detected.
What is capsular contracture?
Capsular contracture happens when the scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant tightens and hardens. Mild cases (grades I and II) often go unnoticed and require no treatment. More advanced cases (grades III and IV) can cause discomfort and visible distortion, and may need surgical correction.
Is breast augmentation safe?
Breast augmentation has a strong safety profile when performed by a board-certified surgeon at an accredited facility. Serious complications are uncommon, though risks like capsular contracture, rupture, and infection exist at low rates.
What is BIA-ALCL?
BIA-ALCL is a rare type of lymphoma linked specifically to textured breast implants, not breast cancer. When caught early, it is effectively treated by removing the implant and its surrounding capsule. Smooth implants, which are now the standard, have no known association with this condition.
Do implants increase breast cancer risk?
No. The FDA has found no association between breast implants and an increased risk of breast cancer. Routine mammograms remain important after augmentation, and displacement imaging techniques ensure accurate screening with implants in place.
What size implants should I get?
There is no universal “right” size. The best implant size depends on your chest width, existing breast tissue, body frame, and personal goals. Your surgeon uses physical measurements, sizer trials, and reference photos during the consultation to find a fit that looks proportionate and feels natural on your body.
When can I exercise after a boob job?
Light lower-body exercise typically resumes around week three, with chest-specific workouts and heavy lifting waiting until the six-week mark. Wearing a supportive sports bra helps protect your results as you ease back in. Your surgeon will give you a personalized timeline based on how your recovery is progressing.
*Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A consultation with a qualified board-certified surgeon is required to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs and any questions you may have about a medical condition or procedure.
