Breast Augmentation & Implant Procedures

breast augmentation model

Mammaplasty (breast augmentation), is a surgical procedure performed to enlarge the breasts by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue, or partially or completely under the chest muscles. Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, usually under the breast, around the lower part of the areola, or in the armpit. The method of implant selection and size, along with surgical approach for inserting and positioning breast implants, will depend on your preferences, your anatomy and your consultation with Dr. Johnson.

See our breast augmentation FAQs below, and our breast augmentation before and after photo gallery


Making quality decisions about primary breast augmentation surgery

If you are considering breast augmentation surgery I recommend you download Breast Augmentation PDA Informed Consent – Making Quality Decisions About Primary Breast Augmentation Surgery, a helpful decision aid to support informed choices that reflect best evidence and what matters most to you. Use this decision aid before and throughout the consultation and informed consent process with my team and I.

Breast Implants

Breast implants are used to augment the size of your breast. They also help in defining the shape of your breast. There are both saline and silicone filled implants available, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. During your consultation, we will take a series of breast measurements and we will help you determine which shape and size is most appropriate for your body type. We work with Natrelle by Allergan, Mentor and Sientra implants. You can try the MENTOR® 3D Breast Implant Visualizer online.

Breast Augmentation consultations in Springfield, MA

When you book a consultation, there is a $100 consultation fee. If you choose to have surgery with Dr. Johnson the $100 will go towards your surgical fee.

Breast Augmentation Photo Gallery Before & After

View breast augmentation and breast implant before and after photos

View Gallery
Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure performed to enlarge the breasts by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue, or partially or completely under the chest muscles.
Breast implants can enhance and enlarge the breasts and improve the position and shape of sagging breasts.

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?

During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will provide you with her expert opinion as to whether a breast augmentation with implants is a good option for you. She will help you decide which size and shape would fit you best. The risks and benefits and possible complications of surgery will all be discussed. Once you are fully informed, you will be able to determine whether having breast augmentation surgery is for you.

Will I be seen by the surgeon?

Yes. Dr. Johnson will meet with you and she will discuss all your surgical options. Dr. Johnson will provide you with the necessary information so that you feel confident and comfortable with your surgical decision.

Will I be charged for an initial consultation?

Yes. There is a $100 consultation fee. If you choose to have breast augmentation surgery, the $100 will go towards it.

Is the plastic surgeon board certified?

Yes. Dr. Johnson is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, she is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which recognizes surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery.

How should I prepare for my breast augmentation consultation?

Research on reputable internet sites such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons can be very informative to help provide basics about the procedure and your recovery. However, the best information will be obtained by making an appointment and speaking with Dr. Johnson. At the time of your consultation, it may also be helpful to review before and after photos of patients who have had the procedure. Viewing photos of women with a similar body type as yours is helpful. You can also try the online Mentor Breast Implant Simulator. It's a great way to get started thinking about shapes and sizes. At the time of your consultation we will provide you with all the needed information for you to be able to make a comfortable, confident decision about having surgery. It's a good idea to write down any questions or concerns you have so they can be fully addressed at your consultation. Know what your surgical expectations are so Dr. Johnson can discuss them with you. If you are a smoker we recommend you quit to help reduce the risk of wound healing. We also recommend a healthy lifestyle to help your recovery process.

Are there different types of breast implants?

Yes. There are a few different brands that are FDA approved, Natrelle by Allergan, Mentor and Sientra. All implants are either filled with silicone or saline. The implants can be either smooth or textured. There are also different shaped implants, such as round or anatomical. And finally, the projection of the implant can be low, moderate, or high.

Where is the breast implant placed?

There are two locations to place breast implants. They can be placed under your chest muscle called submuscular placement or the implant is placed over the muscle but under the breast tissue called subglandular placement. During your consultation Dr. Johnson will discuss with you the pros and cons of either procedure and she will determine the best option for you.

Where will my breast implant incision be?

The most common sites for incisions are: inframammary, periareolar, and transaxillary. The inframammary incision is placed at the breast fold. A periareolar incision is made around the nipple/areola complex. A transaxillary incision is made under the arm.

Where will my breast augmentation surgery be performed?

Dr. Johnson has privileges at Baystate Medical Center and Mercy Medical Center. Both are surgical facilities in Springfield, MA, accredited by the Joint Commission, and have been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval.

What is the surgical process?

The surgery is performed at a hospital. During surgery you will receive general anesthesia. The surgery will take between 1-2 hours. Once you are awake you are taken to the recovery room for another 1-2 hours and then discharged home.

What is the recovery process for breast augmentation?

The first couple of days you may feel pressure and tightness of the chest due to the implants. You will notice that the pressure decreases with each passing day. You are sent home on pain medications which will decrease your discomfort. We will recommend that you wear a sports bra after surgery to provide support. We request that you do no heavy lifting for at least one month following surgery.

What are Post-Operative Instructions for breast augmentation patients? (Download printable PDF)

There may be information here that contradicts information on the general Post-Operative Instructions sheet. Any time this occurs, follow these procedure specific instructions. If you have any questions, please call the office at (413) 731-7877.

  • Minimal activities for the first 4 days after surgery.
  • Sleep on back for first 2 weeks.
  • You may ice your chest for the first week to decrease swelling and pain. Avoid heat to prevent a burn to the skin.
  • You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Check water temperature to be sure it is not too hot to prevent burn.
  • When showering, remove binder. Leave waterproof dressing in place. Allow water to run down chest, no vigorous scrubbing. Avoid soap to breasts for 1 week. Pat dry the waterproof dressing and put binder back on.
  • You should wear the binder or sports bra at all times for 1 month, then you can stop wearing a bra while sleeping. No underwire bras for minimum of 8 weeks while breast are tender.
  • Do not raise arms above shoulders for first 4 days after surgery. Then, gradually increase arm activity.
  • NO heavy lifting (greater than 15 pounds), pushing or pulling for 4 weeks after surgery.
  • NO driving or working while on pain medications.
  • You may take Tylenol for pain or Benadryl for itching if needed.
  • Avoid Advil, Motrin, or Ibuprofen for the first week after surgery but you may take them any time after the 1st week

You can expect:

  • Sutures to dissolve.
  • To return to non-strenuous work within 3-7 days.
  • Moderate to severe discomfort/pressure which should be relieved with pain medications.
  • Moderate swelling of breasts.
  • Bruising around breasts.
  • Some bloody or clear drainage on dressing.
  • Intermittent sharp stabbing pain to the breasts as the skin nerves are repairing. This is temporary but may last for 3-6 months.

Call the office if you experience:

  • Severe pain not relieved by pain medications.
  • Increased swelling or firmness greater on one side than the other.
  • Excessive drainage on dressings.
  • Incisions that appear to be opening.
  • Any red, hot, or pus containing areas.
  • A fever greater than 101.5.
  • Call the office at any time with questions.

As time goes by and you are healing, the following apply:

  • Most swelling, bruising and soreness resolves within 6-8 weeks.
  • Return to strenuous activities in 4-6 weeks
  • The scar will continue to fade for up to 2 years.
  • We require 48 hours for prescription refills. Please call in advance.

    Will my insurance cover cosmetic breast surgery?

    Generally no. Increasing and enhancing the size and shape of your breasts is a cosmetic procedure. The insurance companies do not deem this procedure medically necessary and therefore it is not a covered procedure.

    Is breast augmentation with implants always considered a cosmetic procedure?

    If you are placing implants because you are not satisfied with the size and shape of your breast, it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, if you have breast asymmetry from a congenital breast deformity, a traumatic injury to your breast, or a deformity from breast cancer surgery, your insurance carrier may consider it medically necessary and not a cosmetic procedure.

    Can I finance my breast surgery procedure?

    Yes. We offer patient financing through CareCredit or ALPHAEON CREDIT. See our Financing FAQs for more information.

    What forms of payment are accepted?

    We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, money orders, and certified bank checks, or you can finance through CareCredit.

    Can I make payments online?

    Yes. You can make credit card payments securely online.