Breast Augmentation in New Jersey

What is a Breast Augmentation?

Over 300,000 American women undergo breast augmentation surgery (breast implant surgery) every year. It is currently the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the USA. 

Breast implant surgery will enlarge small breasts and restore volume that may be lost due to weight loss, pregnancy and breast feeding, and overall aging.

As both a woman and a plastic surgeon, Dr. Parcells is distinctively qualified to address your concerns and tailor her technique to achieve your desired results. 

Common Questions:

1.    WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?

This cosmetic surgery is great for women who are looking to enhance their breast size and shape.

2.    DO YOU USE SILICONE OR SALINE IMPLANTS? ARE IMPLANTS PLACED OVER OR UNDER THE MUSCLE?

Dr. Parcells offers patients all of these options for augmentation.

The most common implant options are filled with silicone gel or saline (saltwater).

Saline breast implants were popular in the 1990s – 2000s when the FDA was investigating the safety of silicone gel. Saline breast implants are made with a silicone gel shell.

Today, most women elect to have silicone gel implants placed as they feel more natural and are now made with thicker shells and thicker gels, reducing the risk of capsular contracture, or irritated scar around the breast implant. Silicone gel implants have been approved for use by the FDA since 2006 and have not been shown to cause connective tissue disease.

Both the saline and silicone gel implant can be customized in a variety of shapes and sizes to achieve your desired result.

Implant placement may be sub-glandular (under the breast tissue) or sub-muscular (under the chest wall muscle).

The type of implant as well as location of implant placement is a decision to be made between you and Dr. Parcells and is based on your breast shape, overall body shape, and your desired results.

3.    DO YOU USED TEXTURED IMPLANTS?

No. Dr. Parcells’s practice is a texture-free practice. We only use implants with a smooth wall shell and no texturing.

Implant texturing has recently been implicated in the development of Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

While the research continues toward understanding this disease, our office continually updates our techniques to provide the safest outcomes.

4.    WHAT DO THE “CC” SIZES MEAN?

“CC” stands for cubic centimeters and refers to volume in the metric system. Converted into ounces, 1 cc = 10 ounces. However, 10 ounces on a woman who is 5’1 and 100 lbs. will look differently than a woman who is 6’1 and 175 lbs. This can be confusing!

Implant volume also goes into account with a patient’s existing breast tissue and current breast shape. The less natural breast tissue one has, the more implant she will need to reach a given volume.

A general rule of thumb is that 250 “cc” of implant is equivalent to increasing the breast by one cup size. But this is not always the case, as some women have denser breast tissue (vs. glandular) and a wider chest wall than others.

It’s important to talk to Dr. Parcells to get an idea of what breast size would fit your frame.

5.    HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE? HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY?

On average, a breast augmentation surgery can take 1-2 hours.

Most patients elect to have a numbing block, or pectoralis block, in the recovery room to relieve pressure and discomfort from the implants and are very comfortable going home that same day.

Most experience mild to moderate discomfort for several days following surgery and are back to their activities of daily living by about a week.

Patients are in special bras to assist in shaping for several weeks after the procedure.

Most women return to work in about 5 days – 1 week.

6.    WHERE IS THE SCAR?

A small 1.5-inch scar is usually hidden under the breast.

7.    What is the difference between a breast augmentation and mastopexy (breast lift)?

Most women experience descent of the breast and nipple with time.

In women with a small amount of ptosis (breast descent), an implant can lift their breast and nipple slightly without additional scars.

Women with moderate to severe deflated and sagging breasts may require a combination of implant and a breast lift (mastopexy) at the same time. This combination lift and breast enhancement with an implant will achieve a natural, full result. Please see our mastopexy page for more information on this combination procedure.

8.    what is an auto-augmentation?

This is a great option for women with excessive (but deflated) breast tissue who want to have a natural result without an implant.

Instead of using an implant, the excess breast tissue is reshaped to mimic the appearance of an implant (see example below).

9. Can you do a breast augmentation by just injecting fat into the breasts?

At this time, no. There are no long term (>20 year) efficacy studies looking at the safety of injecting fat into the breast gland.

9. How much does A Breast Augmentation Procedure cost?

Each patient is different, and your needs are unique. The cost of this procedure will depend on the conversation between you and Dr. Parcells during your one-on-one consultation.

After reviewing your medical history and discussing your desired goals, Dr. Parcells will perform a physical exam to evaluate your breasts as well as skin tone, laxity, nipple position.

She will then provide her expert advice and discuss your options to achieve your desired outcome.  She will also address all risks and benefits of the procedures you are interested in.

At the end of your consultation with Dr. Parcells, you will meet with our surgical coordinator who will address the logistics and finances of the procedure you are best suited for.

10. What is breast implant illness?

Learn More about Breast Implant Illness.

Dr. Parcells is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.