Breast Augmentation in Tampa Bay

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

• Is Breast Augmentation painful?

  Your breast enhancement surgery will be performed while you are under general anesthesia only, so it should be a very comfortable and tolerable procedure. You can expect there to be some pain and tenderness for two to three weeks after your Breast Augmentation. You will be provided post-op instructions that will include incision care and ways to alleviate any discomfort. Dr. Bhat will also temporarily prescribe you pain medication to prevent infection and alleviate any pain.

• Should I get Saline Breast Implants or Silicone Breast Implants?

  It's important to remember that when choosing to undergo breast augmentation, you make the kinds of decisions that make you happy. During your consultation, Dr. Bhat will go through the pros and cons of both silicone implants and saline implants, which one is more popular with our patients, and what you can expect from each. Something to keep in mind is that silicone implants have been designed to feel like a more natural breast, being softer to the touch. Saline implants are usually firmer, but if you experience a full implant rupture, the saline solution will be safely absorbed by the body.

• How many appointments will I need?

  Dr. Bhat will have you return about a week after surgery so she can monitor your recovery and remove any stitches and bandages. You can expect another appointment about a month or two later, followed by another one three months post-surgery, then again six months later. Dr. Bhat will always let you know when she would like to have you return at the end of each appointment, as well as when your last follow-up will be.

• How long until I see results?

  Your results could be noticeable practically immediately depending on the change in the shape of your breasts' appearance. Your breasts will be swollen and bruised for a few weeks of your breast augmentation recovery, so even if you can notice a difference, your breasts will still be going through changes. It normally takes about three to four months for you to see the final results after your implants have settled into their natural resting position.

• Can I combine Breast Augmentation with other procedures?

  Of course! Many of our Tampa Bay area Breast Augmentation patients will combine their breast implant surgery with other body contouring procedures, such as a Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck, Body Lift, or Butt Lift. If you would like to achieve a certain appearance, whether you know what you want or not, please discuss it with Dr. Bhat during your breast augmentation consultation. She will be able to use her experience and artistic eye to help you find the right combination of breast augmentation procedures to meet your aesthetic goals.

• Can I get a breast reduction with my breast augmentation?

  Some patients desire a breast reduction but also want increased fullness at the top of their breasts (increased upper-pole fullness), which is best improved with breast implants. In these cases, Dr. Bhat can combine breast reduction with breast augmentation for her patients in the Tampa Bay area.  While it is easier for you to have both procedures performed at the same time, some patients choose to wait on implants until they can see more visible results from their reduction.

• Should I get Breast Implants if I plan on having more children?

  While breast augmentation surgery won't affect your child, pregnancy can change the size and shape of your breasts, regardless if you've had a breast enlargement procedure or not. Dr. Bhat will typically suggest you wait until about six months after having children before committing to breast enhancement.

• What are the risks associated with Breast Augmentation?

  As a plastic surgeon in the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Bhat and her team pride themselves on practicing safe procedures that produce pleasing results for many satisfied patients. We believe in full disclosure, which is why we also discuss the potential complications of cosmetic surgery. Some of the risks and side effects associated with the Breast Augmentation procedure, which can include, but are not limited to:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) or other very rare cancers in the capsule around the breast, such as breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC)
  • Bleeding
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Formation of tight scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
  • Hematoma
  • Implant leakage or rupture
  • Infection
  • Persistent pain
  • Poor scarring
  • Possibility of revision surgery
  • Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
  • Wrong or faulty position of the implant

  If you do experience any of the previously mentioned reactions or long-lasting side effects, please contact our office immediately so that we can help. 

• What is capsular contracture and how can it be treated?

  Every patient's body is different, so even if you choose board-certified plastic surgeons, follow all pre-op and recovery instructions, and live a mindful life, capsular contracture can happen to anyone. The "capsule" is formed from scar tissue as your body reacts to the inserted foreign object. In the case of breast implants, this is usually a good thing, as it can help keep the implant in place and prevents slippage. It becomes a cause for concern when the scar tissue becomes too hard, contracting around the implant. This can lead to not only aesthetic problems but also cause pain in the breasts. In the past, full breast surgery or implant removal was the only available option when treating Capsular Contraction. While this may still be required for some patients, there have been some noninvasive therapy treatments that have seen great success. If you have been feeling pain in your breasts from a previous full breast reconstruction or augmentation surgical procedure, please contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhat.

• Can breast augmentation prevent breast cancer?

  There have been some studies that suggest that women who have undergone breast augmentation surgeries have a lower risk of breast cancer. There is a partial belief that the reason the risk is lower is not because of the surgery itself, but because of the type of women who choose to get breast augmentation surgery, such as thin patients, so the risk is already inherently low. Although rare, there is a possible link to ALCL (Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma), which is a form of cancer of the cells of your immune system. While it's not "breast cancer", it will occur in the breast tissue, with the odds of affecting three in every 100 million women.

• Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation: What's the Difference?

  Both of these procedures are wonderful forms of breast enhancement, but there are some major differences in each approach. A breast lift will only correct drooping issues, whereas a breast augmentation surgery will increase your breast size and volume. It is very common for a breast augmentation patient to combine their surgery with a breast lift to achieve stunning, natural results.

• Should I get Saline Breast Implants or Silicone Breast Implants?

  Your Tampa, FL breast augmentation cosmetic surgery is an incredibly personal procedure, so only you can decide which implant is best for you. We want every one of our patients to leave feeling satisfied and comfortable with their treatment plan, which is why we will walk every step of the way with you. Dr. Bhat will discuss the pros and cons of each type of implant with you during your consultation and is more than happy to help you make your decision.