The procedure itself takes about 1 to 2 hours. However, you should expect to be in the hospital for at least half of your scheduled day. You will come in early to get registered and have an IV started. Then, following your surgery, you will be monitored for at least an hour to make sure you are awake and feeling well before going home.

There are four choices for the incision location. One is located right below the breast in an area referred to as the inframammary crease. This is typically where the underwire of a bra would sit. The second area Dr. Atagi prefers is the periareolar, which is right below the nipple. Incisions that may also be made for this procedure in the armpit or belly button; however, Dr. Atagi does not perform these methods. During your surgical consultation with Dr. Atagi, she will assess which incision fits your needs and make the appropriate recommendation.

There are two choices for where the implant can be placed-over or under the pectoralis muscle. Dr. Atagi generally tries to place the implant under the muscle. This method creates a more natural slope for the breast contour, allows for better mammography, and may reduce or soften any scar tissue that develops, minimizing any rippling and wrinkling that can occur around the breast. However, depending on your goals and the current appearance of your breast, we may consider sub-glandular placement on top of the muscle and under the breast tissue to get more of a lift effect. Again, Dr. Atagi will make a recommendation during your surgical consultation.

There are multiple implants to choose from, and they vary by manufacturer, shape and texture. All implant shells are made of solid silicone. These are filled with either silicone gel or saline. Implants come in round and tear-drop shapes as well as smooth and textured surfaces, with choice of low, moderate and high-profile textures. Dr. Atagi has written several papers on these options, and will advise you on the pros and cons involved with each.

An implant may provide fullness, which can cause a slight lift. However, some women may require a formal lift procedure in addition to the augmentation.

No.

While most women are able to breastfeed after a breast augmentation, one of the risks involved is that you may not be able to breastfeed. We cannot predict who will experience this side effect.

Yes, after having children, many women find their bodies change. One of Denver's few female, board certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Tanya Atagi understands these transformations and will help educate you on a "Mommy Makeover." A Mommy Makeover may include procedures such as a breast augmentation, mastopexy (breast lift), or even a combination of a mastopexy (breast lift) with placement of implant. It may also include contouring of the abdomen. During pregnancy the muscles in your abdomen separate, which means that no matter how hard you try to firm your stomach after pregnancy, it may be impossible without surgery. Dr. Atagi believes that it is safe to do more then one procedure at a time, and she has extensive experience helping moms customize a surgery plan to achieve their aesthetic goals.

We recommend 2 weeks of non-strenuous activities. You may resume normal activities approximately 4 weeks after surgery.

This is an outpatient procedure. No hospital stay is required.

Dr. Atagi's goal is to make all breast augmentations look real. Leveraging her aesthetic sensibilities and knowledge of the human body, she can help you make good decisions about the size and shape that will best work with your body's frame to achieve that real, natural look you seek.

While the incision will be placed in areas where scarring is less likely to be noticed, there will be scarring whenever and wherever an incision is made. The two most common incision choices are the periareolar (the lower part of the areola) and inframammary crease (where the breast meets the chest, or where the underwire of a bra may sit) incisions. With time, the scar from the incision will fade.

Everyone's breasts are different. Some breasts may look normal after a pregnancy, whereas some women may develop ptosis (sagging) and benefit from a mastopexy (breast lift).

If you choose to have implants removed you may be left with saggy breast tissue and skin. Some women may need a mastopexy (breast lift) following the removal of implants; however, many women will be left with a minimal amount of skin, and will not need additional surgery once the implants are removed.

You can have a mammogram even if you have implants. You must inform the technician that you have implants, so they are able to obtain the proper views. Based upon your own personal health history, a mammogram is recommended every 6 months to a year.

An MRI is more beneficial if you have implants. The MRI can show if an implant has ruptured; whereas, a mammogram doesn't always show this. However many insurance companies require a pre-certification prior to an MRI, and even then they may still deny this diagnostic treatment.