Deciding to have breast augmentation surgery is a big decision, impacting how your breasts look and feel for the rest of your life. I feel strongly that the best patient is a well-informed patient. The more information you have about this potentially life-changing surgery, the more realistic your expectations will be and the more satisfied you will be with the results.

For many of my patients, breast implants help them feel younger, sexier, more attractive...and more feminine. For others, implants correct breast misalignment, breasts that never developed, the loss of breasts after surgery, or a number of other issues. For all of them, however, breast augmentation can be a wonderful turning point in their lives, boosting their self-esteem and enabling them to have a positive body image, sometimes for the first time. In addition to breast augmentation, I offer a complete range of breast procedures which you can learn about here.        

Before a patient commits to surgery, I offer a free consultation

Before performing a breast augmentation procedure, I offer a no-fee consultation, lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. I will thoroughly answer all of your questions so that you are completely informed as to what to expect, from surgery to recovery to results.  During this consultation, I will:

• review your medical history
• discuss your goals and expectations
• perform an examination including breast measurements
• explain the details of the procedure
• review your procedure options, including:
  • saline vs. silicone vs. “gummy” implants
  • round vs. teardrop shaped implants
  • incision location (above or below the muscle implant location)
• recovery time
• what your new breasts will look like post-surgery
• cost

To help you decide which breast size would best suit your body and desired goals, I will ask you to bring to the consultation photos of breast sizes that illustrate the results you’re looking for. I also have breast implant samples which you can insert into your bra to help you decide which breast size would best suit you.  

8 questions to ask before having breast augmentation

I firmly believe that asking the right questions before surgery better prepares you for your procedure. Breast augmentation can truly be a transformative procedure, which is why it’s important for you to enter into it with as much knowledge as possible. If you’re considering this surgery but aren’t sure which questions to ask during your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, here are some suggestions.

1. Are breast implants safe? 

Yes, silicone, saline, and “gummy” breast implants are all safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a variety of saline and silicone gel implants after years of clinical trials and studies to assure their safety. There is no current evidence to support a link between breast implants and certain tissue diseases. However, like any surgical procedure, breast implant surgery is not without risks. During your consultation with your surgeon, ask him/her to review these potential risks in detail. 

2. Are you board certified and if so, by which board(s)? 

Before undergoing breast augmentation, it is very important to make sure your plastic surgeon is qualified to perform this highly specialized surgery. He/she should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). I am board certified by ABPS and a member of both organizations. 

3. What sort of facility do you operate in? 

Almost all cosmetic surgery is performed outside of a hospital. However, not all outpatient facilities are of the same standard. I perform all of my cosmetic surgery at the Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester, a state-of-the-art 4-operating-room, 11-recovery-bed ambulatory surgery center that meets the New York Department of Health standards for Hospitals under Article 28.   

4. How experienced are you in performing breast augmentation?

You do not want your plastic surgeon to be “practicing” on you and your breasts. In my opinion, he/she should have performed hundreds of successful breast augmentation procedures, optimally for 10 years or more. Ask to see untouched “before and after” pictures. I have been performing breast augmentation procedures for over 20 years.

5. Which is the best size implant for me?

The size of a woman’s breast implants depends completely on the individual and her body type. The best size for your friend may not be best for you. You may simply want a subtle cup enlargement or you may envision something much larger. When I consult with my patients before breast implant surgery, I take into consideration their overall build, chest circumference, shoulder width, height, weight and original breast size. Then we discuss in detail the amount of cleavage they are hoping to achieve so they will be satisfied with the results.     

6. How long does the surgery take? 

Breast augmentation is a fairly standard procedure that takes between 30 and 40 minutes.  You will be able to go home the same day, although someone else will need to drive you.  

7. How long is the recovery?

After breast augmentation, most women return to work and light activity within one week.  

8. How long do breast implants last?

It is a common misconception that breast implants need to be replaced every ten years. There is no particular "shelf life" when it comes to breast implants, and all breast implants made over the last 20 years come with a lifetime warrantee. I have had patients whose implants have lasted 20+ years with no issues, but I have also had patients who have experienced implant leakage after only a few years. The important guideline is to get implants checked regularly.

I offer three types of breast implants, all of them safe

• Silicone breast implants—filled with silicone gel.
• Saline breast implants—filled with saline (sterile saltwater).
• Natrelle® gummy breast implants—filled with silicone gel. Choose from five profiles (low to extra full), four degrees of fullness (minimal to maximum) and three levels of cohesivity (gumminess).

Most women—and most plastic surgeons, myself included—prefer the look and feel of silicone implants (rather than saline). Both of these are generally considered to look and feel more like real breast tissue, while saline implants are more prone to cause rippling of the skin. Women are also reporting high satisfaction rates with the new gummy versions because they can choose the size and shape of their implants for a more customized, unique look.

I perform breast implant surgery at Surgical Specialty Center

I perform all breast augmentation procedures at the Surgical Specialty Center of Westchester located in Harrison, NY. Each of the Center’s four operating rooms is fully equipped with state-of-the-art anesthesia (provided by a board certified anesthesiologist), emergency equipment and everything else I need to provide excellent care to each of my patients. To learn more, click on the image below.
                 

How much do breast implants cost?

One of the first questions my patients ask me when they’re considering getting breast implants is how much the surgery will cost. My answer is that there is not one standard price. Every woman’s breasts are unique, and the results she is seeking from breast augmentation surgery are specific to her. That’s why I determine the exact cost of the procedure after I have met with the patient, evaluated her breasts and body type, her overall physical condition and her personal goals and expectations. Then together, we will decide what type of procedure will achieve the best possible results.

If you are a good candidate for breast augmentation, you may qualify for our special pricing. For further pricing details, please contact me.

Insurance coverage

It’s important to know that breast augmentations are considered cosmetic surgeries by insurance companies and usually aren’t covered, meaning that they’re self-pay.

If you already have breast implants, especially textured ones, please come see me for an exam

If it has been a few years (or more) since your breast implant surgery, it’s important to get them checked. I highly recommend doing this once a year. Please make an appointment to come in and see me so I can check for any problems.

See the beautiful results for yourself

To see unretouched “before and after” photos of actual patients of mine who have had successful breast implant surgery, please visit the Breast Augmentation page in the Photo Gallery section of my website.

To learn more about breast implants, I recommend these 3 blogs

So that you can be fully informed about this important decision, I’ve written several blogs explaining the many aspects of breast implant surgery. Here are three of my most popular:

• 3 Techniques For Breast Shaping: Short Video
• Are You A Good Candidate For Breast Augmentation?
• I Want To Look Better In Bathing Suits And Bras. Should I Get Breast Augmentation?

Considering breast augmentation?

If you are thinking about breast augmentation and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me and I will send you additional information prior to your appointment. During our consultation, I will assess the current appearance of your breasts, your reasons for wanting surgery, and your expectations. Then together, we will decide which breast procedure will bring you the results you’re looking for. I specialize in the most advanced techniques of breast augmentation surgery and am ready to help you achieve your goals. 

For more information on the many types of breast procedures I offer, please visit these pages on my website

You can find a good deal of information on my website about the many breast procedures available to you: 

• Breast Procedures
• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift
• Breast Reconstruction
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Revision

Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.