1 hour
$6,000+ Saline
$7,800+ Silicone
1 Day Basic
2-4 Weeks Full
Everything You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation
Interested in our exclusive Preservé technique? This advanced approach preserves your natural breast tissue for more natural-looking, longer-lasting results. Learn more about the Preservé technique →
Breast Implant Options at Augusta Plastic Surgery
Choosing the right breast implant is one of the most important decisions in your augmentation journey. At Augusta Plastic Surgery, we offer a full range of implant options to ensure you get the perfect fit for your body and goals.
Silicone Gel Implants
Modern silicone gel implants are by far the most popular choice among our Augusta-area patients, and for good reason. Today’s silicone implants use highly cohesive “gummy bear” gel technology — a firm-yet-soft material that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue and holds its shape even if the outer shell is compromised. Available in round and ergonomic shapes across a wide range of sizes and profiles, silicone gel implants deliver a soft, natural look and feel. They are versatile enough to achieve everything from subtle enhancement to dramatic transformation, and they produce the most natural-looking results with minimal risk of visible rippling. At Augusta Plastic Surgery, we primarily use Motiva silicone implants, which represent the latest advancements in implant design, safety, and patient satisfaction.
Saline Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater solution after placement. While still available, saline implants are our least commonly requested option. They are more prone to visible and palpable rippling — particularly in patients with thinner breast tissue — and generally produce a less natural look and feel compared to modern silicone gel implants. One advantage is easy detection in the unlikely event of a rupture, as the saline is safely absorbed by the body. Our surgeons can discuss whether saline implants may be appropriate for your specific situation during your consultation.
Implant Profiles and Sizes
Beyond choosing the type of implant, selecting the right profile and size is critical to achieving your ideal result. Implant profile refers to how far the implant projects forward from your chest wall. Options include low profile (wider base, less projection), moderate profile (balanced width and projection), moderate-plus profile, and high profile (narrower base, more projection). During your consultation at our Martinez, GA office, Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji will take precise measurements of your chest wall dimensions, evaluate your existing breast tissue, and use Vectra 3D imaging to help you visualize different sizes and profiles on your own body before making a decision.
Breast Implant Placement Options
Where your implant is positioned relative to the chest muscle significantly impacts your final results, recovery, and long-term satisfaction. Our surgeons are experienced in all placement techniques and will recommend the optimal approach based on your anatomy, implant choice, and aesthetic goals.
Submuscular (Under the Muscle) Placement
In submuscular placement, the implant is positioned beneath the pectoralis major muscle. This technique provides additional soft tissue coverage over the implant, which can result in a more natural slope and reduced visibility of the implant edges. Submuscular placement is often recommended for thinner patients or those with less natural breast tissue.
Subglandular (Over the Muscle) Placement
With subglandular placement, the implant sits above the chest muscle but beneath the breast gland tissue. This approach can be ideal for patients with adequate natural breast tissue and those who want a more pronounced, lifted appearance. Recovery may be somewhat faster with this technique since the chest muscle is not involved.
Dual Plane Placement
Dual plane placement is a hybrid technique where the upper portion of the implant sits beneath the muscle while the lower portion is covered only by breast tissue. This approach combines the benefits of both submuscular and subglandular placement, providing natural coverage at the top while allowing the implant to fill out the lower breast. Many of our Augusta-area patients achieve excellent results with dual plane placement.
The Preservé Technique — Our Advanced Approach
Augusta Plastic Surgery is proud to offer the Preservé technique for breast augmentation, an innovative approach that preserves Cooper’s ligaments and the natural internal support structures of the breast. Unlike traditional methods that disrupt these structures, the Preservé technique works with your anatomy to deliver results that not only look natural but also maintain their position and shape over time. Benefits include less post-operative discomfort, faster recovery, reduced risk of animation deformity, and long-lasting, natural-looking results. Dr. Ewart has received specialized training in this advanced technique.
The Inframammary Fold Incision — Our Preferred Approach
At Augusta Plastic Surgery, we use the inframammary fold (IMF) incision for the vast majority of breast augmentations because it offers the best combination of surgical precision, implant placement control, and minimal visible scarring.
Inframammary Fold Incision
The most common approach, this incision is made in the natural crease beneath the breast. It provides excellent surgical access for precise implant placement and typically heals into a thin, barely visible line that is concealed within the breast fold. This is the preferred incision for most implant types and sizes.
3D Imaging — See Your Results Before Surgery
Augusta Plastic Surgery offers two advanced 3D imaging systems to help you visualize your results before surgery. Our Vectra 3D system captures a three-dimensional image of your body, allowing our surgeons to digitally simulate different implant sizes, profiles, and placements for a realistic preview of your potential results. We also offer Crisalix 3D simulation, which provides an additional perspective using augmented reality technology so you can see how different options will look on your frame. Together, these tools take the guesswork out of choosing your implant size and give you confidence in your decision. 3D imaging is available at no additional cost during your breast augmentation consultation at our Martinez, GA office.
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation can benefit a wide range of women, but the best candidates generally share certain characteristics. You may be a good candidate if you are in good overall health, are a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery, have realistic expectations about your results, and are seeking improvement in one or more of the following areas: breast size, shape, symmetry, or volume loss due to pregnancy, aging, or weight fluctuations. During your consultation, our surgeons will evaluate your health history, examine your breast anatomy, discuss your goals, and help you determine whether breast augmentation — or a combination of procedures — is right for you.
What to Expect: From Consultation to Recovery
Your Consultation
Your breast augmentation journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at our office in Martinez, GA (conveniently located for patients from Augusta, Evans, Grovetown, Thomson, Aiken, and the greater CSRA). During this appointment, you’ll meet with Dr. Ewart or Dr. Tarakji, discuss your goals, review your medical history, undergo a physical examination, explore implant options, and experience Vectra 3D imaging to visualize your potential results. Our team will provide a detailed cost estimate, discuss financing options, and answer all of your questions.
The Day of Surgery
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia at our AAAASF-certified Augusta Plastic Surgery Center in Martinez, GA. The procedure typically takes about one hour, depending on the technique used. Our board-certified anesthesiologists and experienced surgical staff ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery from breast augmentation varies by patient and technique, but most women follow a similar general timeline. In the first 24 to 48 hours, you’ll experience some swelling, tightness, and mild to moderate discomfort that is well-managed with prescribed medications. Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities within 3 to 5 days. By weeks 2 to 4, swelling continues to decrease and you can gradually return to more physical activities. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for 4 to 6 weeks. Patients who receive the Preservé technique often experience less discomfort and a faster recovery timeline. Your final results will continue to refine over the following 3 to 6 months as implants settle into their natural position — a process often referred to as “dropping and fluffing.”
Why Choose Augusta Plastic Surgery for Breast Augmentation?
When you choose Augusta Plastic Surgery for your breast augmentation, you’re choosing a practice with decades of experience and a commitment to delivering the highest quality results in the Augusta, GA area. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons: Dr. Christopher Ewart and Dr. Michael Tarakji are both board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive training and experience in breast augmentation techniques, including the innovative Preservé technique.
- AAAASF-Certified Surgery Center: Our private surgical center in Martinez, GA meets the highest national standards for patient safety, staffing, and equipment — the same standards required of hospital operating rooms.
- Vectra 3D Imaging Technology: See a realistic preview of your breast augmentation results before surgery, taking the guesswork out of implant selection.
- Comprehensive Implant Selection: We offer a full range of implant options — silicone, saline, gummy bear, and structured — in all available sizes and profiles.
- Advanced Techniques: From the Preservé technique to dual plane placement, we use the latest surgical approaches to optimize your results and recovery.
- Serving the Greater Augusta Area: Conveniently located in Martinez, GA, we proudly serve patients from Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, Thomson, Aiken, North Augusta, Columbia County, and throughout the CSRA and Southeast.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
Ready to take the next step toward the shape and confidence you’ve always wanted? Contact Augusta Plastic Surgery today to schedule your breast augmentation consultation. Call us at 706-724-5611 or use our online scheduling tool. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals.
Common Concerns
Breast Size Enhancement
“My breasts are too small, and I want a fuller, more feminine look.” This is the most common reason women in Augusta, Evans, and Martinez choose breast augmentation. Whether you’ve always wished for a larger cup size or simply want more fullness to balance your proportions, our surgeons can help you select the perfect implant type, size, and profile to achieve a natural, proportional result that complements your frame.
Volume Loss After Life Changes
“I’ve lost volume after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, and my breasts feel deflated.” Pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight loss, and the natural aging process can all cause the breasts to lose volume and fullness. Breast augmentation can restore — and even improve upon — your pre-pregnancy or pre-weight-loss breast shape. For patients with both volume loss and sagging, our surgeons may recommend combining augmentation with a breast lift for optimal results.
Sagging and Loss of Youthful Shape
“My breasts sag, and my nipples point downward — I want a lifted, youthful shape.” Breast ptosis (sagging) is a natural part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Depending on the degree of sagging, breast augmentation alone may provide the lift you’re looking for, or a combination of augmentation with a mastopexy (breast lift) may be recommended. During your consultation at our Martinez, GA office, we’ll evaluate your degree of ptosis and recommend the best approach.
Asymmetry Correction
“My breasts aren’t the same size, and I want better symmetry.” Some degree of breast asymmetry is completely normal — in fact, most women have slightly unequal breasts. However, when the difference is noticeable and affects your confidence or comfort in clothing, breast augmentation can correct it. Our surgeons can use different implant sizes or techniques on each side to achieve a more balanced, symmetrical appearance.
Cleavage and Clothing Fit
“I don’t have the cleavage I want, and clothes don’t fit the way I’d like.” Many women feel self-conscious about how certain clothing styles fit — swimsuits, low-cut tops, and fitted dresses can highlight areas where you wish you had more fullness. Breast augmentation can give you the shape and projection to fill out your wardrobe the way you’ve always wanted, boosting your confidence in any outfit.
Confidence and Self-Image
“I want to feel more confident in my body with fuller, shapelier breasts.” Breast augmentation is ultimately about how you feel about yourself. Many of our patients in Augusta and the surrounding areas describe their augmentation as life-changing — not just in terms of appearance, but in overall confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. Our surgeons take the time to understand your personal goals so your results truly reflect the best version of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bottoming out or implants falling to the side be fixed?
Breast Implant Malposition Correction: Breast implants can fall underneath the inframmamary fold (bottoming out) or fall to the side when lying down (lateral displacement). This usually can be corrected with tightening the pocket so that the implant cannot fall down or out. Sometimes extra material (such as Alloderm, Strattice, or other Acellular dermal Matrices) is needed to provide additional support especially in thin patients.
This patient had a breast augmentation by a different surgeon and was unhappy with the bottoming out and lack of cleavage. Dr. Ewart corrected the problem by placing a wider implant that better fit the patients frame, re-elevating the pectoralis muscle, and tightening the lower pocket. The patient was extremely happy with the results.
Do I need a breast lift or just an augmentation… or both?
This is the most common question we receive and also the most important decision to address during your consultation. Let’s make it simple by looking at the flow chart below.
How can I fix my uneven breasts (asymmetry)?
Uneven breasts or breast asymmetry is very common. In fact, almost every women if they look close enough will see that they have some difference between their breasts. For some women however, the difference can be very dramatic or noticeable. One side may be only an A cup while the other side could be a C cup. There are several reasons for this such as chest wall deformities which limit the growth and size of the breast or developmental abnormalities in which the breast does not develop properly or even at all.
For chest wall deformities, the chest wall is more sunken in on that side and the breast may look normal but is smaller and does not project out as far. This is why 3D imaging with the Vectra is so important. It can detect chest wall asymmetries and allow us to chose a larger and high profile implant on the smaller side to provide the best result.
This patient was an A cup on the right and a small B on the left. Her chest wall was depressed on the right side. A High Profile 400cc Silicone Implant was placed on the right and a Moderate+ Profile 339cc Silicone Implant was placed on the left. She is now a full C cup on both sides.
This patient was an B cup on the right and a C cup on the left. She also had a developmental deformity of her breasts. A breast lift with 405 cc and 360 cc saline implants were used to correct her deformity. She is now a D cup on both sides.
How do I choose my cup size?
Vectra 3D Imaging
See your results before surgery by having the machine take your photo then instantly see your 3D image on the screen. The implants for every company are built into the software so you can virtually try on every implant size on your body. Go from an A to a B, C, D, or even DD on the screen.
The benefits of the Vectra 3D imaging:
- Easier than trying on implants
- 90% accuracy based on studies
- Better visualization
- Can try with and without a bra
- Print your images and take home
- View from every angle
How do I know how much breast sagging I have?
How long before my breast implants drop?
When breast implants are placed into a submuscular position, the normal reaction of the body is to contract the muscles and abnormally elevate the breast implants. In addition the skin is tighter and needs to relax as well. Over the course of a few weeks to a few months, the implants will continue to drop into a more natural position. They will continue to look more natural over the course of 9-12 months but most of the dropping occurs in the first 3 months. *Individual results may vary
This is a 28 year old female who wanted breast implants but not a lift. She was on the borderline for needing a lift but using a technique called Dual Plane Augmentation combined with the use of anatomically shaped highly cohesive (Gummy Bear) silicone implants, we were able to achieve an excellent result. She went from a 34 B cup to a 34 D cup.
Preservé: Am I a Good Candidate for This Technique?
The Preservé technique is ideal for many women seeking breast augmentation, though the best way to determine candidacy is through a personal consultation. Generally, you may be an excellent candidate if you:
Ideal Candidates:
- Desire natural-looking results: You want breasts that look and feel natural, with subtle enhancement rather than an obviously augmented appearance
- Have minimal to moderate sagging: The technique works best for women with good skin elasticity and breast tissue quality
- Want faster recovery: You need to return to daily activities quickly and cannot take extended time off work
- Are concerned about animation deformity: You’re active or exercise regularly and want to avoid implant distortion during muscle flexion
- Prefer smaller incisions: You want to minimize visible scarring
- Value long-term results: You’re looking for results that will age naturally over time
Additional Considerations:
You should be in good overall health, a non-smoker (or willing to quit before and after surgery), and have realistic expectations about outcomes.
Who May Need Alternative Options:
Women with significant breast sagging may benefit from combining the Preservé technique with a breast lift, or may be better suited for traditional methods. During your consultation at Augusta Plastic Surgery, we’ll assess your unique anatomy and goals to recommend the best approach for you.
Preservé: How Is It Different from Traditional Breast Augmentation?
The Preservé technique differs from traditional breast augmentation in several significant ways:
Placement Location:
Traditional methods typically place implants either submuscular (under the pectoral muscle) or subglandular (above the muscle). The Preservé technique uses subfascial placement—positioning the implant beneath the fascia but above the muscle. This preserves your natural muscle function while providing excellent support.
Surgical Approach:
- Incision size: Preservé uses 2-3cm incisions vs. 4-5cm with traditional methods
- Dissection technique: Blunt dissection instead of electrocautery creates a virtually bloodless surgical field
- Tissue preservation: Cooper’s ligaments and natural support structures remain intact
Recovery Differences:
- Traditional: 1-2 weeks before returning to work; 6-8 weeks for full activity
- Preservé: Most patients return to work in 1-2 days; 4-6 weeks for full activity
Long-Term Results:
Because the Preservé technique preserves your natural breast support structures, you can expect more natural movement, no animation deformity (implant distortion when flexing), and potentially longer-lasting results compared to traditional methods.
Preservé: What Are Cooper’s Ligaments and Why Does Preserving Them Matter?
Cooper’s ligaments are fibrous connective tissue structures that run from the chest wall through the breast tissue to the skin. Named after Sir Astley Cooper, the surgeon who first described them, these ligaments act as a natural internal support system—essentially the “scaffolding” that maintains your breast shape and position.
Why Cooper’s Ligaments Matter:
- Natural support: They provide structural integrity and help maintain breast shape over time
- Prevent sagging: Intact ligaments help resist the effects of gravity and aging
- Natural movement: They allow breasts to move naturally while maintaining their position
Traditional vs. Preservé Approach:
Traditional breast augmentation techniques often damage or sever these ligaments during pocket creation. This can lead to:
- Increased risk of bottoming out (implants dropping too low)
- Accelerated sagging over time
- Less natural breast movement
The Preservé technique specifically preserves Cooper’s ligaments through careful blunt dissection, maintaining your breast’s natural support system. This preservation is one of the key reasons why Preservé patients experience more natural-looking, longer-lasting results with reduced risk of implant malposition.
Preservé: What Is Recovery Like After This Technique?
One of the most significant advantages of the Preservé technique is its remarkably fast recovery compared to traditional breast augmentation. Here’s what you can expect:
Days 1-2: Immediate Recovery
- Most patients experience minimal discomfort—often described as muscle soreness rather than pain
- Many patients return to desk work and light daily activities within 1-2 days
- You can shower the day after surgery
- Bruising is typically minimal due to the bloodless dissection technique
Weeks 1-2: Early Healing
- Swelling begins to subside
- Most patients feel comfortable driving within a few days (once off pain medication)
- Light walking and normal daily activities are encouraged
- You’ll wear a supportive surgical bra as directed
Weeks 2-4: Progressive Activity
- Gradual return to more physical activities
- Lower body exercises can typically resume
- Continue avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous upper body activity
Week 6 and Beyond: Full Recovery
- Most patients can resume all normal activities, including exercise
- Final results begin to settle and take shape
- Follow-up appointments ensure optimal healing
Why Recovery is Faster:
The Preservé technique’s faster recovery is directly related to its tissue-preserving approach—smaller incisions, no muscle disruption, preservation of Cooper’s ligaments, and the bloodless surgical field all contribute to less trauma and quicker healing.
Preservé: What Is the Preservé Technique for Breast Augmentation?
The Preservé technique is a revolutionary breast augmentation approach that represents the most significant advancement in the field in over two decades. Developed by leading plastic surgeons, this innovative method preserves your natural breast anatomy while achieving beautiful, natural-looking results.
Key features of the Preservé technique include:
- Subfascial placement: Implants are positioned beneath the fascia but above the muscle, preserving natural breast tissue and function
- Smaller incisions: Just 2-3cm compared to 4-5cm with traditional methods
- No electrocautery: Blunt dissection creates a virtually bloodless surgical field
- Preserved ligaments: Cooper’s ligaments remain intact for long-term natural results
- Faster recovery: Most patients return to work in just 1-2 days
- No animation deformity: Your implants won’t move unnaturally when flexing chest muscles
The Preservé technique is exclusively performed using sixth-generation Motiva implants with SmoothSilk surface technology, providing the safest and most natural-feeling results available today.
Preservé: What Type of Implants Are Used with This Technique?
The Preservé technique exclusively uses sixth-generation Motiva implants, which represent the most advanced breast implant technology available today. These implants are specifically designed to complement the tissue-preserving approach of the Preservé method.
Key Features of Motiva Implants:
SmoothSilk Surface Technology:
- Nano-textured surface that promotes tissue integration
- Lowest reported rates of capsular contracture
- Virtually eliminates the risk of BIA-ALCL (a rare lymphoma associated with textured implants)
Ergonomix Design:
- Adapts naturally to your body position—round when lying down, teardrop-shaped when standing
- Mimics natural breast movement
- No risk of implant rotation issues seen with traditional shaped implants
ProgressiveGel Ultima:
- Advanced silicone gel that moves and feels like natural breast tissue
- Maintains shape while providing natural softness
- Superior cohesiveness for long-term safety
BluSeal Technology:
- Barrier layer that prevents silicone gel bleed
- Additional layer of safety and protection
Why Motiva with Preservé:
The combination of the Preservé technique’s tissue-preserving approach with Motiva’s advanced technology delivers results that are exceptionally natural in both appearance and feel. These implants can be inserted through the small 2-3cm incisions used in the Preservé technique while providing optimal long-term outcomes.
What are some other breast sizing options?
Try on implants beneath a sports bra
We can let you feel and see the different implants and you can try different sizes beneath a sports bra. By trying on different sizes in each breast, you may be able to determine which size looks better on your frame. Be sure to bring a fitted shirt for better accuracy.
Try the Rice Test at home
The rice test is a quick and easy way to get an idea of how you would look with different sizes of breast implants. Just follow the instructions below to make rice implants. After making several sizes, place them inside of a sports bra to get an idea of how breast implants of different cc volumes would enhance your figure.
Rice Amount Estimated Implant Volumes
- 1 cup = 236cc
- 3/4 cup = 177cc
- 2/3 cup = 156cc
- 1/2 cup = 118cc
- 1/3 cup = 78cc
- 1/4 cup = 59cc
- 1/8 cup = 30c
Instructions: Use some knee high or cut-off panty hose to fill with the rice to different sizes. This will give you an approximate size and be very useful when discussing your size options with Dr. Ewart or Dr Tarakji. This will get you in the right range and then you can narrow it down when using our 3D Vectra imaging.
Surgery Details
- Anesthesia:
- General
- Location:
- Augusta Plastic Surgery Center located in Martinez. GA
- ASC Certification:
- AAAASF
- Surgeons:
- Dr. Christopher Ewart and Dr. Michael Tarakji