Are Breast Implants Painful?

Breast augmentation surgery is done under general anesthesia, so it is pain-free. You will experience swelling, bruising, pain, and general discomfort during immediate recovery, but your provider will prescribe pain medications to help manage this.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

After your Breast Augmentation, your provider will have you return about a week post-surgery so they can monitor your recovery and remove any sutures and bandages. You can expect another appointment in six to eight weeks, followed by another one three months post-surgery, and then again six months later. You may also have some photos taken at one of your final check-ups for a comparison photo.

How long until I see results?

It takes between three and four months before you will see the final results of breast augmentation. You may see some initial results earlier than that, but swelling must fully diminish before you know the outcome.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

Women are often concerned about scarring from their breast enlargement procedure. Dr. Hankins explains that scarring resulting from breast augmentation depends on which technique is utilized. In the submammary approach, the scar is approximately 4 cm or less long and placed just above the inframammary fold, which is the junction of the breast with the chest wall. In the periareolar approach, the scar is located at the junction of the pigmented and non-pigmented skin at the border of the areola. Two methods yield no scarring on the breasts themselves. The two methods by which the breast may be augmented without placing any scars on the breast are called transaxillary and transumbilical (TUBA). In the transaxillary approach, an incision is placed in the axilla below the fold of the pectoralis major muscle. A dissection plane can then be readily developed below the pectoralis major (fan-shaped muscle in the chest) or, in exceptional circumstances, beneath the pectoralis fascia (thin layer of tissue covering muscle), as seen in female bodybuilders. In the TUBA or transumbilical approach, two incisions are made inside the umbilicus (depression at the center of the abdomen) at 10 and 2 o’clock. Subcutaneous tunnels are then created from the umbilicus to the breast. Using this approach, the implants can be placed either above or below the muscle.

What Are 3 Pre-Surgery Tips for Self Care?

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or comorbidities do everything in your power, working hand-in-hand with your primary care physician to optimize those as much as medically possible prior to surgery. Be extremely transparent with your surgeon regarding your past medical history, any treatment you had in the past, and the last time you had anything to smoke if you are a smoker. Lying about smoking cigarettes can result in devastating complications for the patient. I strongly recommend being truthful and forthcoming even if surgery has to be delayed. It is for the patient’s own good. Avoid any type of dietary supplement or medication that results in thinning of the blood.

What can happen if you do not perform your post breast augmentation care routine?

Some practitioners will advise patients to continuously move their implants to “help prevent capsular contracture”. We have found this to be unnecessary in our practice. By strict adherence to a “no touch” technique, we currently have a 0% incidence of capsular contracture of our breast augmentation patients.

Which is better: saline breast implants or silicone gel implants?

While both have their own pros and cons, your implant choice is completely up to you. On average, saline implants last ten years, whereas silicone implants can have a longer lifespan. Of the two, saline implants are more likely to rupture and be prone to “rippling.” This” occurs when the edges or creases of the implant become visible through the skin.

What Are “Gummy Bear” Breast Implants?

“Gummy bear implants” is a term often used to describe silicone gel implants, which are firmer than average and hold their shape more closely. The implication is that some current breast implants do not hold their shape. In fact, all silicone breast implants currently sold in the USA contain some form of cohesive silicone. This means a current US silicone implant cut in half on a table will still hold most of its original form without the silicone material inside simply running out. The material inside has the consistency of a “gummy snake” rather than, for example, maple syrup. Implants containing such syrup-like liquid silicone are no longer sold in the USA. Both silicone and saline implants may leak, although this is unlikely.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Breast Augmentation?

You can gradually resume an exercise routine about one week after your breast augmentation, except for chest muscle exercises, which can usually be resumed around six weeks. We encourage you not to rush your recovery by using your pectoralis muscle prematurely. Doing so can lead to potential complications such as displacement of the implant to the sides, fluid collection, or an increased risk of capsular contracture.

Can I Combine Breast Augmentation with Other Procedures?

Yes, indeed! Our patients who received a breast augmentation in Houston may consider combining it with other body contouring procedures, such as a breast lift, liposuction, or even a tummy tuck. We encourage you to bring this up with Dr. Hankins during your consultation so that he can make the best-combined procedure plan for your case.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Breast Augmentation Procedure?

Breast augmentation surgeries have associated risks with it. Some of them are listed below: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) or other sporadic cancers in the capsule around the breast, such as breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) Capsular contracture Changes in nipple or breast sensation Fluid accumulation 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 experience any of the previously mentioned reactions or long-lasting side effects, please contact our office immediately so that we can help. If the side effects seem serious, do not hesitate to call 911.

Is there a chance that I might lose sensation in my nipple after breast augmentation?

The chance of losing nipple sensation, or sensitivity, after breast augmentation is present, but it is pretty low. Overall, the chance of losing sensation in one or the other nipple is several percent.

How Do I Find the Best Houston Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgeon Near Me?

The first step would be to read patient reviews of breast augmentation plastic surgeons in the Houston area and schedule consultations with a few that seem right for you. Before scheduling surgery, seeing how comfortable you feel with a surgeon’s plan and assessment is essential. It would also be advisable to talk to past patients if you can access them. Furthermore, seeing the surgeon’s qualifications and experience in the relevant surgery is helpful.

Houston & Pearland, TX

Breast Augmentation

Name: Premier Plastic Surgery
Brand: Premier Plastic Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (119 reviews)

Introduction to Breast Augmentation

With age, weight loss, breastfeeding gravity, and even cancer, some women may lose their breast volume. Towards these challenges, Breast Augmentation is a prevalent cosmetic procedure in demand. Cosmetic Surgeon Christopher Hankins, MD, provides natural-looking breast enhancement procedures in Houston, including enlargement, reduction, breast lift, or breast lift enlargement and correction of enlarged male breasts (known as Gynecomastia).

Our Houston area office is located in Pearland, TX, conveniently located to see Breast Augmentation patients in Lake Jackson, Clearlake, Friendswood, Marvel and the surrounding areas of South Houston.

Before & After

Breast Augmentation Results

Breast Augmentation B&A

View Results

female with one arm up Houston & Pearland | Premier Plastic Surgery

What is Breast Augmentation?

You may be one of the many women who feel uncomfortable about the size or symmetry of their breasts and are looking for a cosmetic surgical solution. At Premier Plastic Surgery, Dr. Christopher Hankins can help augment your bust line with natural-looking breast enhancement.

Dr. Hankins strongly believes that well-informed and well-advised patients are empowered to make sound decisions that will benefit them for years. This is particularly important in breast augmentation or breast enlargement surgery, as the specific breast implants used are ultimately the patient based on their goals under the guidance of the surgeon.

Premier Plastic Surgery utilizes the “High”Five” protocol, a disciplined and proven approach for determining the right size, projection, and type of breast implant for you. Although artistic ability is essential in selecting the right breast implant, so are parameters such as symmetry, skin laxity, skin stretch, the base width of the breasts, pocket size, and the amount of volume needed to fill the breast. Nothing is left to chance in giving you the best possible results.

woman laying on bed with lace top Houston & Pearland | Premier Plastic Surgery

Steps for Selecting Your Implants

There are various decisions you must make before getting a breast augmentation in Houston at Premier Plastic Surgery. They are as follows:

Type of Implant

The first decisions to make are about the type of implant (saline or silicone implants) and its texture (textured or smooth).

Silicone breast implants tend to have a more natural feel, are softer at touch than saline implants, and have a lower chance of rupture.
Saline-filled implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, similar to saltwater in the human body. The sizing can be varied after they are inserted into the breast pocket, as they can either be pre-filled or filled once in place.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation is a more natural type of breast augmentation that uses fat cells extracted from other body areas via liposuction.

Implant Size

The idea that bigger is always better is over-rated and simply untrue. Dr. Hankins can show you sizing options during your initial consultation to determine the best choice to fit the proportions of your body. It is essential to realize that oversized implants will result in long-term atrophy of the breast and muscle. This requires the judgment of an experienced and prudent plastic surgeon to determine what size implants can be safely used without long-term complications caused by excessive pressure in the implant pocket.

Implant Shape

There are generally two implant shapes to choose from: teardrop or round. Again, it is best to try different implant shape models during your consultation to help you make the right decision for your body proportions.

Implant Placement

It is not always necessary to place an implant beneath the muscle. In many instances, provided the native breast tissue is sufficiently thick, the implant can be placed beneath the breast and over the muscle or through the submammary approach.

One of the principal complications of breast augmentation is capsular formation, in which a hard, firm capsule can form around the implant due to a smoldering sub-clinical infection with S. epidermidis. To minimize this risk, Dr. Hankins utilizes the “no touch” technique, in which the incision for the breast pocket is re-prepped, gloves are changed, and the implant is delivered into the pocket using a Keller funnel, thus avoiding contact with either gloves or the skin surrounding the incision of the breast pocket.

Disadvantages of the submuscular approach include increased recovery time, increased pain, animation of the breast implants with muscular contraction, and increased risk of a “double bubble” deformity, in which a mound is created beneath the muscle, and the breast falls off the mound. These can be avoided by judicious use of a submuscular pocket, with the implant placed in such a pocket only when clinically indicated.

Incision Placement

The type of incision used is an essential part of the decision process. The various types of incisions used in breast augmentation are:

Inframammary – An incision made at the bottom of the breast near the breast fold. This is the most commonly used incision, as it allows for improved accuracy of implant placement.
Areolar or Periareolar – An incision made around the edge of the nipples. This incision serves as the entry point for the implant.
Transaxillary – This type of incision is made in the crease of the armpit where the implant is inserted.
Transumbilical –This type of incision is called the “scarless” option because it is made within the belly button. This approach requires the use of special surgical tools.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?

Patients who have received a Houston Breast Augmentation from Premier Plastic Surgery have enjoyed the following benefits from their procedure:

Better clothing fit
Bigger breasts
Boost in self-esteem
Immediate results
Improve breast symmetry
Increased breast volume
Provides lift after pregnancy and weight loss
Quick recovery
Restoration of breasts after a mastectomy

Who Are the Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation?

At Premier Plastic Surgery, the best candidates for breast augmentation in Houston would be those who have some of the following characteristics:

Create a more balanced figure
Improve self-confidence and body image
No underlying medical condition
Realistic expectations
Reshape asymmetrical breasts
Restore lost breast volume after significant weight loss
Restore lost breast volume and shape due to aging
Restore lost breast volume due to a mastectomy
Restore lost breast volume

If you are concerned about the size and shape of your breasts, schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Hankins.

female in black lace top Houston & Pearland | Premier Plastic Surgery

Breast Augmentation First Step

What’s the
first step?

If you’re interested in breast augmentation in Houston, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Hankins at Premier Plastic Surgery.

When you visit the practice, it is essential to disclose your medical history any goals and expectations that you have with a breast augmentation. Dr. Hankins will discuss your options, the incision and placement techniques, and their pros and cons.

He will help you decide on the placement of your breast implants, your desired cup size, and implant type. You can also try implant sizers to determine your optimal size and see before-and-after photos of other patients.

He will create a surgical plan for you once he deems you suitable for the procedure and you have made some decisions together. Our Patient Coordinator will then help you schedule your appointment, cost the procedure, and provide pre-surgery instructions to help make your procedure as successful as possible.

“My experience with Dr.Hankins was amazing !”

My experience with Dr.Hankins was amazing ! I literally feel my best self! I had a Breast Augmentation done. Little to no pain. And the scars are healing great! Definitely recommend!

— Maldie Lopez

“I am extremely happy with the results”

I had breast augmentation done by Dr Hankins and I am extremely happy with the results. I had no problems. Dr Hankins is very good and very much a perfectionist. I also have no scars. The results are very flattering. I would highly recommend Premier Plastic Surgery with Dr Hankins.

— Juliana L

woman in black underwear on her bed Houston & Pearland | Premier Plastic Surgery

How Do I Prepare for My Breast Augmentation Procedure?

After your breast augmentation with Dr. Hankins has been scheduled, you will need to begin preparing for the day of surgery. You will be strongly encouraged to read all of the pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided carefully. Below are some tips to keep in mind to have a smoother surgical procedure and stressless recovery:

Be Proactive in Learning About Your Procedure

At Premier Plastic Surgery, we believe in preparing you for every step of your breast augmentation procedure. We provide such detailed information on our site, and Dr. Hankins will be 100% honest with you during your consultation. That being said, it is a good idea to do your research. This way, not only do you come into your consultation with an idea of what to expect, but if you come prepared with questions or concerns based on your research, Dr. Hankins will happily put those thoughts at ease through your conversations.

Arrange Transportation

After being discharged from surgery, you will need a ride home as you will be sore and under the effects of pain medication. Arranging transportation with a family member or friend to and from the surgical center will allow you to return safely home so you can rest comfortably and ease into your recovery without worry.

Request an Adequate Amount of Time-Off

Recovery is a crucial part of your surgery, almost more so than the procedure itself. When you allow your body to heal correctly and follow all post-op instructions, you are setting yourself up for the best-looking results possible.

Attend Check-Up Appointments

After surgery, you must attend follow-up appointments so Dr. Hankins and his team can monitor your recovery. While we try to work with your schedule, it’s imperative to be available for these checkups, which are vital to a successful recovery.

Understand People Will Notice a Change

This procedure is a deeply personal one, and while no one should influence your personal opinion and feelings about undergoing surgery, be prepared for someone to take notice of your newly conformed breasts. You should never share anything you don’t want to, however, it does help to have an idea of how to explain your recent physical changes.

Fill Any Prescriptions and Pick Them Up

We strongly recommend picking up your pain medications before surgery. Not only will it be one less thing you will need to worry about, but you will also be able to use them immediately after your procedure.

Prepare for Recovery

Recovery is a time to truly relax, so prepare yourself for this time! We encourage all of our patients to make some meal preps, stock up on any books or magazines, and load up their Netflix queue—the last thing you’ll want is to feel bored or hungry as you heal. Preparing for recovery while you’re healthy will make your post-surgical experience much more manageable.

Keep Important Phone Numbers Together

In the case of an emergency, or if you have any questions or concerns that pop up, having essential phone numbers and insurance cards in an accessible location can be a lifesaver, both figuratively and literally. You will also want to share this location with anyone assisting you during recovery.

Find Assistance for Home

Having a responsible adult available to stop by daily and assist with minor chores and help prepare meals. It is common for patients to be sore and tired the first couple of days post-surgery, so having someone there to help you will make a difference during your recovery.

Relax

This might be the most important tip on this list! Once you’ve taken care of all the preparations, now it’s time to let Dr. Hankins and his team do what they do best! Take this time to find peace of mind because you are in qualified and experienced hands. We will walk with you compassionately throughout your surgical journey. We will ensure that you are well taken care of and completely safe and that your results are impeccable.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Augmentation Surgery

On the day of your breast augmentation at Premier Plastic Surgery, Dr. Hankins and his staff will welcome you, ensure you are settled in the procedure room, and review your surgical plan again. If all is agreeable, an anesthetist will administer anesthesia to make sure you are sedated and pain-free during the procedure.

Dr. Hankins utilizes the Akademikliniken method, initially described by Per Heden in Stockholm, Sweden, to determine when and by how much the fold beneath the breast should be lowered and to place the incision precisely at the level of the new fold.

The specific type of incision and approach are based on each patient’s anatomy, size of the enlargement, type of breast implant, agreed-upon preference, and Dr. Hankins’s recommendation. In some patients, a breast lift may need to be combined with breast augmentation surgery to optimize the woman’s enhancement goals. Sometimes, it is best to accomplish the same goal in two procedures.

Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical center or hospital. No drains are necessary, and patients are discharged home after the procedure with prescribed pain medication and specific post-surgical care instructions. A surgical bra needs to be worn postoperatively.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, which means that patients can recover in the comfort of their own homes. Patients are encouraged to focus on rest and relaxation for the first few days after surgery. Lingering discomfort can be managed with pain medication. Most patients feel well enough to return to work in one to two weeks. It can take several weeks for swelling and bruising to subside entirely and for the final results to become visible, but these symptoms are generally mild.

You want to avoid lifting anything heavy, submerging your incisions in water, smoking, alcohol, and sleeping on your side or stomach after breast augmentation. Dr. Hankins will inform you when you can safely return to your activities.

Breast Augmentation Cost

How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Houston, TX?

The average cost of breast augmentation in the Pearland and Houston area typically starts at $6,700 and may increase depending on each patient’s goals and needs. The total price can vary based on factors such as the type of implants chosen, the surgical technique used, anesthesia costs, and surgeon fees.

We recommend scheduling a consultation with Houston breast surgery expert Dr. Christopher Hankins for a personalized cost estimate and detailed information about the procedure. During your consultation, our patient coordinator will provide a customized quote and answer any questions you may have regarding breast augmentation.

The procedure itself lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Why Choose Dr. Hankins?

Dr. Christopher Hankins should be your choice for breast augmentation in Pearland and the surrounding Houston area. He believes in offering patients only treatments that are in their best interests. His commitment to his patients is to always carefully evaluate the patient, not just the plastic or aesthetic surgery issue under consideration: cosmetic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hankins specializes in face, breast, and body aesthetic surgery. He also has advanced training in hand surgery, breast reconstruction after cancer, and other reconstructive surgical procedures. Dr. Hankins completed five plastic surgery fellowships with highly distinguished physician mentors in the United States and the United Kingdom, including a Plastic and Microsurgery fellowship at the Baylor College of Medicine and a Hand Surgery fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Hankins earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He completed his General Surgery training prerequisite for Plastic Surgery as established by the Residency Review Committee in Plastic Surgery and Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.

In addition to his practice in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Dr. Hankins is actively involved in the study and clinical application of anti-aging medicine. He is a Diplomate of the American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine and a member of the American Board of Pathology (ABP), American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine (AAAAM), and the Texas Medical Association (TMA).

dr hankins and his staff Houston & Pearland | Premier Plastic Surgery

Breast Augmentation FAQ’S

After your Breast Augmentation, your provider will have you return about a week post-surgery so they can monitor your recovery and remove any sutures and bandages.

You can expect another appointment in six to eight weeks, followed by another one three months post-surgery, and then again six months later. You may also have some photos taken at one of your final check-ups for a comparison photo.
Women are often concerned about scarring from their breast enlargement procedure. Dr. Hankins explains that scarring resulting from breast augmentation depends on which technique is utilized.

In the submammary approach, the scar is approximately 4 cm or less long and placed just above the inframammary fold, which is the junction of the breast with the chest wall.

In the periareolar approach, the scar is located at the junction of the pigmented and non-pigmented skin at the border of the areola.

Two methods yield no scarring on the breasts themselves. The two methods by which the breast may be augmented without placing any scars on the breast are called transaxillary and transumbilical (TUBA).

In the transaxillary approach, an incision is placed in the axilla below the fold of the pectoralis major muscle. A dissection plane can then be readily developed below the pectoralis major (fan-shaped muscle in the chest) or, in exceptional circumstances, beneath the pectoralis fascia (thin layer of tissue covering muscle), as seen in female bodybuilders.

In the TUBA or transumbilical approach, two incisions are made inside the umbilicus (depression at the center of the abdomen) at 10 and 2 o’clock. Subcutaneous tunnels are then created from the umbilicus to the breast. Using this approach, the implants can be placed either above or below the muscle.
1. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or comorbidities do everything in your power, working hand-in-hand with your primary care physician to optimize those as much as medically possible prior to surgery.
2. Be extremely transparent with your surgeon regarding your past medical history, any treatment you had in the past, and the last time you had anything to smoke if you are a smoker. Lying about smoking cigarettes can result in devastating complications for the patient. I strongly recommend being truthful and forthcoming even if surgery has to be delayed. It is for the patient’s own good.
3. Avoid any type of dietary supplement or medication that results in thinning of the blood.
While both have their own pros and cons, your implant choice is completely up to you. On average, saline implants last ten years, whereas silicone implants can have a longer lifespan. Of the two, saline implants are more likely to rupture and be prone to “rippling.” This” occurs when the edges or creases of the implant become visible through the skin.
“Gummy bear implants” is a term often used to describe silicone gel implants, which are firmer than average and hold their shape more closely. The implication is that some current breast implants do not hold their shape. In fact, all silicone breast implants currently sold in the USA contain some form of cohesive silicone. This means a current US silicone implant cut in half on a table will still hold most of its original form without the silicone material inside simply running out. The material inside has the consistency of a “gummy snake” rather than, for example, maple syrup. Implants containing such syrup-like liquid silicone are no longer sold in the USA. Both silicone and saline implants may leak, although this is unlikely.
You can gradually resume an exercise routine about one week after your breast augmentation, except for chest muscle exercises, which can usually be resumed around six weeks.

We encourage you not to rush your recovery by using your pectoralis muscle prematurely. Doing so can lead to potential complications such as displacement of the implant to the sides, fluid collection, or an increased risk of capsular contracture.
Breast augmentation surgeries have associated risks with it. Some of them are listed below:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) or other sporadic cancers in the capsule around the breast, such as breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC)
- Capsular contracture
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Fluid accumulation
- 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 experience any of the previously mentioned reactions or long-lasting side effects, please contact our office immediately so that we can help. If the side effects seem serious, do not hesitate to call 911.
The first step would be to read patient reviews of breast augmentation plastic surgeons in the Houston area and schedule consultations with a few that seem right for you. Before scheduling surgery, seeing how comfortable you feel with a surgeon’s plan and assessment is essential. It would also be advisable to talk to past patients if you can access them. Furthermore, seeing the surgeon’s qualifications and experience in the relevant surgery is helpful.

Schedule a Consultation

Do you think breast augmentation might be appropriate for you? There’s no better way to find out than to contact Premier Plastic Surgery today and set up a free consultation! We’re here to discuss all your options so you can make a well-informed decision. Contact the office or come by in person today. Our offices proudly serve residents in Houston, Pearland, Lake Jackson, and the surrounding areas of South Houston.