Shaping the Evolution of Breast Augmentation

Dr. Bauer’s training, experience, and innovative techniques are second to none among breast augmentation specialists. During his career, he has performed more than 50,000 breast surgeries for patients who travel to The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery from throughout the world.

Dr. Bauer has also participated in multiple clinical trials involving breast surgery, where he had a direct role in improving breast augmentation techniques.

Dr. Bauer on Breast Augmentation

During a recent interview, Dr. Bauer discussed his approach to breast augmentation, what occurs during a consultation, and how the shaping and stabilization technique he developed improves breast augmentation results.

Q. When you first meet with a patient considering breast augmentation, what information do you want to learn?

A. I really like to get to know the person. I consider it like a cocktail party, where I ask questions about their lives and establish a trusting relationship. By the time of the consultation, they’ve already spoken with our patient coordinator, and many of the details have been documented.

Q. Do patients arrive with a specific size of breast implant in mind?

A. Some do, but it’s important that they understand that getting the natural-looking results that virtually all patients want depends on their unique body. Just because a certain size implant looks good on their friend doesn’t mean it’s right for them.

Q. The population of Atlanta is diverse. Are there physical differences that you need to account for during surgery?

A. Yes. For example, certain ethnic groups have denser breast tissue than others. Breast augmentation is never a one-size-fits-all procedure, and I take into account all factors when planning the surgery.

Q. Tell us about the breast shaping and stabilization technique you developed.

A. I developed the shaping and sculpting technique to achieve a better, longer-lasting result than traditional implant placement. A beautiful breast augmentation result involves creating an attractive, natural-looking breast shape.

My technique uses composite breast sculpting for more predictable, long-term results. During the procedure, I anchor the inframammary fold and use tissue for an internal bra that supports the implants.

Q. You served on the council for LEAD (Leadership, Experience, and Development in Breast Augmentation), which is composed of top breast augmentation specialists. What was that experience like?

A. The council included thought leaders with practices similar to ours. The meetings involved exchanging the best ideas and areas of research about breast augmentation. It was pretty awesome. The aesthetics field is a small world, and there are some really smart people out there.

Q. What are some of the most significant changes in breast augmentation preferences you’ve seen over the years?

A. A decrease in volume. Patients are getting smaller implants and don’t want to be quite as curvy as what you may have seen 10 or 20 years ago. The type of implants patients choose has completely reversed since silicone gel implants were reapproved for use (in 2006). For many years, more patients chose saline-filled implants. Now, 97% of breast augmentation patients at our practice choose cohesive silicone gel implants.

Q. What’s the best part of specializing in breast augmentation?

A. I’ve been very lucky. I work with amazing people, and we’ve made a lot of people smile over the years. I’m just blessed to see so many happy faces.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering breast augmentation and want to discuss your options personally with Dr. Bauer or another board-certified plastic surgeon at The Swan Center for Plastic Surgery, request a consultation using the online form or call us at (770) 667-0904. You can also view breast augmentation results in our gallery of before-and-after photos.

If you’ve undergone breast augmentation or are considering it, you might be wondering “how long do breast implants last.” It’s a valid concern, as breast implants are not designed to be lifelong devices.  

This blog post covers what you need to know about breast implant longevity, including when to replace them, the durability of different implant types, and the importance of breast implant warranties. We’ll also provide tips for preserving your breast augmentation results. 

How Long Do Saline Breast Implants Last? 

Saline breast implants are filled with a harmless sterile saltwater solution. For most women, saline implants can last between 10 and 20 years, though their actual lifespan will depend on factors such as your age, lifestyle, and changes in your body over time.

In the unlikely event of a rupture or leak, a saline implant will deflate, creating a noticeable change in the breast’s appearance. This creates a visible indicator of when you should replace your saline implant.

Still, it’s important to monitor your implants regularly through visual checks and routine scans and to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon if you notice any changes or have concerns. 

How Long Do Silicone Breast Implants Last? 

Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. They have a comparable lifespan to saline implants and can last 10 to 20 years or more. Again, the actual duration depends on individual factors. 

These implants tend to maintain their shape and feel, making them a reliable option for those seeking long-lasting breast augmentation results. However, implant aging will eventually affect the integrity of your implants—the risk of rupture often increases as the implants become older. This makes regular MRI or high-resolution ultrasound screenings and occasional checkups with your plastic surgeon vital.  

Silicone implants can rupture “silently,” so proactive, ongoing monitoring can ensure your implants are functioning correctly and haven’t developed any issues. 

What Does a Breast Implant Warranty Cover? 

Breast implant warranties provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected complications. While the specific terms and conditions vary between manufacturers, here are some common aspects of what breast implant warranties typically cover: 

• Rupture Coverage: Most warranties cover the cost of replacing the implant if it ruptures within a specified time frame. Some warranties may also include financial assistance for surgical fees. 

• Capsular Contracture: In cases where capsular contracture occurs (a condition where scar tissue tightens around the implant), warranties may cover implant replacement and related expenses. 

• Implant Malfunction: Warranties may also cover implant malfunction due to manufacturing defects. 

• Limited Lifetime Coverage: Some manufacturers offer limited lifetime coverage for certain implant types, providing reassurance over an extended period. 

At The Swan Center, we are proud to use MENTOR® implants, which come with a lifetime warranty for rupture or deflation.

Tips for Preserving Your Breast Augmentation Results 

Now that we’ve discussed the lifespan of breast implants and warranty coverage, let’s explore some tips for preserving your breast augmentation results: 

• Regular Checkups: Follow your plastic surgeon’s recommended follow-up appointment schedule to ensure your implants are in good condition and functioning correctly. 

• Keep Your Weight Stable: Significant weight fluctuations can impact the appearance of your breast implants.  

• Protect Your Chest: When engaging in physical activities or contact sports, use proper protective gear to minimize the risk of trauma to your chest area. 

• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain your overall well-being, which can, in turn, contribute to the longevity of your breast augmentation results. 

• Stay Informed: Keep current on the latest developments in breast implant safety and technology. If there are updates or recalls related to your implants, proactively address any potential concerns. 

When you decide it’s time to get your implants replaced with a newer model or a shape or style that’s more aligned with your aesthetic preferences, you’ll schedule breast implant revision surgery. See for yourself how our patients can achieve beautiful, proportional, and natural-looking results—that are just as good if not better than the original procedure—in our before-and-after photo gallery. 

Ready To Enhance Your Confidence With Breast Augmentation? 

We understand the importance of feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. If you’re considering breast augmentation or have questions about your existing breast implants (including whether you should get them removed), please request a consultation or call us at (770) 667-0904 today. 

1. Prepare like a pro

The first secret to gorgeous results is having a productive, in-depth personal consultation with your plastic surgeon. And you’ll get the most out of that meeting if you prepare ahead: read about others’ breast augmentation experiences, look at before and after photos of patients who look like you in the ‘before’ images, and get a basic understanding of breast implant and surgical options.

Take notes, save examples, and write down the questions you want to ask. This will empower you to ask more detailed questions and help you receive personally relevant information. Patients who have prepared for their consultation are better able to clearly communicate their goals, helping them to get on the same page with their surgeon more easily.

As you research breast implants, take notes, save photos, and write down the questions you want to ask your plastic surgeon.

2. Pay attention to the details

Your surgical plan has a big impact on your results. Whether you want a subtle boost or notably bigger breasts, my goal is to create a volumetric look that perfectly suits your frame. Here are 3 key elements of the plan that I am thinking about when I meet with you:

• Breast implant options: There are a range of breast implant options, with variations in size/volume, profile, and material. During the consultation, you will have the chance to try on sizers and feel implant options for yourself. We’ll recommend a range of sizes and profiles of implants that we know will look good on you, and help you narrow down your options from there.
• Breast lifts: If your breasts sag, you may need a breast lift in combination with your breast augmentation. This is not always the case, as a little visible “lift” can be achieved with implants. But if your breast sagging is more than just mild, we may have to incorporate a lift in order to achieve your vision.
• Add-on procedures: You may desire add-on procedures (such as liposuction) to get ideal, comprehensive results.

Excellent surgeons customize the procedure for your anatomy, and discuss the details of the surgery with you. The best surgical outcomes happen when the surgeon and patient are collaborating—you bring your expertise about your body and goals, and I bring my expertise about breast surgery.

3. Optimize your health for a smooth recovery

The secret to an optimal recovery? It starts well ahead of surgery! Go ahead and start investing in your health to support your body’s ability to heal during recovery:

• Strictly abstain from smoking and vaping.
• Fuel a healthy recovery by eating a nutrient-rich diet full of protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats like nuts and seeds, and whole-grain carbohydrates.
• After breast augmentation, you will need to sleep on your back. So that you’ll be comfortable getting quality rest in this position after surgery, practice ahead of time! You may want to place pillows along your sides to support this position at first.

After recovery, follow these tips that are a key part of the secret to gorgeous results:

• Continue to refrain from smoking—and, ideally, don’t pick it back up! Smoking ages your skin prematurely, and therefore contributes to breast sagging.
• Continue to eat a nutrient-rich diet.
• Don’t do too much, too soon after surgery. Embrace this chance to rest and allow your body to do the work of healing!
• Wear soft, supportive surgical bras—no underwires until your surgeon gives you the OK.
• Sleep on your back.
• Take care of your incisions per the scar care instructions that we provide.
• Avoid the sun, which will darken your healing scars and contribute to early skin aging.

4. Do it for the right reasons

Breast augmentation is one of most genuinely confidence-boosting procedures available. Yet choosing breast implants is a personal decision, and the happiest patients we see post-op decide to have this procedure to feel like a stronger, more confident version of themselves—not to please someone else. Check in with yourself before booking your consultation to make sure that you are seeking breast augmentation as a gift of confidence to yourself rather than to make others happy.

Breast augmentation should be a gift of confidence you give yourself—not something you do to make others happy.

5. Choose a qualified plastic surgeon who gets you

Good rapport with your plastic surgeon may be the most important secret to your results. Look for someone who listens to you and works with you during the consultation to make sure they 100% understand what you want out of surgery. Find a surgeon who is board certified, has years of experience, has glowing reviews, and shows you stellar before-and-after results that resemble the look you’re going for. Trust your intuition, and if you don’t feel that your plastic surgeon gets you, get a second opinion!

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Cat at Swan Center in Atlanta

Female board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cristen Catignani wants her Atlanta breast augmentation patients to feel empowered, safe, and listened to every step of the way. If you are ready to schedule your consultation and learn what breast augmentation with Dr. Cat can do for you, call 770-667-0904 or contact our practice online.