Breast Procedures
Christopher J. Davidson, MD
Fraser Medical Building
332 Washington Street, Suite 100
Wellesley, MA 02481
Phone: (781) 237-7700
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
In Boston, Massachusetts, and across the U.S., breast augmentation is a very common procedure. But it’s not a simple one—at least not if you want it done well. Any plastic surgeon can insert breast implants, but there are innumerable ways an excellent surgeon can refine and customize a breast augmentation procedure to create results that are stunning, natural-looking, and perfectly suited to your body and your lifestyle. This level of personalization, of course, takes time, experience, and excellent training. That’s why women considering breast augmentation in Wellesley, Natick, Framingham, and throughout the Greater Boston area choose Harvard-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Davidson for their breast enhancement procedures.
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Women choose breast augmentation with breast implants when they are less than satisfied with the size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts. Some women have always wanted larger breasts, while others choose this procedure after losing volume due to age, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Breast augmentation is perennially one of the most popular cosmetic procedures because it helps a woman to feel confident and sexy. Studies show that women get more enjoyment from their love lives after breast augmentation surgery. Many patients also enjoy a wider range of clothing and lingerie options after surgery, which also adds to this procedure’s extremely high rate of satisfaction.
The specific cost of your breast augmentation will be influenced by the type of implant you choose, whether or not you’re combining procedures, and other factors specific to your unique procedure. Dr. Davidson discusses cost with you during your consultation to ensure you have a good idea of what to expect. Please contact the practice at (781) 237-7700 or request a consultation online to get an accurate quote.
If you are a woman in good health who would like to add volume to your breasts, you are likely a good candidate for this procedure. Breast augmentation surgery offers the following benefits:
Women who have had children often to want to combine breast enhancement with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, or labiaplasty. This customized combination of surgeries is called a Mommy Makeover, and it is one of Dr. Davidson’s specialties.
If your breasts sag and your nipples point downward, you may need a breast lift with implants, which is quite common. Some women who consult with Dr. Davidson do not actually need or want additional volume, they simply want to lift and reshape their breasts. If this is the case, you and Dr. Davidson may decide that a breast lift without implants is the best choice.
Dr. Christopher Davidson's patient first approach to aesthetic medicine means that every decision he makes is aimed at achieving the optimal outcome for the patient. This is apparent, not just in the beautiful, natural-looking results he creates, but also in the compassionate care he delivers through every step of the process.
Choosing your breast implants is a highly personal and exciting part of your transformative journey. Dr. Davidson will guide you through your options, which include:
Dr. Davidson also offers the latest generation of cohesive silicone gel implants, often referred to as “gummy bear” implants. Most surgeons and patients prefer silicone gel implants due to their softer, more natural feel. However, certain individuals may prefer saline implants, which are filled after insertion and, therefore, may leave a slightly shorter scar. Dr. Davidson has had great success with both types of implants and will work with you to determine your ideal choice.
Implant size is one of the most important decisions you will make during your breast augmentation planning. Dr. Davidson takes great care to ensure that you choose the right size and shape of breast implants during your consultation.
Dr. Davidson prefers the periareolar or inframammary incisions because they are well concealed and allow direct access to the breast pocket for implant placement and adjustment. The transaxillary incision is only available with saline implants.
Like most board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Davidson typically chooses a submuscular placement, which contributes to natural-looking contours and results.
Even though implants don’t actually “expire,” the lifespan of these devices is typically between 10 to 20 years. The implants chosen by patients today are quite different from those used 10 to 15 years ago, thanks to significant technological advances. One study found that up to 20% of women choose to have their implants replaced within 8 to 10 years.
Your surgery will take place at our state-of-the-art, fully accredited surgery center. General anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist (MD), who monitors you throughout your surgery for optimal safety. Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure.
While you are under anesthesia, Dr. Davidson makes the small incision through which he will create a pocket for the breast implant. For silicone gel implants, he utilizes the Keller Funnel—an innovative device that allows him to insert implants in an entirely sterile, touch-free manner for superior safety. Saline implants are inserted empty and filled to their ideal level once they are in the breast pocket.
Dr. Davidson goes to great lengths to minimize visible scars and trauma to the surrounding tissues to ensure the recovery period is as quick and easy as possible.
I thought Dr. Davidson was fantastic, as was the staff in total. He was very thorough and focused on assisting me with my decisions. I would recommend your office to anyone interested in a cosmetic procedure.” N.G.
While breast augmentation recovery varies from patient to patient, here’s a general idea of what to expect throughout the healing process:
Immediately after surgery:
1 to 2 weeks post-op:
3 to 4 weeks post-op:
3 to 6 months post-op:
1 year after surgery:
Dr. Davidson and his staff will also be available continually to answer any questions you may have about your recovery. You can learn more about recovery from breast augmentation in this blog post.
When you’re ready to explore how Dr. Davidson can create the breast augmentation results you want, request your appointment online, or call our office at (781) 237-7700 to easily schedule your consultation.
A. It’s a myth that women can’t breastfeed if they’ve had breast augmentation surgery. The placement of the implants doesn’t interfere with the breast ducts or mammary glands that produce breast milk. There is no guarantee that a mother will have a full supply of milk, whether or not she has breast implants. The primary risk to future breastfeeding is if the surgeon makes a periareolar incision, so let your surgeon know about your plans to have children.
A. You’ll notice that your breasts sit high on the chest after breast augmentation. That’s caused by an inflammatory process that results in swollen tissue and tightening of the chest muscles. As the swelling resolves and the muscles relax, your implants settle into place—a process called “drop and fluff.” This can take several months to occur.
A. Silicone gel that fills implants have different levels of cohesiveness. Highly cohesive silicone gel implants are sometimes called “gummy bear” implants because the gel retains its shape much like the candy does if it’s cut in half.
A. There are two types of FDA-approved breast implants: saline-filled (saltwater solution) and silicone gel-filled. Both have a silicone outer shell. Dr. Davidson ensures his patients are fully informed about implant safety, and he answers any questions you may have. After getting silicone breast implants, you should monitor them with MRI or high-resolution ultrasound testing beginning 5 to 6 years after the procedure and every 2 to 3 years thereafter.
A. One of the reasons Dr. Davidson achieves consistently superior reviews from breast augmentation patients is that he creates extremely natural-looking results that meet and exceed his patients’ expectations. A skilled surgeon, especially one with a great deal of experience and excellent training, will take the time to craft a treatment plan that produces results that appear natural and proportional, not surgical.
Many patients are alarmed during the first few weeks after surgery at how firm and high their breasts are. This is temporary. Once the swelling has subsided and the tissues have had time to relax, the implants will “settle” and your breasts will begin to look and feel softer and more natural.
A. Typically, I recommend being careful to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly propped up on pillows to help reduce inflammation and pressure on your implants and incisions. This position also helps avoid fluid buildup after surgery. Learn more about how to sleep after breast augmentation on my blog.
A. In order to give your new body time to heal, I recommend waiting 2-3 weeks after breast augmentation surgery before resuming sexual activity. This allows your body time to heal and allows your breast implants to start to settle as you start to adjust to your new shape. If you experience any discomfort or swelling in your breasts after sex, be sure to contact your plastic surgeon for advice.
A. While there is no appropriate “season” for breast augmentation, my recommendation is to schedule your breast augmentation surgery at a time when you can commit to healing and recovery for several weeks. You will need to allow time for your incisions to heal and to return to your normal activities after surgery, so I recommend scheduling your surgery for a time when you can take the time to properly heal in order to achieve the best results possible.
There’s no single “best” age for breast augmentation. The FDA approves saline implants for women 18 and older, and silicone implants for those 22 and older. The ideal age varies depending on individual physical and emotional maturity, as well as personal goals. Dr. Davidson evaluates each patient’s candidacy during consultation, considering factors like body development, health status, and motivations for surgery.
While breast implants themselves don’t sag, the natural breast tissue around them can be affected by aging, gravity, and weight fluctuations. Over time, this may lead to some degree of sagging. Dr. Davidson helps patients monitor any changes and address concerns as they arise. Maintaining a stable weight and wearing supportive bras also minimize sagging.
Silicone gel implants, particularly the latest cohesive gel or “gummy bear” implants, are often considered to look and feel the most natural. Dr. Davidson offers both saline and silicone options, including the newest generation of cohesive silicone gel implants. The most realistic results depend not just on the implant type, but also on factors like implant size, placement, and your surgeon’s skill in creating a natural-looking outcome.
Schedule your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Christopher Davidson’s Wellesley plastic surgery office serving patients from Newton, Cambridge, Natick, and throughout the Boston area. Call (781) 237-7700 to learn more, or request a consultation online today.