Breast Augmentation - New Year New ME

In this inaugural edition of "Best of the Breast," I want to discuss our most requested procedure – Breast Augmentation. Whether you are looking to restore volume lost after pregnancy, achieve better symmetry, simply enhance your natural silhouette, or a combination of any and all of these, knowledge is your best tool in choosing the very best surgeon to help you achieve your individual aesthetic goal.

The Benefits: More Than Just a Number

Breast augmentation is about more than just increasing size. The benefits I see in my patients daily include:

• Restored Proportion: Balancing the hips and shoulders for a classic hourglass shape or to better match your breasts to your body dimensions and other features.
• Restored Volume: Filling out the "deflated" appearance, especially of the breast tissue above the nipple, that often follows weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Clothing Fit: Finally feeling confident in swimwear, evening gowns, or even just a simple T-shirt.
• Psychological Boost: The internal increase in confidence is often as profound than the external physical change.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Breast Augmentation

• DO your research. First, look at as many before-and-after galleries as possible as the proof of a great aesthetic surgeon is in his or her results. Second, ensure your surgeon has trained extensively at premier, well-known academic programs and medical centers of excellence, is licensed, and has achieved board certification.
• DO be honest about your lifestyle. Whether you’re a marathon runner or a yoga enthusiast, your activity level influences implant placement, type, technique, and other surgical factors. Also, be honest about what YOU want, the look YOU want, and YOUR goals. Individual ideals of beauty do vary.
• DO follow pre-operative instructions. This includes quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications that increase bleeding risk, and optimizing nutrition before and after the procedure. I am a big believer in nutritional supplements around the time of surgery in order to enhance healing as much as possible. We discuss these at time of consultation.
• DON’T choose a size based on a friend’s result. Every individual body and measurements are unique. What looks like a "C cup" on one person may look like a "D" on another based on height, weight, torso measurements, curves, and the overall quality of the skin and existing soft tissue of the breast.
• DON’T rush the recovery. Even if you feel great after three days, your body is still healing internally. My rule of thumb is listening to your body. It will tell you when you are ready to resume most activities (don’t worry, I will give you a list of guidelines).
• DON’T bargain shop. This is your body and your health. Quality of care, safety, and amazing results should always come before a "deal."

Top 10 Questions Patients Ask Me:

Silicone or Saline? In 2026, highly cohesive "gummy bear" silicone implants remain the gold standard for a natural feel, the best look, and the least chance of any issues. Though saline is still an option for those who prefer it, I believe they are an inferior choice.

• Where will the scar be? Most commonly, we use the inframammary fold (the crease under the breast), which hides the scar beautifully.
• Above or below the muscle? For most patients, placing the implant "submuscular" (under the muscle) provides more natural coverage and reduces the risk of capsular contracture. However, patients with certain aesthetic goals or lifestyles (body-builders for example) benefit from placement above the muscle.
• Will I need a lift, too? If there is significant sagging (ptosis), an implant alone won't fix it. A "Breast Augmentation-Mastopexy" (Aug-Lift) combines both for the best result. The only way to know for sure if you need a lift and what kind of lift is to have a consultation.
• How long do implants last? They aren't "lifetime" devices, but modern implants are designed to last 10–20 years or more, provided there are no issues.
• Will it affect breastfeeding? In the majority of cases, the milk ducts remain intact, and breastfeeding is still possible.
• How do I pick a size? I go through an extensive discussion with specific questions aimed at arriving at your individual aesthetic for how you want your breasts to look after the work is done. I also use a sizing system that allows you to look in a mirror with a t-shirt on and say to me, “this is how I want to look.” I have been helping patients pick the size that is right for each individual this way for over 15 years, and it has not missed the mark yet!
• Is it painful? Most patients describe it as a "heavy" or "tight" feeling, similar to a very intense chest workout, rather than sharp pain. I give patients strong pain medicine for the first day or so, in addition to something to help the chest muscles to relax and minimize spasming, which can cause discomfort. The majority of patients are back to everyday activities in three to four days.
• When can I wear a normal bra again? Usually around the 4-week mark. Until then, surgical bras or sports bras are your best friends.
• Are implants safe? Yes. Breast implants are some of the most studied medical devices in history.

The Recovery Journey:

Post-operative recovery is a major concern for many. While every patient is unique, here is a general timeline:

• Day of Surgery – Day 2: You’ll want to rest and I want you to do nothing that raises your heartrate or blood pressure. You may feel some tightness in the chest. We focus on "multimodal pain management" to keep you comfortable without relying solely on heavy narcotics. You may shower the day after surgery, and I encourage you to do so as the warm water and steam will help relax the chest and rib muscles, which will reduce discomfort. Warm water also encourages blood flow, which brings in more healing cells.
• Day 3-5: Most patients return to desk jobs and light daily activities (like walking).
• Weeks 1–2: You’ll start feeling "normal" again, but heavy lifting and high-impact cardio are still off-limits. Walking at a faster pace, light yoga, or light lower body weightlifting is ok, as long as the breasts are well supported (tight sports bra = no bouncing) and the activity does not cause pain. Discomfort with any activity means the body is not ready for that yet. Wait a week and try again.
• Weeks 3-4: Your implants will begin to "drop and fluff," settling into their final, natural position. Sometimes this process can take up to 6 weeks or more OR one side drops faster than the other. This will all settle out with time to exactly how I placed them in the OR.
• Weeks 4+: You are generally cleared for all activities, including the gym. Remember the rule – if it hurts, stop, wait a week and try again. After a month, you can submerge the breasts in the ocean, lake, or hot tub, wear a bra with under-wire or no bra at all if you want.

Final Thoughts

Choosing breast augmentation is a personal journey, and I am honored to guide my patients through it here at Williamson Cosmetic Center & Perenack Aesthetic Surgery. If you’ve been thinking about this procedure, the best first step is a conversation. Let’s sit down, look at your goals, and create a plan that is uniquely yours.

Ready to start your journey?

Schedule your consultation by calling (337) 508-2559 or click here now. Let’s make 2026 your most confident year yet!

Stay beautiful. Health and Happiness – Always!

Dr. Joseph Greco III