Breast augmentations are one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. They can be performed with saline or silicone implants and in a variety of surgical techniques. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to breast augmentation. Women have different goals for their breast augmentation, and we work with you to understand those goals and create a customized plan that will meet your expectations. A board-certified plastic surgeon will discuss your options with you and help you choose a procedure that is right for your body type and lifestyle.
Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, either as an in-office procedure or by using local anesthesia (meaning you will be awake but won’t feel any pain). Anesthesia options may include general anesthesia or sedation (local anesthesia). The procedure usually takes two to three hours, depending on how many implants are being placed and what type of implant surgery is being performed. After surgery, patients will often experience mild to moderate soreness in their breasts and around the incision sites that typically resolves within three weeks post-surgery. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure because it’s important not to drive while under the effects of anesthesia
Read on to learn more ABOUT Best Price For Breast Augmentation, How To Treat An Inverted Nipple Without Surgery AND How does a Niplette work?
Best Price For Breast Augmentation
One of the most common questions about breast augmentation is, “How much do breast implants costs?”
While it’s impossible to know at first glance exactly how much this procedure will cost for any one person, there are ballpark estimates available. For example, a breast augmentation can range in price from $6,000 to $12,000. But why such a broad range in pricing?
Breast augmentations can range in pricing due to many factors. Learning about these factors can help patients better prepare and plan for what could be one of the most life and confidence-enhancing procedures available, and everything that goes into determining the cost so that you can make the most informed decision possible.
Factors that determine implant cost
Type of implant
There is a difference in cost between silicone implants and saline breast implants. Silicone implants are more expensive than their saline counterparts because it is more expensive to manufacture and distribute medical-grade silicone versus saline implants, which is comprised of sterile salt water. Saline implants, as a result, are much cheaper to produce.
Geographical location
Believe it or not, where you choose to have your surgery performed can have a big impact on how much you pay.
Typically, cosmetic plastic surgeries that take place in larger, metropolitan areas and cities, where the cost of living is much higher, will cost more than those that are performed in smaller cities and geographic areas. The higher cost of living plus a higher demand for these surgeries often translate into higher prices for almost everything.
For example, a breast augmentation may cost more in Houston than it does in Chicago, while a breast augmentation in Atlanta may cost less than it does Chicago.
Ultimately, it may be practical to plan to travel to a different city or state if there is a dramatic cost difference with a plastic surgeon you feel comfortable with.
Experience of the plastic surgeon
Another factor that impacts the cost of a breast augmentation is the surgeon and facility you choose. Often, surgeons with extensive experience, significant credentials and specialized training will cost more than those with less experience or training. This is not to say that the most expensive surgeon is the best one for you, but it is common to see higher prices from Surgeons who charge more based on their level of expertise.
It’s important to remember that you should seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon whose methods and aesthetic style match well with your goals. Breast augmentation can be a life-altering experience, so it’s always better to choose a surgeon based not just on cost, but experience and training.
Related fees
Other fees that you will encounter for implant surgery include the following:
- Anesthesia
- Surgical facility costs
- Surgeon’s fees
- Post-procedure medications
- Post-surgery garments
Ways to manage the cost of breast augmentation
Though breast augmentations are not typically covered by insurance, most established and reputable plastic surgeons will provide a variety of options to help make breast augmentations and other procedures affordable and accessible.
Look into financing options
Because cosmetic plastic surgery has become so popular over the years, there is an increasing number of options to help patients manage the cost.
Plastic surgery offices often accept major credit cards and/or have a payment plan in place to help make fees manageable. Additionally, plastic surgeons can extend financing, like CareCredit, to patients who qualify, making breast augmentations more affordable and accessible.
It may also be possible to get a secured or unsecured personal loan from your bank. These types of loans usually have similar interest rates to credit cards, but unlike credit cards, the rates and timetables for repayment are fixed. This is an attractive option for anyone with decent credit.
Your plastic surgeon can help you reach your goals
Breast enhancement can be a wonderful, positive experience that boosts your happiness and self-confidence. If you’re concerned about the cost, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can give you more information on ways to manage the financial burden so that you can take the next step in looking and feeling your best.
How To Treat An Inverted Nipple Without Surgery
Have you ever looked at your nipples and wondered “Do they look normal”?
Well, just as breasts come in different colours, shapes, and sizes, so do nipples. They could be protruding, flat, or even inverted. You may think that having flat or inverted nipples is weird, but it is actually very common.
Flat or inverted nipples are usually not a cause of worry if they’ve always been that way. They can, however, be cosmetically unsatisfying. They can also make breastfeeding difficult.
You can try to draw out your nipples using home remedies and manually stimulating them using the Hoffman technique. If that doesn’t work out for you, you might want to consider a more effective non-surgical treatment with the Niplette. The Niplette is a painless and inexpensive option to fix inverted nipples without surgery.
Keep reading to learn out more about using Niplette to reverse inverted nipples.
What are inverted nipples?
Nipples are located at the centre of your breasts and are attached to the glands that produce milk (your mammary glands). The areola is the pigmented skin that surrounds your nipples. Together, your nipple and areola form the NAC (nipple-areola complex).
Having short milk ducts can result in flat or inverted nipples. If your nipples are not raised above the level of your areola and instead lay evenly against it, then you have flat nipples. If they pull inwards instead of outwards, even after being stimulated, then you have inverted nipples. Around 10% of women have at least one flat or inverted nipple, so you should know you’re not alone in this.
Even though flat nipples may look different, they should function the same, even during breastfeeding. In some cases, however, it might be more difficult for your baby to latch on to your breasts and breastfeed if your nipples don’t stick out.
How does a Niplette work?
A lot of people wonder “can inverted nipples be fixed without inverted nipple surgery”? The answer is possibly, and it comes in the form of the Niplette.
The Philips Niplette is a simple device that provides non-surgical correction of inverted nipples. It’s made up of a transparent nipple cup and a sealing flange which is attached to a valve and syringe port. It works by applying a gentle suction to your nipples. This repeated suction aims to lengthen the short milk ducts pulling back on your nipples. After a while, your nipples will eventually stick out on their own. By then you might not have to use the device anymore or only need to do so intermittently.
One study showed that more than 80% of women using the Niplette are able to pull out their nipples and fill their Niplette cup by their first follow-up appointment. Furthermore, more than 90% of women are able to discontinue using the device after only three months once they achieve the desired correction. The study also noted that all pregnant women who have used the Niplette have been able to breastfeed without difficulties, although half of them couldn’t breastfeed before.
How to use Niplette
Almost all patients find the Niplette easy to use. All you need to do is follow the below instructions;
- Before setting up the Niplette, rub your nipples with ointment very well
- First, push the syringe firmly into the open end of the valve until it’s secured
- Then, with one hand, place the cup of the Niplette over the areola of your inverted nipple
- With the other hand, pull the syringe as firmly as comfortable
- When you pull on the syringe, the air is withdrawn, and your nipple will be sucked into the cup
- After your nipple has been pulled out, let go of the niplette, and carefully separate the syringe from the valve
After you have completed these simple steps, you can easily hide the Niplette under your clothes and freely go about your day. You should wear it for up to eight hours a day. Remember that you are in control of the suction and you should only pull on the nipple as firmly as comfortable.
Is using a Niplette safe?
If you’ve had inverted nipples for as long as you can remember, then the Niplette is pretty safe to use. However, if you don’t stick to the recommendations, you might run into a little trouble, for example;
- Infection: The Niplette cannot be sterilized, so using it on lactating breasts could lead to an infection
- Bleeding: Pulling too hard on the nipples could make them crack and bleed a little
- Sore nipples: Repeated usage of the device could make your nipples sore. Using lotion or nipple ointment will help soothe and hydrate your nipples after prolonged usage of the Niplette.
If you use this device properly and follow the instructions, then you will have a smooth experience, satisfying results, and you will get used to it in no time. Make sure you consult with a healthcare professional before you start using the Niplette.
Is a Niplette effective?
Suction devices like the Niplette work by sucking the nipple into a small cup. This suction helps the nipple protrude and point outwards instead of turning inwards. Using such devices repeatedly for an extended period of time will help to loosen up your nipples. Eventually, the nipples stay erect for a longer time on their own.
The Niplette could be your best shot to fix your inverted nipples without surgery. It’s an inexpensive, safe to use and simple device. However, it may not work for everyone. Most women end up with protruded nipples, while others don’t. If you have Grade 3 inversion or the Niplette isn’t working for you, it’s time to consider going for surgery.
What are the other options to fix inverted nipples?
Although the Niplette could give you excellent results, if you want permanent results you’ll need inverted nipple surgery. This surgery is a cosmetic procedure that only takes about an hour to enhance the appearance and projection of your nipples. The flat nipple surgery is quick, effective, and permanent. You will be able to go back home a few hours after it’s done.
Dr Patrick Briggs and our surgeons at Coco Ruby Plastic surgery recommend inverted nipple surgery because;
- It gives you better looking nipples
- Makes breastfeeding easier for you
- Boosts your self-confidence
- Makes you more accepting of your body
- Can help improve your romantic life
During this brief procedure, a local anaesthetic is used so that your surgeon could lift both your nipple and areolas into a more protruding position without pain.
Are inverted nipples worrying?
A lot of women live their entire lives with inverted nipples and have nothing to worry about. If you’ve always had inverted nipples, from childhood or puberty, then you should know that it’s very natural. It’s usually not a cause of worry.
In such cases, the milk ducts connected to the nipple are short, and they tend to pull it back. It is also not uncommon to get inverted nipples after surgery, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
But if you’ve noticed that your nipples have recently and suddenly turned and started pointing inwards, then you should check with your doctor. In rare cases, a nipple turning inwards could be a sign of breast cancer or an underlying bacterial infection.
After ruling out any cause for concern, you might want to fix your inverted nipples in case;
- They interfere with breastfeeding
- You find them aesthetically unpleasant
- You feel like it makes your breasts look less mature
What are the grades of inverted nipples?
The level of nipple inversion is determined by grades. Nipple inversion has three grades. The more severe the inversion, the higher the grade. Here’s how you can figure out the grade of your nipple inversion:
- Grade One: This is the least severe degree. If your nipple is drawn out for a while after you pinch your areola or during breastfeeding, then you have grade one inversion. Grade one inverted nipples could also stand out on their own with cold or other stimulation.
- Grade Two: Nipples with grade two inversion can still be pulled out, but with more difficulty than grade one. Once released, the nipple will quickly go back into its inverted shape. This can cause difficulty while breastfeeding.
- Grade Three: If you’re not able to draw out your nipple at all, then you’re a grade three. This is the most severe grade and you might not be able to breastfeed at all.
Manually pulling your nipple outwards could be successful for women with grade one inversion. If that fails, women with more serious inversion might want to consider using a Niplette.
You can follow these simple steps to see your grade of nipple inversion;
- Stand in front of a mirror with a completely bare chest
- Use your thumb and forefinger to hold your areola
- Then gently press inward into your breast
- Observe how your nipple responds to your pinch to figure out its inversion grade
You could have different levels of inversion in each nipple. You may also have only one inverted nipple. Once you have figured out how serious your nipple inversion is, you can consider the different options available to fix it.