6 Essential Things to Know About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the US – for good reason. It’s a safe, long-lasting, and confidence-boosting procedure! When considering breast augmentation, there are many things to think about, such as implant type, size, shape, and placement. Before your breast augmentation surgery, you’ll learn more about breast implants from our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Brian Coan. Here are some of the most important things to know about breast implants, breast augmentation surgery, and how to achieve natural looking results that help you feel confident for years to come.

Silicone Breast Implant Choices

There are many different implant options that will be discussed during your breast augmentation consultation including size, profile, shape, and texture.

Dr. Coan uses Natrelle implants and Motiva implants for his breast augmentation procedures. The Natrelle silicone implants are often referred to as “gummy bear implants”. Dr. Coan typically uses round implants and prefers to place implants sub-muscularly using inframammary incisions (below the breast crease) to minimize scarring. However, there are many different ways to perform breast implant surgery, and he will discuss factors like incision placement, silicone breast implants, and more.

There are three different gummy gels you can choose from to achieve the look and feel you desire. Responsive gel (gummy) looks and feels the most like natural breast tissue. Soft touch (gummier) is the middle-ground of these gummy implants, meaning that they still move around but hold their shape more than responsive gel. Cohesive implants (gummiest) are the most structured of the three and maintain their fullness regardless of your positioning. All three types of implants come in low, moderate, and full profiles to allow you to achieve your desired breast size.

Both profile and gel type will be considered as well as sizing to help you reach your aesthetic goals as they mesh with your pre-existing anatomy.

Motiva Implants

Motiva implants feature ProgressiveGel® technology that creates a stable, soft silicone gel for a natural look and feel, supported by a smooth, nano-textured shell called SmoothSilk/SilkSurface. What makes Motiva different from other implant types is its advanced design focused on safety, customization, and comfort, including a lower risk of complications like capsular contracture and the ability to be placed with smaller incisions for less visible scarring. Motiva offers multiple implant options—such as Ergonomix® for lifelike movement and Round for upper pole fullness—so patients can choose the style that fits their goals, all while benefiting from innovative engineering and higher standards for long-term, natural-looking outcomes

Sizing and Balancing Aesthetic Wants with Anatomy

Dr. Coan will make sizing recommendations based on your pre-existing anatomy, your goals, and your preferred profile and gel type. Things to consider when choosing your implant size are your lifestyle and your existing anatomy. To simplify this process, we will have the opportunity to do a full sizing session for you at your consultation where you will “try on” a variety of implant sizes to determine what suits you. Implants don’t always match directly with bra sizes so it’s best to have a general idea of your ideal look rather than a specific cup size.

Meet Your Full Aesthetic Goals

Breast augmentation is often combined with other procedures such as a breast lift or Mommy Makeover. Mommy makeovers are a popular choice for women that includes multiple surgeries performed on one day. A tummy tuck, labiaplasty, and/or liposuction can be added to your breast surgery with Dr. Coan! He can determine if you’re a good candidate for a combination procedure during your consultation.

Patient Perks

At CARE Plastic Surgery, we’re proud to partner with Natrelle® and Motiva® to bring added value to your breast augmentation journey.
Patients who choose Natrelle® implants can unlock Allē® rewards, including bonus points for future treatments and even complimentary BOTOX® Cosmetic or JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC for eligible patients.

For those who select Motiva® implants, the Motiva® Gold Card and Influencer Programs offer patients the chance to share their stories and receive special rewards. These programs will be discussed during your consultation and after your procedure, and our team will ensure you’re set up with everything you need to take full advantage of your rewards.

Recovery Process and Downtime

You can expect to return to work within a few days (depending on the nature of your job), and you can resume full activity after just six weeks. In a short three months, you will be fully recovered and ready to return to talk about maintaining your new body and breasts!

Long-Term Commitment

It’s a common myth that implants need to be replaced every 10 years. Your implants often last way longer! We see patients who have had their implants for 20+ years and still love their results. In fact, both Motiva and Natrelle offer a complimentary 10-year implant warranty. Dr. Coan recommends getting an MRI at nine years post-op to double-check your implants.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re considering plastic surgery in Cary, North Carolina, we invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation. Our team, led by the accomplished Dr. Brian S. Coan, a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), is dedicated to addressing your concerns and guiding you toward the best course of action. Contact us today to embark on your journey toward enhanced confidence and well-being.

Return to Overview