Breast Augmentation in Baltimore, MD

A breast lift and breast augmentation address different concerns. Breast augmentation uses saline or silicone implants to increase breast volume, improve shape, and enhance fullness. A breast lift removes excess skin and reshapes and repositions existing breast tissue to address sagging or drooping breasts.

For patients who have both volume loss and significant sagging, breast augmentation and a breast lift can sometimes be performed together. Dr. Rottman can evaluate your breast tissue, anatomy, and aesthetic goals to determine whether augmentation, a breast lift, or a combination of both is the most appropriate approach.

Most patients experience soreness, tightness, and swelling during the first several days after surgery. These symptoms are expected and are typically well managed with recommended pain medication. As healing progresses, discomfort steadily improves, and many patients can return to light daily activities within a week.

Most of Dr. Rottman’s breast augmentation patients can expect an initial consultation, a pre-operative visit, the day of surgery, and multiple follow-up appointments. These will allow Dr. Rottman to monitor your healing, answer questions, and ensure you’re achieving the best possible outcome.

You’ll notice an immediate increase in breast volume after surgery, but your breasts will at first appear swollen and sit higher on the chest.

As your swelling decreases and the implants settle over the next several weeks to months, your breasts will take on a softer, more natural appearance.

In a nationwide study of 17,899 women, satisfaction with breasts and psychosocial well-being improved significantly one year after breast augmentation, with those improvements remaining significant four years later.²

Dr. Rottman carefully places incisions in discreet locations whenever possible, such as along the breast crease, around the areola, or within the armpit. Most scars fade significantly over time and become much less noticeable with proper scar care.

Light activity, such as walking, is generally encouraged early in recovery, while more strenuous exercise will need to wait. Depending on your healing progress, Dr. Rottman may allow you to gradually resume more active exercise around four weeks after surgery, while heavy lifting and strenuous workouts may be restricted for six weeks or longer. Always follow Dr. Rottman’s specific instructions before returning to your normal exercise routine.

Many patients are comfortable taking short car rides within a few days of surgery. If you’re planning air travel or a long-distance trip, Dr. Rottman may recommend waiting one to two weeks, depending on your recovery.

As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation carries potential risks and complications. Dr. Rottman will review these with you before surgery and discuss how they relate to your health, implant choices, and surgical plan. Potential risks can include:

• Bleeding, infection, or poor wound healing.
• Capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue tightens around an implant.
• Changes in breast or nipple sensation, which may be temporary or permanent.
• Implant rupture or leakage.
• Changes in implant position or breast asymmetry.
• Persistent breast pain or discomfort.
• Visible or palpable implant rippling.
• The possibility of additional surgery to address an implant or other complication.

Breast implants are also associated with certain uncommon implant-specific complications. Dr. Rottman can discuss these risks, including breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), as well as current implant safety information during your consultation.

Yes. Changes in breast or nipple sensation can occur after breast augmentation and may include increased or decreased sensitivity, numbness, tingling, or occasional sharp sensations. These changes can occur as the breast tissue, skin, and nerves adjust following surgery.

For many patients, sensation improves gradually as swelling subsides and the breasts heal. However, the degree and duration of sensory changes vary from patient to patient, and in some cases, changes in breast or nipple sensation may be long-lasting or permanent. Dr. Rottman can discuss this risk with you as part of your surgical planning.

Yes. Dr. Rottman may have you wear a surgical bra both day and night for approximately two weeks after breast augmentation to support your breasts as they heal. He will provide specific instructions about how long to wear your surgical bra based on your procedure and recovery.

Insurance does not usually cover breast augmentation surgery unless the procedure is breast reconstruction after a mastectomy following breast cancer.

Many women are able to breastfeed after breast augmentation, although the ability to breastfeed can vary depending on several factors, including the surgical technique and individual anatomy. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, discuss it with Dr. Rottman during your consultation so he can consider your goals when developing your surgical plan.

Both round and anatomically shaped breast implants can create natural-looking results when appropriately selected and positioned. The best option depends on factors such as your existing breast tissue, chest dimensions, desired fullness, and overall aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Rottman will help you compare implant shapes, sizes, and profiles to determine which option best complements your anatomy.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, but there is no set date when they must automatically be replaced. Some patients may have their implants for many years without experiencing a problem, while others may eventually need revision or replacement due to rupture, capsular contracture, changes in breast appearance, or other concerns.

Dr. Rottman will discuss appropriate long-term monitoring based on the type of implants you choose. Patients with silicone implants should also follow recommended imaging guidelines to monitor for a possible rupture.

When choosing a breast augmentation surgeon, look for a physician who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, has extensive experience performing breast procedures, maintains a strong gallery of before-and-after photos, and consistently receives positive patient reviews. During your consultation, ask about implant options, surgical techniques, recovery expectations, and how the surgeon will customize your procedure based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Dr. Steven J. Rottman combines advanced surgical training, extensive experience, and a personalized approach to help women throughout Baltimore and the surrounding areas achieve natural-looking breast augmentation results.