Breast Augmentation: What to Expect From Consultation to Long-Term Care Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery

If you've been researching breast augmentation, you've probably noticed two things: there's a lot of information out there, and much of it feels vague and impersonal.

Making a decision about your body is no small matter. At the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you're getting into. We'll go over everything in detail at your consultation, and we've created this overview so you can come to that visit prepared.

Before the Procedure: What Happens at Your Consultation

Your consultation is where everything begins. This is when we get to know you and what you're looking for. It's also when you get to know us and decide whether this partnership feels right.

Come to your breast augmentation consultation prepared to discuss:

• Why you're interested in the procedure
• Your preferences and desired outcome
• Anything you dislike or don't want
• Any medical conditions, allergies or previous procedures
• Any family history of breast cancer
• Any current medications or supplements

During the appointment, Dr. Bengtson, Dr. Alfonso or Dr. Horriat will:

• Evaluate your health
• Examine your breasts and body proportions
• Take clinical photographs for surgical planning and assessing results
• Inform you of the risks and potential complications
• Outline the typical breast augmentation procedure process
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment

We're not interested in giving you what worked for someone else. We want to give you results that look and feel like they belong to you. This is why we are so thorough during the preoperative planning phase.

VECTRA® 3D Imaging

One of the most common questions our patients have is: "How do I know what I'll look like with breast implants?" It's hard to visualize the outcome of surgery when you've never experienced it before. Fortunately, we have a tool to help you do exactly that.

The Bengtson Center was the first practice in West Michigan to offer VECTRA® 3D Imaging. This system allows us to capture a three-dimensional image of your body, then use software to simulate a variety of outcomes based on different implant sizes and shapes. You can see, from multiple angles, what you might look like before making any decisions.

It's not a guarantee of a specific outcome (no technology can promise exact results), but it reduces the guesswork and gives you a clearer picture of what's possible for you.

Breast Implant Selection

Choosing the right implant isn't as simple as picking a cup size. In fact, cup sizes are surprisingly inconsistent across brands and styles (what's a "C" in one bra might be a "B" or "D" in another), so surgeons never use it as a measurement.

Instead, choosing your breast implants will involve multiple decisions your surgeon will guide you through:

• Size: Breast implant size is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). The right volume depends on factors like the look you want to achieve, how much breast tissue you have currently and what will look proportional with your frame.
• Shape: Round implants are the most common choice. Teardrop-shaped implants may be preferred or recommended for certain body types.
• Profile: This describes how much the implant projects forward from your chest wall. The right choice depends on how natural or "enhanced" you prefer to look.
• Material: Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after they're placed in the breast pocket. Silicone implants come pre-filled with a cohesive gel.

Your surgeon will explain the pros and cons of each option. By the end of your consultation, you'll have a fully personalized treatment plan.

Motiva®: Next-Generation Implant Technology

The Bengtson Center is one of the first practices in Michigan to offer Motiva® implants, the latest advancement in breast implant technology. Motiva implants received FDA approval in 2024, having already been popular throughout Europe, Asia and South America. There are two styles to choose from:

SmoothSilk® Ergonomix™
Motiva’s Ergonomix implants are designed to move with your body. Their proprietary gel allows them to hold a round shape when you're lying down and shift to a natural, sloped silhouette when you're upright. This makes them an excellent choice for patients seeking the most lifelike look and feel.

SmoothSilk® Round
For patients who want more upper-pole fullness, Motiva’s SmoothSilk Round implants deliver more projection and volume in the upper part of the breast when standing and lying down. They also benefit from the soft feel of Motiva’s gel technology, while providing the fuller appearance some patients prefer.

Questions to Ask During Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

Your consultation is your opportunity to ask anything and everything. No question is too small or too "silly." A few worth considering:

• What results can I realistically expect given my body type?
• What is your revision rate, and how does it compare to national averages?
• Where will my incisions be placed, and how visible will the scars be?
• What happens if I'm not satisfied with the results?
• What does your follow-up care look like in the months and years after surgery?

Some patients find it helpful to bring a list so they don't have to remember their questions in the moment.

The Procedure: What Happens On the Day of Surgery

Your procedure will take place at the New Vista Surgical Center, our on-site surgical suite. The facility is accredited by AAASF (the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities), which means it meets rigorous hospital-level safety standards for equipment, staffing, emergency preparedness, and infection control.

Why does accreditation matter? Because not all surgical centers are created equal. When you choose a QUAD A accredited facility, you're choosing a layer of protection that many practices don't offer.

A team member will greet you when you arrive. You'll change into a surgical gown, and your surgeon will mark the surgical plan on your skin. It's natural to be nervous and excited at the same time. Don't hesitate to bring up any last minute questions or concerns! We want you to feel confident in your decisions.

General Anesthesia

Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia, which means you'll be unconscious. One of our board-certified anesthesiologists will be present throughout. Their job is to monitor your vital signs and adjust your anesthesia as needed.

You won't feel anything during surgery or remember it when you wake up. Some patients worry about "going under," and that's completely normal. Let your surgical team know if you have any concerns so they can address them.

The Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery typically takes one to two hours, though it can be longer if you incorporate other procedures. Your surgeon will create an incision using the technique you agreed on during your consultation, create a pocket for the implant, place the implant, then close the incision with sutures.

Immediate Recovery

When you wake up, you'll be in our recovery suite with a team monitoring you. You'll likely feel groggy, and you may experience nausea from the anesthesia. Most patients spend one to two hours in recovery before being cleared to go home. You'll need someone to drive you and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.

After the Procedure: What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery is the part that intimidates most patients. You may have read horror stories online or heard secondhand accounts that made healing sound like weeks of agony. In reality, the typical breast augmentation healing timeline looks like this:

• Days 1-2: The first 48 hours involve the most discomfort. You'll feel tightness, pressure, and soreness in your chest. Most patients find the discomfort peaks on day two and then begins to improve.
• Days 3-7: By the end of the first week, many patients feel significantly better. Swelling and bruising are normal and will gradually subside. Light activity (like short walks) is encouraged.
• Weeks 2-4: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within one to two weeks, depending on how physically demanding their job is. Continue to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
• Weeks 4-6: By week six, most restrictions are lifted, and you can return to your normal exercise routine. But always listen to what your body is telling you. If something doesn't feel right, don't push it.

The 24-Hour Fast-Trak Recovery Program

Dr. Bengtson developed the Fast-Trak Recovery Program specifically to minimize downtime for breast augmentation patients. The traditional expectation that you'll need weeks to feel like yourself again is not what we see at our practice.

More than 90 percent of our breast augmentation patients return to normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Yes, really.

Dr. Bengtson, Dr. Alfonso, and Dr. Horriat use this surgical technique to minimize trauma to the breast tissues, which in turn reduces recovery time and postoperative discomfort. This is combined with a recovery protocol designed to promote healing through early movement rather than prolonged immobility.

Your Results: What to Expect and When

Right after your surgery, your breasts may look fuller than you imagined. You may also find that they feel firmer and sit higher on your chest. Don't panic — this is not your final result. Your breasts will change as the implants and tissues settle.

In the weeks after your surgery, your implants will gradually descend from their initial high position and the lower pole of your breasts will fill out (this is sometimes called "drop and fluff"). At the same time, the tissues surrounding your implants will soften and relax. Your breasts will take on a more natural, proportional appearance.

This process happens at its own pace. Some patients notice significant changes within a few weeks; for others, it takes longer. Try not to compare your timeline to anyone else's.

Scar Maturation

Breast augmentation incisions are placed in inconspicuous locations. Typically, they are hidden in the natural fold beneath the breast (inframammary fold). Most clothing, swimsuits and lingerie conceal them well.

Fresh scars are pink or red and may be slightly raised. Over the following months, they'll fade and flatten. Full scar maturation takes up to 12 months.

Patients who choose Motiva implants may benefit from less scarring. Thanks to their flexible design, Motiva implants can often be placed through smaller incisions than other implants.

Breast Implant Longevity

You may have heard that breast implants need to be replaced every ten years. This is a myth that persists in popular culture but isn't supported by evidence.

Modern breast implants do not have an expiration date. If you still love your results, and you don't have any complications, your implants can remain in place indefinitely. That said, implants are not designed to be lifetime devices, so they may need to be replaced at some point. You may also want revision surgery in the future due to changes in your body, lifestyle or aesthetic preferences.

The important thing is having a care team invested in your long-term wellbeing. That's what our unique approach to ongoing monitoring is all about.

The Future: Long-Term Care After Breast Augmentation

Here's something that isn't emphasized often enough: breast augmentation doesn't end when you leave the surgical center. Your implants require monitoring, and there are ongoing costs associated with that monitoring — unless you choose a practice that's invested in your long-term outcomes.

Breast Implant Risks and Complications

The most common complications associated with breast implants include:

• Capsular contracture — when the scar tissue around an implant tightens or hardens, sometimes causing discomfort or changes in breast shape
• Rupture — when the implant shell develops a tear or hole
• Infection — when bacteria cause an infection at the surgical site or around the implant
• Implant malposition — when an implant shifts out of its intended position, distorting the appearance of the breast
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation — which may be temporary or, in some cases, permanent

One reason The Bengtson Center offers Motiva implants is their low complication rates. In studies, Motiva's SmoothSilk® surface demonstrated the lowest levels of inflammation and reduced bacterial attachment compared to other leading implant brands. This reduces the risk of infection and capsular contracture.

Additionally, there have been no reported cases of BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) linked to Motiva implants to date.

FDA Recommendations for Breast Implant Follow-Up

The FDA recommends MRI follow-up of breast implants at three years post-surgery, then every two years after that. These imaging studies check for silent rupture (a rupture that doesn't cause obvious symptoms). Keeping patients healthy is important, but MRIs can cost thousands of dollars per scan, and they're typically not covered by insurance.

Over a lifetime with implants, that adds up.

In-Office Ultrasound Tracking: A BCAPS Exclusive

The Bengtson Center is the only practice in the region that offers in-office high-resolution ultrasound tracking for all breast augmentation patients at no additional charge. This replaces the costly MRI follow-ups the FDA recommends.

As a BCAPS patient, you get expert eyes on your implants regularly, in the same warm, familiar environment where your aesthetic journey began. It's a level of ongoing support you simply cannot find anywhere else.

Implant Warranty and Replacement Assistance

Though they are not common, implant shell complications can occur. Certain breast implant manufacturers, including Allergan, offer warranty programs that may provide financial assistance if an issue arises.

If you have Allergan implants and experience a qualifying complication, our team can help you file a warranty claim and guide you through the process. We want you to enjoy your results for as long as you continue to love them.

Book Your Consultation at the Bengtson Center

If you've been considering breast augmentation and want to learn more, we'd love to meet you. The Bengtson Center has served the Grand Rapids area for over 30 years and helped patients from all 50 states, Canada and Europe realize their aesthetic goals.

Contact the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery at 616-344-9188 today to schedule your consultation or book online.