Breast Augmentation

It’s normal to experience some discomfort following breast augmentation surgery, but it’s generally well-controlled and temporary. Most patients experience soreness, tightness, and swelling in the chest area for the first few days, similar to the intense muscle soreness that follows strenuous exercise.

Typically, you’ll have at least two to six appointments: one initial consultation to discuss your goals and options, a pre-operative visit to review the plan and preparation, and approximately 4 follow-up appointments after surgery over the first year to assess your healing progress. Afterwards yearly follow ups are done as needed.  Dr. Tag will tailor the schedule to your needs, but expects you to be well supported from start to finish.

Although breast implants are not considered to be a “lifetime solution,” most implants will last between 10 and 20 years, with some lasting even longer. While some patients may choose to replace or remove their implants for personal reasons, the only reason implant removal would be necessary is if there were issues such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, position shifting, or physical changes to the breast. Other reasons for implant-related surgery are that patient goals may change in 10-20 years, or they may also require a lift over that time.  Attending regular check-ups can help monitor the implants’ integrity over time.

Breast augmentation is generally considered to be painless, but some patients may experience mild discomfort. However, recovery is typically more manageable than most patients would expect. It’s common to feel some tightness in the chest the first few days post-surgery, but it can often be compared to an intense workout. Many patients report feeling very little discomfort at all.  Dr. Tag will prescribe some temporary pain medication to ensure that your recovery is as comfortable as possible.

While the patient’s individual anatomy may play a factor, most women are able to breastfeed after receiving implant surgery. While implants don’t prevent milk production, they can affect the milk ducts or nerves around the nipple, depending on the approach the surgeon takes. Dr. Tag utilizes very specific and strategic surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcome, in both form and function. It is important to keep in mind that some women may experience a reduced supply of milk, but a consultation with a lactation expert may produce better results.

Although extremely rare, yes. Breast implants have been associated with certain health issues in some patients. While there have been millions of breast implant surgeries performed without serious complications, there are 2 primary health concerns that patients should be aware of. Breast Implant Illness (BII) and Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BII-ALCL).

• Breast Implant Illness (BII): While it’s not a “formal medical diagnosis”, this is a collection of symptoms that has become increasingly recognized and studied by the medical community. Some of the more common symptoms include chronic fatigue, memory issues, joint/ muscle pain, hair loss, and/or skin rashes. While research is ongoing, many patients have reported seeing improvement from these complications after explant surgery (implant removal).
• Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BII-ALCL): BII-ALCL is a rare type of lymphoma (cancer of the immune system), normally caused by textured implants, that can potentially develop in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the breast implant. Typical complications include persistent breast swelling, fluid build-up, lump formation, breast asymmetry, or breast pain. It’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t a form of breast cancer, but if detected early, removing the implant and surrounding capsule has often proved to be successful.

Your breasts will likely appear higher and firmer than what you’ll end up with because of swelling and the way the implants sit initially. This “high and tight” stage usually lasts a few weeks. Over the next 4 to 6 weeks, your implants will gradually settle into a more natural position as swelling fades and your tissues adjust. By the six-week mark, most patients get a good glimpse of their new shape, but subtle changes can continue to occur for up to a year as your body fully heals.

Scars are a natural part of surgery, but Dr. Tag’s expert techniques help keep them as discreet as possible. Depending on the incision site, scars may be around the areola, under the breast fold, or in the armpit. These scars typically start out red or pink but fade to a light, thin line over several months to a year. With proper care, most patients find their scars to be barely noticeable, especially once they have healed.

You’ll want to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about four to six weeks to give your body time to heal. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to help with circulation. Dr. Tag will provide you with personalized guidance on when it’s safe to return to your usual workout routine, based on your individual healing progress.

Yes, you can! Combining breast augmentation with other cosmetic procedures is actually pretty common and often a smart move if you want to address multiple concerns at once for comprehensive results.

For example, if you’re dealing with some sagging along with wanting more volume, pairing a breast lift with your augmentation can give you both perk and size in one go. Some patients also combine it with liposuction or tummy tuck procedures to create a more balanced, contoured silhouette. A mommy makeover often includes breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and other enhancements, providing a personalized approach to restore your body and confidence after pregnancy. Facial rejuvenation procedures, such as minimally invasive or surgical treatments, can also be combined with breast augmentation for a complete aesthetic transformation tailored to your individual goals.

The most common complications include infection, bleeding, or poor wound healing, which can occur with any surgical procedure. Specific to implants, there’s a chance of capsular contracture—when scar tissue tightens around the implant, causing firmness or distortion. Implants can also rupture or leak over time, and some patients experience changes in nipple or breast sensation. There’s also the possibility of asymmetry or dissatisfaction with size or shape, which sometimes requires revision surgery.

Finding the right plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation in Baltimore is about more than just proximity. Look for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in professional groups such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM). Check reviews and before-and-after photos to see real patient results.

Trust matters, so choose someone who listens, answers your questions honestly, and makes you feel confident. Dr. Tag ticks all these boxes and more—Baltimore and national organizations recognize him, he offers personalized care, and has a track record of beautiful results. Scheduling a consultation with him is a smart first step to make sure you’re in expert hands.