Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Women seek this procedure to increase natural breast size or to improve breast shape after pregnancy or weight loss, helping them to feel more confident about their appearance. If you are interested in enhancing the size and shape of your breasts, please contact us at either our Downtown or Northside Indianapolis, Indiana locations, and a member of our staff will gladly help you schedule a private consultation with Dr. Kimberly Short.

Breast Augmentation Quick Facts

Procedure Length:

1-2 hours

Anesthesia:

General

Downtime:

Up to 10 days

Cost:

$5,025 and up

About Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, clinically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that uses implants to provide enhancement to bust size and contour. At the Gillian Institute, we offer a variety of implant types to choose from, and upon evaluation, Dr. Short can help recommend which implant will best meet your aesthetic goals. This procedure includes a variety of surgical options regarding the type of implant, placement, shape, size, and incision technique, all of which can be tailored to meet your needs.

For many women, undergoing a breast augmentation has led to an improvement in their self-confidence and a stronger sense of pride in their overall appearance. If you are interested in obtaining more information about the breast augmentation procedure, please contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Short. She brings her feminine touch to every procedure. You will receive a link to view a video explaining your options regarding breast augmentation.

Benefits of Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation offers a range of benefits, giving patients the opportunity to improve their breast size and shape while experiencing a variety of positive outcomes, such as:

  • Enhanced breast size, shape and volume
  • Decreased sagging and volume loss
  • Improved breast symmetry and contours
  • Increased self-esteem and overall body image
  • Restoring breast fullness following pregnancy or weight loss
  • Feeling more confident in swimsuits, lingerie and other clothing

Breast augmentation allows women to achieve the bustline they’ve always wanted, customizing their new look to match their exact goals and preferences. Dr. Short understands how important it is to feel confident and comfortable with your appearance and develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient based on their unique vision.

“Absolutely loved Dr. Short and her staff. From the moment I walked into the moment my husband walked me out after surgery all I experienced was A+ care. Absolutely loved the pre op nurse, Sarah, along with everyone else in the surgery center! Thank you for above and beyond care and your knowledge! Because of those things I had zero post op pain after my breast augmentation! Dr. Short and her staff are the best!”

Katie P.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking to enhance the size and shape of their breasts with implants. You may be seeking this procedure for cosmetic enhancement or to restore your breasts’ appearance after pregnancy or weight loss.

Regardless of the reason, a breast augmentation may be right for you if you are in good health and have realistic expectations. It is vital that you do not have any underlying health conditions that can pose a risk to successful recovery. Patients must stop smoking at least two weeks before the procedure to minimize the risk of poor healing, which can lead to infection and the loss of the implant. If you’ve recently given birth, breastfeeding should also be completed several months before surgery to reduce the possibility of capsular contracture.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Short will perform a thorough examination and review your needs, goals and preferences to help determine if breast augmentation is right for you. She will then develop a personalized treatment plan and may recommend additional procedures to help you achieve your desired outcome. For example, patients with loose or stretched skin might want to consider a breast lift with their augmentation to get a ‘perky’ uplifted look.

When Should I Consider Breast Enlargement?

  • Smaller than desired breasts
  • Asymmetrical or uneven breasts
  • Correction of Poland’s Syndrome (underdevelopment of one breast)
  • Loss of fullness following pregnancy or breastfeeding or weight loss
  • Loss of volume in the upper portion of the breast

What Can I Expect?

  • Larger, more shapely breasts
  • More full, youthful appearance of the breasts
  • Breast symmetry improvements
  • Clothes fit better

Your Breast Augmentation Consultation

At the Gillian Institute, the consultation is an important part of the treatment process, ensuring that each individual receives the necessary information to make an informed decision about their procedure. During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals with Dr. Short, who will evaluate your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Our team will also take the time to address any questions or concerns you may have and provide more details about the procedure, recovery time, post-operative care and expected results.

Dr. Short understands that convenience and accessibility are essential for our patients, so she also offers virtual consultations to help make the process easier. This eliminates the need to travel to our office and allows you to submit your information, connect with our team and discuss your concerns from the comfort of your home. While some aspects may be limited in a virtual setting, your initial consultation can be an effective way to begin your journey.

“Breast augmentation is not just about enhancing your physical appearance; it’s about empowering you to feel confident, beautiful and comfortable in your own skin. My goal as a plastic surgeon is to listen to your unique desires, understand your individual needs and deliver results that exceed your expectations. With a personalized approach, meticulous surgical techniques, and a focus on patient-centered care, I am committed to helping you achieve the breasts you’ve always dreamed of.”

Dr. Kimberly Short

Breast Augmentation Options

When designing your perfect bustline, there are several different factors to consider based on your unique needs, goals and anatomy.

Breast Implant Types

When you arrive at the Gillian Institute, Dr. Short will discuss your goals, take a number of measurements, review different treatment options and make recommendations for your breast augmentation procedure, such as the appropriate type of implant. The surgery is tailored to your specific needs to help you achieve your unique aesthetic goals. Before coming in for the consultation, you should be aware of the different breast implants we offer. These include:

SALINE

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution within a silicone shell. Its design and inner structure are geared towards providing a full round upper pole look to the breast.

COHESIVE GEL

Cohesive gel implants are filled with a thick silicone gel that feels more similar to natural breast tissue. Because these implants replicate the texture of breasts, they provide a natural appearance and are often longer-lasting because of the solidity of the gel inside the implant that maintains its shape.

MENTOR XTRA

Mentor Xtra breast implants are a recent advancement in breast implant technology. These implants use a stable silicone gel that is slightly more firm than traditional silicone implants, while still maintaining a very soft and natural feel. This allows the implant to be placed over the breast muscle, even in a patient with very little natural breast tissue. The implants are designed to avoid the wrinkling and rippling that could be seen through the skin with the older implant versions. Another characteristic that sets this implant apart is that it is smooth instead of textured and can provide a rounder shape than previous cohesive implants.

Implant Profile

The profile of a breast implant describes how much it will project outward from the chest. To ensure that you receive very natural results, Dr. Short will take breast measurements during your consultation to help determine the appropriate implant profile to fit your particular figure. The breast measurements and an examination of your unique breast anatomy, in combination with visual examples of your desired outcome, will aid Dr. Short in surgery.

There are many options for implant profiles in either saline or silicone. For example, Moderate Profile (MP), Moderate Profile Plus (M+), High Profile (HP), Ultrahigh Profile (UHP), Moderate Plus Profile Xtra and High Profile Xtra. Each profile has predetermined standard measurements for the implant width and projection. The MP implant has the most width and least amount of projection, while the UHP implant has the most narrow width and the highest projection. Patients who have a very narrow chest diameter can achieve a Full C or Low D cup appearance by using an HP or UHP profile implant. An appropriately selected implant will achieve optimal cleavage and an appropriate increase in breast volume and projection without excessive side fullness or artificial and exaggerated results in the upper pole.

Implant Size

Breast implants are available in a wide range of sizes, allowing you to fully customize your new look. Implants are measured by volume in cubic centimeters (cc) rather than cup size and are typically between 200 to 850 cc. However, most women opt for 300 to 400 cc breast implants to achieve their desired results. You can generally expect an increase of 200 ccs to add about one cup size to your final bust, but this can vary depending on your build. The appropriate size is gauged by factors such as your height, body type, lifestyle, chest width and preferences to help ensure a flattering and natural result that fulfills your aesthetic goals.

Dr. Short will recommend the best implant size for your body by taking breast measurements, in addition to performing a physical examination. Dr. Short also reviews visual pictures selected by you to determine the desired shape, volume, cleavage and other breast characteristics desired after surgery. Dr. Short utilizes a special sizing technique during the surgical procedure that is based on the information gathered during the consultation. She uses implant “sizers” to simulate what the implant will look like and evaluates the implant size and appearance while you are placed in an upright sitting position to make sure the size and placement are perfect. Based on the aesthetic that is provided by the implant sizer, the doctor will select the final implant choice for the procedure.

Implant Shape and Texture

Implants are available in two main shapes: round and teardrop. Round implants are symmetrical and provide the breasts with a fuller appearance. They are especially good for women who want more cleavage in the upper pole of the breasts. In contrast, teardrop implants are more anatomical and tend to reflect the natural breast slope. However, these implants require texturing to prevent rotation within the breast pocket. The textured shell makes them thicker, which can make the implant feel slightly more firm after surgery.

Round implants can be either smooth or textured. Implants with smooth surfaces typically feel softer when placed within the breast and are preferred by some patients for this reason. No matter which type of implant you choose, all of the options we offer can provide a flattering and natural contour, especially when placed underneath the muscle. We are fortunate to have so many implant types available today that allow us to find the right one for each patient.

Breast Implant Placement

Implant placement is another important consideration when planning your breast augmentation. Your breast implants can be positioned in a few different positions within the breast, including beneath the muscle (submuscular or subpectoral), under the fascia (subfascial), partially under the muscle (dual plane) or above the muscle (subglandular). During your initial consultation, Dr. Short will determine the proper implant placement based on your pre-existing breast tissue, breast skin characteristics, goals and anatomy.

Implant Incision Location

For the placement of each implant, a small incision may be made under the breast crease (inframammary crease or IMC), around the edge of the areola (periareolar or PA), or in the axilla/armpit (transaxillary or TAX). Dr. Short usually prefers to insert the implants through an incision in the inframammary crease for the best visual access and ability to make the implant pocket. This decreases the risk of contracture, which is higher with the other two incisions.

The Day of Surgery

Planning the Surgery

PREPARATION

In the weeks leading up to your breast augmentation, Dr. Short recommends that you follow a specified set of preparatory instructions to help ensure the best outcomes from the procedure. If you are a smoker, the doctor will advise you to quit at least two weeks before your surgery date. She also asks that you refrain from taking any form of anti-inflammatory medications during the two weeks prior. During this time, if you have any questions or concerns, we ask that you please call our office and speak with one of our helpful staff. They are happy to help in any way possible!

TIME OFF WORK

You will be asked to take off an allotted amount of time from work after your procedure. Depending on the implant position you choose and the type of work you do, there are different time-off recommendations.

For more strenuous, physically demanding occupations:

  • 7-10 days for implants placed under the muscle (subpectoral placement)
  • 5-7 days for implants placed above the muscle (subglandular placement)

Less demanding (desk) jobs may allow a return to work in:

  • 3-5 days for the subglandular approach
  • 5-7 days for the subpectoral approach

CAREGIVER

You will need a caregiver, friend, or family member to assist you for the first 24-48 hours after your surgery. If you do not have someone to care for you, a nurse can be provided for a fee. This should be arranged before your procedure because you will need someone to take you home after your surgery, as you will be unable to drive yourself.

What to Expect During Your Breast Augmentation

The breast augmentation procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours to complete. After Dr. Short carefully marks your body to ensure precise, accurate results, you will walk to the surgery room, where one of our board-certified anesthesiologists will administer the general anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

At the Gillian Institute, our small group of experienced anesthesiologists has been chosen for their excellent ability with outpatient surgeries. Patients rarely experience nausea and typically wake up smoothly and comfortably. Our anesthesiologists belong to a larger group from St. Vincent Hospital, one of Indianapolis’ top-rated and highest-performing hospitals.

Next, an incision will be made in the predetermined location to create a pocket within the breast and insert your implants. Dr. Short uses the Keller Funnel to place your implants, a no-touch technique that allows for smaller incisions, minimizes trauma to the skin and improves the healing process. It also decreases the chance for any kind of contamination, lowering your risk for complications such as capsular contracture.

Once your implants are in place, Dr. Short will evaluate their position and make final adjustments to achieve the desired aesthetic results. Your incisions will then be closed with steri-strips, and you’ll be brought to the recovery room as the anesthesia wears off.

The Recovery Process

You will return home a few hours after your procedure. You’ll experience some bruising, swelling and soreness in the treated area, but this is normal and will subside as your body begins to heal. Dr. Short will prescribe you medication and provide compression garments to improve your comfort, minimize side effects and aid in your recovery.

Dr. Short recommends that you wait 72 hours to shower thoroughly following your procedure. Over the next several weeks, the compression garment should be worn for several weeks to help reduce swelling and bruising. Although scarring is minimal and will fade over the next six to 12 months, scar treatment options are available to you at your two-week post-op appointment. You can resume light activities after about two weeks. However, higher-impact activities should be avoided for four to six weeks to ensure a smooth recovery.

Your Breast Augmentation Results

Breast augmentation is a highly personalized and versatile procedure that can address a wide range of concerns and improve the overall shape, size and contours of your bustline. Most women report feeling confident and satisfied with their breast implants, but individual outcomes can vary based on a number of factors, such as age, skin quality and expectations. Your results may also take some time to develop fully, becoming more noticeable as swelling decreases and the implants “settle” into their final position.

At the Gillian Institute, we recommend that you begin to massage the breasts three days after surgery. Massaging the breasts will aid in the settling of the implants, decrease the swelling and increase the softness of the implants. It will also reduce the risk of capsular contracture, a complication that can occur when excessive scar tissue forms around the implant. Our technique and post-operative instructions yield a low risk of capsular contracture.

You will be encouraged to continue the breast massage techniques continually for six weeks. Although it will take several months for your implants to achieve their final appearance, most patients love their results right away. Even if the look is, at first, more tight and round, the skin and muscles relax to accommodate the new implant, allowing patients to feel comfortable and like their new breasts are a natural part of them.

“The staff at the Gillian Institute for Indy Plastic Surgery were so welcoming. I was very nervous and they made the entire process such a breeze! The surgery went very smoothly. It truly felt like I was in and out. I am 6 weeks post surgery for breast augmentation and they look and feel great! My results are truly jaw dropping! My healing has been so painless and quick and I would like to say that is also because of the process she uses to insert the implants. I would 10 out of 10 recommend Dr. Short and her staff if you’re looking to get breast augmentation.”

Brittany B.

Why Dr. Short Is Indianapolis’ Top Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Dr. Kimberly Short is widely recognized as one of Indiana’s leading breast augmentation surgeons. With extensive training and additional fellowships in aesthetic surgery, Dr. Short brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to her practice. She has trained alongside renowned experts both nationally and internationally, gaining invaluable insights from practitioners across France, England and Scotland. Dr. Short’s commitment to ongoing education ensures she stays at the forefront of advancements in the field. Moreover, her compassionate and personable approach creates a comfortable environment, instilling confidence in patients who choose to pursue cosmetic procedures. With a focus on patient-centered care and a dedication to delivering outstanding results, Dr. Kimberly Short remains the trusted choice for those seeking breast augmentation in Indianapolis.

Schedule a Consultation

Your breasts are an important hallmark of your feminine beauty and have a large impact on your overall appearance. If you’re ready to take the next step toward your desired results, don’t wait to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kimberly Short and embark on your transformative journey. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation or another cosmetic procedure, we’re here to support you throughout the entire process.

Complete our convenient online contact form or call us to get started. You can reach our Downtown office at 317-787-3260 or our Northside location at 317-913-3260.

Breast Augmentation Frequently Asked Questions

Is breast augmentation with implants safe?

Silicone and saline implants are FDA approved. Silicone or cohesive gel implants, in particular, are the most studied device in the history of the FDA. Silicone gel-filled implants are advantageous to some patients because they offer a softer feeling implant and can provide a more natural appearance. For patients who do not have ample breast tissue for good coverage of an implant, silicone implants achieve a more natural upper pole appearance and offer a softer feel that more closely resembles natural breast tissue. Silicone gel implants feature a cohesive silicone gel, not a liquid or semi-liquid, allowing the substance to hold together uniformly. This physical property allows the silicone to remain intact even after an event that might cause a rupture to the shell of the implant, making them a safe option.

What happens if my implants leak or rupture?

The silicone gel does not leak out even when the implant is cut to simulate a rupture and squeezed to force the gel out. The interior gel actually “snaps” back into the shell when you stop squeezing. In comparison, saline implants are filled with salt water. Therefore, in the event of a ruptured implant, the body will safely absorb the saline solution into the body. One implant type is not better than the other; it merely depends on your particular anatomy and goals. Dr. Short will help you to choose the best implant.

Will breast implants interfere with physical activity?

During every breast augmentation Dr. Short performs, she skillfully dissects the breast muscle in a way that maintains function after surgery. Naturally, in the subpectoral approach, when the implant is placed below the chest muscle, there is some visible movement of the implant during physical activity as the muscle flexes. Slightly releasing a portion of the muscle does not affect its function, but instead allows the muscles to move without pulling so much on the breast implants. Through her technique, Dr. Short can minimize movement of the implant to allow for an even more natural-looking result. In addition, Dr. Short carefully locates the nerve that provides sensation to the nipple to maintain its integrity and preserve sensation.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery?

In most cases, this procedure does not eliminate the ability to breastfeed in the future. However, you should discuss your desire to breastfeed during your initial consultation with Dr. Short, who will consider this factor when developing your personalized surgical plan.

Are there risks involved?

There is some risk involved in breast augmentation, as with any surgical procedure. It is important to address any concerns with the Gillian Institute at the time of your consultation. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and explain the procedure, limitations and potential complications in detail so you feel prepared and comfortable moving forward.

What type of implant is right for me?

Our different breast implant options can not only enhance your breast size but also improve the shape of your bust. Whether you prefer a more round and firm look to the breast or a relaxed and more natural look, Dr. Short can help you achieve your goals. Placing the implant under your pectoralis major muscle (a subpectoral approach) will decrease the upper breast fullness giving a more natural slope. Depending on the particular look and contour that you are looking to achieve, one type of implant may be better suited than another. This is why the measurements are such a crucial part of the breast augmentation process. Any additional expectations will be discussed with you by the doctor during your first visit.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

The exact cost of your breast augmentation will vary depending on the type of implant used and if any additional procedures are performed, such as a breast lift. During your initial consultation with Dr. Short, she will work with you to build a treatment plan tailored to your exact needs and expectations. She will also be able to provide you with an accurate price quote for your breast augmentation procedure and discuss the available financing options.