Considering breast augmentation in NJ? You’re not alone — according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation NJ remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the country. With so many options available, from implant types to incision locations, it’s natural to have questions. Dr. Farhad Rafizadeh, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in Morristown, NJ, answers the questions he hears most from patients considering breast augmentation NJ.
How Do I Choose the Right Breast Implant Size?
This is by far the most common question Dr. Rafizadeh receives. His approach is rooted in precision and individualized care — not guesswork. During each consultation, he carefully measures the breast base diameter (the width of the breast at nipple level) and evaluates multiple factors including chest wall dimensions, breast tissue quality, skin elasticity, and overall body proportions.
Dr. Rafizadeh provides patients with real breast implant samples during their consultation so they can feel and visualize different sizes before committing. He recommends a safe range of implant sizes based on the patient’s anatomy and lets the patient choose within that range. As he explains: if a patient requests a size that could lead to complications or instability, he will advise against it to protect long-term results.
Saline vs. Silicone: Which Implant Is Right for Me?
There are three main types of breast implants available in the U.S.:
- Saline implants: Filled with sterile saltwater after placement, allowing for a smaller incision. They offer adjustable volume and are easy to detect if they rupture.
- Silicone gel implants: Pre-filled with cohesive silicone gel that closely mimics natural breast tissue. They require a slightly larger incision but many patients prefer the feel.
- Structured implants (Ideal Implant): A newer option that Dr. Rafizadeh was among the first to introduce in Northern New Jersey. These offer the natural feel of silicone with the safety advantages of saline.
Dr. Rafizadeh bases his recommendation on the patient’s anatomy, tissue thickness, and goals. Patients with minimal breast tissue may benefit from form-stable “gummy bear” implants for better contouring. Learn more about breast augmentation options on RealSelf.
Where Will the Incision Be? Will I Have Visible Scars?
Scarring is a top concern for most patients considering breast augmentation NJ. Dr. Rafizadeh explains that there are several incision options:
- Inframammary (under the breast fold): The most common approach, providing direct access and well-hidden scars beneath the breast.
- Periareolar (around the areola): The scar blends with the natural color transition between the areola and surrounding skin.
- Axillary (armpit): Avoids a scar on the breast entirely, though implant placement is more challenging.
Saline implants can be inserted through smaller incisions because they are filled after placement. Silicone implants require a slightly larger incision. Dr. Rafizadeh discusses the pros and cons of each approach during the consultation to determine the best option.
Can I Get Breast Implants if I Plan on Getting Pregnant?
This is a common concern for younger patients. According to Dr. Rafizadeh, having breast implants before pregnancy is generally safe. If your breasts are small, they will get larger during pregnancy and typically return to their pre-pregnancy size after breastfeeding. However, if your breasts are already large, they may become uncomfortably large during pregnancy — in which case it may be worth waiting until after having children.
Breast implants do not cause additional sagging after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ptosis (sagging) is caused by pregnancy itself, and the presence of an implant does not make it worse.
Do I Need a Breast Lift Along with Implants?
Not every patient needs a lift, but it’s an important consideration. Dr. Rafizadeh evaluates each patient’s degree of breast ptosis (drooping) to determine if augmentation alone will achieve the desired result, or if a lift is needed to reposition the nipple and reshape the breast.
As he notes, there is a direct relationship between achieving the best breast shape and the amount of scarring involved. Three scar patterns exist: the periareolar (Benelli), the vertical (lollipop), and the anchor (inverted T). The choice depends on how much ptosis needs to be corrected. For mild sagging, a periareolar approach may work; for significant drooping, a vertical or anchor lift produces better shape and projection.
His advice on cost-effectiveness: “Do it once and get good results. Find a plastic surgeon with a lot of experience in breast reshaping who can get you the best result in one operation.”
How Long Is Recovery After Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. Most patients resume normal activity within the first week — and some active, healthy women may even be out to dinner on the day of surgery.
Dr. Rafizadeh uses a long-acting local anesthetic to minimize post-operative pain, which means most patients require very little pain medication. Strenuous upper-body activity should be avoided for at least four weeks when implants are placed under the muscle. Underwire bras should be avoided for the first six weeks. Some swelling is normal in the first week but improves rapidly.
What Happens if I Want My Implants Removed Later?
Implant removal (explantation) is straightforward. Dr. Rafizadeh explains that the outcome depends on the proportion between your natural breast tissue and implant volume. If the implant is relatively small compared to your breast tissue, you can expect a good cosmetic result after removal. If the implant was large relative to your natural size, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be needed to address loose skin.
If a silicone implant has ruptured, the capsule surrounding it may need to be removed. For intact implants, Dr. Rafizadeh uses a technique to collapse the pocket and promote natural healing.
Why Choose Dr. Rafizadeh for Breast Augmentation NJ?
With over three decades of experience and a background in breast reconstruction using the patient’s own tissues, Dr. Rafizadeh brings an unmatched level of expertise to cosmetic breast surgery. His philosophy centers on safety, individualized care, and achieving natural-looking results.
Key reasons patients choose Dr. Rafizadeh for breast augmentation NJ:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with 30+ years of experience
- 4.8-star rating on RealSelf with over 130 reviews
- Pioneer of the Ideal Implant in Northern New Jersey
- Never used textured implants due to safety concerns — years before industry-wide warnings
- Patient’s Choice Award recipient
- Uses real implant samples during consultations
- Quick recovery techniques with long-acting local anesthetic
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation
Every woman’s body is different, and choosing the right implant, placement, and surgical approach requires a personalized evaluation. Dr. Rafizadeh takes the time to listen, measure, and guide each patient toward the safest, most beautiful result.
Call (973) 267-0928 or contact us online to schedule your breast augmentation NJ consultation at our Morristown office today.