5 Minute Read | Posted February 19, 2026 in Breast Augmentation
If you desire shapelier breasts with more volume, you may be considering breast augmentation. Naturally, one of the first questions patients ask concerns safety. This blog will discuss the risks and surgical process involved in breast augmentation surgery to help you walk away with a better understanding of breast enhancement safety.
Table of Contents
- Is Breast Augmentation Safe?
- What Is Involved in the Breast Augmentation Surgical Process?
- Is Anesthesia Used in Breast Augmentation Surgery?
- Understanding the Risks of Breast Augmentation
Is Breast Augmentation Safe?
Yes, breast augmentation surgery is generally considered safe, when performed on the right candidate by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in a sterile operating environment.
Candidacy is an important safety factor: for healthy, non-smoking patients with realistic expectations, cosmetic surgery tends to result in excellent outcomes. Choosing a highly qualified surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make, as the right surgeon can help you determine if you’re a good candidate. Dr. Matthew Bartow’s breast enhancement expertise and commitment to patient safety make him a trusted choice for breast augmentation in New Orleans.
What Is Involved in the Breast Augmentation Surgical Process?
The Consultation
Breast augmentation surgery is highly customizable, so the process always begins with a consultation. Careful planning helps prioritize patient safety while achieving natural-looking results. For example, neglecting patient education and proceeding with breast implants that are far too big for a patient’s frame can create dangerous safety hazards for the patient during or after recovery. The consultation is your opportunity to discuss your goals and get your surgeon’s feedback on how to safely achieve them.
The Surgery Itself
During surgery, breast implants are placed either above or below the chest muscle. Breast implant placement depends on factors such as lifestyle, your body type, and existing breast tissue. Choosing an inappropriate placement can lead to complications such as animation deformity or visible rippling.
Incisions are strategically placed, usually in the breast crease, to minimize visible scarring. Dr. Bartow draws from an array of meticulous breast surgery techniques to minimize tissue trauma and lower the risk of complications.
The Implants
The breast implants themselves are FDA-approved and extensively studied for safety. We’ve come a long way in implant technology, learning, for example, that textured implants might increase the risk of biofilm formation and chronic inflammation. Today, most patients choose between saline and silicone breast implants—each has its own benefits, and the best one depends on patient goals and starting anatomy. Silicone implants are known for their natural feel, while saline implants can be filled after placement and allow for smaller incisions.
Throughout the entire process, patient safety is the top priority. From a sterile operating room to individualized surgical planning, the best surgeons know how to create a smooth, predictable, beautiful, and safe outcome.
Is Anesthesia Used in Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Yes—breast augmentation is generally performed under general anesthesia. While some modern techniques allow for in-office breast augmentation under IV sedation and local anesthesia, most patients feel more comfortable in an official surgical setting with general anesthesia.
A dedicated anesthesia professional administers the medication and closely monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing throughout surgery. Modern anesthesia is extremely safe, especially for healthy patients undergoing elective procedures.
For most patients, anesthesia-related complications are rare, and recovery from anesthesia is relatively quick. You may feel groggy for a short period of time after surgery, but this usually resolves within hours.
Understanding the Risks of Breast Augmentation
Like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation is not without risks, including infection, bleeding, implant rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in nipple sensation. However, serious complications are uncommon, especially when your surgery is performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon obligated to maintain the highest standards of safety and stay current in their field.
Following all your preoperative and postoperative instructions is one way you can have a hand in how safe your procedure is. Attend all follow-up appointments, avoid strenuous activity until you’re cleared by your surgeon, and listen to your body during recovery. These can make a big difference in achieving optimal results and early detection of any concerns.
At Bartow Plastic Surgery, we strive to ensure you have a positive experience from start to finish and feel informed and empowered in your decision. We welcome questions and are here for you every step of the way. Schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Bartow today to discuss your concerns and get the answers you need to feel confident, no matter what you decide.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation in New Orleans
If you’re considering breast augmentation, it’s crucial that you choose a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Matthew Bartow is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic breast enhancement procedures, offering his patients advanced techniques such as short-scar breast augmentation so that they can live life as their most confident selves.
To schedule a consultation or learn more about your options, call Bartow Plastic Surgery at (504) 895-7200 or fill out our online contact form.