Adam N. Summers, M.D.
Maryland Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa

Breast Implants

Baltimore, Maryland Breast Augmentation Surgery
Dr. Adam Summers

Dr. Summers is considered a highly skilled Annapolis / Baltimore breast implant specialist. In fact, Dr. Summers was the first breast augmentation surgeon in Maryland to complete the FDA certification for silicone gel filled breast implants. He is highly skilled at performing many different types of breast augmentation procedures. At the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Summers treats numerous breast augmentation patients, including patients in Townson, Lutherville, Columbia, Owing Mills, Howard County, Ellicott City, Baltimore, and Annapolis. Combining superior surgical-skill and exceptional, patient-focused care, Dr. Summers has helped these patients to enjoy a more shapely figure. Dr. Summers also provides before and after photos of breast implants patients on other pages of this website.

Breast Augmentation: Introduction

Breast augmentation with implants, also known as an augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that accentuates the size and shape of a woman's breasts to provide a more proportioned figure. Saline-filled or silicone gel-filled implants are placed to make breasts fuller and enhance their shape, and make it easier to wear certain styles of clothing. The incision is typically made under the breast or at the margin of the areola. Alternatively, the incision can be made under the arm in a skin crease, so that there is no scar on the chest.

In addition to making the breasts larger, Dr. Summers has developed specialized techniques that can move the breasts closer together and slightly lift sagging breasts in selected patients without any additional incisions (normally a breast lift procedure is required to obtain these results). Breast augmentation is a tremendous help to patients in Baltimore, Maryland who desire a fuller profile, who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or nursing, or who have undergone breast reconstruction and want to restore their natural appearance.

Breast Augmentation: Goal
  • Enhance body shape if breasts are too small.
  • Increase breast volume after pregnancy and nursing.
  • Equalize a difference in breast size (cup size).
  • Reconstruct breasts following a mastectomy or injury.
  • Breast Augmentation: Procedure

    Breast augmentation involves making a small incision to insert a breast implant in order to enlarge the breast.  The surgery is performed in the safety and comfort of the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center while the patient is asleep under a general anesthesia.  There are several possible locations for the small incision that will be used for inserting the breast implant.  The best technique will be decided when you meet with Dr. Summers for your consultation.

    During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create a pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle.  Inserting an implant behind the breast typically increases a woman's breast size by one or more bra cup sizes.  Either saline or silicone gel-filled implants may be used, depending on your preference.  In some circumstances, particularly those in which there is breast asymmetry (uneven breast size), an adjustable implant (Mentor Spectrum Post-Op Adjustable Implant) may be used to allow Dr. Summers to change the level of inflation after surgery to obtain breast symmetry and balance.  Surgery typically lasts from 1 to 2 hours.

    Click here for a more extensive review of the literature regarding breast implants as well as a review of the risks and complications associated with breast implant surgery.

    Breast Augmentation: Recovery

    An ACE wrap is applied right after surgery to help prevent bleeding and swelling.  The next day, the ACE is replaced with a bra, which will be worn 24-hours daily for the next week.  The bra may be removed for showers. Strenuous activity is to be avoided.  Any pain is typically treated effectively with oral medication, with most patients relying only on ibuprofen by the second post-operative day.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the pre-operative and post-operative directions.

    Breast Augmentation: Costs

    Implant Type             Approximate Charge

    Saline Filled:                 $6,900

    Silicone-Gel Filled:         $7,900

    The above fees are for a routine breast augmentation procedure. Because not every case is "routine", the above noted charges are approximations -- a detailed quotation will be provided at the time of your consultation.  The charge includes all of the following: facility fee at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center, anesthesia with a board certified anesthesiologist, saline breast implants of any size, surgeon's fee, and all office visits.  No additional fees are charged for incision location (under the arm, under the areola, or under the breast fold) or for implant location (above the muscle or under the muscle).

    The only other expenses you will incur are pharmacy related for prescription medications (antibiotics and pain medication) and laboratory related for routine blood tests prior to your breast implant surgery.  Patients who are over 40 years of age or who have pre-existing medical conditions will also need to have a medical clearance, which includes an EKG and additional bood tests.

    In addition to treating breast augmentation patients, Dr. Summers offers other breast procedures at his Baltimore plastic surgery center. Please visit these pages to learn about how Dr. Summers helps Baltimore breast lift, breast reduction and male breast reduction patients.

    For additional information on breast augmentation procedures, visit the PerfectYourself Breast Augmentation resource and visit the All About Implants forum to learn more about breast implants.

    Click on a question below to see the answer.

    Q: Can I have several procedures performed simultaneously?

    Q: Does it matter how old I am?

    Q: Are breast implants safe?

    Q: Should I massage my breasts?

    Q: When can I return to work?

    Q: When can I drive?

    Q: Can I tan after surgery?

    Q: When will my breasts look “normal”?

    Q: Do I have to wear my bra all of the time?

    Q: I hear a “sloshing” or “squeeking” sound from my implants. What is this?

    Q: I am noticing redness and itching around the incision. What should I do?

    Q: What if my tape comes off before my next visit?

    Q: How should I treat my incision to minimize scarring?

    Q: Can I see my scar?

    Q: When can I shower?

    Q: How does pregnancy affect the breasts?

    Q: How large will I (should I) become with breast implants?

    Q: Can breast implants cause cancer or autoimmune diseases?

    Q: How are mammograms performed after breast augmentation surgery?

    Q: My nipples are not even. Will they be improved after breast augmentation?

    Q: Do you use drains?

    Q: How long will implants last?

    Q: Should I replace my breast implants every 10 years?

    Q: Is there anything that can be done to keep my implants feeling soft?

    Q: What would happen if my breast implant leaks?

    Q: How long will I need to take off work after a breast augmentation procedure?

    Q: When can I resume my exercise routine?

    Q: When can I resume sexual activity?

    Q: What size implants should I choose?

    Q: What can I do to help obtain the best results?

    Q: Where is the surgery performed?

    Q: How long does the surgery take?

    Q: Will you take photographs of me?

    Q: What is my implant warranty?

    Q: When should I call Dr. Summers?

    Q: How often do I take my pain medication?

    Q: What can I eat after surgery?

    Q: When are my follow-up appointments?

    Q: How long will I be swollen and bruised?

    Q: What activities should I avoid after breast augmentation surgery?

    Q: What other procedures does Dr. Summers perform?