What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation uses silicone or saline implants to enhance breast size or shape, with implant selection tailored to each patient’s anatomy, goals and lifestyle. The procedure is highly customizable, allowing for balanced, natural-looking results.
Advanced Techniques and Personalized Care
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Schaffer uses advanced techniques and personalized planning to deliver refined, natural-looking results. By considering body proportions, skin quality and goals, he achieves predictable outcomes while minimizing scarring and supporting smoother recovery.
What to Expect During the Breast Augmentation Process
Breast augmentation requires careful planning and recovery, and understanding the process helps patients feel informed and confident.
Patients can generally expect:
- A personalized consultation and treatment plan
- Surgery performed under anesthesia
- A recovery period with temporary activity restrictions
- Follow-up visits to monitor healing and results
Recovery timelines vary, but most patients return to normal daily activities within a few weeks.
Choosing Schaffer Plastic Surgery for Your Breast Augmentation
Dr. Schaffer is known as the best breast surgeon in Birmingham. He offers extensive experience, personalized care and direct availability to all of his patients. He operates out of a certified private surgery center, allowing him to provide his patients with safe, high-quality care in a peaceful and private environment.
Schaffer Plastic Surgery accepts CareCredit, a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. It's a way to pay for the costs of many treatments and procedures and allows you to make convenient monthly payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is breast augmentation?: Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure to enhance the size, shape or symmetry of the breasts using implants or fat transfer.
- Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?: Ideal candidates are in good health, have realistic expectations and seek to enhance their breast size, shape or symmetry.
- What types of breast implants are available?: Options include saline, silicone and highly-cohesive silicone implants. Each type has unique benefits to consider.
- What is the difference between over-the-muscle and under-the-muscle implant placement?: Over-the-muscle implants typically allow for a shorter recovery, while under-the-muscle placement provides a more natural appearance for some body types.
- How should I prepare for breast augmentation surgery?: Avoid smoking, stop taking certain medications and arrange for post-surgery support. Detailed instructions will be provided during your consultation.
- How do I choose the right size for my implants?: Dr. Schaffer will guide you through the decision-making process using tools like sizers or 3D imaging to find a size that complements your body.
- Can I combine breast augmentation with other procedures?: Yes, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift or other procedures for a comprehensive transformation.
- What are the different incision types for breast augmentation?: Common incisions include inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the nipple), transaxillary (under the arm) and transumbilical (near the belly button).
- Will the surgery leave visible scars?: While all surgeries involve some scarring, incisions are placed discreetly, and scars typically fade over time with proper care.
- Can fat transfer be used for breast augmentation?: Yes, fat transfer involves using your own fat to enhance breast size and shape, offering a natural alternative to implants.
- How long does recovery take?: Most patients return to work within one to two weeks but should avoid strenuous activities for four to six weeks.
- What can I expect immediately after surgery?: Swelling, tenderness and tightness are normal. These symptoms gradually improve over the first few weeks.
- How should I sleep after breast augmentation?: You should sleep on your back with your upper body elevated to minimize swelling and pressure on your chest.
- When can I resume exercise?: Light walking is encouraged after surgery, but strenuous activities and upper body exercises should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Are breast implants safe?: Yes, breast implants are FDA-approved and have a strong safety record. Dr. Schaffer will discuss potential risks during your consultation.
- What are the risks associated with breast augmentation?: Risks include infection, scarring, implant rupture or capsular contracture. These are rare and minimized with proper care and surgical expertise.
- How often will I need to replace my implants?: Implants are not lifetime devices, but they can last for many years. Replacement may only be needed for specific complications or personal preference.
- When will I see the final results?: While results are noticeable immediately, swelling may take a few months to subside for the full outcome to be visible.
- Will my results look natural?: Dr. Schaffer personalizes each procedure to ensure results align with your natural body shape and aesthetic goals.
- Can breast augmentation correct asymmetry?: Yes, breast augmentation is highly effective for addressing size or shape asymmetry.
- Do implants require maintenance?: Regular check-ups are recommended to monitor the condition of implants, especially with silicone implants.
- Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?: Most patients can breastfeed, but this depends on the surgical technique used as well as individual circumstances.
- What should I do if I notice changes in my implants or breasts?: Contact Dr. Schaffer immediately for an evaluation if you notice changes such as pain, swelling or shape alteration.
The Benefits of Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a revolutionary procedure that can improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence, giving you the flexibility and freedom to live life on your terms.
Dr. Schaffer and his staff did an amazing job! Joely was my nurse and she was wonderful. She helped me make an informed decision. I went with the silicone naturelle gummier implants. They feel wonderful! I was extremely happy and amazed at my recovery time. I have a 2 year old so I was worried about how it would affect me, but there was no issues at all. I recently recommended my aunt.
Dr. Schaffer did an AMAZING job. I had my breast done April 2017, he gave me exactly what I wanted, and I have absolutely no regrets. They look and feel so natural.
Love Dr Schaffer and his staff. From the very first visit they make you feel comfortable and relaxed. Dr Schaffer take his time and answers all your questions you may have. Would highly recommend Dr Schaffer and his staff.
After two children, I decided it was time to make some adjustments to my 'sad' situation. I visited a total of 4 surgeons (Houston, TX; Lafayette, LA; Atlanta; and another in Birmingham) before I found Dr. Schaffer. I thoroughly enjoyed both the experiences with his staff and him. My results are STUNNING. I could not be happier. 5 stars all the way!!!
Dr. Schaffer is Amazing!!! His work is meticulous and he's the best Cosmetic Surgeon in the area. I am a repeat patient since 2010 (Tummy Tuck, G-Shot, Breast Augmentation). Dr. Schaffer has improved my life and body by giving me the look I desired with beautiful results.
I highly recommend Dr. Schaffer. He performed a breast augmentation on me and he was able to reduce the asymmetry in the appearance of my breast tremendously. He is very professional and listened to all my wishes. The results are amazing and I couldn't be any happier.
Monday the 19th will make 1 years since my Breast Augmentation. I can truly say I'm more than happy with my choice! Dr. Schaffer did an amazing job! My only regret is that I wish I had done it years ago!!! Happy 1 year to the TWINS!!!
Monday the 19th will make 1 years since my Breast Augmentation. I can truly say I'm more than happy with my choice! Dr. Schaffer did an amazing job! My only regret is that I wish I had done it years ago!!! Happy 1 year to the TWINS!!!
I used Dr. Schaffer for my breast augmentation and he done wonderful .he makes u feel very comfortable and does amazing work I started with a b cup and had 450cc saline and went up to dd .;) I'm very happy with my new boobs. Thank you Dr. Schaffer u were amazing if I ever need anything done again I will come back to you.
I got my breast done in 2014 by doctor Chris Schaffer. He did a great job. The staff was great he was the best doctor I have ever worked with.
Dr. Schaffer did a breast augmentation and abdominoplasty almost 17 years ago on me at Kirkland clinic. I just turned 51 and I am still as happy now as I was then. It says a lot for someone's work when you still feel great with it after all of these years!
I would recommend Dr. Schaffer a million times over! He did an amazing job. I had gone to several plastic surgeons for consults and wasn't pleased. I drove out of state just to use him. The entire staff was incredible. They go they extra mile! They even sent a card in the mail to me with the signatures of the staff. So sweet
Dr. Schaffer and his staff are absolutely amazing! I had breast augmentation on April 14th, 2017. Over the past month, Dr. Schaffer and his staff have taken very good care of me. I had some issues that were unexpected, unplanned for and were not anyone's fault, my body just didn't want to cooperate! Dr. Schaffer made sure that he did everything in his power to treat me properly and professionally take care of me. He even saw me in his office on a Saturday night, when he didn't have to! He took time away from his family and personal life to check on me, even calling my husband the next day to make sure all was good. In my eyes Dr. Schaffer and his staff have gone above and beyond for me and for that I greatly appreciate them! I would highly recommend him to anyone that asks!!
I had been wanting breast enhancement surgery for quite a while, went to lots of surgeons in the Tampa Bay area to try and find that one special dr. As soon as I met Dr. Schaffer I knew he would be the Dr. for me, I wanted the best of the best...And another bonus was the price, I would have paid any amount as long as the Dr. I went to was the right one for me. Dr. Schaffer asked me questions and also let me talk. He also was very informative and up to date, and he LISTENED to me, he gave me the results I asked for and I could not be any happier!! I get so many compliments on how great I look, I have also been approached by photographers for magazines and any girl I come across that like my new look asks me “who is your Dr. “ I look and feel like a million bucks! I would never ever go anywhere else. He has a great personality and Dr. Schaffer and his staff were always just a phone call away, they called me every day to check on me to see how I was doing after surgery! I had not one bruise and no pain!! His rapid recovery program for Breast Augmentation is amazing. So if you’re looking for the BEST at a good price, go see the lovely Dr. Schaffer. And I promise you will not be disappointed !!!!!!!!!! He is great…simply put.
Schedule Your Personalized Breast Augmentation Consultation in Birmingham, AL Today
Breast augmentation is an empowering procedure that can enhance confidence and help you feel your best. The process begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Christopher Schaffer to explore your options and set personalized goals.
Ready to revitalize your look? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Schaffer today.
Reviewed by Dr. Christopher Schaffer, a board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery, certified since 2003) practicing in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Schaffer completed his plastic surgery residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Learn more about Dr. Schaffer's training and experience →
Last updated on: October 5th, 2026
