What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that enhances the size, shape, and symmetry of the breasts using implants. Performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, the procedure is customized to your anatomy and aesthetic goals, using either silicone gel or saline implants.
How much does breast augmentation cost in Charleston, SC?
The cost of breast augmentation varies based on several factors, including the type of implants chosen (Motiva silicone gel vs. saline), the surgical approach, implant placement, and facility fees. During your consultation at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic, Dr. Crantford will provide a detailed cost estimate. Contact us at (843) 755-6591 for a personalized quote.
What type of breast implants does Dr. Crantford use?
Dr. Crantford specializes in Motiva SmoothSilk breast implants, 6th-generation FDA-approved technology featuring the SmoothSilk surface, TrueMonobloc shell, and ProgressiveGel technology. Motiva implants have a <1% capsular contracture rate and a 97% patient satisfaction rate. Dr. Crantford also offers traditional saline implants for patients who prefer that option.
What is the difference between silicone and saline implants?
Silicone gel implants (like Motiva) feel and look more like natural breast tissue, requiring smaller incisions and offering superior aesthetic results. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water, require slightly larger incisions, and allow for post-operative volume adjustment. Both are FDA-approved. Dr. Crantford will discuss which option is best for your goals during your consultation.
How long does breast augmentation surgery take?
Breast augmentation surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of your procedure, implant choice, placement method, and any additional procedures. Dr. Crantford will provide a specific time estimate during your pre-operative consultation at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery in Charleston.
What is the recovery time for breast augmentation?
Most patients can return to light office work within 1 to 2 weeks. Full activity, including exercise and strenuous workouts, typically resumes at 4 to 6 weeks. Final results continue to improve over 3 to 6 months as swelling subsides. Dr. Crantford’s Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation program uses ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols to minimize discomfort and get you back to your routine faster.
Will my breast implants look natural?
Yes. Motiva implants, combined with Dr. Crantford’s meticulous surgical technique and use of Crisalix 3D imaging for precise planning, create results that look and feel natural. The ProgressiveGel technology responds to gravity and movement just like natural breast tissue. Most patients report that their implants feel like their own breasts.
How long do breast implants last?
Motiva implants have a 5-year rupture rate of just 0.6%, and in laboratory testing, the TrueMonobloc shell withstands over 4 million mechanical stress cycles, equivalent to more than 45 years of simulated use. While no implant is guaranteed to last forever, Motiva’s durability is among the strongest in the industry. Most patients enjoy their results for 20+ years.
Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?
Yes, most patients can breastfeed after breast augmentation. Whether you can breastfeed depends on the incision location and surgical technique used. Inframammary incisions (hidden in the breast crease) do not affect milk ducts, while periareolar incisions carry a small risk. Dr. Crantford will discuss this with you during your consultation and can plan your surgery to preserve breastfeeding function if this is important to you.
What is the best age for breast augmentation?
The FDA recommends that patients be at least 18 years old for saline implants and 22 years old for silicone gel implants. Beyond these minimums, the best age for breast augmentation is when you feel emotionally ready, have realistic expectations, and want to enhance your appearance for yourself — not for anyone else. Dr. Crantford takes time during consultations to ensure patients are good candidates and fully informed before moving forward.
Can breast augmentation be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine breast augmentation with a
breast lift (augmentation mastopexy) for enhanced shape and position. Breast augmentation is also frequently combined with a
tummy tuck or
liposuction as part of a
mommy makeover. During your consultation, Dr. Crantford will discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate for your goals and health.
What is Motiva Preservé breast augmentation?
Motiva Preservé is a minimally-invasive breast augmentation technique that works with your natural anatomy to create the implant pocket, rather than cutting through muscle or tissue. This approach preserves your breast’s natural support structures, resulting in faster recovery (often back to work in a couple of days), less discomfort, and can be performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Crantford is one of the few surgeons in Charleston trained in this advanced technique.
What is Crisalix 3D imaging and how does it help?
Crisalix 3D imaging is an advanced visualization technology that allows you to see a realistic simulation of your breast augmentation results before surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Crantford uses Crisalix to help you compare different implant sizes, profiles, and placements on a 3D model of your own body. This takes the guesswork out of choosing your implant size and helps ensure you and your surgeon are aligned on your aesthetic goals.
What is the ERAS Rapid Recovery program?
ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) is an evidence-based protocol that Dr. Crantford applies to breast augmentation to minimize discomfort, reduce downtime, and accelerate healing. The program optimizes every phase of your surgical experience — from pre-operative preparation and tailored anesthesia techniques to post-operative pain management. Most patients report being pleasantly surprised by how manageable their recovery is compared to traditional approaches.
Can breast implants be exchanged or removed later?
Yes. If your aesthetic goals change over time or you experience any concerns, Dr. Crantford can perform
breast implant exchange (replacing your current implants with different ones) or
breast implant removal. During your initial consultation, Dr. Crantford will discuss the long-term options available to you so you feel confident about your decision.
What is the difference between Motiva Preservé and traditional breast augmentation?
Traditional breast augmentation typically requires general anesthesia and involves creating a pocket by dissecting through muscle or tissue.
Motiva Preservé uses specialized instruments to gently create space without cutting through muscle, preserving your natural breast structure. This results in faster recovery (often back to work in days vs. weeks), less pain, smaller incisions, and the option for local anesthesia. Both approaches produce excellent results, and Dr. Crantford will recommend the best option based on your anatomy and goals.