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Choosing breast augmentation is about much more than selecting an implant size or comparing prices. The surgeon you pick, the recommendations they make and the planning process behind your procedure all play a role in your final results.
But if you're researching breast augmentation in Charlotte, you’re likely trying to answer some specific questions: How much does surgery cost? How do you find a qualified surgeon? What happens during recovery? And how do you know whether a surgeon's recommendations are truly based on your goals?
At May Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian May walks patients through each of these considerations to help them make a decision that’s right for them.
Here’s what that process looks like.
It All Starts With a Consultation
The first step of any surgery is a consultation, but a good consultation should never feel like a sales pitch. It should be a real conversation with someone who has looked carefully at your anatomy, asked questions to understand your goals, and shown they’re willing to tell you honestly what will and won’t work for your body.
That’s exactly the approach Dr. May takes. He treats every consultation as the start of a long partnership, working closely with each patient to develop a personalized surgical plan. Any recommendations he makes are based on your goals, lifestyle and recovery timeline, as well as more technical details like skin quality, chest width and natural volume.
He is also willing to meet you where you’re at in your own planning process. Some patients come in with a specific size in mind. Others know only that they want a change. Dr. May works with both.
What he's not doing is moving you toward a predetermined recommendation. If a particular implant type, size or technique isn't right for your anatomy, he'll tell you so and explain why. You’ll leave your consultation with a plan that was built for you, along with a clear understanding of what to expect before you commit to anything.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost in Charlotte, NC?
“How much will this cost?” is one of the first questions most patients ask, and it's a fair one. That said, a quoted price only means something after a surgeon has evaluated your anatomy and confirmed surgery is the right path.
If you decide to move forward with breast augmentation in Charlotte, cosmetic surgery pricing here is typically more favorable than in other major cities. However, cost should only be one part of the equation. You should also consider what that cost includes, who is providing your care and the experience behind the recommendations being made.
Most Charlotte patients can expect to see a total in the range of $6,000 to $12,000 once all of the components are factored in. At May Plastic Surgery, your final number will depend on your surgical plan, and we offer financing to help spread out your payments and make achieving your goals more manageable.
What Does the Cost of Breast Augmentation Include?
Total breast augmentation cost will include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia
- Facility fees
- Cost of implants
- Follow-up visits
- Recovery garments
- Prescription medications
Depending on the situation, some of these may be factored into the total cost, and some may be separate.
How to Find and Vet a Breast Augmentation Surgeon in Charlotte
Choosing a surgeon is one of the most important decisions in this process. The implant type, the incision placement, the surgical technique… all of it flows from the person making those recommendations. Getting this part right matters more than any other variable.
Verifying Board Certification
You know you should look for a surgeon who is board-certified, but what does that actually mean? Different boards have different requirements, so it is important to understand exactly what type of board certification a surgeon holds.
When comparing plastic surgeons, the specific credential you should be looking for is certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). ABPS certification requires completing a full plastic surgery residency, passing comprehensive written and oral exams, and meeting ongoing requirements to stay current in the field.
Some providers are “board-certified” in cosmetic surgery, which isn’t recognized by the ABMS, while others hold certifications in dermatology, gynecology or ophthalmology. While any licensed doctor can legally perform cosmetic or plastic surgery, not all have the same training. When you see "board-certified" on a practice's website, confirm which board.
Dr. May is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and performs breast augmentation as a core part of his surgical practice.
Asking Questions During Your Consult
Before booking a consultation, prepare a short list of questions to help vet your surgeon. A surgeon who is confident in their work will answer these questions directly.
- How frequently do you perform breast augmentation?
- Where do you operate, and is that facility accredited?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with a similar body type?
- How do you approach implant selection, and what factors drive those recommendations?
- How do you handle complications?
Watching for Red Flags
Be cautious with practices that quote an exact price before listening to your goals, or that pressure you to book quickly. Pricing that sits well below the local range usually reflects something missing from the quote, whether that's implant quality, facility standards or follow-up care. Trust a practice that is transparent and patient with all of your questions.
Considering Your Breast Augmentation Options
Once you've found a surgeon you trust, the next set of questions is about how to achieve your goals. Specifically, what kind of implant is right for your body and how you and your surgeon arrive at that decision.
There are two implant types available for breast augmentation: silicone and saline implants. Silicone is filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural tissue, which is why it's Dr. May's preferred choice for most patients. Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after placement, but they tend to feel firmer and can show rippling in patients with less natural breast tissue. Your goals, preferences and anatomy are the factors that most influence which type of implant is appropriate for you.
Dr. May also offers fat grafting for patients interested in smaller changes without implants. “While less predictable than traditional breast augmentation, fat grafting can be a great option for balancing minor asymmetries or improving tissue thickness,” he explains. This technique involves taking excess fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the breasts.
Beyond implant type, your surgical plan will also account for implant size relative to your chest wall and frame, placement above or below the muscle, and incision location. Dr. May works through each of these with you during your consultation, with the goal of building a plan that fits your body.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
By the time surgery day arrives, you and Dr. May will have already reviewed your plan in detail. The day itself is straightforward. You'll check in at the accredited surgical facility, meet your care team and do a brief pre-op review with Dr. May before heading into the operating room. The procedure runs one to two hours, depending on your surgical plan. You'll be under general anesthesia throughout and won't feel anything.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient surgery, so you'll go home the same day. You'll need someone you trust to drive you and stay with you that first night.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation
Most patients are surprised by how manageable recovery feels when they're prepared for it.
The First Few Days
For the first few days, you will experience soreness and tightness across your chest. Medication can help keep pain in check, and cold compresses and compression garments will keep the swelling under control. Rest and incision care will be your main focus during this time, as well as keeping blood circulating by taking short walks around your home or neighborhood.
Weeks Two and Three
By this point, your incisions and tissues will have had time to heal, and you will be feeling better. However, recovery varies from person to person. Some patients feel ready to return to desk work after about a week, while others prefer additional time before resuming their normal routine. Other light activities become comfortable again around this time, but some things, like heavy exercise and lifting, will still need to wait for full healing. Dr. May encourages all patients to avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, etc., for at least six weeks.
Month One and Beyond
After four to six weeks, things will begin to feel normal again, and your body will have adjusted to the new implants. Implants settle into a more natural position. Make sure to still go to your follow-up visits to help Dr. May track your healing and results.
Why Charlotte Patients Choose May Plastic Surgery
Dr. May never compromises on the decisions that protect the safety and outcome of his patients. He builds personalized plans for everyone based on their goals and discusses every option to help patients be more informed. Quality and long-term results guide all of his recommendations.
Once you choose his practice, Dr. May will be your go-to for anything you need, big or small, long after your procedure. He builds trust-based relationships that are meant to last and will be your steady partner throughout every season.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation in Charlotte
Dr. May’s approach to breast augmentation is built around one idea: the right plan is the one that fits your body, your goals and your lifestyle. When you schedule a consultation at May Plastic Surgery, you’ll leave with a clear picture of what your surgery involves, how much it costs and why each recommendation was made.
If you’re ready to have all your questions answered, request a consultation with Dr. May today. Call us at 704-200-2493 or reach out online to book your visit.
