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WhitmorePlastic Surgery · Raleigh
Procedures · Breast

Breast Surgery.

Augmentation, lift, reduction, and revision — proportional to you.

Overview

Proportion before size.

A breast result is judged not by volume but by how it sits relative to the body — and by what each patient is hoping to feel when they look in the mirror.

We see patients across a wide spectrum: those considering aesthetic enhancement, those seeking reconstruction after a cancer diagnosis or mastectomy, and those navigating revision of work done elsewhere. Each is welcomed and given the same care, time, and individual attention.

Below are the procedures we perform most frequently, with the technique notes and decision points that come up in nearly every consultation.

Procedure 01

Breast Augmentation

Implant-based augmentation with silicone or saline implants. Implant choice is driven by tissue characteristics — we measure base width, tissue thickness, and skin envelope before discussing volume.

Implant Selection

We use silicone implants from the three FDA-approved manufacturers (Allergan, Mentor, Sientra). Implant profile (low, moderate, high) and projection are matched to the patient's frame rather than a target cup size.

Incision & Placement

Inframammary fold incision is our default — it gives the most reliable, well-hidden scar and lowest revision rates in long-term studies. Sub-muscular ("dual plane") placement is standard.

Recovery

Outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, ~90 minutes. Most patients return to desk work at one week and full activity at six weeks.

Procedure 02

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A lift addresses sagging without changing volume. Many patients who think they want an implant actually need a lift; many who think they need only a lift benefit from a small implant to restore upper-pole fullness.

Technique

For most patients we use a vertical-pattern (lollipop) lift, which gives reliable shape with less scarring than the older anchor pattern. The wise-pattern (anchor) lift is reserved for the most pendulous breasts.

Augmentation-Mastopexy

Combining a lift with a small implant in a single operation is technically demanding but, when indicated, gives a more youthful upper pole than a lift alone.

Recovery

Similar to augmentation — most patients return to desk work in one to two weeks, full activity at six weeks. Scars fade significantly over 12–18 months.

Procedure 03

Reduction, Revision & Reconstruction

Breast reduction is among the most consistently appreciated procedures we perform — patients report relief from neck, back, and shoulder pain along with aesthetic improvement.

Reduction

Performed using superior-medial pedicle technique to preserve nipple sensation and breastfeeding capacity where possible. Often partially covered by insurance — our team will help you navigate.

Revision

Implant exchange, capsulectomy (removal of scar capsule), repositioning of malposition, and explant with or without lift are all common in our practice. Roughly 30% of our breast surgery practice is revision.

Reconstruction After Cancer

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy or lumpectomy is treated with the same care and personal attention as every procedure in our practice. Dr. Whitmore performs implant-based reconstruction (immediate or delayed), nipple-areolar reconstruction, fat grafting for symmetry and contour correction, and revision of reconstruction performed elsewhere.

For patients who are best served by microsurgical flap reconstruction (DIEP, TRAM), we coordinate closely with colleagues at Duke and UNC. Most reconstructive procedures are covered by insurance under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 — our team handles pre-authorization and oncology coordination on your behalf.

Common Questions

Frequently asked.

What size implant should I choose?

We do not work in cup sizes — they are unreliable and vary by manufacturer. We use volume in cubic centimeters (cc) along with sizers and 3D imaging at consultation. Most of our patients land between 250cc and 375cc.

Will I be able to breastfeed afterwards?

The literature suggests that the majority of women who could breastfeed before augmentation are still able to afterwards. The risk of disrupted breastfeeding is somewhat higher with periareolar incisions and with reduction, and we'll discuss specifics for your situation.

How long do implants last?

Implants are not lifetime devices. They commonly last 15–20 years; the FDA recommends MRI surveillance starting around 5–6 years post-implant. We will not pressure you to replace implants that are functioning well, but we will tell you when replacement is appropriate.

What is BIA-ALCL? Should I be worried?

BIA-ALCL is a rare lymphoma associated specifically with textured implants. Allergan recalled affected products in 2019. We use only smooth-surface implants from FDA-approved manufacturers and follow current FDA guidance closely.

What does it cost?

Breast augmentation at our practice typically ranges from $14,500 to $18,500 inclusive of implants, anesthesia, and facility fees. Lift and reduction range from $16,500 to $22,000. Revision varies widely.

Begin the Conversation

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Photographs of bodies you find proportional are useful at consultation — they help us calibrate to your aesthetic, not ours.

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