Woman's full breasts in lacy red bra

Breast Augmentation

A small or underdeveloped bustline can affect your proportions, make you feel less feminine, or prevent you from wearing certain clothing.

Breast augmentation at Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates, PLLC, can achieve a curvier silhouette and boost your self-confidence.

Why should I consider breast augmentation at Dr. Stephen Hardy's Polson or Helena offices serving the Missoula, MT, area?

Breast Implants Can Completely Enhance Your Appearance

Improved Size, Shape, and Symmetry

Silicone and saline implants come in many shapes, sizes, and textures. During your consultation at our offices serving the Missoula, MT, area, you can select the precise implant that achieves your goals.

Heightened Self-Confidence

If you've struggled with a small bustline your entire life, breast augmentation surgery can dramatically increase your quality of life. The resulting boost in self-confidence can translate into your social, professional, and romantic life.

Reconstructed Breast Tissue

For those dealing with the aftereffects of a mastectomy or traumatic injury, breast implants can also restore breast tissue. A plastic surgeon can use implants to artfully reconstruct a natural-looking, feminine bustline.

What happens during breast augmentation surgery?

Submuscular implants are placed under the pectoral muscles. Subglandular implants will be placed on top of the pectoral muscles.

Will I be happy with the results of my breast augmentation? 

Can breast implants address my particular concerns?

A Highly Individualized Procedure Tailored to Your Needs

We provide diverse breast implant options so you can achieve your desired breast size and appearance. We offer round and teardrop-shaped implants in the following options: 

  • Cohesive Silicone Gel Implants - Also known as gummy bear implants, these breast implants consist of a silicone shell around a cohesive silicone gel. Unlike previous silicone implants, the silicone gel will hold its shape even if the shell of the breast implant is broken.
  • IDEAL IMPLANTS® - IDEAL IMPLANTS combine the safety benefits of saline implants with the natural look and feel of silicone implants. These breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with saline, which will safely disperse in the body in the event of an implant rupture.

It is important to understand that breast augmentation does not correct sagging. However, a breast lift may be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation to address this issue.

During your consultation at our offices serving the greater Missoula, MT, area, we can discuss what plastic surgery option would be ideal for your needs.

Breast implants

I'm wondering if I even qualify for breast implants...

Checklist for Patients Considering Breast Surgery

Correctable Concerns

Candidates for breast implants typically include those who desire a fuller bustline, are seeking to restore lost breast volume, or want to reconstruct a breast that has been lost due to mastectomy or injury.

Overall Health

It is recommended that patients considering breast augmentation either do not smoke or quit prior to their procedure. Additionally, those with medical conditions that could impair healing may not be candidates for this procedure.

Pregnancy Recommendations

While breast implants do not necessarily interfere with breastfeeding, patients may want to wait until after they are done having children to pursue treatment, as pregnancy can affect the results.

How Much Does Surgery Cost?

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The cost of breast augmentation using cohesive silicone gel implants is $7,000. With IDEAL IMPLANTS, the cost is $8,500. Pricing can differ based on unique needs, such as combining a breast lift with implants. We can provide a detailed pricing breakdown during your visit to our Montana offices.

Achieve a Fuller Bust with Breast Augmentation Contact Our Practice Today

Breast augmentation can improve the size and shape of the breasts. Patients in Missoula and other parts of Montana can achieve their cosmetic goals at Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates. Dr. Stephen Hardy has offices in Helena and Polson, and offers exceptional surgical care that incorporates the latest techniques and best practices. With a keen eye for detail and aesthetics, Dr. Hardy can help you plan your breast augmentation for outstanding results. He will work with you to determine the best course of treatment that is tailored to your body shape and treatment goals whether you desire a dramatic change or subtle improvement.

For more information about increasing your breast size, contact our plastic surgery practice online. You can also schedule a consultation by phone.

Call a Skilled Plastic Surgeon

(406) 728-3811

Dr. Hardy

“I always know I’m in great hands when I’m there.” Happy Patients in the Greater Missoula, MT, Area

1

Jessica Mumm

2020

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Dr. Hardy and all the staff are wonderful! It was a comfortable, informative, & great experience. Dr. Hardy’s work is amazing!

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1

Krystina Beach

2020

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Love Dr. Hardy and his staff! They’re all very friendly and knowledgeable. I always know I’m in great hands when I’m there. Best plastic surgeon!

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The Breast Is Enhanced in Both Size and Shape

Breast augmentation can increase breast size and contour the breast tissue. Dr. Hardy can provide personalized treatment to help you achieve your cosmetic goals with natural-looking results that complement your figure.

Featured Case Proven results from our world-class plastic surgeon

Breast Augmentation Before
Breast Augmentation Before
Breast Augmentation After
Breast Augmentation After

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Woman and doctor holding breast implants

Planning Your Treatment

You will first attend a consultation with Dr. Hardy at one of our Montana offices to plan your procedure and discuss your goals. At this time, he will also provide an in-depth evaluation to determine the treatment options that best suit your needs. This is a valuable opportunity to develop a treatment plan with the aid of Dr. Hardy's many years of experience.

Dr. Hardy only performs inframammary augmentation, in which the incision is located along the crease where the underside of the breast meets the chest. This technique yields better results than other incision methods.

The Surgical Procedure

Breast augmentation surgery is typically straightforward, especially when performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hardy. The procedure will last about one to two hours during which you will be provided with general anesthesia. The breast implants will be inserted and positioned before the incisions are closed and compression bandages are placed.

Choose a Skilled Breast Surgeon

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Breast surgery can have a significant impact on your appearance, so it is vital that you choose a skilled, reputable doctor. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Hardy is dedicated to the highest surgical standards and strives to provide patients safe care and beautiful results.

Revision Surgery

Reasons for Implant Revision

Although breast implants are designed for excellent durability, there is a risk of rupture. Patients can also develop capsular contracture, a condition in which scar tissue tightens around the implant, distorting its shape. In other cases, implants may no longer provide a flattering effect as the body ages.

Will I Have to Replace My Implants?

Breast implants do not last forever. You can expect that your implants will require eventual replacement.

Why Pick Dr. Hardy

There is an art to removing and replacing breast implants. An accomplished surgeon, Dr. Hardy can perform this plastic surgery procedure in a way that meets your cosmetic goals and provides beautiful results.

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Questions About the Procedure?  Our Experienced Surgeon Can Answer Them 

Our practice serves as a valuable source of information to the Missoula, MT, community for breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures. Dr. Hardy can explain the details of your procedure in a no-pressure environment where you can learn more about the life-changing potential of breast implants. He can then help you achieve realistic and satisfying results.

Discuss your cosmetic needs during a consultation with Dr. Hardy. Contact our office by calling: 

(406) 728-3811

"I had Dr. Hardy switch out my old textured saline implants & go bigger with silicone. I also had him refine the tip of my nose because it was a bit boxy & had an indentation that made it look bulbous.

"He is absolutely amazing!!! He listened to what I wanted and was on the same page with me. If you're thinking about plastic surgery, trust him.

"I live in Georgia now, but if I need work done in the future, I will only go to him."
Anne Edwards - 5 Star Review

Tips for a Successful Recovery

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As a valued patient of Dr. Hardy’s, you will receive a personalized treatment plan for your unique recovery explaining what you can expect in the days following your breast augmentation surgery. Recovery response differs based on the type of procedure, your body’s pain tolerance, and the implant’s type, size, and placement. Outlined below are a few generalized expectations and tips for success during the healing process.

Woman in compression garment for breasts
​A special compression garment will help contour your new breasts as you heal.

Day One Through Week One

Immediately following surgery, you will be provided with a surgical support garment. This will stabilize the implants and reduce swelling. An overall feeling of tightness in the breasts is completely normal and will decrease with time.

Other important postoperative instructions to follow include:

  • Take medications as directed
  • Avoid showering for the first two to three days
  • Rest as much as possible, keep your activity level low, and avoid heavy lifting
  • Sleep on your back rather than your stomach or side for the next six to eight weeks

During this first week, you should expect moderate levels of pain.

Many patients become so focused on their anticipated results that they lose sight of the recovery process.

The Next Few Weeks and Months

While patients can slowly return to their normal routines over time, they will still need to follow a number of postoperative guidelines to ensure the best results possible. You will need to:

  • Massage the breasts periodically: This helps adjust the implants and reduce skin tightness and scar tissue. It will also lower the breasts into a more natural position over the next few months.
  • Avoid push-up bras and underwire bras: Patients should avoid putting stress on their breasts for at least two months after surgery.
  • Take daily walks: Walking will help aid in the healing process.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise: Most patients can resume normal physical activity within four to six weeks.

Soreness and swelling usually last for another several weeks or months. Your skin and muscles all have to adjust to the new size of your breasts so the swelling will take time to lessen.

When Can I Return to Work?

Most breast augmentation patients can return to work or class after a week and can see their final results within six weeks. As long as pain levels have decreased significantly and pain medication is no longer necessary, you should be fine going back to work.

When you do return to work, it is important that you do not perform any sort of strenuous movements or lifting that could shift your implants. Even if you feel better ahead of schedule, do not overdo it. Resting is key to achieving a successful recovery.

Be cautious and listen to your body for signs that additional rest is needed so your body can heal. If you have any questions or concerns about activities you can perform as you are recovering, be sure to consult with a member of our plastic surgery team. Our Missoula staff can give you the answers and advice you need.

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A Glowing Review From a Missoula Patient

Dr. Hardy is excellent at what he does, has compassion and patience with his patients and provides top notch service. He explains his procedures fully and answers all questions until you are comfortable. His staff is efficient and helpful. Alexis V. - Yelp, 2021
Stephen P. Hardy, M.D.

Stephen P. Hardy, M.D.

Dr. Stephen P. Hardy is a renowned plastic surgeon with prestigious national affiliations:

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  • American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA)

To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call us at (406) 728-3811.

Contact Us (406) 728-3811

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