Woman's full breasts after breast augmentation 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?

Choose a Board-Certified Surgeon

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. Email our two Missoula-area offices or request a consultation to begin.

Silicone Breast Implants Can Completely Enhance Your Daily Life With

One of the biggest benefits of silicone implants over saline implants is how realistic they are. From appearance to texture, they more closely resemble natural breast tissue. This allows patients to experience:

Completely Customized Results

Our silicone implants come in many shapes, sizes, and textures. During your consultation at our offices serving the Missoula, MT, area, you can learn how breast implants are used to achieve 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.

Most Breast Augmentation Patients Are Happy with Their Results

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 made of cohesive silicone gel. 

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.

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

What Are the Benefits Of Choosing Modern Silicone Implants?

As our doctor explains, the quality of your materials, like silicone or saline implants, directly affects the look and feel of your results. We prefer silicone breast implants instead of saline implants due to their advances in safety, appearance, and overall standards. If you're curious about more advantages of our silicone cohesive gel breast implants, visit our Polson or Helena offices for a consultation.

Curious About Breast Augmentation? Our Experienced Surgeon Can Outline All the Information

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 by requesting a consultation with Dr. Hardy. Or, give us a call at: 

(406) 728-3811

“Best plastic surgeon.” We're Trusted by the Greater Missoula, MT, Area

1

Elizabeth Shepard

2023

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Fantastic surgeon. Good bedside manner. Staff is awesome.

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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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Listen to Dr. Hardy Describe His Approach

One reason why Missoula patients love Dr. Hardy is because he views breast augmentation as a cooperative process. He'll listen to you, educate you, and make you a partner in the process.

Professional Affiliations

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Cleft Palate/Craniofacial Association

Achieve a Fuller Bust with Breast Augmentation Performed by Our Skilled Plastic Surgeon

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. You can also call

(406) 728-3811

Dr. Hardy

Why Our Surgeon Loves the Breast Implant Procedure

"[Breast augmentation] is one of those operations that if I had just five operations to do for the rest of my career, it'd probably be one of them because [the patients are] all so happy...They come back with a smile on their face. And you can just tell that you made a difference in their life, and that they're much more confident. It's just a nice feeling to see." Dr. Hardy

How Much Does Surgery Cost?

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The cost of breast augmentation using cohesive silicone gel implants is $7,000. 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.

Checklist for Patients Considering Breast Surgery

Wondering if you qualify for breast implants? Here's what our Missoula-area surgeon looks for during a consultation:

Correctable Concerns

It's important that your goals for surgery are realistic. Candidates for breast implants typically include those who desire a fuller bustline or those who are seeking to restore lost breast volume.

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 their results and breast tissue.

The Breast Augmentation Timeline From Planning to the Procedure

Breast augmentation surgery is typically straightforward, especially when performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hardy. Here's what you can expect:
The breast augmentation surgery itself will last about one hour to an hour and 15 minutes.
The breast augmentation surgery itself will last about one hour to an hour and 15 minutes.

Surgical Consultation

You will first attend a breast implant consultation with Dr. Hardy at one of our Montana offices to plan your procedure and discuss your goals.

Patient Evaluation

At this time, he will also provide an in-depth medical evaluation of your health and candidacy to determine the 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.

General Anesthesia

We'll keep you comfortable with general anesthesia. It allows you to drift off in into a painless, dreamlike state. Because of its safe but powerful effects, you'll need someone to drive you home afterward and stay with you for the night.

Inframammary Incisions

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.

Implant Placement

Your cohesive silicone gel breast implants will be inserted and positioned.

Final Touches

Lastly, our surgeon will carefully close your incisions and place compression bandages.

Featured Case Proven results from our world-class plastic surgeon

Dr. Stephen Hardy's Patient Before Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation Before
Dr. Stephen Hardy's Patient After Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation After

The Basics of Revision Surgery and Breast Implant Removal

Why Would I Need 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, which our plastic surgeon can handle. He features both breast implant removal and breast implant placement.

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 goals and provides beautiful results. Even if you don't want implant removal right now, simply knowing we offer it can give you peace of mind.

Woman on couch thinking
"I had Dr. Hardy switch out my old textured saline implants & go bigger with silicone. 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." 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.

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.

Properly following Dr. Hardy's instructions for your recovery is an investment in your final results.

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.

Smiling woman at sewing machine

Compassion Meets Skill at Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates

"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.

FAQ About Breast Augmentation

Can I combine surgical procedures?

While some Montana surgeons will not hesitate to conduct multiple procedures during the same visit, like breast augmentation and a breast lift, Dr. Hardy will only perform one at a time. That's because he works with your health in mind — and he's not willing to risk your wellness for quicker results.

What procedures are often considered with breast implants?

Patients at our Helena and Polson offices may want fuller and perkier, higher breasts. In that case, we may recommend scheduling a separate breast lift surgery. For patients who have had children or those who have lost weight, liposuction is a common additional procedure that can be performed later on.

When will I have to replace my implants?

As our surgeon will explain, implants do have a shelf life. This can range from around 10 to 20 years, or potentially even longer. The exact answer can depend on your personal preferences, your body's response to the treatment, and the integrity of your implants. 

Have another question?

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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