Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the shape and fullness of the breasts. (1) At The Maercks Institute, Dr. Rian A. Maercks specializes in breast surgery, helping patients from Miami and beyond achieve the breasts they have always wanted. Not only is this one of the main services he offers, but Dr. Maercks has also developed his own proprietary techniques to perform breast augmentation.
To schedule a personal consultation and learn more about Dr. Maercks’ unique approach, please submit our online contact form or call our Miami office directly at (305) 328-8256.
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Before and After Photos
About Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation has consistently been one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the country, with over 300,000 procedures performed in 2024 alone. (2) It aims to increase the volume and shape of the breasts, typically through the placement of implants. This procedure can be performed for cosmetic reasons to rejuvenate the breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, or it can be performed to restore the breasts after a mastectomy.
Types of Breast Implants
At The Maercks Institute in Miami, Dr. Maercks is proud to offer both saline and silicone breast implants. Dr. Maercks typically recommends gummy bear implants—a type of silicone implant—but he will help you determine the best option for your needs during your consultation.
- Saline Breast Implants: Saline breast implants are composed of a silicone shell and a sterile saline filling. These implants are filled after they are placed, offering a higher level of customization. (3)
- Gummy Bear Implants: Gummy bear implants are a type of silicone implant consisting of a silicone shell filled with a highly cohesive silicone gel. Gummy bear implants have a soft, natural feel and maintain their shape well. These implants are also less likely to cause rippling.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for a breast augmentation typically include those who:
- Are over the age of 18 (for saline implants) or over the age of 22 (for silicone implants)
- Are unhappy with the size, shape, or asymmetry of their breasts
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are non-smokers in overall good health
- Have realistic expectations of what a breast augmentation can accomplish
Dr. Maercks will determine each individual’s candidacy for breast augmentation during their consultation.
Preparation
You will receive a set of pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for your breast augmentation.
Guidelines typically include:
- A baseline mammography is needed for patients 35 or older, or for those with certain risk factors
- Avoid blood thinners or aspirin before the procedure
- Stop smoking or using tobacco a month before surgery
- Arrange a ride from surgery, and a helper to stay with you for several days
- Plan to miss a few days of work after the procedure
What is Cold Subfascial Breast Augmentation?
Dr. Maercks has developed a new breast augmentation technique known as the Cold Subfascial Breast Augmentation. He designed this technique to create more natural-looking results and provide long-term control and support of the appearance and position of your breasts.
In Cold Subfascial Breast Augmentation, the fascia (a thin layer of strong tissue within the breast) is lifted off the pectoralis major muscle, and the implant is placed inside this strong layer. This layer acts almost like a strong natural bra, supporting the implants even as time passes. This added structural support reduces strain on the skin and breast tissue, helping to preserve the integrity of your natural anatomy. As a result, it minimizes the risk of visible implant edges or distortion over time, maintaining a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Procedure
After the administration of anesthesia, Dr. Maercks will place discreet incisions to create a breast pocket for the implant. While he is an expert in each incision type, Dr. Maercks typically recommends the transaxillary approach for a ‘scarless’ result.
- Transaxillary Approach: This approach places an incision in the armpit, leaving no visible scars on the breasts themselves. Dr. Maercks performs almost all primary breast augmentations in Miami using this approach.
- Inframammary Approach: This technique involves placing a horizontal incision across the inframammary fold, or the crease beneath your breasts. This is the preferred incision for many plastic surgeons, however, this technique leaves an obvious scar that can be seen when wearing bikini tops.
- Periareolar Approach: This incision is made around the border of the areola. Patients often choose this option because there’s less scarring and the breasts can be lifted at the same time implants are placed. Dr. Maercks tends to avoid this approach unless a lift is necessary.
- Transumbilical Approach: A small incision is made in the belly button, and the implant is worked up the navel toward the breast, producing a virtually scarless result. However, this option is less safe and very unpredictable. This is because one cannot accurately control the exact placement or plane of the implant during the procedure. In addition, silicone implants cannot be placed in this manner. Dr. Maercks generally advises avoiding this technique.
Recovery
Dr. Maercks uses a long-lasting, non-opioid pain management solution called Exparel®, making for a more comfortable initial recovery. Because of this, most patients find they do not need to take pain medications after their breast augmentation.
Recovery time depends on the patient and the size and type of implant that is placed. The following guidelines should also be carefully followed:
- Do not lift heavy objects or raise your hands above your head for three days after the surgery
- Have creams and medications easily within reach
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Eat healthy, nutritious foods and stay hydrated
- Wear a support bra after the surgical bra is removed
- Apply cream over scars every day
- Have a trusted individual check in on you periodically
You may feel tired during this time, and you should prioritize resting. You should be mindful of your movements until you are done healing, avoiding any strenuous activities. If your job does not require any type of heavy lifting or bending, you may resume work after just three days post-surgery. The breasts may remain swollen for up to two months.
Results
After breast augmentation, your breasts will appear more voluptuous and full, providing you with natural-looking yet perky breasts that enhance your silhouette.
Dr. Maercks combines a number of different techniques to ensure minimal scarring, and he takes great care to create cleavage without wide separation between the breasts. Additionally, his specialized cold subfascial placement provides extra stability to the breasts, ensuring optimal and long-lasting results.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Miami
At The Maercks Institute in Miami, the pricing of your procedure can depend on the type of implant placed, the technique performed, as well as several other factors.
Throughout the country, the cost of breast implants ranges from $3,500 to $18,000. Dr. Maercks’s elite method, the transaxillary Cold Subfascial breast augmentation with gummy bear implants, is competitively priced at $15,000. This price includes all fees, such as anesthesia costs and operating room fees.
If you require a replacement or correction in the first twelve months, no surgeon’s fee is applied—the only fees will be for the anesthesia and operating room. During your consultation, Dr. Maercks will discuss the pricing of breast augmentation with you so you understand what to expect.
The Maercks Institute offers financing plans to those who qualify.
To learn more, please schedule a consultation online or call (305) 328-8256.
FAQ
How long will my breast implants last?
Breast implants can last for several years. There is no specific way to determine how long each implant will last, as there are events that may occur that would require replacing your implants, such as rupturing or the development of scar tissue. Patients often experience their implants lasting 10-15 years or longer.
What type of breast implant is right for me?
You will have the option between saline implants and silicone implants. During your consultation, Dr. Maercks will discuss both options with you and explain the differences between them, and how your breasts may look depending on which type of implant is chosen. Dr. Maercks’s recommendation is to use the anatomically shaped gummy bear implants, but ultimately, the right implants for you are the type of implant that will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Will there be any scarring after my breast augmentation?
The amount of scarring will depend on the type of surgical technique used. Dr. Maercks likes to perform a breast augmentation with a transaxillary incision, or armpit incision. This avoids placing any incisions on the breasts themselves, providing you with an absolutely scarless result.
Why should I choose Dr. Maercks for my breast augmentation?
Dr. Maercks is an expert in breast surgery, including breast augmentation and breast lifts. He has developed his own proprietary techniques for breast augmentation, including the cold subfascial placement. Choosing Dr. Maercks ensures you are in good hands for your breast augmentation.
References
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Published June 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
- Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/