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FAQs

Welcome to Dr. Rudderman Plastic Surgery in Atlanta and Alpharetta.

Frequently Asked Questions – Dr. Randy Rudderman

Choosing breast surgery is a personal decision, and Dr. Randy Rudderman is committed to helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout the process. Whether you are considering breast augmentation, breast lift, breast revision, implant removal, breast implant illness evaluation, or tubular breast correction, these FAQs bring common questions into one easy-to-navigate resource. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, call 678-721-8650 or send us a message.

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Main FAQs

Dr. Rudderman Plastic Surgery has locations in Alpharetta and Midtown Atlanta. The Alpharetta office is located at 3400-C Old Milton Parkway, Suite 450, and the Midtown Atlanta office is located at 1110 West Peachtree Street NW, Suite 820.

Dr. Rudderman specializes in cosmetic breast surgery, breast revision, breast implant removal, breast implant illness evaluation, breast lift, breast augmentation, and tubular breast correction.

You can schedule a consultation by calling 678-721-8650 or sending us a message. Our team will help you choose the right appointment type and explain what information may be helpful to prepare.

Payment and financing options are available for patients who want to plan treatment in a more manageable way. Financing details can be reviewed once your procedure recommendations and timing are clear.

Your first consultation should include a discussion of your goals, health history, anatomy, any prior surgery, and treatment options. It is also the time to review recovery, costs, and what approach best fits your body and priorities.

Dr. Randy Rudderman is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has been serving Atlanta patients since 1989 and has performed thousands of breast surgeries.

Most cosmetic breast procedures are typically self-pay. If your concerns include symptoms, implant complications, or other medical factors, consultation is the best time to discuss documentation and next steps.

Virtual consultation options may be available for patients who are traveling or beginning the process from outside the Atlanta area. Our team can confirm the best consultation format for your needs.

Dr. Rudderman serves patients in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Midtown, North Fulton, and surrounding Georgia communities. Patients also travel from outside the area for specialized breast surgery and revision care.

Dr. Rudderman’s approach emphasizes balance, anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term change rather than a one-size-fits-all aesthetic. His background in plastic surgery, research, biomechanics, and breast surgery supports highly individualized treatment planning.

Breast Implant Removal FAQs

Patients choose breast implant removal for many personal and medical reasons, including changes in aesthetic preference, implant aging, discomfort, capsular contracture, rupture, or concern about breast implant illness. Some patients simply feel that implants no longer fit their lifestyle, body, or sense of self. The decision need not be based on a complication to be valid. For many women, removal is about feeling more comfortable and aligned with their current goals.

A breast lift may be recommended if the breasts are sagging, stretched, or likely to look flattened after the implants are removed. Some patients want the most natural look possible and prefer removal alone, while others want better contour and nipple position after explant surgery. The decision depends on your breast tissue, skin quality, implant size, and desired result. Lift planning can be especially helpful when implants have stretched the breast envelope over time.

Yes, some patients feel relief after implant removal if their implants feel heavy, uncomfortable, tight, or are no longer proportionate to their body. This can be especially true for patients with larger implants, thinning tissues, capsular contracture, or lifestyle changes that make implants feel more burdensome. Relief is not always immediate because recovery still takes time. However, many patients pursue explant surgery because they want a lighter, more natural-feeling chest.

Recovery depends on whether implant removal is performed alone or combined with capsulectomy, breast lift, or implant exchange. Patients can expect swelling, soreness, activity restrictions, and a period of adjustment as the tissues begin to settle. Recovery is usually more involved when the capsule is removed or when a lift is added. It is important to give the breasts time to heal before judging the final shape, since early swelling and tissue relaxation can change the appearance.

Breast appearance after implant removal depends on skin elasticity, implant size, tissue quality, age, weight changes, and how long the implants have been in place. Some patients have sufficient natural tissue and skin tone to proceed with removal alone, while others benefit from a breast lift to improve shape and position. The goal is to understand what your tissues are likely to do before surgery. That helps create a realistic plan rather than waiting until after removal to decide.

Implant removal means taking out the breast implants. Capsulectomy means removing some or all of the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around the implant. Not every patient needs the same type of capsule removal, and the decision depends on symptoms, implant condition, capsule thickness, rupture concerns, and surgical safety. A thoughtful plan should explain why a certain capsule approach is recommended rather than treating every explant case exactly the same way.

Yes, implant exchange is an option for patients who want less volume but do not want to be completely without implants. Downsizing can help create a softer, lighter, more proportionate look while still maintaining some fullness. In some cases, a lift or capsule work may also be needed because smaller implants do not fill the same pocket as larger ones. The best plan depends on whether your goal is removal, downsizing, or a more refined revision.

Preparation helps make explant surgery feel more organized and less overwhelming. Helpful steps include:

  • Clarifying whether your goal is removal, downsizing, or removal with lift
  • Gathering implant information if you have it
  • Thinking about whether capsule removal is part of your concern
  • Planning enough recovery time away from lifting and exercise
  • Preparing emotionally for a change in breast size and shape


Breast implant removal is both a physical and personal decision. Clear goals make it easier to choose an approach that supports your comfort, health, and long-term confidence.

Breast Lift FAQs

A breast lift may be the right choice if your breasts sit lower than you would like, your nipples point downward, or your breast shape has changed after pregnancy, weight shifts, aging, or implant removal. The main purpose is to improve position and contour rather than add volume. Patients often consider a lift when their bras and clothing no longer fit as they want. A consultation can help determine whether sagging, volume loss, or both are causing the concern.

A breast lift is usually better when the main issues are sagging, stretched skin, or a low nipple position. Breast augmentation is designed to add volume, but implants alone may not correct significant drooping. If the nipple sits too low, adding an implant without lifting the breast can create a result that still looks heavy or unbalanced. The right choice depends on whether your concern is position, size, or both.

A breast lift is not designed as a breast reduction, but some patients feel slightly smaller because excess skin is removed and the breast becomes more compact. The goal is to improve shape, position, and proportion rather than major volume reduction. If you want the breasts to be significantly smaller or lighter, breast reduction may need to be discussed separately. For many patients, the lift creates a better silhouette without dramatically changing breast size.

Recovery usually includes swelling, soreness, tightness, and restrictions on lifting and strenuous activity while the tissues heal. The breasts may look higher and firmer at first, then gradually soften and settle. Most patients need to plan around work, exercise, and childcare responsibilities. A careful recovery helps protect the new breast shape and supports better long-term results.

A breast lift can make the breasts look rounder, perkier, and more supported by reshaping existing tissue and removing excess skin. It does not add new volume, but the improved position can make the breasts appear more youthful and balanced. Some patients are happy with a lift alone because they already have enough natural tissue. Others want a lift with implants if upper fullness is an important goal.

Yes, a breast lift can be combined with implants when patients want better breast position and added fullness. This is common after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or implant removal when the breasts look both low and deflated. Combining procedures can create a more complete result, but it also requires careful planning. The lift, implant size, tissue support, and long-term breast shape all need to work together.

Breast lift scar patterns depend on how much lifting and reshaping are needed. Some patients need a smaller incision pattern, while others with more sagging may need a vertical or anchor-type incision to create a better shape. Scars are part of breast lift surgery, but they usually fade over time with proper healing. The tradeoff is often a more youthful breast position and improved contour.

Preparation can make both consultation and recovery easier. Helpful steps include:

  • Deciding whether your main concern is sagging, volume loss, or both
  • Thinking about whether you want implants or prefer your natural tissue
  • Planning time away from lifting, exercise, and household strain
  • Setting up a comfortable recovery space before surgery
  • Following all pre-op and post-op instructions closely


Breast lift surgery works best when the plan matches the true source of the concern. Clear priorities help create a result that feels natural, balanced, and worth the recovery.

Breast Revision FAQs

Patients seek breast revision when prior breast surgery no longer looks, feels, or functions the way they want. Common reasons include implant malposition, capsular contracture, rupture, rippling, asymmetry, dissatisfaction with size, or changes after aging and pregnancy. Some patients are correcting a complication, while others want an updated result that better fits their current lifestyle. Revision is often about restoring trust in the result as much as it is about improving appearance.

Yes, many implant position concerns can be improved with breast revision surgery. Correcting these issues may involve pocket repair, capsule work, implant exchange, lift surgery, or added support depending on the cause. Simply replacing the implants may not be enough if the pocket or soft tissue support is the real problem. The best plan should address both the visible concern and the underlying structure.

No, breast revision does not always require new implants. Some patients want implant exchange, while others want smaller implants, removal without replacement, or removal with a lift. The decision depends on the reason for revision and the result you want moving forward. A good revision plan should not assume that replacing implants is the only option.

It helps to bring any implant information, operative reports, imaging, or prior surgical details you have available. Even if you do not have records, a detailed discussion of what changed and when can be helpful. Be ready to explain whether your concern is size, shape, comfort, symmetry, implant position, or illness-related symptoms. The clearer the concern, the more targeted the revision plan can be.

Breast revision is usually more complex because the tissues have already been altered. Scar tissue, stretched pockets, thinning tissue, implant history, and prior incisions can all affect the plan. In many cases, the issue is not only the implant but the support around it. A successful revision often requires identifying why the original result changed and building a stronger long-term solution.

Yes, revision surgery is often used to treat capsular contracture when scar tissue around the implant tightens, distorts shape, or causes discomfort. Treatment may involve removing or releasing capsule tissue, replacing the implant, changing the implant pocket, or considering implant removal. The right plan depends on the severity of the contracture and the patient’s long-term goals. Some patients want to keep implants, while others choose explant surgery.

Breast revision may improve rippling or implant visibility when those issues are related to implant type, placement, tissue thinning, or inadequate coverage. Treatment may include changing implant size or style, adjusting pocket placement, adding tissue support, or discussing fat grafting in selected cases. Thin tissues can make revision more challenging, so expectations should be realistic. The goal is improvement in softness, contour, and support.

Revision planning usually works best when your priorities are specific. Helpful preparation includes:

  • Identifying whether the issue is size, shape, support, comfort, or implant age
  • Gathering implant and surgery information if available
  • Thinking about whether you want correction, downsizing, removal, or replacement
  • Staying open to lift or support procedures if tissues require them
  • Understanding that revision can be more involved than first-time surgery


Breast revision is often a problem-solving process. Clear goals and realistic expectations help create a plan that corrects the concern rather than only partially improving it.

Breast Augmentation FAQs

A good breast augmentation candidate is usually someone in good health who wants more breast volume, improved proportion, or better symmetry. Some patients have always wanted fuller breasts, while others want to restore fullness after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or aging. The best results are not based on size alone. They come from choosing implants that fit the patient’s body, tissue, and long-term goals.

Yes, breast augmentation can look natural when the implant size, shape, and placement are selected thoughtfully. Natural-looking results usually depend on respecting the patient’s proportions and existing breast tissue. Some patients want subtle enhancement, while others want a fuller look that still feels balanced. The key is avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

A breast lift may be needed if the breasts sag, the nipples sit low, or the skin envelope has stretched significantly. Implants add volume, but they do not reliably lift low breast tissue on their own. If a patient has both deflation and drooping, augmentation with a lift may create a more complete result. Consultation helps separate volume needs from position needs.

Recovery usually includes tightness, swelling, soreness, and temporary changes in how the breasts sit and feel. Most patients can return to lighter daily routines fairly soon, but exercise and upper-body strain need to wait. The breasts continue to settle over time as swelling improves and tissues relax. Following activity restrictions helps protect the result.

Choosing implant size is about more than cup size. Chest width, tissue thickness, skin elasticity, lifestyle, posture, and desired style all matter. A size that looks balanced on one patient may look too large or too small on another. The goal is to choose an implant that supports your ideal result without overwhelming your frame or creating avoidable long-term strain.

Breast augmentation can often improve asymmetry, but it may not make the breasts perfectly identical. Differences in breast shape, nipple position, chest wall anatomy, and tissue volume all affect the final result. Some patients may need different implant sizes or additional shaping procedures. The goal is better balance, not forced symmetry that ignores natural anatomy.

Breast implants are long-lasting, but they are not lifetime devices. Patients should expect to monitor them over time and understand that exchange, removal, or revision may eventually be needed. The timing varies based on implant condition, symptoms, body changes, and personal preference. Long-term planning is an important part of responsible breast augmentation.

Preparation can help make surgery and recovery feel more manageable. Helpful steps include:

  • Deciding whether your goal is subtle, moderate, or fuller enhancement
  • Thinking about how implants should fit your body and lifestyle
  • Preparing a comfortable recovery area at home
  • Planning help with lifting, childcare, pets, and errands
  • Following medication, smoking, and activity instructions carefully


Breast augmentation is most satisfying when the plan is built around proportion and longevity. Taking time to prepare helps support a smoother recovery and a more confident decision.

Breast Implant Illness FAQs

Breast implant illness, often called BII, refers to a group of symptoms some patients associate with their breast implants. Symptoms may vary widely and can include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, muscle aches, skin changes, sleep disruption, and other concerns. The experience is personal and can be frustrating because symptoms may overlap with many other conditions. Patients who are concerned about BII often seek evaluation to better understand their options.

Patients with both saline and silicone implants have reported symptoms they associate with breast implant illness. The concern is not limited to a single implant type or generation. That said, every patient’s history is different, and symptoms should be evaluated thoughtfully. The goal is to understand your specific concerns rather than assuming every implant patient has the same risk or experience.

Capsulectomy may be discussed when patients are concerned about BII, implant rupture, capsule thickening, or scar tissue-related symptoms. However, the safest and most appropriate capsule plan depends on anatomy, implant history, capsule condition, and surgical risk. Some patients request a total capsulectomy, while others may not need or safely tolerate this approach. The decision should be individualized rather than automatic.

It helps to ask what implant removal approach is recommended, whether capsule removal is appropriate, and how your breasts may look afterward. You should also discuss your symptoms, prior medical evaluations, implant history, and whether a lift or staged plan should be considered. A strong consultation should help you understand both the surgical options and the limits of what surgery can promise. That clarity is especially important with BII concerns.

There is no single symptom or test that can confirm breast implant illness for every patient. The best first step is to look carefully at your symptoms, implant history, overall health, and other possible causes. Some patients pursue explant surgery after other evaluations have not provided enough clarity. Consultation can help you discuss whether implant removal, capsule treatment, or another step may be appropriate.

Some patients report improvement after implant removal, but symptom response can vary. Because symptoms associated with BII may overlap with other medical conditions, no surgery can guarantee complete resolution for every patient. It is important to approach explant surgery with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the goals. For many patients, the decision is about removing a suspected contributor and regaining peace of mind.

Yes, some patients choose a breast lift at the same time as implant removal to improve breast shape after explant surgery. This can be helpful if the implants have stretched the skin or the breasts are likely to look deflated after removal. Other patients prefer removal first and consider shaping later. The best timing depends on your health, tissue quality, and priorities.

Preparation can make your consultation more productive and emotionally easier. Helpful steps include:

  • Listing your symptoms and when they began
  • Gathering implant records if available
  • Noting any medical evaluations or diagnoses you have already had
  • Thinking about whether your goal is removal alone or removal with lift
  • Asking realistic questions about symptom improvement and breast shape


Patients often feel more grounded when they have organized their symptoms and goals before the visit. A clear discussion can help shape a plan that respects both health concerns and aesthetic expectations.

Tubular Breasts FAQs

Tubular breasts are a variation in breast development that can affect breast shape, base width, lower-pole fullness, nipple-areola appearance, and symmetry. The breasts may look narrow, constricted, elongated, or uneven. Some patients also have enlarged or puffy areolas. Correction is highly individualized because tubular breast anatomy can vary significantly from one patient to another.

Implants can be part of tubular breast correction, but implants alone may not fully address constricted tissue, areola shape, or lower-pole deficiency. Some patients need tissue release, areola adjustment, lift, or staged correction in addition to implants. The goal is not only to add volume but also to improve breast shape and proportion. A careful plan is especially important because tubular breasts are more structurally complex than straightforward augmentation cases.

Yes, tubular breast correction can often improve asymmetry, although perfect symmetry is not always realistic. Differences in breast size, base width, nipple position, areola size, and tissue tightness may all affect the result. The plan may involve different implant sizes, shaping techniques, lift, or areola reduction. The goal is to have a more balanced and natural breast appearance.

Some patients can be treated in one surgery, while others may benefit from a staged approach. Staging may be recommended when tissue expansion, shape correction, or asymmetry correction needs to happen gradually. The best timing depends on anatomy and surgical goals. A staged plan can sometimes create a safer and more predictable result.

You may suspect tubular breasts if the breasts are narrow at the base, lack fullness in the lower portion, appear widely spaced, or have puffy or enlarged areolas. Some patients also notice significant asymmetry between the two breasts. A consultation is the best way to confirm the anatomy and understand what type of correction may be appropriate. Not every unusual breast shape is tubular breast anatomy.

Tubular breast correction is more complex because the issue involves breast shape, tissue distribution, and constriction rather than size alone. Standard implant placement may not adequately expand the lower breast or correct the areola. Some patients have asymmetry that also requires different techniques on each side. The best results usually come from reshaping the breast envelope, not just adding volume.

It can, especially if the areolas are enlarged, puffy, or stretched forward by constricted tissue. Areola reduction or reshaping may be part of the surgical plan when it supports a more balanced breast contour. This is one reason tubular breast correction is not always the same as routine augmentation. The nipple-areola complex often plays an important role in the final result.

Preparation starts with understanding that the procedure is about shape correction, not only size. Helpful steps include:

  • Identifying whether your main concern is shape, asymmetry, areola appearance, or volume
  • Staying open to implants, lift, tissue release, or staged correction if needed
  • Understanding that both breasts may require different techniques
  • Planning recovery time away from lifting and strenuous activity
  • Asking what level of symmetry is realistic for your anatomy


Tubular breast correction works best when the surgical plan is customized to the specific anatomy. Clear expectations help patients feel more confident about both the process and the result.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Rudderman

Breast surgery is most successful when the plan reflects your anatomy, health, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Call 678-721-8650 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rudderman or send us a message.