Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery that enlarges and shapes breasts. It's used to increase breast size, restore volume, or correct asymmetry. This article covers implant options, size, shape, placement, recovery, and cost.
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Breast augmentation can be a life-changing procedure that helps women feel more confident and feminine. Some of the benefits of breast augmentation include:
Balancing upper and lower body proportions: Women who feel that their breasts are
disproportionately small compared to the rest of their body can benefit from breast
augmentation.
A desire to feel more feminine and confident: Breast augmentation can boost a woman's
self-esteem and make her feel more feminine and confident in her appearance.
Choosing the right breast implants is a highly personal decision that should be made in consultation with your surgeon. The three main types of breast implants are:
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and are inserted empty before being filled once they are in place. They are more affordable than silicone implants and allow for volume adjustment after placement. They are also less likely to cause problems if they leak or rupture.
Silicone implants are filled with a specialized silicone gel that feels more like natural breast tissue. They are slightly more expensive than saline implants but are considered more natural-looking and feeling. They require regular monitoring through MRI to detect potential ruptures.
Fat transfer involves harvesting fat from another part of your body, typically the thighs or abdomen, and transferring it to your breasts. This option is natural and has the added benefit of reducing excess fat in other areas of your body.
Implant size is measured in volume (cc) rather than cup size. The size you choose will depend on your individual goals, body type, and lifestyle. Implant sizers can be used to help you test different sizes and choose the one that feels most comfortable and natural. Your surgeon will also consider your height, build, and other factors when recommending an implant size.
Implants come in two main shapes: round and teardrop. Round implants provide more fullness in the upper breast and cleavage, while teardrop implants add fullness to the lower breast and mimic the natural slope of the breast. Your surgeon will help you choose the best shape for your body type and aesthetic goals.
Implant profile describes how far the implant protrudes from your chest. The profile can be high, medium, or low, and your surgeon will recommend the best option for your body type and aesthetic goals. Higher profiles offer more projection, while lower profiles are wider and flatter.
Breast implants can be placed in a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue (subglandular) or underneath the chest muscle (submuscular). The placement you choose will depend on your individual anatomy and lifestyle. Submuscular placement offers better coverage of the implant and more natural-looking results, but subglandular placement has a faster recovery time and may be more suitable for active women.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under general
anesthesia. The surgery typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, and there
are several incision techniques to choose from, including periareolar
incision (around the nipple), inframammary incision (underneath the
breast in the fold), and transaxillary incision (via the underarm). Your
surgeon will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each incision
pattern with you and help you make the best choice for your body and
aesthetic goals.
Once the incision is made, the surgeon creates a pocket and places the
implant into the pocket. Depending on the type of implant you choose, it
may come pre-filled, or it may be filled after placement. The incisions
are then closed with sutures and skin adhesives. Most women can return
home the same day under the supervision of a trusted caregiver.
Recovery time after breast augmentation ranges from a few days to a
week, depending on the implant placement, size, and incision location.
Bruising and swelling are common during the first few days, and your
surgeon will provide medication to help manage any discomfort. Most
women can return to work or school within a week of surgery. More
intensive activities, such as high-impact exercise, should be postponed
for 4 to 6 weeks post-op.
By three months, most of the healing is complete, and tissues will
continue to soften, allowing the implants to settle and create a more
natural-looking appearance. Scars will continue to fade for up to 2
years after surgery.
The cost of breast augmentation varies depending on several factors, including the type of implant used, the experience of your surgeon, and the anesthesia used. At our practice, we provide patients with a customized quote after their first consultation. We also offer financing options to make breast augmentation more accessible to our patients.
The consultation is a critical part of the breast augmentation process. During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss your options and help you make choices that align with your anatomy and goals. The consultation will also be used to conduct a thorough medical history and address all of your concerns and questions.
We do not recommend breast augmentation until your breasts have finished growing. Patients must be at least 18 years old for saline implants or 22 years old for silicone implants. Mothers should wait until they have finished breastfeeding before scheduling surgery. Breast augmentation does not lift the breasts, so women who are concerned about sagging tissue and downward-pointing or drooping nipples may want to consider a breast lift together with breast augmentation.
Yes, breast implants can be exchanged or removed using breast implant exchange or breast implant removal surgery. Some women may want to return to their natural breast shape (explant surgery), while others may wish to upgrade their implants to a newer model or different style (revision surgery). Breast implants don’t have an “expiration date,” but most last 10 to 15 years without replacement. If you have silicone gel implants, schedule routine MRI exams to detect any potential leaks or ruptures.
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed elective cosmetic surgeries in the world and has an excellent safety record. The FDA has approved both saline and silicone implants for breast enhancement procedures. While all surgery carries some risk, our surgeons are committed to providing the highest standard of care to minimize the risk of complications like capsular contracture or implant rupture. If you have any questions about the longevity of breast implants, the likelihood or treatment of complications, breast implant illness, or other safety concerns, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Altai, is happy to consult with you.
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance your natural curves and boost your self-confidence. Choosing the right implants and techniques for your body and aesthetic goals is a personal decision, and your surgeon will help guide you through the process. Recovery time is relatively short, and most women can return to work or school within a week of surgery. If you are considering breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with our experienced team to discuss your options and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
