Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation enhances breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer, helping patients restore or enhance volume, achieve a more balanced appearance and gain confidence.
Breast augmentation enhances breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer, helping patients restore or enhance volume, achieve a more balanced appearance and gain confidence.
Even those of us who are fit and healthy may feel something’s not quite right with our bodies. Some women want a fuller, more curvy contour to their breasts. For others, factors like aging, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations can affect breast volume and shape. Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, enhances the size and shape of the breasts using implants or fat transferred from another part of your body. This procedure can boost self-confidence, restore volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or achieve a more balanced appearance. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a fuller, youthful silhouette that can be combined with a breast lift for optimal results.
There are two main types of breast augmentation: implant-based and fat transfer. Implant-based augmentation uses silicone or saline implants to enhance breast size and shape. We prefer to use silicone implants to provide a softer, more natural-feeling breast. Fat transfer augmentation, also known as autologous fat grafting, involves removing fat from another part of the body via liposuction and injecting it into the breasts for a more subtle enhancement. Both approaches can be tailored to your needs.
Breast augmentation surgeries are done for a variety of reasons, including:
Overall, the goal is to create a more balanced, proportionate appearance that aligns with the patient’s aesthetic preferences or addresses specific concerns about size and shape.
The results of breast augmentation typically last 10 to 20 years, though implants are not considered lifetime devices. Fat transfer breast augmentation typically provides long-lasting results, with about 40–60% of the transferred fat surviving long-term. Over time, factors like aging and weight fluctuations may lead to the need for revision surgery. Regular check-ups with your surgeon can help monitor augmentation integrity and overall breast health.
Patients should stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery, as smoking can impair healing. Your surgeon may also advise you to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, that increase bleeding risk. It’s important to arrange for transportation and post-surgery care, as you’ll need assistance during the initial recovery period. Prior to surgery, your surgeon will provide specific instructions on fasting and any pre-operative tests. Following these guidelines closely will help ensure a successful procedure and optimal results.
The procedure begins with general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision in one of three locations: under the breast fold (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), or in the armpit (transaxillary). After separating breast tissue from the muscles and connective tissue in your chest, your surgeon creates a pocket either behind the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle. The chosen implant is then inserted into the pocket. Once the desired size and shape are achieved, the incision is closed with sutures, and the area is bandaged.
You’re a good candidate for breast augmentation if you’re in good overall health and looking to enhance or restore or enhance the size or shape of your breasts.
Ideal candidates include those who:
It’s important to have realistic expectations and be motivated by personal goals. Your decision should be about your goals, not how you appear to someone else.
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure that typically lasts only one to two hours.
Potential complications include infection, bleeding, scarring, and anesthesia-related issues. Capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms tightly around the implant, can develop over time and cause discomfort or changes in breast shape. There’s also a risk of implant rupture or leakage, which may require revision surgery in the future. In fat transfer procedures, fat cells may not survive, leading to uneven results. Additionally, implants may need replacement over time.
The benefits of breast augmentation extend beyond physical changes. It can enhance body proportions, boost confidence, and help individuals feel more aligned with their ideal self. Whether restoring lost volume or achieving a more balanced look, this procedure offers a personalized approach to feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Recovery from breast augmentation generally spans several weeks, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week. Immediately after surgery, swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common, but these can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Patients are typically advised to wear a supportive bra or compression garment to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues. While light activities can usually be resumed within a week, it’s important to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or any activity that could strain the chest for four to six weeks.
Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on caring for the incisions, including keeping them clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your healing progress and ensure proper implant placement. While some initial swelling may last several weeks, the final results will become more visible as the implants settle and the body adjusts. This process can take 6-12 months.
How painful is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation typically causes mild to moderate pain, which can be managed with prescription medication and usually subsides within a few days.
Are there visible scars?
Yes, but the scars are placed in discreet areas, such as under the breast fold or around the areola, and they tend to fade significantly over time.
How soon can I return to work?
Most patients can return to work within a week, depending on the physical demands of their job and their individual recovery.
How long do the results last?
Breast augmentation results typically last 10 to 20 years, though implants may need to be replaced or revised over time due to natural changes in the body.
Can I combine breast augmentation with other procedures?
Yes, breast augmentation can be combined with other procedures, such as a breast lift or tummy tuck, to achieve more comprehensive results.
What should I avoid after surgery?
After surgery, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, smoking, and sleeping on your stomach to promote optimal healing.
Complementary procedures to breast augmentation may include a breast lift to enhance shape and position, liposuction for body contouring, or a tummy tuck to achieve a balanced, sculpted look. These procedures can further refine your overall appearance and enhance your results.
For more detailed information please contact our office or book a consultation.
At Evolve Your Life, we’re committed to delivering a world-class experience through attentive, responsive, and compassionate care. How are we doing?
See what some of our patients have to say:
Kiersten Obermayer
Dr. Dorafshar is absolutely amazing. He truly cares about the results as well as the patient. He checked up on me multiple times through my recovery and my results are amazing already after 10 days! Can’t wait to see them when I’m fully healed!
Khyla Tatak
Talk about a great experience overall. Dr. Dorafshar made me feel at ease, answered all of my questions and set realistic expectations on recovery. Constantly checked in to make sure I was doing ok during the first week post surgery. His team set the bar high. I’m so incredibly happy with my results.
—Iliana Diana
At Evolve Your Life, we know how important it is to look in the mirror every day and see a reflection that feels like your own.