Breast Augmentation

A Fuller and Balanced Aesthetic

Breast augmentation can be a transformative journey for those seeking to enhance their overall appearance and boost their self-confidence.

Some individuals may have naturally smaller breasts that don’t align with their desired body proportions whereas others may have lost breast volume from pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural aging process. If you are considering a breast augmentation for any of these reasons, it can help create fullness and achieve a more youthful, balanced silhouette.

What Is Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure that increases the size of patient’s breasts using breast implants. For many, choosing the right breast implant can feel daunting but it ultimately comes down to personal preference, and finding a plastic surgeon who will listen to exactly what you want and guide you is absolutely key.

Who Is a Candidate for a Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation can be an excellent option for those who have asymmetric breasts, little breast tissue, or small or drooping breasts. But it can also be ideal for individuals who simply want to achieve a fuller look. Other signs you are a great candidate for the procedure include:

Being in good physical health
Staying realistic about expectations from the results of the procedure.
Being ready to discuss your goals with an experienced board-certified surgeon
Avoiding smoking before and after your surgery

How do I decide on the right implant?

Below are several important points about breast implants that your plastic surgeon will discuss with you about the breast augmentation procedure.

Silicone implants versus saline implants

Both are popular options for breast augmentation, each with its own set of characteristics and advantages.

Silicone breast implants are filled with a cohesive gel that closely resembles the feel of natural breast tissue. They are known for providing a more natural look and feel compared to saline implants. The gel inside these implants tend to stay together even if the implant shell were to break. This can make detecting a rupture more challenging without regular imaging.

Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water after being placed in the breast pocket. They can feel slightly less natural and may be more likely to ripple. They are generally inserted while empty, allowing for smaller incisions. If a saline implant ruptures, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body, making ruptures more easily detectable as the implant visibly deflates.

What is an implant profile?

Implant profiles determine how much the implant projects forward from the chest wall. Generally there are five different profiles ranging from low to extra-high profiles (low, low-plus, moderate, high, extra-high). This is the decision your plastic surgeon will help guide you based on the proportions of your chest and body.

How do I choose the right implant size?

Choosing the implant size is a significant consideration. Your body frame, current breast size, and aesthetic goals will influence the appropriate implant size. Bringing photos of your desired look to the consultation is helpful in communicating your personal preference. During the consultation, you will have a chance to try on different breast implant sizers to help make the decision regarding the implant volume.

In which layer are the breast implants placed?

Breast implants can be placed in three different layers, and the decision to place in one layer over the other will depend on your chest anatomy and a thorough discussion between the patient and the plastic surgeon. It can be placed:

Under the chest pectoralis muscle (“submuscular” or “dual-plane”)
Over the muscle (“subglandular”)
Over the muscle and under the pectoralis muscle fascia (“subfascial”)

Which incisions are used to place the breast implants?

Breast implants can be placed via different incisions located under the breast fold (“inframammary”), around the nipple-areolar-complex (“periareolar”) or under the arm pit area (“axillary).

What else should I know about breast implants?

Breast implants are not forever devices and have a life-time of approximately ten years. Some may choose to keep implants longer than this, but in general, around ten years is when you want to consider getting your breast implants exchanged. The longer you keep your implants beyond this timeline, the risk of implant rupture and hard capsule can be higher. In fact, some rare cancers associated with breast implants, such as breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC), appears to have a bias to implants in place for many years according to available data. There is also a rare type of cancer, such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which is predominantly associated with textured breast implants, which are no longer being used. Furthermore, some women report symptoms of Breast Implant Illness, which is a collection of symptoms (fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, dry eyes, etc.) that is diagnosed through ruling out other health conditions.

An Overview of the Breast Augmentation Procedure Experience

Most breast augmentation procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and take about one to two hours. You will be given general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure’s duration. The incision sites chosen by the plastic surgeon will depend on the type of implant used and your desired outcome. The layer in which the implant will be placed will be carefully dissected, and the newly created pocket will be thoroughly washed with antibiotic solution. Then, the new implant will be placed into the sterile pocket using a “no touch” technique where a funnel is used to insert the implant to minimize any potential contact with skin and its bacterial flora. Once the procedure is complete, you will be able to return home the same day.

After the Surgery: Recovery

Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which will gradually subside over the first several days. Many will be able to return to light daily activities immediately after the procedure and can return to work in a few days. You will need to limit certain arm movements and avoid heavy lifting to allow the implants to properly settle into their proper position for the first four weeks. You will have multiple follow up appointments with Dr. Min for her to monitor the healing process and ensure you are getting the best results from your surgery.

Seeing Your Results from Breast Augmentation

In the first few weeks, you will find that the implants are sitting high on your chest. This is a normal process of healing, and it takes about three months for the implants to settle into their final position. Once this happens, you will see your final results in all their fullness.

Combining Breast Augmentation With Other Procedures

In some cases, patients may choose to combine breast augmentation with other procedures, such as a breast lift. A breast lift can help enhance the shape and position of your breasts, creating a more youthful look. When combined with augmentation, a breast lift can amplify your final results dramatically. Patients may also choose to have other procedures, such as liposuction or a tummy tuck, to complement their breast augmentation results. During your consultation with Dr. Min, you can explore all your possible treatment options and select the right path forward for your goals.

Meet Dr. Elise Min

Board-Certified Female Plastic Surgeon Specializing In Breast And Body Procedures In Los Angeles

Dr. Elise Min, a distinguished female plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, is renowned for her unique expertise in breast and body surgery. Board-certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Min is celebrated for her personal approach to aesthetic surgery and her exceptional patient care. She places great emphasis on educating her patients, allowing them to make informed decisions about their treatment.