Overview
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. This is achieved through the placement of implants under the breast tissue or chest muscles.
Breast augmentation can help:
- Increase breast size and fullness
- Improve breast symmetry
- Restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy
- Reconstruct the breast after mastectomy or injury
Did You Know?
Breast augmentation has been one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures for over two decades, with consistently high patient satisfaction rates.
First Consultation
Your initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is a critical step in your breast augmentation journey. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals, medical history, and treatment options.
What to Expect
- Medical History Review: Your surgeon will ask about your medical conditions, drug allergies, previous treatments, and surgeries.
- Breast Examination: Your surgeon will examine your breasts, taking measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, and the placement of your nipples.
- Discussion of Goals: You’ll discuss your expectations for size, shape, and overall appearance after surgery.
- Implant Options: Your surgeon will explain the different types of implants available and help you choose what’s right for your body type and goals.
- Surgical Plan: You’ll review the surgical technique, incision locations, and implant placement options.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- How many breast augmentation procedures have you performed?
- What type of implant do you recommend for me and why?
- What are the risks and complications associated with this procedure?
- What is your policy on revision surgeries if needed?
Surgery Benefits
Breast augmentation offers both physical and psychological benefits for appropriately selected candidates.
Physical Benefits
- Improved breast proportion and symmetry
- Enhanced body contour and silhouette
- Restoration of breast volume lost due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging
- Reconstruction after mastectomy or trauma
Psychological Benefits
- Increased self-confidence and self-esteem
- Improved body image
- Greater satisfaction with clothing fit
- Enhanced sense of femininity
Realistic Expectations
While breast augmentation can enhance your appearance and boost self-confidence, it’s important to have realistic expectations. The procedure will change your breast size and shape, but it won’t necessarily resolve personal issues or relationships.
Procedure Steps
Breast augmentation typically follows these steps:
Step 1: Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Options include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2: The Incision
Incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Options include:
- Inframammary: In the crease under the breast
- Periareolar: Around the nipple
- Transaxillary: In the armpit
Step 3: Inserting and Placing the Implant
After the incision is made, the implant is inserted into a pocket either:
- Submuscular: Under the chest muscle
- Subglandular: Behind the breast tissue, over the chest muscle
Step 4: Closing the Incisions
Incisions are closed with layered sutures in the breast tissue and with sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin.
Step 5: See the Results
Your breast augmentation will immediately provide enhanced breast size and shape. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade.
Candidates
Good candidates for breast augmentation include women who:
- Are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure
- Are bothered by the feeling that their breasts are too small
- Have breasts that have lost shape and volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging
- Have asymmetrical breasts
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
Age Considerations
The FDA has approved breast augmentation for women 18 years and older for saline implants and 22 years and older for silicone implants. However, age alone doesn’t determine candidacy – physical and emotional maturity are equally important factors.
Safety Considerations
Breast augmentation is generally safe when performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. However, as with any surgery, there are risks involved.
Choosing a Qualified Surgeon
The most important factor in ensuring your safety is selecting a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These surgeons have:
- Completed 5-7 years of surgical training with at least 2 years specifically in plastic surgery
- Passed comprehensive written and oral exams
- Operate in accredited surgical facilities
- Adhere to a strict code of ethics
FDA-Approved Implants
All breast implants used in the United States must be approved by the FDA. Currently approved implants include:
- Silicone gel-filled implants
- Saline-filled implants
- Structured implants (alternative composite implants)
Understanding Cost
The cost of breast augmentation varies based on several factors:
Cost Components
- Surgeon’s fee: Based on the surgeon’s experience and geographic location
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Prescriptions for medication
- Implant cost
Average Cost Range
The average cost of breast augmentation is $6,000 to $12,000. This price range typically includes the surgeon’s fee, facility costs, and anesthesia, but may not include implants or other related expenses.
Insurance Coverage
Most health insurance plans do not cover breast augmentation or its complications. However, if the procedure is part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, insurance may provide coverage. Check with your insurance provider for details.
Choosing the Right Implant
Selecting the right breast implant involves considering several factors:
Implant Filler Material
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline | Sterile salt water solution in a silicone shell | FDA-approved for ages 18+, uniform firmness, smaller incisions | Can feel less natural, visible rippling in some cases |
| Silicone | Silicone gel in a silicone shell | More natural look and feel, less rippling | FDA-approved for ages 22+, requires MRI monitoring, larger incisions |
| Structured | Saline-filled with internal structure | Natural feel, reduced rippling | Newer technology, limited long-term data |
Implant Shape
- Round: Provide more fullness in the upper part of the breast
- Teardrop/Anatomical: Mimic the natural slope of the breast
Implant Surface
- Smooth: Softest feel, can move within the breast pocket
- Textured: Develops minimal scar tissue, less likely to move
Combination Procedures
Many patients choose to combine breast augmentation with other procedures to achieve comprehensive results:
Common Combination Procedures
- Breast Lift: For patients with sagging breasts who also want increased volume
- Tummy Tuck: To address both breast and abdominal concerns in one surgery
- Liposuction: To contour other areas of the body while enhancing breasts
- Breast Reduction: In cases of significant asymmetry
Combination Benefits
Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and cost compared to having separate surgeries. However, it may increase surgical risk, so discuss this thoroughly with your surgeon.
Expected Results
Breast augmentation results are immediately visible, though swelling may initially obscure the final outcome. As swelling decreases, your new breast contour will begin to emerge.
Immediate Post-Op Results
- Breasts will appear larger and may sit high on the chest
- Some swelling and bruising is normal
- Incision lines will be red or pink initially
Long-Term Results
- Final breast shape and position emerge over several weeks to months
- Scars will fade over time but never disappear completely
- Results are long-lasting but not permanent
- Breasts will continue to age and may be affected by weight changes and pregnancy
Recovery Timeline
Understanding the recovery process helps you prepare for what to expect after surgery.
First 24-48 Hours
- Rest is essential
- Pain and discomfort managed with medication
- Limited arm movement
- Drains may be in place (if used)
First Week
- Gradually increase light activity
- Continue wearing surgical bra
- Swelling and bruising peak around day 3-4 then gradually improve
- Follow-up appointment with surgeon
2-6 Weeks
- Most normal activities can resume
- Gradual return to exercise (avoiding chest workouts)
- Swelling continues to decrease
- Scars begin to fade
3-6 Months
- Final results become apparent
- Implants settle into their final position
- Scars continue to mature and fade
Risks & Complications
As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries potential risks and complications. Being informed helps you make the best decision for your health.
Common Risks
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Infection
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Scarring
- Anesthesia risks
Implant-Specific Risks
- Capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant)
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Implant displacement or malposition
- Wrinkling or rippling of the implant
- Breast Implant Illness (BII) – a subject of ongoing research
- Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) – a rare type of lymphoma
Long-Term Considerations
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. The longer you have implants, the more likely it is that you will need additional surgery. You should expect to have future surgeries to replace or remove your implants.
FAQ
Common questions about breast augmentation to help you make an informed decision about your procedure.
What is the right age for breast augmentation?
The FDA recommends saline implants for women 18+ and silicone implants for women 22+. However, emotional maturity, stable weight, and realistic expectations are equally important considerations regardless of age.
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While many last 10-20 years or longer, they may require replacement due to rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in personal preference. Regular monitoring is recommended.
Can I breastfeed with breast implants?
Many women successfully breastfeed after augmentation, particularly with inframammary incisions. However, some surgical approaches and individual factors may affect milk production. Discuss your future plans with your surgeon.
How long is the recovery period?
Most patients return to desk work within 3-7 days, light activities in 2-3 weeks, and full exercise in 4-6 weeks. Final results and complete healing take 3-6 months as implants settle and swelling resolves.
Will I have visible scars?
All incisions leave scars, but skilled surgeons place them in discreet locations. Scars typically fade significantly over 6-12 months and become much less noticeable with proper scar care.
When can I resume exercise and normal activities?
Walking is encouraged immediately. Lower body exercises may resume at 2-3 weeks, upper body and chest exercises at 6-8 weeks. Always follow your surgeon’s specific recommendations based on your healing progress.
Silicone vs. saline – which is better?
Neither is universally “better” – each has advantages. Silicone typically feels more natural, while saline offers size adjustability and obvious rupture detection. Your surgeon will recommend based on your anatomy and goals.
How do I choose the right size?
Size selection considers your natural anatomy, tissue characteristics, and personal goals. During consultation, you’ll try sizers, see computer imaging, and discuss proportional balance with your surgeon.
Will my implants need to be replaced eventually?
Not necessarily. Many women keep their original implants for decades without issues. However, you should be prepared for the possibility of future surgery for replacement, adjustment, or removal.
Achieve Your Desired Look with Confidence
Schedule your consultation to explore personalized breast augmentation options tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.