Breast Augmentation

EXPERIENCE PURE AESTHETICS^™ FOR YOUR BREASTS

Trends in plastic surgery come and go, but breast augmentation has consistently remained one of the world’s top procedures. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), 2.2 million breast augmentations were performed in 2022, up 29% from 2021.

It’s easy to see why breast augmentation is so popular — nearly every aspect of the procedure is customizable, and it has an unmatched ability to enhance the contours of the upper body. Whether you want to reconstruct your breasts after a mastectomy or simply enhance their size and shape, the experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons at PURE Plastic Surgery are here to help you achieve the beautiful, personalized results you’ve always wanted.

WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY?

Breast augmentation, known formally as augmentation mammoplasty, is a highly personalized surgical procedure that uses breast implants to enhance the size, shape and volume of the breasts. Placed just below the chest muscle or breast tissue, breast implants come in a variety of sizes and materials to help you reach your goals. They may be either round or teardrop-shaped, filled with saline or silicone, and provide bold or more natural results.

To ensure the best look, your surgeon will help you choose implants that provide the most symmetry and volume while also taking into account the natural proportions of your body. During your consultation, our team will guide you through the available breast implant options and develop a treatment plan that results in a fuller, larger and more pleasing appearance.

Reasons for Choosing Breast Augmentation:

• You want to increase the size, volume and fullness of the breasts
• You want to improve overall breast shape and symmetry
• Your breasts have lost firmness due to weight loss, pregnancy or aging
• You’re looking to reconstruct the breasts following a mastectomy
• You want to feel confident about your appearance and body contours
• You want to fill out lingerie, bikinis and other types of clothing

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?

If you’re unhappy with your current breast size, shape or symmetry, you might want to consider breast augmentation surgery. Some women choose to undergo this procedure after pregnancy to restore a fuller bust, while others are looking to accentuate their natural curves. No matter what your goals are, ideal candidates for breast augmentation include women who:

• Are bothered by the appearance of their breasts
• Have smaller, uneven or less voluminous breasts
• Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are in good health with no serious underlying medical concerns
• Want to improve their confidence and self-esteem
• Have realistic expectations about their results

Because the breasts can continue to grow throughout your 20s, candidates must be 18 or older to receive saline implants and 22 or older to receive silicone implants. Anyone who wants to feel more confident about their appearance, have better breast projection and achieve a fuller, more rounded breast shape is a great candidate for breast augmentation surgery.

BREAST AUGMENTATION OR BREAST LIFT?

If you’re concerned about sagging breasts in addition to size issues, combining a breast lift with breast implants can create beautiful results. Implants add volume but won’t lift the breasts. This is something you’ll want to discuss during your consultation. If you’re happy with the size of your breasts, a breast lift alone can create a perkier breast shape.

Your Options in Breast Augmentation

When considering breast augmentation, there are numerous options available to create a look that’s all your own. The material, size and placement of your implants can significantly impact your final results. At PURE, our team will thoroughly evaluate your goals to guide you through the selection process, helping you achieve the look you’ve always envisioned.

Breast Implant Materials

The two types of available breast implants are saline and silicone. Saline implants feature an outer “shell” made from silicone that gets filled with a sterile solution after being placed in the chest, allowing for highly customizable size adjustments. In contrast, silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Both options can deliver exceptional results.

Breast Implant Sizes

Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) rather than traditional cup sizes. They range from as small as 120cc up to a much larger 800cc, with most women opting for breast implants between 300cc and 400cc. Generally, each 150-250cc increase adds about one to one-and-a-half cups to your current breast size. The ideal size will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, body type, height and chest width to ensure natural-looking results.

Incision Location

There are four main incision options for breast augmentation: inframammary (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), transaxillary (through the armpit), and transumbilical (through the belly button). Each technique has its own advantages and considerations. During your consultation, our team will help you choose the most suitable incision based on your individual needs and goals, ensuring minimal scarring and the best possible results.

Breast Implant Placement

Breast implants can be positioned behind the breast tissue in front of the chest muscle (subglandular) or beneath the chest muscle (submuscular). While inserting the breast implant below the chest muscle involves a longer recovery, a majority of implants are placed this way for better results. This technique is often recommended for women with less natural breast tissue, as it offers better coverage and a more natural look. Subglandular placement, preferred by some athletes, reduces the impact of muscle movement on the breast implant. The best placement for you will be determined by your specific anatomy and lifestyle.

Other Breast Implant Options

• Round Implants: A great option for sagging breasts, round implants are the most common type selected. They provide increased projection for more dramatic cleavage. There are several different types of round implants that can work for your body type.
• Smooth Implants: These implants are soft and moveable. They give the appearance of moving with you, leading to a more natural feel and look.
• Silicone Gel Implants: Also known as gummy bear implants, these have a highly cohesive gel that makes up the implant. These implants hold their shape even if they have no outer silicone shell. They are a firm and durable choice for your breast surgery.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION?

To ensure the best results, it’s important to choose a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon like Drs. Earle, Vidal, or Wegerif to perform your breast augmentation. You’ll also want a caring and competent staff to support you through the process and help you feel comfortable with your decision. Before your surgery, you’ll meet with our team virtually or in-person to discuss your goals and explore the options for enhancing your breast size and shape.

During this meeting, we will listen carefully to your wishes and examine your breasts to see if your desired outcome can be achieved. We may also take measurements of your breasts and body contours, and you will have the opportunity to view photos of real-life results. If we believe that breast augmentation is right for you, we will walk you through the procedure and what to expect from surgery. As you consider your options, we recommend bringing a list of questions to your consultations to ensure that all of your concerns are addressed as we move forward.

HOW DOES BREAST AUGMENTATION WORK?

Once you’re considered a candidate for breast augmentation surgery, you’ll be given instructions to follow before the day of your surgery. Make sure to follow these instructions closely as not to hold up or delay your surgery time or day. You’ll most likely have your breast augmentation surgery in an outpatient surgery center and will be able to go home the same day.

During your procedure, you can expect to be given general anesthesia that will prevent you from feeling any pain. Your surgery will be performed and you’ll be monitored until you wake up from anesthesia and are able to go home. You will have to have someone drive you home from surgery and present for your recovery at home for at least the first 24 to 48 hours.

CAN YOU COMBINE PROCEDURES?

Breast augmentation patients often combine body contouring procedures with augmentation. Women who have had children, for example, may get a tummy tuck and liposuction at the same time as breast augmentation. This combination surgery is typically called a mommy makeover. Combining procedures is safe when the surgery is performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. You can discuss your options during the consultation.

BREAST AUGMENTATION RESULTS*

Once your healing begins, you’ll be excited to see the first signs of your new breasts. At first, you may think your breasts are higher than expected, but it will take 3 months for your breasts to settle into their stable location. Do not wear an underwire bra during this time. You’ll want to make sure to follow up with your doctor to make sure your healing is on track and that everything looks great with your results.

You’ll want to continue to have follow-up appointments at least every 3 years to ensure your implants are holding up well and that you don’t have any other symptoms or complications.

BREAST AUGMENTATION RECOVERY*

After your procedure, you’ll be given instructions for your recovery, which might include pain management, healing, and looking for the following side effects:

• Excessive bleeding and bruising
• Redness or excessive pain
• Leaking of fluid or pus from the incision site that may signal an infection
• Scar tissue
• Movement of the implant
• Fever

​Other symptoms will be discussed with you before and after your surgery.

You can expect a good recovery after breast augmentation surgery, but you’ll want to craft some time to heal and give yourself a period of rest. After breast augmentation surgery, it may take at least a week before you’re able to resume any normal activities. You may want to schedule any time off of work ahead of your surgery because it may take up to two weeks to recover.

During your recovery, you’ll want to keep your breasts wrapped with a bandage and supported with a special bra while you heal and avoid underwire bras for up to 6 weeks after surgery. If you have stitches, your doctor will remove them and check on your healing. Your doctor will give you exact instructions for rest and recovery time, as well as the proper instructions for taking care of your breasts after surgery. You’ll most likely be able to shower 48 hours after surgery but will need someone present with you during that initial recovery time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the difference between breast augmentation and breast implants?

Breast augmentation is the name of the procedure that enhances the size of a woman’s breasts using breast implants. Implants are silicone shells that can be filled with either cohesive silicone gel or saline.

Can you get breast augmentation without implants?

Some surgeons perform breast augmentation with a technique called fat transfer, which uses the patient’s own fat to enhance the breasts. Because not all of the transferred fat survives the process, the results are not predictable. Dr. Earle does not perform fat transfer breast augmentation because of its limited effects and its inability to reshape the breasts the way breast implants can. Creams or other products you might see advertised do not augment the size of the breasts.

Can you breastfeed with implants?

Breast augmentation shouldn’t interfere with your ability to breastfeed an infant. If you’re planning to breastfeed, you should avoid getting incisions on the lower edge of the areolae because there is a slight risk of disrupting the breasts’ milk ducts.

Is breast enhancement surgery safe?

Breast augmentation surgery has an excellent track record for safety. Any surgical procedure involves some risks, but they are significantly reduced when your procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Earle.

Will I need to replace my breast implants eventually?

Even though breast implants are durable, they are not designed to last forever. Most breast augmentation patients either replace or remove their implants at some point. Implants can last 15 to 20 years, in general, and there is no need to replace them if you’re happy with the way they look and don’t have any complications.

What if I decide I want to remove my implants?

Women choose to remove their implants for various reasons. They may be at a different point in their lives and want smaller breasts, or they may find that implants limit an active lifestyle. Implant removal surgery, sometimes called explant surgery, is always an option. Because the implants may stretch the skin, you may need to have a breast lift when the implants are removed.

Is breast augmentation painful?

A general anesthetic is used during breast augmentation surgery to ensure patients remain comfortable during the procedure. Prescription pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers can manage any discomfort patients experience during the recovery process.