What Is Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase breast size and enhance breast shape, typically through the placement of silicone or saline breast implants.From a cosmetic surgeon’s perspective, the ultimate goal of breast augmentation is to enhance a patient’s natural proportions andcreate a more symmetrical,aesthetically pleasing breast profile. Theexact procedure is tailored to meet a woman’s individual needs.
There is no “typical” breast augmentation patient, and women choose to have the procedure for many different reasons—the desire to have larger breasts is just one of them. Breast augmentation is one of the most effective procedures to correct noticeable breast asymmetry, and breast implants can be used to help correct tuberous breast deformities. Other common goals of breast augmentation:
- Restoring breast fullness lost after pregnancy & breastfeeding
- Feeling more confident in a swimsuit
- Adding balance to better complement curvy hips
- Enhancing self-image
How To Choose A Qualified Cosmetic Surgeon
If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, the most important decision you’ll make is who will perform your procedure. When you visit a cosmetic surgeon, ask how many breast augmentations they have performed, and be sure to look at plenty of before and after photos during your consultation—this will help you get a feel for a cosmetic surgeon’s aesthetic style.
»SEARCH FOR AN ABCS COSMETIC SURGEON
Make sure your cosmetic surgeon is board certified; this ensures that they are specifically trained and experienced in cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation, and that your procedure will take place in an accredited facility, which is essential for your safety. Finally, don’t choose a breast augmentation surgeon based on price. You cannot put a price on your safety & results. Most cosmetic surgeons offer multiple financing options to help a patient fit breast augmentation into their budget.
Choices for Breast Implants
There’s never been a better time to have breast augmentation, as today you have more choices than everto help you customize your new look. Whether you’d like moredramatic curvesor a modestboost in cleavage, there’s an option for you.Hereare some choicesyou can expect to go over during your consultation process:
- Filling type: Saline, Silicone Gel, or Highly Cohesive Silicone “Gummy Bear” Implants. Neither is “best,” but there are some differences in cost, feel, and incision requirements that you need to consider. Your cosmetic surgeon will help you find the right implant type for you.
- Shape: Saline & Silicone Gel implants are typically round, while gummy bear implants come in shaped and round options. Round implants will typically achieve a fuller upper pole (the top portion of your breast), while shaped implants lend agently sloping look to your breast profile. Both can look very natural with a skilled cosmetic surgeon’s help.
- Profile: Your cosmetic surgeon will help you choose this based on your existing proportions and your goals. Generally, patients with a more petite frame will require a higher profile implant to achieve the desired size increase while ensuring the implants are not too wide at the base.
- Size: Breast implants range in size from about 150cc to 800cc or larger. Many patients require a different sized breast implant for each breast; this helps to achieve the best possible symmetry. The size you choose depends on your existing breast size, your personal goals, and your cosmetic surgeon’s recommendations.
Of course, all of these implant options make it even more important to choose a cosmetic surgeon who is well-qualified and has experience using a variety of breast implants.
Breast Implant Safety
In October 2021, the FDA announcednew breast implant safety guidelines for both manufacturers and surgeons. These guidelines are intended to enhance patient safety, increase transparency around the potential risks and side effects of breast implants, and ensure patients provide informed consent before receiving implants. With concerns over breast implant illness and other possible implant-related risks on the rise, these guidelines have largely been met with support from both patients and surgeons, including surgeons from the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
As an organization dedicated to enhancing patient safety, we wrote this post to help you make sense of these guidelines and understand potential risks associated with breast implants: What You Need to Know About the New FDA Breast Implant Guidelines.
Augmentation Without Implants: Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
While breast implants are the gold standard for improved breast shape and size, they are not the only way to increase breast volume: a small increase can be achieved without any implants, using your own fat.
Fat transfer breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves removing fat vialiposuctionfrom an area of the body such as the hips, flanks, stomach, or thighs and re-injecting that fat strategically into the breast to add volume. This technique can be customized to improve asymmetry, add cleavage, and/or increase volume up to about 1 cup size.
You are a good candidate for the aesthetic benefits that this procedure can provide if you identify with the following:
- You already are happy with your breast shape, but are looking for a small boost in volume; or, you want to add specific contour or symmetry to a small area.
- You are planning to keep your weight stable.
- You have some extra fat in the flanks, hips, or thighs.
- You prefer natural fat transfer over implants.
Learn more about fat transfer breast augmentation
Incision Options for Breast Augmentation
One common question that patients have before breast augmentation is, “What will my scars look like?” You’ll be glad to learn that an experienced, qualified cosmetic surgeon will use a surgical technique that places breast augmentation incisions so the resulting scars are easily hidden and inconspicuous, even to the patient themself. Depending on your anatomy and your desired outcome, your cosmetic surgeon will use one of the following incision techniques to place your breast implants:
- Inframammary.This involves a short incision made in the crease underneath the breast, called the inframammary fold. This leaves a thin, 1 to 2 inch scar that is easily concealed within the crease. Advantages of this incision type include a wider access point, allowing a cosmetic surgeon to place larger silicone implants or gummy bear implants with precision.
- Peri-areolar. The incision is made around the outer edge of the areola, so the resulting scar is located within this natural transition in pigmentation. Cosmetic surgeons will often use this incision type if they are also performing a mild to moderate breast lift at the same time.
- Trans-axillary. This involves a small incision made within the armpit, through which your cosmetic surgeon will place the breast implant using a specialized camera and instruments to ensure optimal placement.This leaves a small scar within the armpit but achieves a breast augmentation with no scar on the breast itself.
- Transumbilical. This technique involves an incision just above the belly button. Each breast implant is inserted through this incision and then brought up to the breast. Advantages of the transumbilical technique include a single scar with no scarring on the breast itself.
Results & Recovery: Life After Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure, typically performed using general anesthesia. You can expect to walk around on your own a few hoursafter surgery, and most patients feel up to leaving the house within the next day or two.
You may feel sore the first week or so, and you will need to limit strenuous exercise for about 2-4 weeks.Your cosmetic surgeon may also askyou to wear a supportive surgical bra or sports bra for a certain period of time after breast augmentation—it is crucial tofollowyour cosmetic surgeon’s instructions to ensure you heal optimally.
If your breast implants are placed partially beneath the pectoral muscle—the preferred method in most cases—your breasts may seem to sit high on the chest at first. This is normal, and your implants will settle into their optimal position over the next several weeks, with final results after a couple ofmonths.
Once you have your breast implants, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:
- It’s safe to have mammograms with breast implants, so be sure to maintainregular screening as prescribed by your doctor.
- For silicone implants, itis recommended that patients undergo periodic monitoring(via mammogram, ultrasound or MRI) to screen for ruptures, which are rare.
- Future pregnancies or weight fluctuations may affect your results, and a secondary surgery may be needed to correct any changes you are unhappy with over time.
- Nothing can stop the normal aging process; over time, breast tissue will change. You can help prevent unnecessary sagging by wearing a bra with adequatesupport for your activity level.
Find Board Certified Breast Surgeons Near You
When performed by a qualified cosmetic surgeon, breast augmentation is a safe surgery with long-lasting results, and theoverwhelming number of patients are very glad they chose to have the procedure.The best way to decidewhether or not breast augmentation is right for you is to meet with a board certified cosmetic surgeon for a consultation. You can find cosmetic surgeons in your area by using our ABCS Find-a-Surgeon tool.
FAQs
Who is the Kardashians plastic surgeon? ›
Working with the Kardashians. Informally known as the “Plastic Surgeon to the stars,” Dr. Fisher has done work on several members of the Kardashian family, who have raved about their results in interviews on TV.
What is the cheapest state to get breast implants? ›The cheapest state to get breast augmentation
If you're looking to get a breast augmentation, then states such as South Carolina, Kansas, and Montana are some of the most affordable options. With average costs ranging from $2,500 to $11,000, you can get the breast size you want without breaking the bank.
On average, today's implants are designed to last more than a decade, with the chance of rupture increasing by one percent each year. So, the older your implants are, the greater your risk of rupture or other complications. In many cases, breast implants can remain in good shape for 20 years or more.
What is the difference between breast augmentation and implants? ›For example, breast augmentation refers to breast enhancement surgery that's meant to improve the breast's fullness, shape, and contours. Breast implants refer to the medical prostheses that are inserted into the breasts during breast augmentation surgery.
What Plastic Surgeon did Kylie Jenner go to? ›Kylie Jenner's Plastic Surgeon Dr. Simon Ourian Praises Kylie's Metamorphosis.
Who is considered the best Plastic Surgeon in the US? ›Garth Fisher, M.D.™, is a world-renowned Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years experience, who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is one of the most widely known and altogether best plastic surgeons in the US. His office is located in Beverly Hills, California, USA. Dr.
What is the Gummy Bear implant? ›In contrast to Round Implants, Gummy Bear Implants are thicker at the bottom and tapered towards the top – giving them the shape of a teardrop. Gummy Bear Implants also contain a thick silicone gel to maintain the implant shape and offer additional firmness.
How do I get my breast implants paid for? ›- Your plastic surgeon's payment plan options. ...
- Personal credit cards. ...
- Personal loans from a bank or credit union. ...
- Out of pocket or savings accounts. ...
- Crowdfunding online. ...
- Crowdfunding offline: Friends and family gifts and donations. ...
- Save up.
There is no age limit for breast surgery. People can get breast implant surgery or surgery to lift breasts at any age. You may choose breast implants to improve your appearance.
At what age should you not get breast implants? ›It is not uncommon for women in their 40s and 50s to undergo breast augmentation with beautiful results. While there is technically no age limit for this procedure, there are some things to consider in terms of your age and how it may relate to successful outcomes and certain risk factors.
Who should not get breast implants? ›
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram.
- You're ill or battling an infection.
- You have unrealistic expectations for post-surgery results.
However, you can generally expect the breast implants to feel very similar to natural breasts. In most cases, silicone breast implants are reported to feel more like natural breast tissue than saline options. However, all breast implants can deliver great outcomes.
Are fake breasts worth it? ›Breast Implants Boost Your Self-Esteem and Confidence
One of the greatest reasons why getting breast implants is worth it is the boost in self-confidence patients get following the procedure. Many women who come in for breast implants are incredibly self-conscious about the size and shape of their breasts.
Gummy bear implants are a type of silicone implant made from a form-stable, cohesive gel. Their unique filling material and teardrop shape provide the most natural-looking results of all breast implant options.
Which Kardashians have breast implants? ›Kim Kardashian
Except for this well-known butt operation, she had also breast augmentation (boob job), liposuction, and fat transfer surgery to her face. Plastic surgeons are like her best friends who are helping her to be more and more attractive and popular with her perfect look.
At the top of our list is Dr. Terry Dubrow, a reconstructive surgery expert in Newport Beach, California. With over 35 years of surgical experience, this 64 year old doctor is regarded as one of the world's greatest plastic surgeons. He's not afraid to show it in public either.
What state is number 1 in plastic surgery? ›Google Relative Search Volume, concentration of plastic surgeons, and Surgical Demand Index for each state. Table 1. State-by-state characteristics on search volume, surgeons, and population. California has the most surgeons at 765 and Wyoming the fewest at 3.
What is the best state to get plastic surgery in? ›The state that's most obsessed with cosmetic surgery turned out to be Florida. Of course, this isn't a particularly surprising result considering the fact that, as we've already mentioned, it appears in the top ten for every type of surgery (and within the top five for all but one of them).
Where is the best place to get plastic surgery in the US? ›Los Angeles, California. Although Los Angeles only has about three or four plastic surgeons per 100,000 people, many of these surgeons are some of the highest-rated in the country. More than 130 plastic surgeons in California were on the “U.S. News List of Top Doctors,” and 32 were on the “America's Top Doctors” list.
What is the healthiest breast implant? ›Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered safe. Research on how safe both types of implants are and how well they work is ongoing.
What are the softest breast implants? ›
Silicone breast implants are the softest type of available breast implants. They feel a lot like natural breast tissue and are available in round shape.
Which breast implants were recalled? ›Understanding the Recall of Allergan Breast Implants
The recall was the result of a request by the FDA after the federal agency had linked the breast implants to the risk of developing BIA-ALCL. Women who have been affected by the recall of Allergan breast implants might have options for compensation.
Silicone implants require a larger incision and cannot be adjusted after placement. On the other hand, silicone implants look and feel more natural, even when placed above the muscles of the chest, and are unlikely to ripple, wrinkle, bisect, or otherwise become aesthetically impacted.
Where is the best place to get a boob job? ›- Turkey. When considering the best place to get a boob job, Turkey is a top choice. ...
- Czech Republic. ...
- Croatia. ...
- Lithuania. ...
- Mexico. ...
- Thailand. ...
- United Kingdom.
Sheyla Hershey, a 28-year-old Houston, Texas resident, now has the largest breast implants in the world, according to Fox News. And they're big - really, really big: size 38KKK. It took an entire gallon of silicon. "To me, big is beautiful.
How much money should I save for a boob job? ›The Aesthetic Society estimates that the national average surgeon's fee alone is $4,866, while RealSelf estimates the average breast augmentation cost, including surgeon's fee, operating room, and anesthesia fees, at $6,550.
How much is a boob job in the US? ›According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery's Statistics Report, the average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,516. However, that price includes only the procedure itself and does not account for hospital or surgical center costs, anesthesia, operating room, the surgeon's fee or other related expenses.
What is the average size of breast implants? ›The average breast implant size is 300 to 360 cc. For most women, this is enough to give them the fuller shape they've been looking for without looking drastic on their frame.
Can a 70 year old woman get a boob job? ›Any woman desiring breast augmentation is qualified for the procedure, regardless of age. Statistics show that over 50% of the women having breast augmentation are aged 35 years to 50 years. Most plastic surgery doctors have done breast augmentation procedures on women who are even above 70 years old.
What time of year is best for breast implants? ›When Is The Best Time To Get a Breast Augmentation. If your goal is to look your best by summer, the best time for breast augmentation surgery is usually winter. It often takes several months before you are healed, the swelling goes down, and your full results are apparent.
Do breast implants sag after 10 years? ›
Breast Implants Will Settle into Place
Sagging will happen over time as the breast tissue begins aging. The larger the implants are, the quicker sagging will occur. However, breast augmentation surgery results will make breasts look great for many years, and sagging is not imminent until 10+ years later in most cases.
Want a Confidence Boost– Your children are growing up and your body has undergone many changes since your 20s. Many women in their 50s choose breast augmentation to rediscover confidence. Yes, you're older, but you can still look great!
Do breast implants ever look normal? ›Breast implants generally take six weeks to three months to adjust and look natural. Like many other things in life, they're well worth the wait. The length of the adjustment period depends on a few different factors, such as your age and how much swelling you experience.
What happens if you don't do your breast implants? ›If implants are removed without replacement, there is often a breast volume and skin mismatch causing breast droopiness or “ptosis.” Due to this fact, for those interested in breast implant removal without replacement, their breasts may not look the same as they did before undergoing breast augmentation.
What percentage of people have problems with breast implants? ›The following complications occur in at least 1 percent of breast implant patients at any time. Some of these complications will require medical treatment or further surgery to correct them: asymmetry regarding shape, size, or level of the breasts. pain in the nipple or breast area.
What is the shooting pain in breast implants? ›Zingers are the term used to describe the shooting, burning, sharp, intermittent sensations that women experience after a breast augmentation. This nerve hypersensitivity feels almost like a mini electric shock. Zingers only last a second or two but for women who aren't expecting them it can be quite scary.
Can the body reject breast implants? ›Can the body reject breast implants? There is no rejection of breast implants. An infection may result in requiring the removal of the implants, but this is not a rejection. Scar tissue around the breast implant is not a sign of rejection.
What doctor does Kim Kardashian use? ›Simon Ourian. The famous doctor has often appeared on the show as Kim and her sisters visit his Beverly Hills clinic, Epione.
Who is Kendall's Plastic Surgeon? ›In photos exclusively obtained by The Sun, The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star kept her head down as she walked out of a building where plastic surgeon Dr Jason B Diamond has an office.
How much does Dr Simon Ourian charge? ›Ourian can cost upwards of $6,000. (The average across the country is well over $1,000.)
Has Kim done liposuction? ›
Kim Kardashian & liposuction
The first procedure she did was “BBL” surgery, “thigh lift”, “breast implants”, and also later performed liposuction from the abdomen and injected it in the buttocks.
The disease most frequently occurs between the ages of 15 and 35, but can appear at any time. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is known that genetics and the immune system play a large role in developing the disease. Kim appears equally shocked to learn there is no cure for psoriasis.
Who is the best breast lift surgeon in the world? ›Kaveh Alizadeh, New York, America. Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh has performed breast lift surgery in New York City as a board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for over twenty years.
What is the Fox eye lift? ›To get the fox eye look, a board certified surgeon lifts the outer corner of the eye and positions it higher, making a slight angle that resembles a fox's eye and creates an elegant arch. It doesn't affect the patient's vision, but builds a permanent shape that is both beautiful and beguiling.
Who is the most famous celebrity dermatologist? ›DR JAISHREE SHARAD is India's leading celebrity cosmetic dermatologist.
How much does Dr Simon Ourian charge for BBL? ›💵National Average Cost: $15k-$60k depending on the method used and the amount of dermal fillers and enlargement desired. 💳 Initial Private Consultation: $500 credited towards the cost of the treatment.