Breast Augmentation

Most of us would like to alter at least one aspect of our appearance in order to look and feel our very best. For some, it’s losing a little bit of weight. For others, it’s getting a tan. This is all well and good, but if you’re one of the many women who would like to enhance the size of their breasts, you know this is something you can’t do on your own. Although padded bras may work temporarily, you want a real solution. Look no further than breast augmentation!

Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Northstate Plastic Surgery in Chico, CA are committed to providing first-class procedures with natural-looking results, and breast augmentation is no exception. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more information about what breast augmentation can do for you.

What Is Breast Augmentation? 

Breast augmentation has many names, including augmentation mammaplasty, breast enlargement and breast implants. The procedure is designed to increase or restore breast size using silicone gel implants, saline implants or, in some cases, a fat transfer procedure. This is by far one of the most popular and frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures out there, and for good reason. Although the results vary from patient to patient, breast augmentation has a long and successful track record in satisfying women who wish to enhance or restore balance to their figures.

What Breast Augmentation Treats

Breast augmentation addresses several physical concerns beyond size alone.

• Underdeveloped Breasts: Breasts that did not fully develop during puberty, a condition called micromastia.
• Breast Asymmetry: Noticeable size or position differences between your two breasts.
• Tuberous Breast Deformity: A shape irregularity where breasts appear narrow and cone-shaped.
• Volume Loss After Nursing: Deflated breast tissue that follows pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Congenital Breast Differences: Structural variations present from birth that affect breast shape.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation? 

Increased Breast Size

Implants and fat transfer both add volume to create a fuller chest. You will be able to choose the amount of added size, and your surgeon will help you find the right option based on your frame and your goals.

Improved Breast Symmetry

Few women have perfectly matched breasts, but some have more noticeable asymmetry than others. Augmentation evens out differences in size or position so both breasts look more balanced in and out of clothing. We can use two different-sized implants when needed to provide more symmetry.

Restored Volume After Weight Loss or Pregnancy

Pregnancy, nursing and major weight changes often leave breast tissue deflated. Augmentation replaces that lost fullness and rebuilds a shape closer to what you had before.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation can be beneficial in many different situations. Whether you simply want a better-proportioned figure or you want your clothing to fit better, this procedure could work for you. It’s often used after pregnancy or weight loss since both of these things can affect the size and shape of the breasts.

Generally speaking, good candidates for breast augmentation are:

• Are in good overall health
• Have realistic expectations regarding the procedure, recovery and results
• Are unhappy with the size and/or shape of their breasts

Choosing the Right Implant

One of the most important decisions throughout the breast augmentation preparation process is the implant that will be used during the surgery. While patients are often thinking about size, there are many other options that Dr. Kevin Myers will guide you through. 

Breast Implant Types 

Saline Implants

Saline implants have sterile salt water inside a silicone outer shell. Dr. Myers inserts each shell while empty, then fills it once it sits in place, which allows for a smaller incision. If a saline implant leaks, your body harmlessly absorbs the salt water and the breast deflates, making it easy to tell if a saline implant has failed. Patients need to be at least 18 for saline implants.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants contain a soft gel that has a texture close to natural breast tissue. Many patients choose them for a softer result, especially those with thinner breast tissue. A silicone leak stays contained within the shell, so patients need regular monitoring to make sure the implant is intact. These implants are approved for patients 22 and older.

Breast Implant Shapes

Round Implants

Round implants have the same amount of volume on the top as they do on the bottom. Some types of round silicone implants can provide more noticeable cleavage and upper pole fullness, while others naturally become more teardrop-shaped due to gravity. This will depend on how firm the silicone gel of the implant is. The choice will depend on the type of look you are hoping to achieve. They are symmetrical, so rotation does not impact the look of the implant.

Teardrop Implants

Teardrop implants, also called anatomical implants, have more volume at the bottom to mimic a natural breast slope. These implants have a textured surface that keeps them from rotating in the breast cavity.

Breast Implant Profile Options

Profile describes how far the implant projects from your chest.

• Low Profile: Low profile implants project the least and spread wider across the chest. They suit patients with a broader frame who want modest projection.
• Moderate Profile: Moderate profile implants offer a middle ground between width and projection. This is a common choice because it looks balanced on most body types.
• High Profile: High profile implants project the most from a narrower base. They create prominent forward fullness and suit patients with a slim chest wall.

Choosing the Right Implant Size

Implant size is measured in cubic centimeters rather than cup size, since cup size varies too much by bra brand. Dr. Myers will talk to you about your chest width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity and body proportions when recommending a range. During your consultation at Northstate Plastic Surgery, you can try sizers inside a bra to preview different volumes. Going larger than your tissue can support may lead to sagging or visible rippling, and you will also need to consider how the size of your implants will impact your lifestyle and comfort over the years, as they are long-term devices.

Breast Augmentation Incision Locations

Inframammary Incision

This incision sits in the fold under the breast. It gives your surgeon direct access for precise implant placement and works with all implant types. The scar hides within the natural crease and stays covered by most bras and swimwear.

Periareolar Incision

This incision follows the edge of the areola where the darker skin meets lighter skin. The scar blends into the color change and becomes hard to see once healed. It offers good control during placement.

Transaxillary Incision

This incision is made in the armpit, leaving no scar on the breast itself. While less often used, patients who want to avoid any marking on the breast often ask about this method.

Breast Implant Placement Options

Submuscular Placement

With submuscular placement, your surgeon positions the implant partly beneath the chest muscle. This adds tissue coverage over the implant, which softens the upper edge and lowers the chance of visible rippling. It can also make mammograms easier to read. Recovery tends to take a little longer because the muscle is involved.

Subglandular Placement

With subglandular placement, the implant sits above the chest muscle and behind the breast tissue. This approach often means a shorter recovery and can suit patients with enough natural tissue for coverage. It also works well for athletic patients who use their chest muscles heavily.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

A fat transfer augmentation uses your own fat instead of implants to enlarge the breasts. During this type of augmentation, Dr. Myers removes fat from one area, usually the abdomen or thighs, through liposuction, purifies it and then injects it into the breasts. Fat transfer augmentation provides a more modest increase than implants, usually up to one cup size, and results are soft and natural-looking. The fat that is placed in the breast feels natural and establishes its own blood supply for long-lasting results, and the liposuction thins areas with stubborn fat. 

The Breast Augmentation Consultation

Your first visit starts with a talk about what you want from surgery, along with a review of your health background, the medications you take and any operations you have had. Dr. Myers evaluates your breast tissue, takes chest measurements and walks you through all of the options discussed above to find an implant and placement that suits your build. 

During this time, you can also look through before and after photos of past patients and use sizers in your bra to preview different volumes. We take clinical photographs for your file, and you can bring all of your questions about healing and pricing to this appointment so you leave with the information you need to decide.

How to Prepare for Breast Augmentation

Dr. Myers will give you complete instructions weeks ahead of your surgery so you can begin adequately preparing. Your instructions may include the following:

• Pause any medications and supplements that thin your blood. This includes ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil, naproxen, vitamin E oil, ginkgo biloba, ginseng and turmeric.
• Get any lab work done that Dr. Myers requires and a baseline mammogram, depending on your age. 
• Avoid alcohol for several days before surgery
• Ask someone to drive you to and from the surgery and stay with you for 24 hours 
• Prepare a comfortable recovery space with everything you need close by
• Pick up any prescriptions before surgery day
• Prepare some easy freezer meals for quick and easy nourishment after surgery

What to Expect on Surgery Day

Breast augmentation is an outpatient surgery, meaning you go home the same day. Dr. Myers performs this surgery under general anesthesia, allowing you to sleep through the operation and feel nothing. Once you are asleep, Dr. Myers will make the incision at the planned location and create a pocket using special tools to allow for space to put the implant. This pocket will either be under or over the chest muscle.

Once the implant is in position, your surgeon will check for symmetry in size and shape before closing up the incisions. The area will be covered with tape or a surgical dressing. This process will take one to two hours, and then you will wake up in a recovery area where our staff will monitor you until you are ready to go home. 

Your Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline

First Week After Surgery

Expect soreness and swelling along with a tight feeling across the chest during the first week. You can manage this pain with over-the-counter medications or prescriptions. You will wear a support bra during this time to keep your breasts in place and minimize swelling. Prioritize rest at home and avoid lifting anything heavy; you can take short walks to help with healthy circulation.

First Month After Surgery

Swelling gradually goes down and your discomfort will fade and allow you to get back to more activities. You will likely be able to return to desk work within one to two weeks. Keep wearing your compression garment as long as Dr. Myers recommends and continue avoiding more strenuous activities or lifting during this time.

Long Term Healing

Implants settle into a more natural-looking position over three to six months as the tissue relaxes, a process often called drop and fluff. You will notice your scars fading over the following year, flattening and going from a brighter pink line to a lighter tone. Dr. Myers will see you for follow-up visits to track your healing and results during this time.

Breast Augmentation Risks and Complications

Breast augmentation is commonly performed, but comes with standard surgical risks. Complications include bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia and slow healing. Implants include the risk of capsular contracture, when scar tissue tightens around the implant and firms the breast. Implants can also rupture, shift or cause rippling. 

Combination Procedures

Many patients pair breast augmentation with other surgeries in one operation.

Breast Lift With Augmentation

Augmentation adds volume but does not lift sagging breasts. A breast lift removes loose skin and raises the breasts to a higher position. Combining the two adds fullness and improves position at the same time, which suits patients with drooping after pregnancy or weight loss.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover groups breast augmentation with body surgeries that address changes from pregnancy. It commonly includes a tummy tuck and liposuction alongside breast work. One recovery period covers several areas at once.

Liposuction

Liposuction removes stubborn fat from areas like the abdomen or flanks. Pairing it with augmentation refines your overall shape. The removed fat can also be purified and used for a fat transfer to the breasts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Augmentation

How much does breast augmentation cost?

Cost depends on your implant type, surgical technique and whether you combine other surgeries. It typically covers the surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee and implants, or the fat transfer if applicable. We provide a quote at your consultation once Dr. Myers knows all the details of your surgery, and will discuss financing options. Insurance rarely covers cosmetic augmentation, though reconstruction after mastectomy may qualify.

How long do breast implants last and will I need to replace them?

Implants often last ten years or longer without issue. You would only need to replace them if a rupture, complication or a change in your goals occurs.

How long does breast augmentation surgery take?

Most breast augmentation surgeries take one to two hours. Adding a breast lift or other combined surgery extends that time. You go home the same day once you recover from anesthesia.

Will breast augmentation affect breastfeeding?

Most women can still breastfeed after augmentation. The inframammary and transaxillary incisions avoid the milk ducts. The periareolar incision carries a higher chance of affecting milk supply. Tell Dr. Myers if future breastfeeding matters to you so you can discuss this in more detail.

Will my implants feel natural?

Silicone implants feel closest to natural tissue. Placement under the muscle and having more of your own tissue over the implant both add to a natural feel. Your surgeon helps match these choices to your frame.

Can I get an MRI with breast implants?

Yes, you can have an MRI with implants. The FDA recommends periodic MRI or ultrasound screening for silicone implants to check for a silent rupture. Always tell imaging staff that you have implants.

Why Choose Northstate Plastic Surgery?

At Northstate Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kevin Myers brings training from Columbia University and a hand and microsurgery fellowship at San Francisco’s Buncke Clinic to patients right here in Chico. He treats every consultation as its own conversation and spends as much time as it takes to understand your goals and answer your questions in detail. His patient and compassionate approach is why so many people across the North State trust him with their care.

Moving Forward with Breast Augmentations

If you’re ready to explore your options regarding breast augmentations, set up a consultation at Northstate Plastic Surgery in Chico, CA. Our experienced and friendly staff is at the ready to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started!

For more information, feel free to visit The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.