Breast Augmentation
Enhance volume and shape with premium implants.
What Is a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation adds volume and shape with implants chosen for your frame and goals. Whether you desire a subtle increase in volume or a more dramatic transformation, we utilize the latest generation of cohesive gel implants to ensure a soft, natural feel.
Request a Private ConsultationThe Ideal Candidate
- Desire for more breast volume or improved breast shape
- Volume loss after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change
- Natural breast asymmetry or one breast smaller than the other
- Stable weight and realistic size goals
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia
- Estimated Duration
- 1–1.5 hours
- Downtime
- 7–10 days
- Return to Work
- Most patients comfortably return to desk or sedentary work within five to seven days. Those in physically active professions typically require two to four weeks.
Surgical Technique
Breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia through an incision under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit depending on anatomy and the surgical plan. In many patients, the implant is placed partly under the chest muscle to provide better upper-breast coverage and a natural shape. The implant space is created carefully to control bleeding and reduce infection risk. Implant size, profile, and shape are selected using measurements, anatomy, and 3D imaging from the consultation. The goal is a balanced result that fits the patient's frame rather than simply choosing the largest implant possible.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a good fit for healthy patients who want more breast volume, improved shape, or better symmetry. It works best when the breast and nipple position are already acceptable; patients with true drooping may need a breast lift or augmentation with lift. Stable weight and avoiding pregnancy in the near future help make results more predictable.
Recovery
Breast augmentation recovery is usually straightforward. A supportive surgical bra is worn for about three to four weeks. Tightness and soreness are usually most noticeable during the first three to five days, especially when implants are placed partly under the muscle. Many patients return to desk work within five to seven days. Light activity resumes around two weeks, while high-impact exercise and heavy lifting are avoided for about six weeks. Implants soften and settle over three to six months.
Acute Recovery
Rest with limited arm movement. Surgical bra worn. Pain and tightness managed with medication, especially with submuscular placement.
Return to Routine
Return to desk work and daily activities. Swelling diminishes. Implants begin to drop and settle.
Activity Expansion
Light lower body cardio may resume. Upper body restrictions begin to lift under surgeon guidance.
Final Result
Full activity resumed. Implants reach final position. Upper pole softens to natural appearance over 3–6 months.
Breast Augmentation Risks & Considerations
Breast augmentation risks include capsular contracture, which means scar tissue around the implant tightens or hardens, as well as implant rupture or deflation, implant malposition or rotation, rippling, and changes in nipple sensation. Infection is uncommon but may require additional treatment or implant removal. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, so revision surgery may be needed in the future. FDA guidance recommends periodic imaging for silent silicone implant rupture, starting several years after surgery.
- Capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant)
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Implant malposition or rotation
- Rippling or implant edge visibility
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Infection
- Need for future revision surgery
Alternatives to Breast Augmentation
If breast volume is low but the breast position is good, augmentation alone may be appropriate. If the nipple and breast tissue sit low, a breast lift or augmentation with lift may be needed because implants alone do not reliably correct true drooping. Fat transfer can add modest volume without implants in selected patients, but it usually provides less projection and size change.
Breast Augmentation Patient Guides
Medical Sources
Breast Augmentation - Frequently Asked Questions
- Saline vs Silicone: which is better?
- Silicone gel implants are often preferred for their more natural feel and look, while saline implants can be filled through smaller incisions.
- When can I return to work?
- Most patients return to sedentary office work within five to seven days after surgery.
- Will I need to replace my implants?
- Implants are not considered lifetime devices, but they only need to be replaced if a complication occurs or if you desire a change in size.
- Can I breastfeed after augmentation?
- Most women with breast implants can successfully breastfeed, as the implants are typically placed beneath the milk ducts.
Ready to talk through your options?
Every plan begins with a conversation about your anatomy, your goals, and whether this is genuinely the right procedure for you.
Schedule a ConsultationPerformed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California