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NEWPORT BEACH, CA

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RUBEN CASTRO MDPlastic Surgeon
180 Newport Center Drive, Suite 170
Newport Beach, CA 92660
@rubencastromd

Content is for informational purposes only and does not establish a physician-patient relationship or constitute medical advice. Always consult a physician for medical concerns. Individual results vary; images may feature models or actual patients and do not guarantee specific outcomes.

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Breast Augmentation

Enhance volume and shape with premium implants.

Breast Augmentation - Our Approach

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.

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The Ideal Candidate

  • Desire for increased volume and improved breast shape
  • Loss of breast fullness following pregnancy or weight loss
  • Asymmetry where one breast is naturally smaller than the other
  • Desire for a more proportionate silhouette

Procedure Quick Facts

AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia
Estimated Duration1–1.5 hours
Downtime7–10 days
Return to WorkMost 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 done under general anesthesia through an inframammary, periareolar, or transaxillary incision based on patient anatomy and surgeon preference. The dual-plane technique - in which the implant is positioned partially beneath the pectoralis major superiorly and directly behind the gland inferiorly - is used most often, optimizing upper pole coverage while allowing natural ptosis correction over time. The pocket is created using careful hemostasis and irrigation with triple-antibiotic solution. Implant selection (profile, size, and shape) is determined through detailed measurements and 3D imaging during the consultation.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is a good fit for healthy women who want more size, better shape, or better symmetry. Candidates include women who have experienced volume loss following pregnancy or weight fluctuation, those with natural breast hypoplasia, and those seeking improved symmetry. Patients should be at a stable weight for at least six months and not planning pregnancy in the near future to ensure durable results.

Recovery

Recovery from breast augmentation is typically straightforward. A supportive surgical bra is worn continuously for three to four weeks. The first three to five days involve the most significant tightness and soreness, particularly with submuscular placement. Most patients are comfortable returning to desk work within five to seven days. Light activity resumes at two weeks, while high-impact exercise and heavy lifting are restricted for six weeks. Implants soften and settle into their final position 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

Risks include capsular contracture - the most common long-term complication - in which scar tissue hardens around the implant. Other risks include implant rupture, malposition, rotation, rippling, and changes in nipple sensation. FDA guidance recommends periodic MRI screening for silent silicone rupture beginning at five to six years post-implantation. All risks are discussed in detail during the preoperative consultation.

  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant rupture or deflation
  • Implant malposition or rotation
  • Rippling or palpability
  • Changes in nipple sensation
  • Infection
  • Need for revision surgery

Alternatives to Breast Augmentation

Patients with breast ptosis in addition to volume deficiency typically require a concurrent mastopexy for optimal results; implants alone cannot correct true sagging. Natural fat grafting to the breast provides a modest, organic volume enhancement without implants but offers less predictable projection. For patients averse to implants, fat transfer is the most viable surgical alternative.

Breast Reduction vs Breast Augmentation

Breast Reduction

Implant Exchange vs Breast Augmentation

Implant Exchange

Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation

Breast Lift

Augmentation with Lift vs Breast Augmentation

Augmentation with Lift

Mommy Makeover vs Breast Augmentation

Mommy Makeover

Related Procedures

  • Breast Lift
  • Augmentation with Lift
  • Implant Exchange
  • Mommy Makeover

Medical Sources

  • Ten-year results from the Natrelle 410 anatomical form-stable silicone breast implant core studyAesthetic Surgery Journal
  • Five-Year Safety Data for More than 55,000 Subjects following Breast Implantation: Comparison of Rare Adverse Event Rates with Silicone Implants versus National Norms and Saline ImplantsPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery

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.

Performed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California

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