A breast augmentation surgery, sometimes called a “breast aug” or “boob job” by patients, involves using breast implants to increase the size of your breasts. This procedure can also restore your breast volume/shape/projection after pregnancy, breast feeding, or weight loss. Breast implants can also be used to correct asymmetry or developmental disorders of the breast.
Breast augmentation patients are often pleased by the increased fullness and projection of their breasts, the improved balance of breast and hip contours, and an overall enhancement of self-image and confidence.
Unfortunately, a breast augmentation cannot correct sagging of breast tissue. However, breast implants can be added to a breast lift procedure to help patients achieve the look they desire.
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if:
- You are physically healthy, with fully developed breasts, and are not pregnant or breast feeding
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
- You are unhappy with the loss of shape and/or volume after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging
- You have development asymmetry, or your breasts have failed to develop a natural appearance
We encourage patients to visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for surgery, review their specific surgical options, and learn more about the procedure. Be prepared to discuss your augmentation surgical goals and desired outcome. Your surgeon will need to know your medical history, current medications, allergies, family history of breast cancer, and any results from previous mammograms or breast procedures. The surgeon will examine and measure your breasts, including detailed analysis of size/shape/position. Breast photographs will also be taken at this time. After visiting with you and performing this examination, your surgeon will discuss options and a recommended treatment course. This will include likely outcomes and potential risks of the surgery.
Breast augmentation surgery is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgery involves (once fully asleep/anesthetized) placing a small inconspicuous incision on the breast, creating a pocket beneath the breast for implant placement, selection/placement of the desired breast implant, and suture closure of the incision. Surgical details such as implant type (saline or silicone), incision size/location, and implant placement above or below the pectoralis muscle will be determined at your preoperative appointment.
After surgery, you will be sent home with prescription medications (pain medications and antibiotics), in a postoperative bra, and with a detailed set of postop instructions. Within a week, you will be asked to return to the clinic to be evaluated by your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will want to ensure your recovery is going as expected. Most patients are off pain medications in 2-3 days, back to work in 1 week or less, and return to more normal levels of activity in 4-6 weeks.
This surgery is considered cosmetic and is not covered by most health insurance companies. The cost of this procedure will include surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, facility fees and the purchase of your breast implants.