Breast Augmentation in South Bay, CA
Women of all ages are aware that their breasts enhance their feminine curves, increase their sexual attractiveness and help create a proportionate body shape. With small breasts, some individuals feel they lack these attractive curves and desire a balanced frame. Breast augmentation can increase the size and improve the shape of unattractive breasts as well as achieving more appropriate bodily proportions. For many women, enlarging their breasts enhances their beauty and provides them with increased confidence in their bodies.
Dr. J. Brian Boyd is a specialist in breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgeries. He is a professor of surgery at UCLA and an author and editor of books and journals in the field of plastic surgery. He has decades of experience in providing patients with a positive experience and long-lasting results they love.
What Is a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that increases the size of the breasts with implants. Breast augmentation can also correct asymmetry and enhance the shape of the breasts.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation?
Patients report high levels of satisfaction and improved quality of life after breast augmentation surgery. Benefits of this breast enhancement procedure include:
- Increased breast volume
- More symmetrical breasts
- Improved body proportions
- Enhanced curves and feminine silhouette
- More wardrobe options
- Long-lasting results
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Ideal candidates for breast augmentation are in good health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations. You may be a candidate for breast augmentation if you:
- Desire increased volume and fullness in your breasts
- Want more symmetrical breasts
- Have experienced volume loss after weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Are pursuing a breast augmentation for yourself, not just because someone else wants you to
- Are at a healthy and stable weight
There is no age limit for breast implants; however, the FDA has only approved saline implants for patients 18 and older, and silicone-based implants for patients 22 and older.
To find out if you are a candidate for breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd. Call us today at (310) 597-4734.
What Is Discussed During My Breast Augmentation Consultation?
The first step in your journey is a consultation with Dr. Boyd. This is an opportunity to get to know Dr. Boyd, share your goals, ask questions, and learn more about the procedure, recovery, and results. During your consultation, Dr. Boyd will:
- Learn your goals and expectations for breast augmentation
- Learn your medical history
- Examine and evaluate your breasts
- Record measurements and take photos
- Discuss surgical techniques
- Discuss possible surgery combinations
- Explain how to prepare for surgery
- Describe what to expect from recovery
- Create your surgical plan
Your consultation is your opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you may have. Come prepared with questions and a good idea of your aesthetic goals.
How Is Breast Augmentation Performed?
Breast augmentation surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. There are various customizations that allow Dr. Boyd to tailor this procedure to your aesthetic goals and unique anatomy. You will discuss the following customization options during your consultation.
Implant Options
Breast implants can be categorized according to their composition. Dr. Boyd offers the following implant options:
- Saline: These implants are made with a silicone shell and are filled with a sterile saline (salt water) solution. If they rupture, the solution is safely absorbed by the body. These implants are FDA-approved for ages 18+.
- Silicone: These implants also have a silicone shell but they are filled with silicone gel instead of saline. They feel more natural, but it can be hard to tell if they rupture. They are FDA-approved for ages 22+.
- Gummy Bear: These implants are made of highly cohesive silicone gel. If they rupture, nothing leaks into the body. They feel very natural and hold their shape well. These implants are FDA-approved for ages 22+.
Breast implants also come in two shapes including:
- Round: These common implants are round, with an even distribution of volume. They provide fullness to the top of the breast. If they rotate, it is undetectable.
- Anatomical: These implants are a tapered, teardrop shape, similar to natural breasts. Fuller at the bottom, they provide a more subtle, natural augmentation.
Incision Options
There are a few different incision options Dr. Boyd uses to create a pocket for breast implants. The incision that works for you depends on the implant material as well as your anatomy and other factors. Incisions do leave scars, but these fade over time.
- Inframammary: A short 5 cm incision is made along the breast crease. The dissection is entirely behind the breast tissue. This is the most common incision choice and is associated with the least complications.
- Periareolar: This incision is made around the areola, which leaves the least visible breast scar. The dissection passes through breast tissue.
Implant Placement Options
Breast implants can be placed above (subglandular) or below (submuscular) the pectoral muscle in the chest.
- Subglandular placement: Under the breast tissue but over the muscle. Provides a high-profile implant appearance. Petite women may not have enough breast tissue to mask implant edging.
- Submuscular placement: Under the breast tissue and chest muscle. This is sometimes known as ‘biplanar’ because the upper part of the implant lies under the pectoralis muscle while the lower part lies in the subcutaneous plane beneath the lower edge of the muscle. Provides a more subtle breast slope and helps mask the edges of the implants.
What Is Breast Augmentation Recovery Like?
Bruising, redness, swelling, and mild discomfort are common following breast augmentation surgery. You will feel tired from the anesthesia and should rest for the first two days in a reclining position to improve circulation.
Mild discomfort is common following breast augmentation surgery. This discomfort may be in the form of pressure on your chest as a result of the added weight from the implants. Any associated pain is controlled using oral medication prescribed by your surgeon.
You should avoid strenuous physical activity following your procedure. Most patients can return to non-physically demanding jobs within one to two weeks of the surgery. You may resume normal physical activities with your doctor’s permission after four to six weeks.
What Results Can I Expect From Breast Augmentation?
It may take a few weeks before you can see your final results; allow time for swelling to subside. During this time, many patients wear a bandeau or compression bra to help shape their breasts. For best results, be gentle with yourself and follow Dr. Boyd’s postoperative instructions carefully.
Incision lines can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years to fade. Proper incision care, such as using silicone gel strips, massage, and sun protection, can help this process. Incision lines are easily concealed by a bikini top.
Breast implants are not designed to last forever. They are FDA-approved for 10 years. However, many women find their implants last much longer than 10 years. They should not be automatically removed at 10 years unless they are giving problems such as capsular contracture, rupture or malposition.
Breast augmentation won’t prevent your breasts from changing over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormones, and environmental factors like gravity and UV exposure. However, your results will be long-lasting. After many years, some patients choose to refresh their silhouette with a breast lift or implant exchange.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost?
The cost of breast augmentation surgery is determined on a patient-by-patient basis. Variable costs including implant type, surgical fees, and anesthesia fees affect the ultimate cost of your procedure. During your initial consultation, a more accurate quote can be given after your evaluation. Dr. Boyd offers financing options to help make breast augmentation more affordable for patients.
While cost is an important factor when choosing a surgeon, it is important to feel comfortable with your doctor and view his or her before and after photos. Dr. Boyd has over 25 years of plastic surgery experience, during which he has consistently provided women with attractive, natural-appearing breasts.
Before & After Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Implant size is decided based on your aesthetic goals and your body’s natural build. Dr. Boyd can help you decide on the best implant size for you during your consultation.
While many women choose silicone implants for their natural feel, some women still prefer saline implants. Saline implants can be placed through a smaller incision site than silicone since they are filled with the saltwater solution after insertion. Ruptures are also more obvious with saline implants, making early detection possible.
General anesthesia is used for pain-free and safe surgery.
Depending on your incision location, you may develop visible scarring. Many women choose to utilize a transaxillary (armpit) incision to eliminate scarring on the breasts. Most scarring is likely to fade over time, especially with proper incision care. If you are concerned about scars, Dr. Boyd can provide more information during your consultation.
Breast augmentation can be combined with other cosmetic surgical procedures for a more complete aesthetic transformation. Common combinations include breast lift, liposuction and tummy tuck. The Mommy Makeover is a popular combination procedure designed to recontour the breasts and abdomen. Combining surgeries is often an efficient way to achieve your desired aesthetic goals faster and with one recovery period instead of several. Breast augmentation increases the size of the breasts but does not correct sagging breasts. If a patient desires lifted and fuller breasts, augmentation can be combined with a breast lift for enhanced shape, size, lift, and projection.
When performed by a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, breast augmentation is a safe procedure. However, all surgery comes with risks. Some of the most common risks associated with breast augmentation include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Capsular contracture
- Rupture and leakage
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
- Anesthesia complications
Interested in Breast Augmentation Surgery in South Bay, CA?
Dr. Brian Boyd is a respected plastic surgeon and specialist in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. To begin your journey, schedule a consultation today by filling out our online contact form or calling (310) 597-4734.