B
reast Augmentation is one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures performed nationwide. This procedure is also referred to as a breast aug or a “boob job,” and involves placing a silicone or saline implant either behind the breast tissue or under the breast muscle in order to enlarge the breast. Dr. Brandon Richland is dedicated to delivering the best breast augmentation Newport Beach has to offer.
WHAT IS BREAST AUGMENTATION?
The term breast augmentation refers to any breast surgery (mammoplasty) that enhances the size, shape, or symmetry of a person’s breasts. It often involves the placement of saline or silicone gel implants, but can also be done with a patient’s own tissue, called autologous fat grafting. Dr. Richland also performs the Natural Internal Bra procedure to lift and support breast tissue or implants from within, as well as augmentation with fat grafting for those wanting more subtle enhancement.”
Breast augmentation is commonly sought by individuals who desire fuller breasts, have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or weight loss, or wish to improve breast proportion. Patients seeking breast augmentation often enjoy increased confidence, a wider range of clothing options, and the sense of having a more balanced, youthful physique after surgery. This surgery is often paired with a breast lift to elevate and reposition the breasts and nipples into a more youthful position.
NATURAL INTERNAL BRA™
Dr. Richland has been a trailblazer in introducing the innovative Natural Internal Bra™ procedure to bring the benefits of the conventional internal bra procedure without the risks of having mesh placed in your breasts. This safe and effective procedure harnesses your body’s natural tissue to provide support for your implants or breast tissue, ensuring aesthetically pleasing and enduring results.
BREAST AUGMENTATION OPTIONS
WHICH OPTIONS ARE RIGHT FOR YOU?
You may be a good candidate for a breast augmentation if you are in general good health and feel your breasts are too small, have trouble fitting into a bra, or if weight loss or pregnancy has changed the size or shape of your breasts. A breast augmentation may also help create better symmetry if your breasts are naturally different shapes or sizes.
BREAST IMPLANTS + LIFT
If you are unhappy that your breasts are lower or more “droopy” than before (especially following pregnancy or significant weight loss), a breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift or mastopexy (also called a “masto aug” or “breast lift with implants”) to restore a more youthful breast position and contour. Breast augmentation can also be performed without an implant by using fat grafting.
BREAST AUGMENTATION WITH FAT TRANSFER
In this technique, fat is taken from one area of your body (usually the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) and placed in your breasts in order to increase the size of your breasts. Fat grafting may be an ideal option for you if you have small to medium sized breasts and want a minimal to moderate increase in breast size. With this procedure, no breast implant is used, and the incisions are smaller. However, one or more fat grafting sessions may be required to achieve the desired volume.
ABOUT THE BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURE
INCISION TYPES
No matter where you choose to have your incision for breast augmentation, care will be taken to camouflage it.
Inframammary Fold Incision
The incision is placed under the breast, hidden in the natural crease. This is the classical incision placement for a breast augmentation. Dr. Richland takes care to keep the incision very small (usually just over 1 inch) and hidden in the fold.
Periareolar Incision
This incision is disguised in the pigmented area of the areola. This is a great option for our Newport Beach breast augmentation patients who require a small lift at the time of the augmentation or wish to have an areola reduction performed as well.
Axillary Incision
This allows the incision to be hidden in the armpit, and avoids a scar on the breast altogether. In this technique, Dr. Richland uses a small camera that allows for a smaller incision and better visualization. This is called endoscopic trans-axillary breast augmentation.
BREAST AUGMENTATION Q&A
BREAST IMPLANT LOCATION
DUAL PLANE VS. SUBGLANDULAR VS. SUBPECTORAL
Sub-Glandular
The breast implant is positioned behind the breast tissue but in front of the pectoralis major muscle.
Sub-Pectoral
The breast implant is placed behind the pectoralis major muscle.
Dual Plane
The breast implant is placed partially behind the pectoralis muscle in the upper part of the breast and behind the breast tissue in the inferior part of the breast. This offers advantages of both techniques while minimizing disadvantages. Additionally, this technique is useful for patients with minor breast ptosis or droopiness (the nipple is lower than desired), as this dual-plane approach can achieve some lifting of the nipple without the separate breast lift surgery.
BREAST AUGMENTATION IMPLANT TYPE
ALL BREAST IMPLANTS HAVE A SHELL MADE OUT OF SILICONE. IT IS THE MATERIAL INSIDE THE SHELL THAT DETERMINES IF THE IMPLANT IS CONSIDERED “SILICONE” OR “SALINE.”
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone gel is an inert polymer commonly used in various cosmetic products, bandages, and contact lenses. Since silicone is thicker (or more viscous) than saline, it more closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue and may allow for a more natural-feeling result. Unlike saline implants, silicone breast implants are pre-filled to a certain volume, shape, and cohesivity. When there is a leak in a silicone implant, it may not be readily apparent. This is because the silicone generally stays within the body’s natural breast capsule that forms around the implant. The newer silicone implants use a thicker or more cohesive gel that helps to keep the silicone in place if there is a hole or even if the entire implant is cut, akin to slicing a large gummy bear.
Saline Breast Implants
As with silicone implants, the shell of a “saline” implant is actually made from silicone. In surgery, the shell is inserted into the breast pocket and then inflated to the desired volume with saline. Because saline has the consistency of water, it may not look or feel as natural as a silicone implant. Additionally, it may be more prone to “rippling” or “wrinkling.” And finally, if a saline implant has a leak, you will know within several days as your body absorbs the saline and the breast on that side loses volume.
SMOOTH VS TEXTURED BREAST IMPLANTS
Although all shells for breast implants are made of silicone, these shells can either be smooth or textured.
Smooth Breast Implants
Smooth breast implants are much more common than their textured counterparts. A smooth implant is free to move and even rotate in the body’s natural capsule that forms around the breast implant. This may allow for a more natural feeling breast implant as the implant can move slightly within the surrounding tissue.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured implants allow some soft tissue ingrowth into the pores, keeping the implant in place. Additionally, there may be a decreased risk of capsular contracture in some situations. Therefore this may be a good option if you have concerns about capsular contracture or have had capsular contracture previously.
BREAST AUGMENTATION SIZE
Implant size is one of the most critical factors to consider in breast augmentation surgery. Some of our Newport Beach breast augmentation patients may prefer a smaller, more natural size, while other patients may prefer a larger size with a more “augmented” look and full upper breast.
Implant volumes or sizes are measured in ccs and not cup size. Each implant has a specific “base width” as well as “projection” that then determines the implant volume. By measuring your breast “base width,” a range of sizes for implants can be selected. The goal for your breast augmentation is to use an implant that fits your body and proportions. During your consultation for breast augmentation Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richland will take time to understand the desired look you would like to achieve.
BREAST AUGMENTATION RESULTS AND AFTERCARE
Breast Augmentation results are typically very long-lasting. Implants provide optimal enhancement for a decade or more, with many women enjoying the outcome of their surgery for upwards of 20 years before replacement may be needed.
Recovery time from breast augmentation with implants varies, but many women feel well enough to return to a desk job after about a week. Full recovery takes longer, usually six to eight weeks, during which time you will need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. It can take three to six months for the implants to “drop and fluff” or settle into their most natural-looking position on the chest.
Aftercare and recovery timelines may differ depending on the augmentation method used (i.e., natural internal bra, implant, or fat grafting). We provide detailed instructions specific to your procedure and carefully assess your healing at post-operative visits. We are always available to answer any questions as you recover and offer additional support as you see your beautiful results emerge.
BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION PROCESS
There are many variations to a breast augmentation procedure and multiple implant options available to you. Therefore it is important to have a discussion with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is trained in all the available options so the surgical plan can be tailored to your specific needs. In your consultation with Dr. Brandon Richland, he will take the time to listen to your wishes and concerns. Then, he will develop a surgical plan with you based on your wishes and breast anatomy. Here are the most important considerations before you have breast augmentation surgery:
1.INCISIONPLACEMENT
2.IMPLANTLOCATION
3.IMPLANT TYPE
4.IMPLANT SIZE
BREAST AUGMENTATION RECOVERY
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY, YOU WILL BE FITTED WITH A SOFT POST-SURGICAL BRA WITH A BREAST BANDEAU OR WRAP PLACED ABOVE YOUR BREASTS.
You will wear this for the first several weeks to a month. It is normal for your breasts to experience soreness and tightness for the first several days. In most cases, our breast augmentation patients will be able to return to work and normal activity, except for strenuous physical activity or vigorous exercise, within several days post operatively. You can expect your breast implants to look too high in the early operative period. With proper breast implant massage and wearing your bandeau, the implants will drop to the appropriate position over the next several weeks to months.
HOW MUCH DOES BREAST AUGMENTATION COST?
Because each surgery is customized to the patient, the cost of breast augmentation is highly variable. The total cost will depend on factors like the type of procedure or procedures performed, the materials used, the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and anesthesia services. As you plan your procedure with Dr. Richland, he will give you an overview of the options that best suit your unique needs and goals. Pricing often starts around $8000-$12,000, but our office staff can provide you with a detailed estimate for your procedure. Make sure to review our financing page for information on financing options to help you pay for your surgery in a way that fits your budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR BREAST AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION WITH DR. BRANDON RICHLAND
Achieve a Youthful, Beautiful Bustline to Complement Your Body
For the best results possible, contact us to schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richland in Newport Beach or Fountain Valley. Breast augmentation can significantly enhance your confidence by creating a beautiful bustline designed specifically for you.
RELATED BREAST AUGMENTATION PROCEDURES
BREAST AUGMENTATION
FAQS
This is a question that you and Dr. Richland will answer together. He will take into account your wishes and desires as well as your specific anatomy. Each implant has a specific “base width” as well as “projection.” By measuring your breast “base width,” a range of sizes for implants can be selected. The goal will be to use an implant that fits your body and proportions to give you a good long-term result.
A breast lift may be beneficial for patients who feel their breasts are too low or “droopy”. Specifically, you may be a good candidate for a combined augmentation and mastopexy if your breast tissue is too low on your chest wall or if your nipples are below your breast creases.
In general, your breastfeeding will be about the same as before the surgery, but some patients may have decreased ability to breastfeed afterward. There is a higher risk of decreased ability to breastfeed through the periareolar incision.
Generally, your nipple sensation is not significantly affected by breast augmentation. You may experience a short-term decrease in sensation that usually subsides over the next few months. In some rare instances, you may have a decrease in sensation, but this is more common when a periareolar incision is used.
Generally, breast implants do not require replacement unless any complications arise. Consequently, they may last much longer than ten years, or in some cases, they may require replacement in less than ten years if issues such as pain, asymmetry, capsular contracture, or other concerns arise.
