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Breast Augmentation Before and After: Setting Realistic Expectations

Published by Dr. Brandon Richland, MD

Breast augmentation commonly known as mammoplasty is a very popular plastic surgery. Many women consider breast augmentation surgery when they want to alter the size and shape of their breasts. Still, some hesitate due to safety concerns and doubt about the procedure’s outcome.

Before and after photos may help address these concerns as this type of documentation shows real life results and gives a piece of mind of how their future look will be.

Key Takeaways of Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos

  • Before and after photos of breast augmentation plastic surgery can provide patients with an understanding of what is achievable with the procedure and allow them to visualize potential results.
  • Factors such as body shape, size, symmetry, and skin quality are considered by the surgeon before recommending a surgery plan.
  • A qualified plastic surgeon ensures that specific techniques are carefully performed to bring satisfactory results for each patient.
  • Alternatives to breast augmentation surgery are available that women can opt for if they want a less invasive breast enhancement treatment.

Importance of Before and After Pictures

Before and after photos provide good documentation for showing actual outcomes of a breast augmentation surgery. These help interested patients visualize their body transformation and gain realistic expectations.

Transformation of the Breasts

A board certified cosmetic surgeon can achieve dramatic transformation by changing cup size, reshaping curves, and altering the overall look and feel of a woman’s chest. It can significantly improve a woman’s body and give her greater confidence in their appearance.

Two main procedure types are available for breast augmentation plastic surgery. One involves the use of silicone or saline implants, which are inserted to add size and fullness to the breasts. The other procedure involves fat grafting, where fat is harvested from other areas of the body such as the thighs or buttocks, and then injected to the breasts for a more natural look.

Visualization of Potential Achievable Results

Before and after photos of breast augmentation can provide patients with a helpful way to understand the potential results of their surgery. Also with 3D imaging technology now available, they can visualize their desired outcomes and communicate their preferences with their surgeons.

Having a clear picture of the changes made to the body helps patients build trust and confidence in their surgeon, and enables them to make an informed decision about this life-changing procedure.

Improved Areas Affected by Breast Augmentation

This plastic surgery can offer dramatic body transformations that improve a woman’s body contour.

When considering any breast enhancement procedure, it’s important to carefully analyze pre-operative and post-operative photographs to understand how the enhancement will affect a woman’s body in terms of figure and proportion.

More Contoured Body

Changes made during breast augmentation surgery create beautiful results that flatter the patient’s overall body shape. An enhanced body profile, that being better contoured, can be expected as a result of this surgery.

Perkier Breasts

A woman’s current skin and breast condition is evaluated before undergoing the surgery. This can help the surgeon know which type of breast augmentation procedure to do, and the type of implants to use.

Image Credit: Mrwed54 / 123RF.com (Licensed).

Different Types of Breast Enhancement Procedures

There are many breast augmentation options a woman can choose from to improve the appearance of her breasts, but that doesn’t mean that one is eligible for all the different procedures.

Each of these breast augmentation options has its own specific considerations, pros and cons, and also differ when it comes to typical cost range.

Breast lift

A breast lift or mastopexy involves reshaping and lifting the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Different incision techniques are used depending on the shape and size of the breasts.

A breast lift may be done together with breast augmentation procedures such as implants or fat transfer to further enhance the look and feel of the breasts.

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer procedure is non invasive as it uses liposuction. The procedure uses extracted and purified fat from other fatty parts of the body, and then injecting it into the breasts for a more natural look.

Breast Implants

There are two basic types of breast implants: saline-filled implants and silicone gel-filled implants. Saline implants consist of silicone shells filled with sterile salt water, while silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel.

During surgery, the plastic surgeon will carefully place either type of implant either under the chest muscles or behind the existing breast tissue.

Breast Implant Exchange

Breast implant exchange is when old implants are replaced with new ones. This type of surgery can help address worn-out or faulty breast implants. It may also be used to correct asymmetry, change the size and shape, and even reduce complications such as capsular contracture caused by the original augmentation procedure.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, or mammoplasty, is a standard surgical procedure that removes excess tissue and skin from the breasts for aesthetic or medical reasons. This surgery aims to make the breasts smaller in proportion with the rest of the body.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to restore the shape and appearance of the breasts after they have been modified due to cancer. During this procedure, implants or autologous tissue can be used to recreate the missing breast volume.

Implants are commonly used for breast reconstruction as they effectively restore natural contours with long-lasting results. Autologous tissue, on the other hand, involves using healthy skin, fat, and muscle from other areas of the body and are relocated to the chest via intricate microsurgery techniques.

Both approaches offer significant advantages, including improved symmetry and self-confidence.

Before and After Photos: Plastic Surgery Gallery

Breast enhancement surgeries have increased dramatically in popularity over the past few years, and before and after photos are essential parts of helping women make informed decisions. These photos visually represent the potential outcomes, which provide interested patients with realistic expectations.

Plastic surgery galleries are helpful resources that provide links to photographs for viewing, and testimonials from satisfied patients who have undergone breast procedures. Images from the gallery help build trust and confidence in the plastic surgeon who will perform the operation, and the ability to offer reassurance that successful results can be achieved.

Before and after photos are necessary for surgeons as they can show a successful track record of breast surgeries to demonstrate their expertise and technique.

Learn more about breast augmentation and see real life patient before and after photos on our website here: https://www.richlandmd.com/breast/breast-augmentation/

Image Credit: Aleksrybalko / 123RF.com (Licensed).

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon

Expertise and experience are vital factors that should be considered when selecting a surgeon for this type of plastic surgery.

Board certified plastic surgeons are thoroughly experienced and knowledgeable for giving suggestions regarding the right course for each patient’s treatment. They underwent extensive training to possess the skills and abilities that allow them to provide satisfactory results.

Consultation Process

A breast augmentation consultation allows the patient and their plastic surgeon to establish a plan to achieve desired results. This is when available options, safety precautions, technique recommendations, and recovery expectations are discussed between surgeon and patient.

Frequently Asked Questions on Breast Augmentation Before and After

1. How Long Does it Take to Recover After a Breast Augmentation?

Most patients require about two weeks to recover from the effects of a breast augmentation procedure, including swelling and bruising. During this time, you might experience discomfort when doing strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects.

2. What Kind of Results Expect After Breast Augmentation?

Results vary depending on what type of breast augmentation procedure is done. But generally, your breasts should look fuller and perkier than before. If you had an enhancement surgery, you can expect an increase in cup size.

3. What Types of Implants are Available for Breast Augmentation?

Breast implant options vary according to shape, material, and surface texture. A patient’s lifestyle could force one person to opt for a different type as pros and cons differ with each type.

Ultimately, it will depend on your personal preference, but many surgeons usually recommend the most suitable to your body type.

4. Why are Testimonials Important?

Testimonials from past patients gives interested patients an insight into other people’s real life experiences. They can give a realistic glimpse of what to expect before, during, and after the operation. And so, women who are interested in getting the procedure can decide for themselves if this surgery is for them considering the information they have learned about the process from past patients.

5. Are Before and After Photos Available at Plastic Surgery Clinics?

Most clinics dedicated to plastic surgery have portfolios showcasing before and after photos of their patients. Sometimes, it may even include video or written testimonials detailing their whole experience. You can ask your plastic surgeon, or his or her secretary for these albums if they are not readily available for anyone to check.

Image Credit: Sasun1990 / 123RF.com (Licensed).

Conclusion and Summary of Breast Augmentation Before and After: Setting Realistic Expectations

Breast augmentation is a safe and effective procedure for many individuals seeking to enhance their breasts. A lot of past patients have reported a better body image and increased self-confidence that overall improved their quality of life.

There are a lot of patient testimonials and plastic surgeons that detail the whole experience, plus before and after pictures that show real life transformations, which are commonly available online or at clinics for any interested patient to review. These can greatly help anyone have realistic expectations and make a better informed decision before undergoing a life-changing decision.

Please note that this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Before making any changes to your treatments, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the appropriateness and safety of such changes.

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About the Author

Dr. Brandon Richland, MD is a respected Board Certified Licensed Plastic Surgeon in Orange County / Southern California specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

Driven by his passion for medicine, Dr. Richland obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the prestigious program at Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine in 2013. His exceptional skills were recognized when he received the McGraw Hill / Lange Medical Student Academic Achievement Award, and graduated top of his class with Honors. For his undergraduate degree, he attended University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with Honors in 2009.

To further enhance his surgical expertise, Dr. Richland completed his Residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) from 2013 to 2019 earning the Academic Achievement Award twice during this period. A total of 14 years in dedicated schooling and medical residency.

Dr. Richland is actively involved with healthcare and medical societies, as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Contact Dr. Richland today by visiting RichlandMD.com, scheduling a cosmetic consultation, or by calling 949-867-4496 directly.