Breast Augmentation
Globally Renowned Anti-Aging Experts
Breast Augmentation in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco
Your Options for Breast Enhancement
There are several different FDA approved implant types and incision techniques for women to choose from. During your consultation, one of our trained Los Angeles plastic surgeons will help you find the right breast implant type, incision, and placement based on your unique figure and expectations.
Choosing Your Breast Implants: Silicone or Saline?
One of the first choices that you will have to make for your breast augmentation is whether you want silicone or saline breast implants. The implant that is best for you will depend on your body type, amount of existing breast tissue, as well as your goal look and reasons for undergoing surgery. What may work best for one woman may not be the ideal solution for you, so it is important that we discuss your surgery in detail to make the best determination for your implants.
At Wave Plastic Surgery, we offer women the choice of Natrelle® gummy bear silicone implants or saline-filled implants. The newer gummy bear implants, nicknamed for their cohesive, leakproof structure, have been said to provide for a more natural look and feel. Women who desire a rounder or shapelier look may be better suited for saline implants. Both have been approved by the FDA and have a long track record of safety and beautiful results.
The Wave Breast Augmentation Procedure in Los Angeles
There will be many components of your breast augmentation surgery that can be customized depending on your own unique case. Factors such as breast implant type, incision location, and implant placement will all be discussed and decided during your consultation with one of our doctors.
When you come in for your surgery, you will be put under a general anesthesia. We will then proceed to make a discreet incision, either in the crease under your breast, around the areola, or beneath your arm. Silicone implants will be placed pre-filled either above or below the pectoral muscle, whereas saline implants are placed empty and then filled once they have been set.
Once your breast implant is placed within the created pocket, your incisions are closed and any necessary surgical dressings are placed. After breast augmentation, it is possible to return to work within just a few days to a week, depending on the type of activity that is required at your job. Special surgical techniques and post-operative care instructions will be given to minimize complications like bleeding, asymmetry, infections, and capsular contractures. At Wave Plastic Surgery, we provide a special protocol to further minimize capsular contracture – an unnatural hardening of the breast due to post-surgical development of scar tissue.
Get Your Consultation Today
Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with one of the plastic surgery experts at Wave Plastic Surgery to learn more about the procedure and the thread face lift cost.
Real Wave Patient. See more on our Before & After gallery!
Benefits of Breast Augmentation Surgery Los Angeles
Each year, many women choose to undergo breast augmentation in order to reshape and refine their feminine contours. The goal of breast surgery is to restore natural breast volume and shape.
Women choose breast implants for reasons such as:
- A lack of breast tissue development
- Alterations in body shape after pregnancy or weight loss
- Asymmetry of their breasts due to congenital reasons
- Breast cancer surgery reconstruction
This popular breast procedure is ideal not only in restoring a feminine figure, but also more importantly for improving a woman’s self-image and self-confidence.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation at Wave Plastic Surgery can help women achieve their aesthetic goals when performed on the right candidates. Our board-certified plastic surgeons evaluate each patient individually to ensure optimal safety and results.
You may be an excellent candidate for breast augmentation if you:
- Are in good overall health with no major medical conditions that could impair healing
- Have realistic expectations about the outcomes and understand both benefits and limitations
- Are emotionally mature and making this decision for yourself, not to please others
- Meet age requirements - at least 18 years old for saline implants or 22 years old for silicone implants per FDA guidelines
- Have finished breast development with stable breast size for at least one year
- Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding and have completed breastfeeding at least 3-6 months prior
- Have adequate breast tissue or realistic expectations about implant visibility in thin patients
- Are committed to follow-up care including regular check-ups and potential future revision surgery
Important Considerations
- Weight Stability: Candidates should be at or near their ideal weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect breast augmentation results.
- Future Pregnancy Plans: While breast augmentation doesn’t prevent pregnancy or breastfeeding, hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter results. We discuss timing considerations during your consultation.
- Lifestyle Factors: Active individuals should discuss their exercise routines and athletic activities to ensure appropriate implant selection and placement.
- Financial Commitment: Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Understanding the potential need for future revision surgery is important for long-term planning.
Breast Implant Placement Options
The placement of your breast implants significantly impacts your final results, recovery experience, and long-term satisfaction. At Wave Plastic Surgery, our surgeons expertly evaluate your anatomy to recommend the optimal placement for your unique goals.
Subglandular Implant Placement
Subglandular placement positions the implant behind the breast tissue but in front of the pectoral muscle. This traditional approach may be ideal for certain patients based on their anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Benefits of Subglandular Placement:
- Shorter recovery time with less muscle-related discomfort
- Greater projection and enhanced cleavage creation
- Accommodation of larger implants when desired
- Preserved muscle function with no interference during exercise
- Enhanced lift effect for mild breast sagging
Considerations:
- Higher visibility of implant edges, especially in thin patients
- Increased rippling risk with minimal natural breast tissue
- Potential mammography interference requiring specialized techniques
- Greater capsular contracture risk compared to submuscular placement
Submuscular Implant Placement
Submuscular placement positions the implant partially beneath the pectoralis major muscle. This technique is often preferred at Wave Plastic Surgery for optimal aesthetic results and reduced complications.
Benefits of Submuscular Placement:
- More natural appearance with better implant camouflage
- Reduced rippling and edge visibility especially beneficial for thin patients
- Lower capsular contracture rates due to muscle massage effect
- Improved mammography with better breast tissue visualization
- Enhanced upper pole fullness for a natural breast slope
- Better long-term support potentially reducing implant sagging
Considerations:
- Longer recovery period with initial muscle soreness
- Temporary animation deformity during muscle flexion (typically resolves)
- Potential size limitations with very large implants
- Initial higher positioning before implants settle naturally
Dual Plane Technique
Our surgeons also utilize advanced dual plane techniques, combining the benefits of both placements. This involves partial muscle coverage with selective muscle release for optimal positioning and natural results.
Breast Implant Incision Options
The incision location for your breast augmentation affects scarring, recovery, and surgical approach. Wave Plastic Surgery offers multiple incision techniques, each with distinct advantages to match your preferences and anatomy.
Inframammary Incision
The inframammary incision is placed in the natural breast fold (inframammary fold) where it remains well-concealed. This is often the preferred approach at Wave Plastic Surgery for its versatility and optimal surgical access.
Advantages of Inframammary Incision:
- Excellent surgical visibility allowing precise implant positioning
- Minimal interference with breast tissue and nipple sensation
- Versatile approach suitable for all implant types and sizes
- Lower infection risk as the incision avoids nipple area
- Preserved breastfeeding ability with no impact on milk ducts
- Ideal for revision surgery using the same incision site
Considerations:
- Visible scar in intimate settings though, typically fades well
- Potential for thicker scarring in some patients
- Temporary sensitivity along the breast fold during healing
Periareolar Incision
The periareolar incision follows the natural border between the areola and breast skin. This approach can be excellent for patients requiring breast lift techniques in combination with augmentation.
Advantages of Periareolar Incision:
- Well-camouflaged scar blending with natural color transition
- Concurrent breast lift capability for patients with mild sagging
- No visible scarring in bathing suits or low-cut clothing
- Shorter scar length compared to other approaches
- Enhanced upper pole fullness for a natural breast slope
Considerations:
- Potential breastfeeding impact due to proximity to milk ducts
- Risk of nipple sensation changes temporary or permanent
- Higher capsular contracture risk due to bacterial exposure
- Limited to smaller implant sizes to avoid areolar stretching
- Not suitable for patients with small areolas
Dual Plane Technique
Our surgeons also utilize advanced dual plane techniques, combining the benefits of both placements. This involves partial muscle coverage with selective muscle release for optimal positioning and natural results.
Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery
While modern breast implants are highly durable and designed for long-term satisfaction, breast augmentation revision surgery may become necessary over time. At Wave Plastic Surgery, our experienced surgeons understand the unique complexities of revision procedures and provide expert care for both primary and secondary breast augmentation surgeries.
Understanding Breast Implant Longevity
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. While many women enjoy their results for 15-20 years or longer, various factors may eventually necessitate revision surgery. Understanding this possibility helps you make informed decisions about your initial procedure and long-term care.
Common Reasons for Breast Augmentation Revision
- Implant rupture or leakage requiring immediate replacement
- Capsular contracture causing firmness, distortion, or discomfort
- Implant displacement or malposition affecting appearance
- Size dissatisfaction desiring larger or smaller implants
- Implant aging with newer technology offering improved options
- Results not meeting expectations from initial surgery
- Breast asymmetry developing over time
- Changes from pregnancy or weight fluctuations affecting breast shape
- Desire for different implant style such as switching from saline to silicone
- Breast sagging requiring lift procedures in addition to implant exchange
- Infection requiring implant removal and replacement
- Scar tissue complications affecting breast appearance or comfort
- Implant visibility or rippling especially in thin patients
- Breast implant illness concerns leading to implant removal desires
Types of Revision Procedures
- Implant Exchange: Replacing existing implants with new ones, often involving size or style changes while maintaining similar surgical approach.
- Capsulectomy: Removal of scar tissue capsule around implants, often combined with implant replacement for capsular contracture treatment.
- Implant Removal: Complete removal of implants with or without replacement, sometimes called “explant” surgery.
- Revision with Lift: Combining implant replacement with mastopexy techniques to address breast sagging and restore youthful positioning.
- Corrective Surgery: Addressing complications like asymmetry, malposition, or unsatisfactory results from previous procedures.
The Revision Surgery Process
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Our surgeons thoroughly assess your current results, review previous surgical records, and understand your revision goals.
- Advanced Imaging: When appropriate, MRI or ultrasound imaging helps evaluate implant integrity and surrounding tissue health.
- Customized Treatment Planning: Each revision surgery is uniquely planned based on your specific anatomy, previous surgery details, and desired outcomes.
- Experienced Surgical Approach: Revision surgery often presents more complex challenges than primary augmentation, requiring specialized expertise and techniques.
Get Your Consultation Today
Give us a call today to schedule your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery.
Our Breast Augmentation Specialists
Peter Lee
M.D., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Peter is CEO and Chief Surgeon of WAVE Plastic Surgery Center with over 20 years of plastic surgery experience, overlooking 30K+ successful plastic surgery cases. He has mentored master surgeons around the world in state-of-the-art techniques, and has been inducted into the RealSelf 100 & 500 Hall of Fame.
His many accolades and shining results are evidence of Peter’s expertise.
JONATHAN SHIFREN
M.D., F.A.C.S.
The foundations of Dr. Jonathan Shifren’s practice are beauty, quality and value. He treats each patient as a member of his own family.
He believes that superior surgery is a process, not an operation. It actually begins with an initial consultation, where surgical options are tailored to the patient’s individual anatomy and goals. In the operating room, our shared vision comes to life through precise execution and meticulous technique. Surgery is not over when the operation is completed.
Ben Lee
M.D., F.A.C.S.
Throughout 20+ years in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Ben Lee has always been passionate about using his skills to impart a lasting, positive impact on the lives of his patients.
“Time and time again, I have witnessed dramatic improvements in a patient’s confidence and well-being after a relatively minor cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. As a surgeon, that brings me great joy.” — Dr. Ben Lee
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Medically Reviewed By Dr. Ben Lee
Proudly using his creativity to help patients regain a sense of wholeness and confidence, Dr. Ben Lee takes a very patient-centered approach to care.
