Breast Augmentation
The human body is the best work of ART
Average Stay
1 week
Duration of Hospital Stay
1 day
Duration of Operation
2-4 hours
Type of Anesthesia
General Anesthesia
Recovery Time
3-4 weeks
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation (also called breast enlargement, augmentation mammoplasty, or a "boob job") is a plastic surgery procedure that enhances your natural breast size and shape.
The most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure, this breast enhancement procedure can increase the size of your natural bust or replace volume that's been lost with age, weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
There are a few different breast augmentation options, but the procedure is usually performed with breast implants. Implants come in a range of diameters, volumes, and projections (how far the breast extends from the chest wall), and your surgeon can help you decide on the one that’s most appropriate for your body and goals.
These flexible devices, filled with either silicone gel or saline (saltwater), are inserted via an incision around the nipples (periareolar), under the breasts (in the inframammary fold), or in the armpit (transaxillary) and placed under or over the pectoral muscle.
Augmentation can also be done via breast fat transfer, in which your surgeon removes excess fat from one area (like the belly or thighs) via liposuction and then injects it into the breasts. In some cases, implants are paired with fat transfer, because the fat can help the implant sit more naturally.
If you're also concerned about sagging, breast implants can be paired with a breast lift, which elevates sagging breasts and raises the nipple for a perkier look.
What happens during breast implant surgery?
Your surgeon will start by making an incision around the nipple, in the fold under your breast, or in the armpit.
Then they will create a pocket, either above (subglandular) or below (submuscular) your chest muscles, and place the implants. The incision is closed with layers of internal stitches, and the skin is closed with stitches, skin adhesive, or surgical tape.
The whole surgery takes about an hour and doesn’t require an overnight stay in the hospital.
What happens during breast fat transfer?
A breast fat transfer starts with liposuction to remove excess fat from another area, usually the belly or thighs. The fat is purified before they inject it into your breasts, contouring and restoring volume.
The benefit to this method is that you’re using your own tissue to add volume [as opposed to a foreign object. The drawback is that you can’t get as much enhancement as you can with an implant.
In general, fat transfer breast augmentation can give you a breast volume increase of one cup size.
What should you expect during recovery?
Most people need about a week of recovery time immediately after their breast augmentation procedure unless your surgeon uses a technique called flash recovery augmentation.
Your chest will be covered in gauze dressings, and you’ll wear either an elastic bandage or a sports bra to provide support and minimize swelling. If you have drainage tubes, they’ll remain in place for up to two weeks until they're removed at a follow-up appointment.
Generally, breast augmentation patients wear a sports bra day and night the first week after surgery, except for when they take a shower. Breast lift patients may have to wear a bra for a longer period of time—everyone gets individualized instructions to maximize their results.
Most people are back to work within a week, but you’ll need to hold off on sex for about two weeks and vigorous activity like running for about four weeks, depending on your surgeon's recommendation.
Some surgeons also recommend sleeping on your back for about six weeks after surgery to prevent implant deformation. If you’re a side sleeper and really struggling, your surgeon may recommend using pillows for support.
When will you see the results?
After augmentation with breast implants, your breasts will begin to “drop and fluff” as the skin stretches and muscles relax, moving the implants from initially sitting high to a more natural position. It’ll be about six weeks before the implants even begin to settle down, but they’ll be close to 80% settled in three months.
After a fat transfer, you’ll have more volume immediately, but your body will absorb some of the injected fat within the first three months. Within six months, most of the swelling should have resolved and your results should be fully apparent. Within a year, the new fat will act like natural breast tissue.
After a lift, you’ll see a difference right away, though your tissue will shift and settle for a few months. You should see most of your results within three to four months, with the final result visible within a year.
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