Breast
Breast Augmentation San Francisco
Every woman deserves to have breasts that make her feel happy and confident. In spite of this, not every woman is born with what she considers to be her ideal breasts. Furthermore, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and aging may contribute to breasts that droop, sag, or appear smaller than they used to.
No matter the reason, breast augmentation is the most effective way to change the size, shape, and general appearance of your breasts.
At Sieber Plastic Surgery, our goal with any enlargement procedure is to find the ideal implants for you. After all, no two women are alike. Every woman has unique goals. And your best results require a personalized approach.
About Breast Augmentation
Many women were born with smaller breasts that they don’t feel fit their frame or profile. There are also those women who desire more fullness after having children or losing weight.
No matter your reason, breast implants can be a life-changing procedure.
Breast Implants Benefits
Implants can:
- Increase breast size and projection
- Enhance breast shape
- Create natural-looking, feminine curves
- Create cleavage
- Even out asymmetrical breasts
- Restore drooping breasts
- Reconstruct breasts after a mastectomy
- Boost confidence
Quick Facts
Breast augmentation is often a part of another procedure such as the Mommy Makeover, a augmentation breast lift, and surgery for correction of asymmetries or breast implant revision to improve aesthetics. Enhancement can sometimes be performed with fat transfer techniques , which uses Liposuction to reshape the body and breasts.
Surgery is ideal for improving:*
Why Choose Dr. David Sieber?
Dr. David Sieber is a renowned double board-certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco. He specializes in breast surgery.
Dr. Sieber is one of the only San Francisco surgeons to be board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. When working with Dr. Sieber, patients feel at-ease and comfortable with his calm demeanor, friendly disposition, and extensive knowledge and skill. When looking for the best San Francisco surgeon, Dr. Sieber is the right choice.
Are You a Good Candidate?
During your initial consultation in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Sieber will discuss your goals, assess your anatomy, and walk you through various implant considerations (size, projection, etc.). He will also discuss the factors that make a good candidate:
- Being in good general health
- Being a non-smoker
- Understanding what is involved — before, during, and after surgery
- Having realistic expectations
Be sure to check out Dr. Sieber’s before and after gallery so you know what results you can expect for your surgery.
Breast Augmentation on YouTube
Choosing the Best Breast Implants
Dr. Sieber works closely with each patient to help guide their decision in choosing the best San Francisco breast implants for them. We use a combination of 3D imaging and gel sizers to ensure that each patient can not only view, but also feel, what various implants will look like on their body.
Breast Implant Material
There are several breast implant materials to choose from.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with saline at the time of surgery, which means the incisions are smaller because the silicone shells can be placed while empty. Saline implants cost less than silicone implants but tend to feel slightly firmer to the touch and may show more rippling on the sides of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, volume will immediately diminish.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that is soft and feels natural to the touch. They tend not to ripple as much as saline implants. In the very unlikely event of implant rupture, there will be no apparent change in the size of the breast because the newest implant technologies utilize a cohesive material that does not migrate — like gummy bear candy.
Breast Implant Size and Projection
Breast implants are measured in CCs (cubic centimeters). Silicone implants, for example, range in size from 160 CC to 800 CC.
When converting implant CCs to cup size, the general rule is that every 150-175 CCs equals about one cup size. Most women desire to go up about two cup sizes, which means they’ll need somewhere between a 300 CC and 350 CC implant to achieve their desired look.
Keep in mind that fat transfer breast augmentation is an entirely different procedure that does not require implants.
Projection
Projection is based on your implant profile and the width of your chest. Lower profile implants lay flatter against the chest and have a wider base while higher profile implants have more projection away from the chest and a narrower base. Dr. Sieber will help you decide on the best implant profile for you.
Generally speaking, there are four implant profile types:
- Low Profile
- Moderate Plus
- High Profile
- Extra High Profile
Breast Implant Shape
There are two basic types of implant shape.
Round Implants
Round implants add volume to both the upper and lower parts of the breast because they are symmetrical. As a result of being symmetrical, they may also rotate in the surgical pocket without changing the look of the breast.
Teardrop Implants
Teardrop (or anatomical) implants add more volume to the lower breast and less volume to the upper breast. These implants have a texture on them, which is similar to Velcro. The purpose of this texture is to ensure the implant does not rotate while it’s in the body.
Breast Augmentation Planning Guide
The Procedure
Prior to your surgery, you’ll need to review our list of medications and supplements to avoid. These are substances that may cause an increased risk of bleeding, so they must be stopped two weeks prior to surgery. As always, make sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications.
The process begins with the administration of anesthesia. Next, incisions are made.
Incision Options
There are different types of incisions used in breast augmentation surgery.
Inframammary Fold Incision: This technique involves an incision in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary fold).
Transaxillary Incision: This incision is made in the axilla, or armpit.
Periareolar Incision: This incision is made around the lower border of the areola at the junction of the areola and the skin.
Placement Options
Once incisions have been made, Dr. Sieber will insert each implant within a pocket in the breast. Your breast implants may be placed over the pectoral muscle (subglandular) or under the pectoral muscle (subpectoral). There are pros and cons to each option, which Dr. Sieber will discuss with you. Finally, the incisions will be closed.
Breast Augmentation Before & Afters
These before and after pictures can help you understand your various options and enable you to set realistic goals for your own surgical outcome.
Recovery
Most women feel sore for the first few days after surgery due to pressure on the pectoral muscles. Numbness or hypersensitivity is also normal, as is feeling pressure in both your armpits and along your sternum.* If you notice any sudden swelling on one of your breasts with increased pain, notify Dr. Sieber immediately.
Most women choose to take about three to five days away from work for their breast surgery recovery. After surgery, you will need to refrain from physical activity and avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs. for the first two weeks. You may begin to perform light exercise two weeks after your surgery and will be released to full activities around six weeks post-op.
We will start you on a scar therapy program one week after surgery to ensure that you heal with the best possible scar.*
The Rapid Recovery Technique
The Rapid Recovery Technique minimizes trauma to the breast tissue — thereby reducing pain and bruising. It allows most patients to return to activities of daily living in 24 hours. Many are even comfortable enough to go out to dinner or shopping the night after their surgery!*
The Rapid Recovery Technique is not one specific thing, but an entire process related to the experience. Most notably, before placing the final implant, the pocket will be irrigated with a specific antibiotic solution that helps prevent postoperative infection and reduces the risk of capsular contracture. All of your incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures.
How to Sleep After Surgery
Patients are advised to sleep on their backs with their heads elevated on at least two pillows for the first 24 hours. Most patients find that it is most comfortable to sleep on their back or side for the first few weeks. Overall, patients are encouraged to pay attention to how their bodies are feeling and sleep in the most comfortable position.
Risks
All surgeries come with potential risks. However, to mitigate these risks as much as possible, Dr. Sieber follows what is called the 14-Point Plan, developed by Dr. William Adams.
The 14-Point Plan includes 14 individual steps, which together minimize your risk of capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue around the implant) and other potential breast augmentation complications such as:
- Excessive bleeding following the operation
- Infection
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Oversensitivity or under the sensitivity of the nipples
- Permanent nipple numbness
- Implant rupture
- Implant rippling
Additionally, Dr. Sieber utilizes specific antibiotic irrigation formulas to further reduce risk. He does not use sizers during surgery as this can increase the risk of complications as well as postoperative pain and prolonged recovery.
Breast Augmentation San Francisco Cost
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) estimates the average surgery cost to be around $4,516. In San Francisco, the average breast augmentation cost will more likely be in the $5,000 to $12,000 range.
Surgery cost is influenced by a number of factors, including what type of implant you choose, who your surgeon is, and where you decide to get surgery.
In the end, the cost of your surgery will depend on these factors and will include itemized charges such as an anesthesiologist’s fee, surgical facility fees, prescription medication costs, and expenses for things like medical tests and postoperative garments. The biggest influencing factors include:
Surgery Location
When surgeries are performed in large cities like San Francisco, costs tend to be higher. The more expensive overall cost of living means that even things like the cost of anesthesia and surgical facility fees will be higher.
Surgeon Experience
Every surgeon charges a different amount for their services. When surgeons have extensive experience, laudable credentials, and specialized education in their field, they are able to charge more. While costs may be higher for these surgeons, it’s generally worth it.
Implant Type
Choosing the perfect implants for you is one of the most important parts of getting surgery. While you shop around, keep in mind that the implant material type, size, shape, and surface you choose will all influence the overall cost.
Surgery Details
Finally, your breast augmentation surgery cost will also be influenced by several additional details about your surgery — for example, the location of your surgical incisions, whether or not you opt for a breast lift with augmentation, and how extensive your surgery is overall (for instance, whether this is a revision surgery or whether you’ve had a previous mastectomy, etc.).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is breast augmentation?
The breast augmentation cost San Francisco patients should expect to pay is between $5,000 and $12,000. Keep in mind this is only a breast augmentation surgery cost average.
Furthermore, breast lift and fat transfer breast augmentation cost amounts will be different. Ask Dr. Sieber about your breast augmentation surgery cost at your consultation appointment.
How long does breast augmentation take?
For the typical breast augmentation surgery San Francisco patients would undergo, the procedure will last around one to two hours.
How long after breast augmentation can I drive?
This depends on the patient. Some may be able to return to driving after just one or two days while others will need longer to recuperate.
When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?
You’ll need to sleep on your back for at least the first 48 hours. After that, pay attention to your body. Patients will likely want to continue sleeping on their backs for several weeks, although you may decide to ease into side sleeping as your tolerance allows.
How long does it take breast augmentation scars to heal?
You will start a scar therapy program one week after surgery. Breast augmentation scars should be completely healed after six months to a year.
How does breast augmentation affect breastfeeding?
Every woman is different, but generally, breast augmentation can be performed without too much effect on the ability of the woman to breastfeed afterward. Complications, if any, usually arise due to trauma to the surrounding breast tissue rather than the implant itself.
How can I reduce swelling after breast augmentation surgery?
There should be minimal swelling after surgery. Time, as well as wearing a supportive bra, will help with swelling the most. Icing will help as well, but take caution immediately after surgery as some skin may be numb and prolonged icing can cause damage. We encourage you to be patient with the final aesthetic outcome of your breasts, as it can take at least 6 weeks for the breast implants to settle and soften. In due time, however, the breast implants will feel as though they are simply a part of the body.
What activities should I avoid after breast augmentation?
Although the Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation allows patients to resume their general daily activities, there are a few activities that should be avoided for several weeks. Patients should avoid getting their heart rate over 100 beats per minute for the first 2 weeks after surgery. After 2 weeks you may begin easing back into cardiovascular exercise. After 4 weeks, you may slowly resume lower body weightlifting activities. After 6 weeks, you may begin arm and chest exercises and yoga. We also advise patients to avoid pools and lakes for the first 4 weeks to avoid risking an infection. After 6 weeks, patients are usually fully cleared for all activities and exercises, and we encourage patients to use their bodies as a guide to ease back into their normal routines.
How long after a breast augmentation can I swim?
There is a lot of harmful bacteria lurking in lakes and pools, so it’s best to avoid swimming or soaking the incision for the first four weeks. Additionally, exercise that increases the heart rate over 100 beats per minute should be avoided for the first two weeks, and chest exercises should be avoided for the first 6 weeks to fully allow the muscles and incisions to heal properly. Patients are, however, allowed to wade in water. Do apply sunscreen, as this can protect against increased scarring.
How will I know when I need to replace my implants?
There is no real data on when you should replace your implants. Many people ask about a possible need for replacement after 10 years. However, this time estimate is based on initial FDA studies of 3rd generation breast implants. We are now using 5th and 6th generation implants, and these should last 20 years or longer
Book Now!
Looking for the best breast augmentation San Francisco has to offer?
Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber would like to help you achieve the body you’ve dreamed of. Whether you’ve only recently been considering implants or you’ve wanted them all your life, Dr. Sieber offers the experience, expertise, and attention to detail you’re looking for in a San Francisco plastic surgeon.
Call today to schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber and learn more about the most natural breast augmentation San Francisco has to offer.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.
