Breast
Breast Augmentation San Francisco Bay Area
Breast Augmentation: Every woman should have breasts that make her happy and confident. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Maybe you have breasts that are smaller than you’d like. Maybe they’ve lost volume due to pregnancy and breast feeding or are sagging with age.
Whatever the reason, surgery can quickly and effectively change the size, shape, and appearance. Our goal with any enlargement procedure is to not just deliver your desired outcome, but to find the ideal implant for your individual body. Why? Because no two women are alike, which means your best results require a unique approach.
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that uses implants to enlarge the size, shape, and projection of your breast. This is accomplished through precise incisions and placement techniques, where an implant is inserted within a pocket to increase the size. This procedure is one of the most popular plastic surgery options from year to year, and is commonly referred to as augmentation mammaplasty, breast implant surgery, or even a boob job.
There are many reasons for breast augmentation, but many women opt for this procedure and fuller breast augmentation because it produces great results and carries one of the highest rates of patient satisfaction.
A Life-changing Procedure
Many women want to increase the size of their breasts because they were born with smaller breasts they don’t feel fit their frame or profile. There are also many women who desire to have fullness returned to the breast after having children and from breastfeeding.
No matter your reason, getting breast implants in San Francisco can be a life-changing procedure. There have been multiple studies demonstrating that breast augmentations can help both with self-confidence and self-perception as well as depression.
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 revision to improve aesthetics. Enhancement can sometimes be performed with fat transfer techniques (sometimes called natural breast augmentation), which uses Liposuction to reshape the body and breasts.
Breast augmentation surgery is ideal for improving:*
Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation
During your initial consultation with Dr. Sieber in San Francisco Bay Area , He will discuss your goals, assess your anatomy, and take you through the various implant considerations such as size, shape, fill, type, and placement. He will also discuss factors that makes a good breast augmentation candidates:
- You are in good general health
- You understand what is involved in breast augmentation, before, during, and after your surgery
- You have realistic expectations
Dr. Sieber utilizes cutting-edge 3D-imaging software during consultations so that you are able to review what your breasts will look like with various sizes, styles, and, projections of our available breast implants for.
Be sure to check out Dr. Sieber’s breast augmentation before and after gallery so you know what results you can expect.
Breast Augmentation on YouTube
Breast Implant: Types and Sizes
New to breast implants? Here’s everything you need to know.
Dr. Sieber works closely with each patient to help guide their decision in choosing an optimally-sized breast implant. Mutual accountability allows for the patient to take an important role in choosing their implants and in creating long-lasting, durable results.
During the consultation process, Dr. Sieber will use a combination of 3D imaging as well as gel sizers to ensure that each patient can not only view, but also feel, what various implants will look like on their body specifically. Most patients desire a more natural result that fits their body frame. However, there are also patients who want very small or very large implants.
Dr. Sieber will help you through the process of determining the correct size, style, gel type, and projection to fit your body and give you the results you desire. To get started, here are some of the main factors to consider:
Saline vs. Silicone Implants
Breast implants fall into one of two major categories, saline or silicone. Each has its pros and cons:
Saline breast implants
Saline implants are filled with saline at the time of surgery, which means that the incision is smaller because the silicone shell can be placed while empty. They cost less than silicone implants but tend to feel slightly firmer to the touch than their silicone counterpart and may show more rippling on the sides of the breast. If a saline implant ruptures, volume will immediately diminish, so visit Dr. Sieber immediately if you notice any deflation. Overall, saline implants can produce a natural-looking round breast.
Silicone breast implants
Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that is soft and feels very 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. Silicone gel implants are the preferred implant for most breast augmentation candidates due to their more natural feel and decreased incidence of rippling.*
Size
Breast implants are measured in cc, or cubic centimeters. For example, silicone implants range in size from 160cc to 800cc.
When converting implant cc to cup size, the general rule is that each 150cc–175cc equals about one cup size. Most women desire to go up about two cup sizes, which means they’ll need somewhere between a 300cc to 350cc implant to achieve that look.
Round vs. Tear Drop/Anatomical
There are two basic types of implants: round and teardrop, or anatomical.
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.
Tear drop or anatomical implants add more volume to the lower breast and less volume to the upper breast. These implants have a texturing on them, which is similar to Velcro. The purpose is to ensure the implant does not rotate while it’s in the body.
High vs. Low Projection
Most patients don’t need to worry about implant projection at the time of their consultation. This is something that Dr. Sieber will help determine.
Deciding on projection is a combination of first determining what size breasts the patient wants, and then finding a projection that will fulfill this size expectation while also fitting the patient’s natural anatomy.
When the implant fits the patient’s anatomy, it provides a much more natural-looking result than using an implant which is either too narrow or too wide for the patient’s breast base width. This is true even when using larger implants.
Upper Pole Fullness
Upper pole fullness refers to the volume, shape, and overall contour of the top of the breast (above the nipple).
In women looking to have more upper pole fullness, more cleavage, or more side boob, a lower projecting, wider implant needs to be used. It is commonly believed that many women need to have a high-profile implant in order to achieve these goals but using a high-profile implant will actually provide less upper pole fullness, less cleavage, and less side boob because of how narrow the implant is.
Firmness
When it comes to firmness, most patients want a slightly softer and more natural feeling to the breast, which means they want a silicone gel implant.
The current silicone gel implants available are all referred to as “Gummy Bear” implants. The distinction simply has to do with the cohesivity of the gel inside the shell.
Major breast implant manufacturers have specifically designed their Gummy Bear gel implants to feel like the breast tissue itself and to have a “one breast feel” (the feeling that an implant is part the patient’s own body). Patients will generally be able to choose between three different options of firmness with their gel implants — from soft to firm.
Preparing for Breast Enlargement Surgery
As with any major surgery, all medications and supplements which cause an increased risk of bleeding should be stopped 2 weeks prior to surgery. Please review our list of medications and supplements to avoid. As always, make sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications. These and other steps supplied by Dr. Sieber can help you mitigate any potential risks of breast implant surgery.
Breast Surgery Incisions
There are different types of incisions used in breast augmentation surgery:
- Inframammary Fold Incision:This technique includes an incision in the crease beneath the breast (inframammary), which sits in or near the skin fold and is hardly perceptible once healed. This incision can be used to place the implant either above or below the chest (pectoralis) muscle and is the preferred incision type for all breast augmentations.
- Transaxillary Incision:This incision is made in the axilla, or armpit. The implant is then placed through this incision into a pocket created beneath the breast. A transaxillary incision can be used to place the implant either above or below the chest muscles.
- Periareolar Incision:This incision is made around the lower border of the areola at the junction of the areola and the skin. Because the incision goes through the breast ducts and glands, a periareolar incision may result in a higher rate of implant infection and capsular contracture.
Breast Augmentation Planning Guide
Breast Augmentation Before & Afters
These breast augmentation before and after pictures can help you understand your various options and enable you to set realistic goals for your own surgical outcome.
Breast Augmentation Recovery
Most women feel sore for the first few days after surgery due to pressure on the pectoral muscles from the implants, but this and other physical affects of breast implant surgery will improve with time. It is normal to experience some numbness or hypersensitivity of the nipple, areola or around the breast following surgery, which should improve over time.*
This is due to the fact that some of the nerves will be stretched during surgery. It is also normal to feel pressure in both your armpits and along your sternum. This tight sensation will decrease as your muscles relax to accommodate the new implants.
If you notice any sudden swelling on one of your breasts with increased pain, notify Dr. Sieber immediately.
Most women choose to take about 3 to 5 days away from work for their breast surgery aftercare. After surgery, you will need to refrain from any rigorous activity for the first 2 weeks, and avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs. You may begin to perform light exercise 2 weeks after your surgery but should avoid chest exercises such as push-ups.
You may begin more intense exercise at 4 weeks, and will be released to full activities at 6 weeks post op. You will be started on a scar therapy program 1 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. During the operation, Dr. Sieber will make a small incision, typically in the inframammary location under the breast. Through this incision, he creates a precise pocket for your breast implant.
Before placing the final implant, the pocket is irrigated with a specific antibiotic solution which helps prevent postoperative infection and reduces the risk of capsular contracture. All of your incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures.
Risks and Complications
Dr. Sieber also follows what is called the 14-Point Plan, developed by Dr. William Adams. The 14-Point Plan includes 14 individual steps taken to minimize the risk of capsular contracture formation and other complications like:
- Capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue around the implant)
- 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 Surgery Cost
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) estimates the average breast augmentation surgery cost to be around $4,516. In San Francisco, the average cost will more likely be in the $5,000 to $12,000 range.
Breast augmentation 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 breast augmentation 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 Bay Area, 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, the added price is definitely worth it.
Implant Type
Choosing the perfect implants for you is one of the most important parts of getting breast augmentation 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 of breast augmentation surgery.
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
View our before-and-after photo galleries to see the results of our breast augmentation patients.
What age is best for breast augmentation?
There is no ideal age for breast augmentation as many women of all ages opt for this procedure. However, candidates should have breasts that are fully developed in order to achieve the best, long-term results. Breast augmentations are not typically performed on patients younger than 18 years of age.
Are implants safe? Do they cause cancer?
Multiple studies have been performed demonstrating that breast implants do not cause cancer. In women who have had a mastectomy due to breast cancer, we can perform placement of a breast implant to return the breast to a more natural appearance.
How do I know what size and shape of breast implant is the best for me?
Dr. Sieber will take multiple measurements of your breasts during your consultation. These measurements along with your 3D images are used to determine which size implant will fit your breast tissue, and give you the most natural looking breast augmentation surgery results.* Although coming with a cup size in mind can be a good way to communicate the size of your intended results, implants follow a different sizing method and may not be an exact match.
Will my implants feel real or fake?
Breast implants will feel fake at first and will tend to be fairly firm during the initial healing process. Over the following three to six months, the implants will become much softer and more natural feeling. Typically, after about six months, it’s very difficult to discern where the implant is inside the breast. It is, however, still normal to feel a portion of the implant on the lower part of the breast.
What should I wear after surgery?
Bring comfortable clothes with you on the day of surgery. This should include something soft with a front zipper or fastening method. After surgery, you will be placed in a surgical bra for your own comfort. San Francisco Breast Augmentation Expert, Dr. Sieber, has his breast augmentation patients refrain from wearing an underwire bra for the first 6 weeks after surgery. During this time, patients often choose to wear a comfortable, soft athletic bra.
What is the recommended sleeping position after breast augmentation?
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 the most comfortable to sleep on their backs or sides for the first few weeks. When we sleep at night, our bodies are aware if something is causing pain and will adjust accordingly. Patients are encouraged to pay attention to how their bodies are feeling and sleep in the most comfortable position.
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 does breast augmentation affect breastfeeding?
Every woman is different, but breast augmentation can be performed without too much effect on the ability of the woman to breast feed afterwards. Complications, if any, usually arise due to trauma to the surrounding breast tissue rather than the implant itself, so be sure to let San Francisco plastic surgeon, Dr. Sieber, know of your future plans for breast feeding after augmentation so that he can take the appropriate precautions.
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
References
- San Francisco Breast augmentation case: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation
*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.
