Like other areas of the body, the breasts can be affected by the aging process. Breasts can change during major transition periods such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss, and they can be subject to gravity, skin laxity, and more. If you are interested in increasing your breast size or restoring your breasts after pregnancy or a mastectomy, breast augmentation surgery can be a good option.
At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, we are led by Dr. Christopher Verbin who has performed many breast augmentation surgeries during his time as a surgeon. He offers a range of implant options to help patients meet their aesthetic goals and uses different surgical techniques to suit every situation. If you are in Torrance, CA, or any of the surrounding areas, you can contact us to find out if this surgery is right for you.
What Is Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery used to enhance the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts. This is usually done by inserting either saline or silicone implants. It is an outpatient procedure completed in several hours and is customizable based on the results you want.
Why Choose Breast Augmentation?
Increase the Overall Volume of Small Breasts
If you have naturally small breasts and want to increase their size, breast implants can give you the look you want. With many options available, you can choose to have a more drastic change, or something soft and subtle.
Restore Volume After Pregnancy or Weight Loss
After pregnancy or weight fluctuations, it’s common for breasts to appear deflated, even if the volume isn’t significantly different from your pre-pregnancy or pre-weight loss volume. Breast augmentation can give the breasts more volume and help them look more youthful and balanced after pregnancy or weight loss.
Improve Symmetry
It’s natural for breasts to vary in size or shape, but if the asymmetry is more noticeable, breast augmentation can help create a more symmetrical look. By carefully selecting the right implant sizes and placement, we can bring a more balanced appearance to your overall silhouette.
Correct Irregularities
Some individuals may have congenital breast irregularities or uneven development. In these cases, breast augmentation offers a way to correct these concerns. Using breast augmentation, we can correct tuberous breasts, underdeveloped breasts, asymmetrical nipples, and more.
Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction
For patients who have undergone a mastectomy, breast augmentation can be part of the reconstruction process, helping restore the breasts and make them look as natural as possible. Whether we rebuild both breasts or just one to match your other breast, this procedure can offer a significant step toward feeling whole again after surgery.
Choosing Breast Implant Material
Silicone
Silicone breast implants are often chosen for their more natural feel and appearance. These implants are pre-filled with a silicone gel that closely mimics the texture of real breast tissue, offering a soft, more lifelike sensation. Silicone implants also offer a wide variety of options to suit each patient. If you are looking for a smooth, natural contour, silicone might be the ideal option for you.
Saline
Saline breast implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, though the outer shell is still made from silicone. One of the benefits of saline implants is that they can be inserted empty and filled after being placed which allows for smaller incisions. If the implant ever leaks, the body absorbs the saline. This option provides a firm feel and a round appearance, perfect for those who want a more dramatic change.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear breast implants are made from a cohesive silicone gel that maintains its shape even if the shell is compromised. These implants are designed to offer a stable, teardrop-shaped appearance, which can provide a more natural slope to the breast. Women often choose gummy bear implants for their durability and firmer feel.
Expandable Breast Implants
Expandable breast implants provide a unique advantage for those who are unsure about their final desired size and want the ability to make adjustments after the surgery. These implants are gradually filled over time until you are happy about the results. This option gives you the flexibility to make adjustments post-surgery, which is especially helpful in cases of breast reconstruction or when you’re looking to experiment with different sizes before making a permanent choice.
Incision Location Options
Periareolar Incisions
For breast augmentation, a periareolar incision is made around the edge of the areola, blending into the natural border between the darker skin of the areola and the surrounding breast tissue. This technique allows for a discreet scar, as it follows the natural contour of the areola. It’s a common choice for patients who want minimal visible scarring.
Transaxillary Incisions
A transaxillary incision is made in the armpit, leaving no scars on the breast itself. For those looking for a completely hidden scar, this option may be appealing. During breast augmentation, the surgeon creates the incision in the natural crease of the underarm and the implant is inserted and guided into place through a channel created in the tissue.
Inframammary Incisions
Inframammary incisions are placed in the crease beneath the breast, where the breast meets the chest wall. This location provides easy access for the surgeon to place the implant and allows for a well-hidden scar that remains concealed in the natural fold. This is a widely used method in breast augmentation because of its versatility with different implant types and sizes, and the level of control it gives during surgery.
Other Implant Options
Breast Implant Shape
When planning your breast augmentation, one choice you’ll make is the shape of the implant. You can opt for either round or teardrop-shaped implants. Round implants provide fullness throughout the entire breast, often making it look more pronounced. Teardrop implants, also known as anatomical implants, mimic the natural shape of the breast, with a flatter shape at the top tapering to a fuller bottom. The shape you choose will depend on your aesthetic preferences and how you envision your final results.
Breast Implant Profile
The implant profile refers to how much the implant projects outward from your chest. For breast augmentation, you can choose from low, moderate, or high-profile implants. Low-profile implants have a wider base and may be more suitable for a broader chest. For more projection and a fuller appearance, high-profile implants can offer these results. Finding the right profile depends on the proportions of your body shape and the look you want.
Breast Implant Size
In breast augmentation, implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and they can range anywhere from 100 cc for small implants to 800 cc for large implants. You have the flexibility to choose a precise level of enhancement. We’ll take into account your body frame, existing breast tissue, and the overall shape you want to achieve.
Choosing Breast Implant Location
Subpectoral
In a subpectoral placement, the breast implants are positioned beneath the chest muscle (pectoralis major). This approach offers a more natural slope at the top of the breast since the muscle helps create a gentle contour. Many patients choose subpectoral placement if they want a more subtle, natural look, especially if they have a smaller amount of natural breast tissue. This method can also provide additional support for the implants and reduce the likelihood of visible implant edges or rippling.
Subglandular
Subglandular placement positions the breast implants above the chest muscle and directly behind the breast tissue. This option may be preferred if you want more noticeable cleavage and a fuller appearance at the top of the breast. With subglandular placement, recovery can sometimes be quicker since the chest muscle isn’t manipulated during surgery which can influence the decision for certain patients such as athletes who want to get back to their workout routine more quickly.
What to Expect During Surgery
During your breast augmentation surgery, you’ll likely be under general anesthesia rather than local anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Incisions will be made in the location discussed during your consultation. After incisions are made, a pocket will need to be created for the implant. For subpectoral implants, your surgeon will create a pocket under the chest muscle, while for subglandular implants, the implant is placed above the muscle, directly behind the breast tissue. After the implants are in place, the implant is filled (for saline implants), the incisions are closed with sutures, and you will be fitted with a surgical bra to provide support during your initial healing period.
What to Expect From Breast Augmentation Recovery
In the first 24 to 48 hours following breast augmentation, you will experience some bruising, swelling, and discomfort around the incision sites. Light activity is encouraged during this time, but strenuous movements should be avoided. Pain can usually be managed with medication, and wearing the surgical bra will help reduce swelling and promote the shape of your new breasts. Most patients can return to normal, non-strenuous activities within a week or two. Full recovery and a return to all exercise routines may take six weeks or longer, particularly with subpectoral implants.
You’ll choose the right size and shape with the guidance of your plastic surgeon during a consultation. Together, you’ll discuss your body type, desired results, and how different implant sizes and shapes can achieve the look you want. Your surgeon will also take into consideration factors like your natural breast tissue and chest width to help find the best option for you.
Breast implants are designed to last many years, but they are not lifetime devices. Most implants can last 10 to 20 years or longer before a replacement might be needed. However, regular check-ups with your plastic surgeon are recommended to monitor the condition of the implants and make sure everything is in good health.
There will be some scarring after breast augmentation, but Dr. Verbin works to place incisions in areas where scars are naturally hidden. Common incision locations, such as the crease under the breast or around the areola, are chosen to minimize visible scarring. Over time, scars generally fade and become less noticeable with proper post-operative care.
No, breast augmentation alone does not address sagging breasts, but it can be combined with a breast lift to correct sagging while increasing breast size. A breast lift is designed to reposition the breasts to a higher, more youthful position, while implants add volume for a fuller appearance.
In addition to the breast lift, breast augmentation is often combined with other surgeries. Common procedures performed alongside it include a tummy tuck or liposuction, often referred to as a “mommy makeover.”
You may be a good candidate for breast augmentation if you are in good health, have fully developed breasts, and are looking to enhance the size and shape of your breasts. A consultation with Dr. Verbin will help determine whether the procedure is suitable for you based on your goals and overall health.
Why Choose South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Center?
When choosing a plastic surgeon, experience and artistry make all the difference. Dr. Christopher Verbin, a South Bay native, has been practicing medicine in California since 1992, with a deep connection to the community and a lifelong passion for aesthetics. With over 10,000 surgical procedures performed, Dr. Verbin brings not only technical expertise but also a refined artistic touch to every procedure. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation or another cosmetic procedure, South Bay Aesthetics offers the expertise and care you deserve.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today
At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, we are dedicated to providing the best breast augmentation services in Torrance, CA. Our approach is centered on personalized care and advanced techniques, drawing from Dr. Verbin’s vast experience in cosmetic surgery. Breast augmentation can enhance breast size and shape, improve symmetry, and help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted.
We offer a welcoming, supportive environment where patients can confidently pursue their cosmetic goals. Serving the South Bay area, including El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Hawthorne, Gardena, Lawndale, Lomita, Carson, San Pedro, and Long Beach, we’re here to guide you through the process. Reach out at (310) 539-6500 to explore your options or schedule a consultation online today.
