Breast augmentation allows you to enhance your shape in a way that feels natural for you. Whether you want to add volume or create a more balanced look, understanding what to expect can help you decide if this procedure is the right choice.
Why Consider Breast Augmentation?
There isn’t just one reason to choose breast augmentation. Some people want to enhance naturally small breasts, restore fullness after pregnancy or weight changes, or address breast asymmetry. Others find that bras, swimsuits, and clothes don’t fit the way they’d like. Ultimately, the decision to undergo breast augmentation is a personal one, and your motivations should come from within.
What to Consider Before Deciding
Breast augmentation may be right for you if you’re in good health, have realistic expectations, and understand possible risks. Some people experience changes in sensation or find that breastfeeding may be affected. Also, keep in mind that recovery takes some downtime, so planning ahead is important.
Will It Look Natural?
The goal is to create a look that feels right for your body. A natural result depends on choosing the right implant type, size, and placement.
Breast Implant Type
Silicone implants feel soft and natural. Saline implants have a different feel, are size adjustable in the OR, and therefore can be placed through a slightly smaller incision. Fat transfer uses your own fat for a subtle boost.
Size & Shape
A variety of implant sizes and shapes are now available in the United States. We have amazing technology available to customize breast implants to the patient and their goals. We will work closely with you to find a breast implant that matches your desired breast width to make sure you have an implant that is harmonious with the width of your chest. The other piece of the puzzle is choosing implant profile – a low-profile implant to subtly fill a dress for a “did she or didn’t she” look, or a more full-profile implant providing extra cleavage for that new bikini.
Placement
Breast implants can be placed above or under the pectoralis major muscle. In the right patient, either can result in a very natural-looking result. The implants under the muscle will always have more “soft tissue coverage” but will also, by definition, move non-anatomically on animation (flexing the pec muscle). Soft tissue coverage of an implant can also be improved by adding fat transfer to the procedure.
Over the course of a decade or more, many women may choose a breast revision procedure due to body changes, personal preference, or implant wear over time.
What to Expect During Recovery
Healing varies from person to person, but most people return to daily life within a few weeks. While everyone recovers at their own pace, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
- Days 1-3: Swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort
- Days 4-7: Discomfort fades, and normal activities resume slowly
- Weeks 2-4: Swelling improves, and light exercise can begin
- Weeks 4-6: You can gradually return to intense workouts and high-impact activities
Wearing a supportive bra can help with comfort, and regular follow-ups allow your surgeon to monitor your progress and make sure you’re healing as expected.
Next Steps
If you’re thinking about breast augmentation, learning about your options is a great first step. Meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon can give you a better idea of what to expect and what might work best for you.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation can help you achieve the look and confidence that feels right for you. At San Antonio Plastic Surgery Institute, our board-certified plastic surgeons personalize every procedure to match your goals. If you’re considering breast augmentation, we’re here to guide you through your breast augmentation experience and help you make an informed choice. Discover how breast augmentation can help redefine your curves, boost your confidence, and love the way you look!
