Breast Augmentation
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pasadena, CA
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a patient’s breasts. (1) This procedure can be performed for cosmetic and/or reconstructive reasons to improve breast volume, restore symmetry, and ultimately boost self-confidence.
Dr. Caroline Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to helping her patients achieve transformative yet natural-looking results with time-tested procedures like breast augmentation.
To learn more about breast augmentation, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Min online or give her office a call or text (626) 214-5727.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Breast Augmentation
- 3 Candidates
- 4 Personal Consultation
- 5 Preparation
- 6 Procedure
- 7 Results
- 8 Cost of Breast Augmentation in Pasadena and Los Angeles
- 9 FAQ
- 9.1 Will I be able to breastfeed after undergoing breast augmentation?
- 9.2 Will I lose my nipple sensation with breast implants?
- 9.3 Are breast implants permanent?
- 9.4 Can I have the breast implants removed later on?
- 9.5 What causes capsular contracture?
- 9.6 Can pregnancy alter my breast implant results?
- 10 References
Before and After Photos
About Breast Augmentation
Breasts are made up of a combination of glandular and fatty tissues, and the proportion of each varies from person to person. (2) This natural balance can change over time due to aging, genetics, weight fluctuations, and hormonal shifts, but some people simply desire a larger or more proportionate breast size. Breast augmentation can help in both situations for enhancing size and shape for those who want fuller breasts, and restoring volume or firmness for those experiencing changes. The procedure aims to create a natural, balanced appearance while boosting confidence and helping you feel your best.
Breast Implant Options
Choosing your breast implants is an important step when planning your breast augmentation. Dr. Min offers several different implant options to help you achieve your ideal aesthetic. Whether you are looking for a subtle change in cup size or a dramatic transformation, she can help guide you through each option to help you find the ideal implants for your goals.
- Silicone Breast Implants: Silicone breast implants are known for replicating the softness of natural breast tissue. These implants may require a slightly larger incision when being placed and are recommended if you are thinner or have less breast tissue. (1)
- Saline Breast Implants: Saline breast implants may be inserted into the chest empty and filled afterwards using a small port. Because of this, Dr. Min can use a smaller incision when inserting this implant. Saline breast implants can also be filled within a specific range, allowing for greater variability in size. (1) They tend to feel slightly firmer compared to silicone implants, which are known for their softer, more natural feel.
Breast implants are available in a range of different profiles, meaning the degree to which they project or ‘stick out’ from the chest. Breast implants can come in low, moderate, and high profiles. Moderate profile and high profile implants are more commonly used. However, the best projection for you depends on your chest width, your desired size increase, and the current appearance of your breasts. Dr. Min has each type of implant available to view in her office, and she will help you determine which profile is most suited to your goals.
Candidates
Candidates for breast augmentation include women who are interested in receiving breast implants to alter the size, shape, volume, and symmetry of their breasts. Anyone interested in breast augmentation should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about their results. They should also be willing to collaborate with Dr. Min to select implants and plan their procedure. Active infections, unresolved breast lumps, or concerning imaging findings must be addressed before surgery. If you are 40 years of age or older, you should have a recent mammogram. For postpartum patients, breast augmentation should be postponed until a minimum of six months after breastfeeding ends to allow breast tissue and hormone levels to stabilize. Dr. Min will determine each patient’s eligibility during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
Before scheduling your procedure, you will attend a personal consultation with Dr. Min. She will discuss what you want to achieve with your breast augmentation and ask about your medical history, concerns, and treatment goals. She will use this information, along with a physical evaluation, to create your personalized treatment plan.
To schedule this consultation, please fill out our online consultation form or call/text our office at (626) 214-5727.
Preparation
Before undergoing your breast augmentation, Dr. Min will provide you with a set of pre-operative instructions to help you prepare. The instructions may vary between patients, but each one should be followed to ensure a successful procedure and swift recovery:
- Refrain from using blood-thinning medications and supplements for at least one week before your appointment.
- Avoid nicotine use, if applicable, for several weeks before and after your procedure.
- Arrange transportation home after the procedure.
- Plan to take time off from work and social commitments.
- Fill any necessary prescriptions in advance.
- Carefully review all other preparation instructions provided by your care team.
Procedure
The breast augmentation procedure lasts about 1 ½ to 2 hours and is typically performed under general anesthesia.
Incisions
Dr. Min will place the implants through incisions that she will make in inconspicuous locations on the breasts to minimize scar visibility. She prefers to make an incision along the crease on the underside of the breast or around the areola border (the pigmented skin around the nipple). These placements allow Dr. Min to have a clear view of the pocket she makes for the implant. This is very important, as the creation of an exact pocket is necessary for the optimal result. If the pocket is not created perfectly, the implants will not sit correctly after placement. The incisions also tend to heal very nicely in these locations.
Under vs. Over the Muscle
Breast implants can be placed in different anatomical planes, each offering unique benefits depending on a patient’s anatomy and goals. Subglandular placement positions the implant directly behind the breast tissue, providing a shorter recovery with less discomfort, but may be less ideal for patients with thinner tissue. Submuscular placement places the implant beneath the pectoralis muscle, offering a more natural contour, reduced risk of visible rippling, and a lower incidence of capsular contracture (post-operative scar tissue-tightening around the implant). Complete submuscular placement is rarely performed. Rather, the dual plane approach is more often utilized where the upper portion of the implant is under the muscle and the lower portion is under the breast tissue. This approach allows for natural shaping while improving lower-pole expansion, making it a popular choice for many patients seeking the most balanced and aesthetic result. Subfascial placement is a newer technique where the implant is placed beneath the pectoral fascia—the thin, strong connective tissue layer that covers the pectoralis major muscle—but above the muscle itself. It is essentially a middle ground between subglandular and submuscular placement.
This plane offers several benefits: the fascia provides an additional layer of coverage that can help reduce visible rippling compared to subglandular placement, while also avoiding some of the discomfort and animation deformity associated with submuscular implants. Recovery is often smoother than submuscular placement because the muscle isn’t lifted, yet the result can appear more natural than traditional subglandular placement in patients with adequate tissue. It is a versatile option, particularly for patients who want a soft, natural look without the drawbacks of muscle involvement.
Dr. Min prefers to place implants either in the dual plane or subfascial plane, depending on each patient’s unique anatomy and lifestyle. The recommended approach will be discussed in detail at your consultation.
Recovery
After a breast augmentation, it is normal to feel tired and sore, but this usually improves quickly. Many patients return to work within a week, depending on the demands of their job. However, you should avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for 4 weeks or until Dr. Min approves. Post-operative pain, swelling, and sensitivity will diminish over the first few weeks. Scars will begin to fade in a few months and will continue to fade over the year.
Initially, the implants may appear to be sitting too high on the chest wall. As the breast tissue and muscle stretch to accommodate them, the implants will drop down and look more natural over the course of several weeks.
Results
You will be able to notice a difference in the size of your breasts immediately after your procedure, but the full results will become more apparent as you continue to heal. You will be able to enjoy an improvement in the fullness, shape, and symmetry of your breasts. Many patients also report feeling more confident after experiencing their renewed appearance. The results of breast augmentation are designed to last for several years, but implants will need to be replaced after about 10-15 years.
Cost of Breast Augmentation in Pasadena and Los Angeles
The cost of breast augmentation can vary depending on the type of implants selected, the surgical techniques employed, the implant placement, as well as several other factors. During your consultation, Dr. Min will discuss the pricing of your procedure after finalizing your treatment plan.
FAQ
Will I be able to breastfeed after undergoing breast augmentation?
Implants may affect your ability to breastfeed, but many women have been able to successfully breastfeed with breast implants.
Will I lose my nipple sensation with breast implants?
A change in nipple sensation is always a possibility after any breast surgery, although the risk of permanent change is low.
Are breast implants permanent?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, which means that implant removal and replacement will eventually be required. The timing of this is different for each patient, as some may require earlier intervention while others can go on for much longer before exchanging their implants.
Can I have the breast implants removed later on?
The implants can be removed at a later point, but it is important to remember that the breast tissue and skin have been stretched by the presence of the implant. After implant removal, the breasts may appear droopy or deflated. The appearance of your breasts after implant removal will depend on the way they looked before the implantation, as well as the size of the implants that were placed.
What causes capsular contracture?
After breast augmentation, the body naturally forms a capsule of scar tissue around the implant. Capsular contracture is the abnormal hardening of this capsule. This can range from mild to more severe tightening, and in some cases, this can affect the appearance of the breast. The exact cause of capsular contracture is not known, but it has been linked to possible microscopic bacterial contamination. It cannot be predicted which patients will develop this, as each patient heals differently. Dr. Min takes great measures to reduce the risk of capsule formation by using an antibiotic irrigation during surgery and a minimal touch technique using a specialized funnel to insert the implant.
Can pregnancy alter my breast implant results?
If you are planning on becoming pregnant soon, you should wait to undergo breast augmentation. Your breasts may undergo significant changes with pregnancy that may alter the results of the procedure. If you have been pregnant recently, it is advisable to wait at least six months after you have finished breastfeeding to allow your breasts to return to their normal shape and size.
References
- Fardo D, Sequeira MB, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. Nih.gov. Published July 18, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/#article-18563.s4
- Patel BC, Wong CS, Wright T, Schaffner AD. Breast Implants. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441998/