What Is Breast Augmentation And How Does It Work?

Even if you’re relatively new to the world of cosmetic surgery, there’s a good chance you are already at least somewhat familiar with breast augmentation, one of the most in-demand procedures across the country each year. However, you may be surprised to learn just how complex, personal, and life-changing breast augmentation can be. Talented board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi takes great pride in helping patients transform their look and achieve their ultimate cosmetic goals with the most innovative and effective plastic surgery procedures available to patients in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills, CA.

If you’ve been looking for a way to feel more feminine, beautiful, and confident, breast augmentation may be the answer. Learn everything you need to know about the procedure here, including how it works, what options you have, and how long you’ll be able to enjoy your stunning new figure.

What is breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation is an exciting and versatile procedure designed primarily to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. There are a variety of personal reasons why women choose to have breast augmentation surgery, including:

• Lost breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding
• “Deflated” breasts
• Breast changes due to aging
• Naturally small-chested or flat-chested
• Difficulty filling out clothing
• Low self-confidence associated with small breasts
• Desire to feel more feminine
• Restore a more natural look after mastectomy for breast cancer

What to expect with breast augmentation in Beverly Hills

Prior to undergoing any procedure, it is critical that patients understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery. While there is certainly a recovery period associated with breast augmentation, many patients consider the time leading up to surgery to be the most “difficult” part of the entire process! This is often due to the excitement and anticipation associated with counting down to surgery day, as well as the numerous decisions that will need to be made before surgery.

During the consultation and preoperative appointments with Dr. Hakimi, Newport Beach breast augmentation patients will learn about the different implant sizes, types, shapes, profiles, placement options, incision options, and more. With seemingly endless choices, patients often feel, understandably, overwhelmed, but rest assured that Dr. Hakimi is here to guide you each step of the way and assist you in making selections that will help you achieve your ideal outcome.

Breast augmentation surgery is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on whether or not any additional procedures – such as a breast lift – are being performed, the complexity of the case, and other factors. Swelling and minor discomfort are to be expected in the first several days after surgery. Due to Dr. Hakimi's technique, most of his breast augmentation patients don't need pain medication for more than 1 or 2 days. You will be able to shower the next day. Most women are able to return to work after about one week, though strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and exercise will still be off-limits for 6 weeks. The results will look very natural by the end of the first month and patients see their final results around the 3rd - 6th months.

Which type of breast implant is best?

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make in preparation for breast augmentation surgery is what kind of implant will be used. Saline and silicone gel implants are the two most widely known and used implant types, and each has its own unique set of attributes that may make one or the other more appropriate for you. For example, silicone implants are typically less prone to showing rippling, making them a fitting choice for thinner women. Another consideration when choosing an implant type is the patient’s age. Women are required to be 22 years of age or older to receive silicone implants, making saline implants the obvious option for younger patients.

A third option is an autologous fat transfer, or fat grafting. In a fat transfer to the breast procedure, a patient’s own fat is harvested from one area of the body and transferred to the breasts. This can be a fantastic option for patients who want a natural breast enhancement alternative that does not require the use of synthetic materials. However, there are limitations on the amount of fat that can be transferred, meaning patients who desire a dramatic size increase may be better served by the use of breast implants.

Ultimately, the implant type, size, position, surgical technique, and other selections will be up to the patient and surgeon. Dr. Hakimi has a wealth of experience and knowledge regarding the complexity of breast augmentation and how various implants will work with the patient’s existing tissue structure. With this in mind, Dr. Hakimi will help you make selections that are in line with your ultimate goals.

Put your best self forward with breast augmentation in Beverly Hills

Whether you’re hoping to restore your pre-pregnancy body, fill out your clothing better, feel more feminine, or simply have always wanted larger breasts, breast augmentation can help! Call Dr. Hakimi's office in Newport Beach, CA, convenient to the Beverly Hills and surrounding Los Angeles areas, to schedule your one-on-one breast augmentation consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi. This will be the first important step toward getting the gorgeous, youthful, A-List body you’ve been dreaming of!