Augmentation plastic surgery: Your Ultimate 2026 Guide

Understanding Augmentation Plastic Surgery: A Complete Overview

Augmentation plastic surgery is a surgical procedure designed to improve breast size and shape using implants or fat transfer. Here’s what it can do for you:

• Increase breast size and fullness for a more balanced figure
• Restore volume lost after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging
• Correct asymmetry between breasts
• Improve self-confidence and body image
• Create natural-looking results custom to your body type

This procedure is not a solution for severely drooping breasts—in those cases, a breast lift may be needed alongside or instead of augmentation.

What makes breast augmentation successful? The key lies in understanding your options. You’ll choose between saline and silicone implants, decide on size and placement, and work with your surgeon to create results that complement your natural body shape. The surgery itself typically takes 1-2 hours, and most patients return to work within a week.

As Dr. Mark Anton, founder of OC Breast Surgery in Newport Beach, I’ve performed thousands of augmentation plastic surgery procedures over my 33-year career, focusing on creating natural, proportional results that improve each patient’s unique figure. My fellowship training in breast surgery and work developing advanced reconstruction techniques have given me the expertise to help you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Improvement?

Deciding to undergo augmentation plastic surgery is a deeply personal choice, and it’s essential that it’s for you and no one else. We’ve seen countless patients in Newport Beach, CA, who choose this procedure to boost their confidence and improve their self-image. But who exactly is an ideal candidate for breast augmentation?

Generally, a good candidate is:

• Physically Healthy: You should be in good overall health, without any active infections or serious medical conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery.
• Has Realistic Expectations: While augmentation plastic surgery can significantly improve your appearance and confidence, it’s crucial to understand what the procedure can and cannot achieve. We strive for beautiful, natural-looking results that complement your body, not perfection.
• Has Fully Developed Breasts: We typically recommend that patients wait until their breasts are fully developed, usually in their late teens or early twenties, before considering augmentation.
• Motivated by Personal Desire: Whether you’re bothered by feeling your breasts are too small, unhappy with lost volume after pregnancy or weight loss, or wish to correct asymmetry, your motivation should come from within.

Many of our patients seek augmentation plastic surgery because they feel their breasts are too small, or have lost their shape and volume due to aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss. Some also choose augmentation to address natural breast asymmetry, where one breast is noticeably different in size or shape from the other. Our goal is to help you achieve a balanced, harmonious silhouette.

The Role of a Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon

The journey to an improved figure begins with a comprehensive consultation. This is your opportunity to discuss your aesthetic concerns and surgical goals with a qualified expert. During this initial meeting, we’ll take a detailed medical history, including any past surgeries, medications, allergies, and family history of breast disease or cancer. We’ll also ask about your lifestyle, including any plans for future pregnancies or breastfeeding, as these factors can influence our recommendations.

A thorough physical examination is also a crucial part of the consultation. We’ll assess your breast and torso measurements, skin quality, and nipple placement. This helps us determine the most appropriate implant measurements and surgical approach to achieve your desired look. We believe that a nicely performed breast implant surgery should take into consideration the shape of your chest, as well as your overall body shape and height, ensuring the results are proportionally beautiful and complement your entire figure.

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, like those at OC Breast Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, is paramount. Certification ensures your surgeon has met rigorous standards of training and experience. We take ample time with our patients, ensuring you have all the information needed to make the best choices for yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you might have about the procedure, implant options, recovery, and potential outcomes. Your comfort and confidence in our team are our top priorities. You can learn more about finding the right specialist for you by visiting our page on finding the Best Breast Augmentation Doctor in Orange County.

Combining Procedures for Optimal Results

While augmentation plastic surgery is highly effective for increasing breast size and fullness, it’s important to understand its limitations. One common misconception is that breast augmentation alone can correct severely drooping breasts, also known as breast ptosis. Unfortunately, this isn’t usually the case. Implants add volume, but they don’t lift sagging tissue.

If you have significant breast sagging, we may recommend combining your augmentation with a breast lift (mastopexy). A breast lift removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissue to create a more lifted, youthful contour. When performed together, a breast lift and augmentation can achieve both increased volume and an liftd position, resulting in a beautifully refreshd appearance. This combination is often a popular choice for women seeking a “mommy makeover” to restore their pre-pregnancy figure. We often perform a breast lift with augmentation to provide comprehensive rejuvenation. For more details on this combined approach, visit our page on Breast Lift with Augmentation.

Understanding Your Implant and Procedure Options

Once you’ve determined you’re a good candidate for augmentation plastic surgery, the next step is to explore the various implant and procedural options available. This is where the art and science of plastic surgery truly come together, as we tailor every aspect to your unique body and aesthetic goals.

Implant Types: Saline vs. Silicone

The choice between saline and silicone implants is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. Both types consist of a silicone outer shell, but their fillings differ, leading to distinct characteristics.

Saline Implants: These implants are filled with sterile salt water after they are placed inside the breast. An advantage is that if a saline implant ruptures, you will notice a distinct loss of volume, and the salt water will be safely resorbed by your body. They can also be inserted through a smaller incision. However, some patients and surgeons feel they provide a less natural look and feel, and rippling can be more common, particularly in thin patients with minimal breast tissue.

Silicone Gel Implants: These come pre-filled with a cohesive, semi-solid silicone gel that moves and responds to touch much like natural breast tissue. This “gummy bear” consistency helps them maintain their shape even if the shell is compromised, preventing the silicone from migrating. While they are typically more expensive, their natural feel and reduced risk of visible rippling make them a popular choice. We recommend regular monitoring with imaging (like MRI) for silicone implants to detect any “silent ruptures.”

We dig deeper into the pros and cons of each in our detailed guide on Saline vs. Silicone Implants.

Key Considerations for Augmentation Plastic Surgery

Beyond the implant type, several other factors contribute to the final aesthetic outcome of your augmentation plastic surgery:

• Implant Shape: Implants are available in both round and anatomical (teardrop) shapes. Round implants are the most common and often chosen to achieve increased fullness in the upper breast. Teardrop implants are designed to mimic the natural slope of a breast, with more projection at the bottom and a gradual taper towards the top. While they can offer a very natural look, their use has decreased due to concerns related to textured surfaces and the risk of rotation. We will discuss which shape best aligns with your goals during your consultation.
• Implant Size (CCs): Implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), not bra cup sizes, as bra sizing varies widely. During your consultation, we’ll use sizers to help you visualize different volumes and determine the best size to achieve your desired aesthetic while maintaining natural proportions. We ensure that the chosen size is surgically appropriate and fits comfortably within your body’s natural anatomy.
• Implant Profile (Projection): The profile refers to how much the implant projects forward from your chest. Options typically include low, moderate, moderate-plus, and high profiles. Your body type, existing breast tissue, and desired projection will guide this selection.

Our comprehensive discussion on Breast Implant Surgery Sizing, Placement, and Types of Implants covers these details in depth.

The Fat Transfer Alternative

For some patients, traditional implants aren’t the only path to breast augmentation. Fat transfer breast augmentation, sometimes called natural breast augmentation, offers an alternative or complementary approach. This procedure involves:

1. Liposuction: Fat is gently harvested from another area of your body with excess fat, such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs.
2. Purification: The harvested fat is processed to separate healthy fat cells.
3. Injection: The purified fat is then carefully injected into the breasts to increase volume and improve contour.

Fat transfer is ideal for individuals seeking a more modest increase in breast size and those who prefer to avoid implants entirely. It can also be used in conjunction with implants, for example, to camouflage implant edges or improve contour. While the transferred fat can feel very natural once it establishes a new blood supply, it typically doesn’t achieve the same significant size increase as implants. We’ll discuss if Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer is the right option for your goals during your consultation.

The Surgical Process: From Incision to Placement

Understanding what happens on the day of your augmentation plastic surgery can help alleviate any anxieties. We prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the entire process.

The procedure begins with anesthesia. Most augmentation plastic surgery procedures are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be completely asleep and comfortable during the entire operation. In some cases, intravenous sedation may be an option. We will discuss the best anesthesia choice for you during your consultation.

Augmentation plastic surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day. However, it’s crucial to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours to ensure your safety and comfort as you recover from anesthesia. The procedure itself is relatively fast, usually requiring only 1-2 hours to complete.

Incision and Implant Placement

The success of augmentation plastic surgery lies not only in the implant choice but also in the meticulous surgical technique, particularly regarding incision placement and how the implants are positioned. Our goal is to achieve the best aesthetic outcome with minimal visible scarring.

There are two main incision options we commonly use:

1. Inframammary Incision: This is the most common approach, where a small incision is made in the natural crease beneath the breast. This location allows for excellent visibility during surgery and the resulting scar is typically well-hidden within the breast fold.
2. Periareolar Incision: This incision is made around the edge of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). Once healed, the scar blends into the natural pigment change of the areola, making it inconspicuous.

Less commonly, implants can be placed through a transaxillary (underarm) incision. While this avoids scars on the breast itself, it can make implant positioning more challenging due to remote access. We will discuss which incision approach is best suited for your anatomy and desired results.

Once the incision is made, a “pocket” is created to accommodate the breast implant. There are two primary implant placement options:

1. Submuscular Placement (Under the Muscle): The implant is placed underneath the pectoral muscle, which lies over the chest wall. This option provides additional tissue coverage over the implant, which can lead to a more natural look and feel, especially for slender patients with less natural breast tissue. It may also reduce the risk of capsular contracture and implant visibility. However, some athletic individuals may experience “muscle animation,” where the implant moves slightly when the pectoral muscle contracts.
2. Subglandular Placement (Over the Muscle): The implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle. This option is often chosen for patients who have sufficient natural breast tissue to provide adequate coverage for the implant. Recovery can sometimes be less painful with this placement.

The decision on implant placement is highly individualized, considering your body type, existing breast tissue, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. We will carefully assess these factors to recommend the optimal placement for you. To learn more about how we determine the best approach, please visit our page on What is the Best Placement for Breast Implants?

Recovery, Risks, and Long-Term Considerations

After your augmentation plastic surgery, understanding the recovery process, potential risks, and long-term considerations is key to a smooth journey and lasting satisfaction. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

The Typical Recovery Process

Your recovery is a crucial phase, and while everyone heals at their own pace, there are general expectations:

• Initial Recovery (1-2 weeks): You can expect soreness, swelling, and possibly some bruising for the first few weeks after surgery. We’ll provide you with prescription medications to manage any discomfort, which is typically most noticeable during the first few days. Gentle stretching is encouraged from the day after surgery to maintain your range of motion.
• Wearing a Surgical Bra: You’ll be instructed to wear a supportive surgical bra continuously for about 6 weeks after surgery. This helps support your new implants and aids in the healing process.
• Returning to Work: Many of our patients find they are comfortable enough to return to work or school within about one week following their procedure, especially if their job is not physically demanding. For more labor-intensive occupations, we might recommend up to two to four weeks off.
• Activity Restrictions: For at least two weeks, you should avoid anything that causes you to strain or significantly raises your pulse or blood pressure. We generally advise avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and exercise for 4-6 weeks to allow your body to heal properly and minimize risks.

While most residual swelling resolves within a month, the final results will gradually become apparent over several months as your breasts settle into their new shape. For a detailed week-by-week breakdown of what to expect, refer to our Breast Augmentation Recovery Week by Week guide.

Understanding Risks and Potential Complications

Like any surgical procedure, augmentation plastic surgery carries certain risks. While we take every precaution to minimize these, it’s important to be fully informed:

• General Surgical Risks: These include reactions to anesthesia, breathing problems, bleeding, blood clots, and infection.
• Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around the implant tightens and compresses it. This can lead to the breast feeling firm, painful, or changing shape, and may require further surgery.
• Implant Rupture: While modern implants are durable, they are not indestructible. Saline implant ruptures are immediately noticeable due to volume loss. Silicone implants can have “silent ruptures” that require imaging for detection, though the cohesive gel typically prevents migration of the silicone.
• Sensation Changes: Some patients experience temporary or, in rare cases, permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation, ranging from increased sensitivity to numbness.
• Asymmetry and Scarring: Despite our best efforts, minor asymmetries in nipple position or breast size/shape can occur. Scars will fade over time but will not disappear completely. Thickened or raised scars are also a possibility.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some individuals with breast implants have reported systemic symptoms such as tiredness, memory loss, skin rash, trouble thinking clearly, and joint pain. While BII is not yet a recognized medical diagnosis, research is ongoing, and symptoms sometimes improve upon implant removal.
• Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): This is a very rare type of lymphoma (cancer of the immune system) that has been reported in patients with breast implants, particularly those with textured surfaces. The risk of BIA-ALCL is extremely low. Textured implants are no longer an option, and the condition is treatable, often with implant removal.

We believe in open and honest discussions about all potential risks, ensuring you make an informed decision. Our page, Is Breast Augmentation Safe?, offers further details.

Long-Term Care After Augmentation Plastic Surgery

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While they are designed to be durable, they may require replacement surgery at some point. Manufacturers typically offer a warranty for about 10 years, but implants can last for many years beyond that if there are no medical or aesthetic concerns.

• Revision Surgery: Over time, changes in your body due to aging, weight fluctuations, or even gravity can affect the appearance of your augmented breasts. You might also need revision surgery due to complications like capsular contracture, implant rupture, or simply a desire for a different size or shape.
• Mammograms with Implants: Having breast implants does not increase your risk of breast cancer. However, implants can make mammograms more challenging to perform and read. It’s crucial to inform your mammography technician that you have implants, as they will need to use special techniques and additional views to visualize all breast tissue effectively. For silicone implants, the FDA suggests breast imaging 5 to 6 years after placement, and then every 2 to 3 years thereafter, to check for silent ruptures.
• Cost Factors: The cost of augmentation plastic surgery can vary widely based on factors such as the type of implants chosen, surgical fees, anesthesia costs, and facility fees. While we cannot provide exact figures without a consultation, average costs for augmentation plastic surgery in California can range from $8,000 to $10,000 or more. Breast augmentation is typically considered a cosmetic procedure, and therefore, insurance usually does not cover the costs unless it’s medically necessary, such as after a mastectomy. For detailed information on pricing, please refer to our Breast Augmentation Cost page.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you likely have many questions as you consider augmentation plastic surgery. Here are some of the most common inquiries we receive:

How does breast augmentation affect breastfeeding capabilities?

This is a very common and important question for many women considering augmentation plastic surgery. The good news is that breast implants themselves generally do not affect your ability to breastfeed. The implants are placed either behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle, typically not interfering directly with the milk-producing glands or milk ducts.

However, some women may experience difficulties with nipple sensitivity after breast augmentation, especially with certain incision patterns. Changes in nipple sensation can sometimes impact the let-down reflex, which is crucial for breastfeeding. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, discuss this with us during your consultation. We can recommend incision patterns and implant placements that may be less likely to affect nipple sensation and therefore preserve your ability to breastfeed successfully. For additional information on various breast procedures, visit our More info about breast procedures page.

What are the considerations for breast augmentation in athletic individuals?

For our active patients in Newport Beach, CA, the considerations for augmentation plastic surgery often involve implant placement and recovery time.

• Submuscular Placement and Muscle Animation: Many athletic individuals have limited natural breast tissue. In these cases, placing implants submuscularly (under the pectoral muscle) is often recommended. This provides additional coverage, leading to a more natural look and feel and reducing the risk of implant visibility or rippling. However, it’s important to be aware that submuscular implants can exhibit “muscle animation,” where the implants move slightly when the pectoral muscles contract during upper body activities (e.g., weightlifting, rowing). While this is usually only noticeable during intense muscle contraction, it’s a factor we discuss thoroughly.
• Contact Sports: While playing contact sports is not a contraindication for breast augmentation, and it does not increase the risk of implant rupture, we advise caution during the initial recovery period. Most patients can generally resume exercise and routine sports after about one month, once they have healed well.
• Recovery Time: Athletic individuals may be eager to return to their routines. While initial recovery for light activities is typically 1-2 weeks, we emphasize adhering to the 4-6 week restriction on strenuous upper body activities to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

Can breast augmentation be reversed or revised?

Yes, augmentation plastic surgery can certainly be reversed or revised. Implants are not permanent, and many women choose to undergo additional procedures over time for various reasons:

• Implant Removal (Explant): If you decide you no longer want implants, or if you experience complications, they can be surgically removed. After implant removal, some women may find their breasts appear deflated or saggy, particularly if they had larger implants or significant skin stretching. In such cases, a breast lift may be recommended to reshape and lift the breast tissue.
• Implant Exchange: This procedure involves removing existing implants and replacing them with new ones. Reasons for an implant exchange can include a desire for a different size or type of implant, or to address complications like capsular contracture or rupture.
• Breast Lift After Removal: As mentioned, if implants are removed, a breast lift might be performed at the same time or as a subsequent procedure to create a more aesthetically pleasing contour.

We specialize in Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery at OC Breast Surgery, helping patients in Newport Beach, CA, achieve their updated aesthetic goals or correct issues from previous surgeries.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Improved Confidence

Augmentation plastic surgery is a transformative procedure that has helped countless women in Newport Beach, CA, and beyond achieve greater confidence and satisfaction with their bodies. From enhancing size and shape to restoring volume lost over time, the benefits can be profound.

Our approach at OC Breast Surgery, led by Dr. Mark Anton, is always centered on creating natural-looking, proportional results that complement your unique physique. We believe that a beautifully augmented breast should improve your overall body aesthetic, making you feel more balanced and self-assured.

The key to a successful outcome lies in thorough research, realistic expectations, and choosing a highly qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. Your journey begins with an open and honest conversation about your goals, and we are here to provide expert guidance and compassionate care every step of the way.

If you’re considering augmentation plastic surgery and want to explore your options with a trusted specialist, we invite you to connect with us. Take the next step in your breast improvement journey and find how we can help you achieve the beautiful, confident figure you desire. Take the next step in your breast enhancement journey