Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, helping many women enhance their breast size, restore lost volume, or improve breast shape and symmetry. Whether you’re looking for a breast enhancement procedure after weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
Breast augmentations, or “boob jobs,” can not only help women improve their self-confidence through aesthetic modifications, but they can also make those who have undergone breast cancer-fighting mastectomies feel whole and complete again.
We, at the Sadeghi Center for Plastic Surgery believe in the transformative power of augmentation and reconstruction and currently offer this world-class service. As with any surgery, there are many factors to consider before taking the plunge and booking a consultation with Dr. Sadeghi.
Here are fourteen important things to know before your breast augmentation surgery, including preparation tips, breast implant placement options, and what to expect during recovery.
General Overview Before Deciding to Get a Breast Augmentation
1) Implants or Fat Transfer?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go with breast implants or fat transfer augmentation.
- Breast implants provide a more noticeable increase in cup sizes and are ideal for those who want a fuller look.
- Fat transfer uses natural breast tissue from your own body, offering a more subtle breast enhancement without implants.
Both options have benefits, and the right choice depends on your goals, body type, and skin elasticity. During your consultation, Dr. Sadeghi will help determine the best option for you.
2) A Breast Augmentation Cannot Fix Sagging Breasts
While breast implants add volume, they do not correct sagging breasts. If your breasts have lost their perkiness due to pregnancy, weight gain, or aging, you may need a breast lift (mastopexy) combined with augmentation to achieve a more youthful appearance.
A breast lift removes excess skin and repositions the breasts higher on the chest.
3) Choosing a Breast Implant Type is More Than Just Saline vs. Silicone
There’s more to picking implants than just choosing between saline and silicone. Additional factors include:
- Round vs. teardrop-shaped implants for different aesthetic results
- Smooth vs. textured implants for varied stability and feel
- Implant profile (low, moderate, or high projection) affecting how far they project from the chest
Choosing the right breast implants requires careful consideration of your body proportions and lifestyle.
4) Where Your Incision is Placed Matters
There are multiple incision options for breast augmentation, and each has its advantages. The most common incision locations include:
- Inframammary (under the breast fold): The most popular option, providing a well-hidden scar and easy access for implant placement.
- Periareolar (around the nipple): Allows for discreet scarring but may not be ideal for those planning to breastfeed.
- Transaxillary (under the armpit): Leaves no scars on the breast itself but may limit implant placement options.
5) Implant Placement
Breast implants can be placed above or below the chest muscle, each with its own advantages:
- Subglandular (above the muscle): Provides a rounder look with less recovery time but may show more rippling in thinner patients.
- Submuscular (under the muscle): Offers a more natural look and a lower risk of complications like capsular contracture, but has a slightly longer recovery time.
Your lifestyle, anatomy, and desired results will all factor into the decision about implant placement.
Important Considerations Before Surgery (What Patients Need to Know Before Committing)
6) Breast Implants Will Need to Be Replaced at Some Point
While breast implants are durable, they are not lifetime devices. Most surgical procedures involving implants require replacement or revision surgery within 10 to 20 years.
Factors like implant rupture, capsular contracture (scar tissue formation), and personal preference may require implants removed or exchanged sooner.
7) Expect to Have Additional Breast Surgery in the Future
Even if your breast augmentation surgery goes perfectly, future procedures may be necessary due to aging, weight changes, pregnancy, and skin elasticity.
Some patients may need smaller implants over time, a breast lift, or other adjustments.
8) If You Are a Tobacco Smoker, You Must Stop Smoking for at Least Two Weeks Prior to Surgery
Smoking significantly increases the risk of complications during and after surgery. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which can slow down healing and increase the risk of infection or implant complications.
For the best results, you must stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery and remain smoke-free throughout your recovery.
Preparing for Surgery & Recovery (What to Do Before & After the Procedure)
9) Eat Smart and Arrive Clean and Clear
There are several foods you should try to avoid leading up to your surgery, including cucumbers, grapes, almonds, strawberries, pickles, garlic and tomatoes, as they contain natural blood thinners.
Dr. Sadeghi and the team will assist you in mapping out an approved surgery diet, including medications, vitamins and supplements.
In addition to proper nutrition, we ask that all patients arriving for surgery have totally clean bodies (no lotion, deodorant, makeup, etc.) and totally clear bodies. That means removing jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish or any other accessory that could pose a risk during the procedure.
10) Prepare Your Home for Your Recovery Period
The recovery period can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks, depending on your age, overall health, breast size, and hormone levels. That is a lot of downtime, so it’s a good idea to have your space fully prepared for the long haul.
Having a clean and organized home waiting for you after surgery can help make your recovery process a walk in the park.
We encourage moving any potentially dangerous pieces of furniture out of the way, so you can have a clear path to the places and things you need to access while resting.
Make sure your bed has clean linens, your bathroom is stocked with easy-to-reach toilet paper and clean towels, and that all of your post-op medications, ice packs and other important items are within an arm’s distance.
11) Have Your Recovery Wardrobe Ready and Accessible
You will be experiencing a significant amount of pain, swelling and discomfort, which is why we encourage you to recover in comfortable and loose tops and bottoms.
Dig out those old college t-shirts or stock up on a few affordable cotton tops that breathe and feel great. Make sure those comfy clothes are clean and easy to change in and out of while you recover.
An effortless recovery process might not be the most fashionable, but it can make reaching the end a lot easier.
12) Stock up on Snacks, Supplies and Entertainment
The bed is decked out with comfy pillows and blankets. The oversized cotton tee is on. Now what? You won’t be able to move around much after your breast augmentation surgery, so we recommend gathering the entertainment and snack items you like for your time in bed.
That book you’ve been meaning to read? Keep it close by. More of a television person? Make sure the batteries in the remote are fresh. Staying occupied while you recover makes the process feel like it’s moving faster.
Post-Surgery Expectations & Mental Preparation (What to Expect During Recovery & Beyond)
13) What You See Immediately After Surgery Will Not Be Your Final Results
Right after surgery, your breasts will most likely appear swollen, firm, and higher on the chest than they should. This is completely normal.
It takes a few weeks for implants to “settle” into their final position as swelling subsides. Final results usually become apparent within 3 to 6 months. You have to be patient—trust the process and give your body time to heal.
14) Take a Deep Breath
Dr. Sadeghi and the team at the Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Center are ready to guide you through this new and exciting change.
When you choose Dr. Ali Sadeghi, you’re choosing cutting-edge techniques, incomparable facilities and world-class service.
We want to make sure all of our breast augmentation and reconstruction patients are comfortable and confident before and after their procedures, and we are always available to help ease your mind and get you excited for the future.
Final Thoughts
Breast augmentation is a life-changing procedure that can boost your confidence and help you achieve your desired look.
We believe that understanding the things to know before breast augmentation, including the procedure itself, preparation, and recovery, is key to achieving the best possible results.
If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sadeghi today and start your journey toward your ideal figure.