Breast Augmentation Frequently Asked Questions

Serving San Francisco, San Jose, & Walnut Creek, California

1. Do I need a breast enlargement or a breast lift?
2. What is recovery like following breast enlargement surgery?
3. What side effects/complications are possible with breast enlargement?
4. What size implant should I choose?
5. Is saline or silicone safer?
6. What should I do if I have other questions related to breast enhancement procedures?

---

1) Do I need a breast enlargement or a breast lift?

Both breast enlargement and breast lift procedures offer women a way to improve the breast contour for cosmetic body sculpting. Breast enlargement is the more common procedure for younger women who have always been unhappy with their breast size, and breast lift is typically for women over 30 who have experienced sagging of the breasts due to age, genetics, pregnancy or breast feeding.

Some patients choose to have both procedures done at once, giving them a dramatically new breast contour. To decide which procedure will work best for you, decide what features of your breasts you are not happy with. Breast augmentation addresses size primarily, but sagging can actually be improved some when larger implants are used. And although breast lift addresses the issue of sagging primarily, breasts can actually increase in cup size and appear fuller once the nipples are repositioned and excess tissue is removed.

To top >

---

2) What is recovery like following breast enlargement surgery?

After the breast enlargement surgery, you will experience some pain and discomfort that can be controlled with medication. You may be able to return to light activities within a few days, although your doctor will ask that you avoid more strenuous activities for several weeks, and avoid certain sports, exercises, and heavy lifting for a month or longer. The bandages can be removed in just a few days, but you may need to wear a support garment to help maintain shape during healing. Stitches will be removed in about a week. The recovery process will be different for each patient, depending on the procedural techniques used, the breast implant placement, and individual healing characteristics.

To top >

---

3) What side effects/complications are possible with breast enlargement?

Breast enlargement surgery carries some risks that patients should acknowledge and understand before undergoing surgery. Although newer breast implants are made more durable and leak-resistant, leakage of saline and silicone is possible. Sensitivity or numbness in the nipple area, capsular contracture (scar tissue), sagging, asymmetry, rupture, deflation, hematoma, infection, and anesthesia reaction are also rare but potential complications associated with breast augmentation.

To top >

---

4) What size implant should I choose?

Your choice of breast implant size should depend on your individual idea of what will look best on your body. Your cosmetic surgeon can recommend a size based on your body type, but ultimately it is a personal decision that you should consider carefully. Some types of saline implants are "adjustable-volume", meaning that the size can be altered in the future if you change your mind.

To top >

---

5) Is saline or silicone safer?

Both saline and silicone implants offer unique benefits. Both are FDA-approved for safety, so it is impossible to say whether or not one type is more likely to cause complications than the other. To reduce risk of side effects, make sure you choose a breast augmentation surgeon who puts a high priority on safety and who has performed many of these procedures in the past.

To top >

---

6) What should I do if I have other questions related to breast enhancement procedures?

To inquire further about breast augmentation or schedule a complimentary plastic surgery consultation, please call us at 415-781-2081 or fill out our cosmetic surgery online form.

For questions about Financing options please see our cosmetic surgery finance page.

To top >