Breast Augmentation
Breasts can be a very sensitive point for a woman’s self-confidence. Women with small or deflated breasts, asymmetrical breasts, or underdeveloped breast tissue can pursue a breast augmentation as a viable solution.
Dr. Alexander Sobel uses refined techniques and tailors every aspect of your procedure for natural, personalized results.
What is breast augmentation?
A breast augmentation enhances the breast shape using implants to increase their size and fullness. It is our aim to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with a natural look, balanced body proportions, and an irreplaceable lift to your confidence.
At Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery, we are dedicated to patient education and desirable, natural-looking results to help you look and feel your best. The breast augmentation procedure and methods described below can be fully discussed during your FREE consultation with Dr. Alex Sobel. Together, you will develop a personalized procedure plan that best suits your needs and delivers the body contours you’ve been dreaming of.
- Triple board-certified in general cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and otolaryngology
- 15+ years of experience specializing in cosmetic surgery
- Operates in an on-site accredited surgical suite for patient safety and privacy
- National leader in cosmetic surgery, including as Past President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and as an expert speaker at medical conferences
- Former Seattle Met Top Doctor with hundreds of 5-star patient reviews
Common Reasons for Breast Augmentation
Asymmetry of the Breasts
It is not uncommon to have different sized breasts. In fact, most women have some level of asymmetry. Women can be born with this or develop it over time. For some, the difference is apparent and causes the patient to feel self-conscious. To correct asymmetry, two different sized breast implants are inserted during surgery, achieving a natural balance that is virtually undetectable.
Loss of Volume or Shape in the Breast
Whether due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe weight loss, or the natural process of aging, breasts can lose their original “fullness” or shape. Breast implants can rejuvenate deflated breasts, making them voluminous and more youthful. If breasts have begun to sag drastically, a breast lift with augmentation may provide the most benefit, giving you the additional lift you desire.
Tuberous or Underdeveloped Breasts (Hypoplasia)
The direct cause of breast tissue underdevelopment is not entirely known. It is, however, a congenital defect, and one that is easily corrected with cosmetic surgery. Tuberous breasts can occur in both men and women in either one or both breasts. The breast or breasts will appear tube-like and can be a source of self-consciousness for some.
If you are concerned with one of the aforementioned issues, or that your breasts are just generally undersized for your frame, breast augmentation is the solution. Dr. Sobel will be able to discuss your main concerns and your motivation behind the procedure during your consultation. To delve into the matter of your candidacy and potential results, schedule a consultation with Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery.
Breast Implant Options
Your reasons behind choosing a breast augmentation will be an integral factor in determining the size, composition, positioning, and insertion of your breast implants. There are numerous variables that contribute to the resulting appearance of your breasts, each of which will be discussed at length during your consultation with Dr. Sobel.
Types of Breast Implants
Implants are used to enhance and enlarge the breast during a breast augmentation come in a variety of types, including silicone and saline, each with their own feel and shape.
- Silicone implants are filled with a thick, cohesive silicone gel substance that provides a more natural look and feel.
- Saline implants are created with a saline solution inside a flexible shell that allows for the volume to be adjusted per patient.
Recently, women undergoing breast augmentation have shown a greater preference for silicone gel implants, as the end result feels and looks more “natural.” Silicone implants better mimic natural breast tissue in both appearance and texture. Saline implants, on the other hand, offer more flexibility, like changing the size at the last minute (a frequent occurrence). During your consultation, Dr. Sobel will help you determine the best option for your breast implants.
“I have to say that my experience here was off the charts! I am absolutely AMAZED with the results of my breast augmentation! My confidence has skyrocketed! Not only that, the recovery was SO FAST! When he said a week, he was not joking. I love the vibe and knowledge of the Sobel team! I am already thinking of what I’ll get done next. Thank you for doing such a great job!!!!”
Fat Grafting to the Breasts
Some patients are ideal candidates for a fat transfer breast augmentation. This uses fat grafting as an alternative to breast implants. Rather than using foreign implant material as in a traditional breast augmentation, fat is harvested from various sites on the patient’s body and used as the augmentation material to shape the breast. This procedure is often referred to as BAMBI (Breast Augmentation and Mammoplasty By Injection), autologous fat transfer, or free fat grafting. Dr. Alex Sobel has served as a major contributor to the development and research behind autologous fat grafts.
Size of Implants
In order to achieve the desired cup size and end result, your proper implant size will be discussed with Dr. Sobel. Generally, 200ccs (200 cubic centimeters) is the equivalent to an increase of 1 cup size. However, the anatomy of each patient is unique, and implant size needs to be discussed on a patient-by-patient basis.
Incisions Used in Breast Augmentation
Incision placement for your breast augmentation is an important decision that affects where scarring will be. There are different techniques used depending on the patient’s body, implant choice, ultimate goals, and other factors that can be discussed with Dr. Sobel. Each incision site is purposefully selected to skillfully mask any noticeable scarring.
Breast implants can be inserted during a breast augmentation through an incision made around the areola (periareolar), under the breast (inframammary), or in the armpit region (transaxillary).
- Periareolar: This incision is made along the lower half of the areola, the darker area of skin around the nipple, where it meets the skin of the breast.
- Inframammary: This incision is made in the crease where the breast meets the chest wall, called the inframammary fold.
- Transaxillary: This incision is hidden within the armpit and the procedure uses endoscopic techniques to complete the augmentation and shape the breast. Surgery that uses this technique is sometimes called a “scarless breast augmentation” since the incision scar is highly concealed.
Placement of Implants
The implant can be placed under the pectoral muscle (submuscular placement) or between the pectoral muscle and the tissue and glands of the breast (subglandular placement). Dr. Sobel will determine which placement is used based on your desired results, amount of breast enlargement, and implant type.
Dr. Sobel aims to deliver breast augmentation results that satisfy each patient’s request, and look natural with the patient’s overall physique. In order to achieve the best possible results, Dr. Sobel will listen carefully to your goals during a comprehensive free breast augmentation consultation.
The ideal candidate for all cosmetic surgery procedures is physically healthy and has realistic expectations about their results. Due to the nature of a breast augmentation, it is crucial that the breast tissue be completely developed in order to achieve the best results. FDA regulations require that a patient be at least 18 years old for saline implants or at least 22 years old for silicone implants.
Many women seek out breast augmentation because they are unsatisfied with the current appearance of their breasts and desire breast enlargement. Common issues include asymmetry, loss of volume or shape due to breastfeeding or weight loss, and the underdevelopment of breast tissue (tuberous breasts). While breast augmentation does not address sagging on its own, it is commonly paired with a breast lift (mastopexy) to lift the breast to a more youthful position. For a fully rejuvenated look, a breast augmentation can also be paired with a tummy tuck, as is typically done in a mommy makeover.
It is recommended that you rest for two to three days immediately following the cosmetic procedure. This helps ensure successful results, decreases discomfort, and lowers chances for complications or infection. We advise that you walk for 30 minutes, three times a day, every day immediately following the procedure. Patients should avoid any vigorous activity for six weeks. Push-ups and any chest-focused exercises should be avoided for 12 weeks or more. During your consultation with Dr. Sobel, you can create a personalized timeline for safely returning to your routine.
After breast augmentation, it is common for the breasts to be tender and swollen after breast implant surgery. You will be given medication to minimize discomfort, swelling, and chances for infection. The amount of swelling or discomfort involved in the recovery process will depend upon the patient, their health prior to the procedure, and the level of enlargement.
Dr. Sobel discusses recovery in this video:
In total, a breast augmentation procedure can take 1 to 2 hours, depending on your specific circumstances.
You may require a breast lift if you have moderate to severe breast sagging. Dr. Sobel explains further in this video:
“Dr. Sobel and his staff have a way of making you instantly comfortable. Sobel is a master of his craft, and pioneer, and will provide an honest and thorough assessment of any procedure you may be looking to pursue.”
Schedule a free consultation for your breast augmentation
Schedule your free breast augmentation consultation today to discuss the possibilities! Dr. Alex Sobel will analyze your goals, health, and overall physique in order to deliver the best possible outcome—beautiful breasts that enhance your natural beauty and confidence. We are located in Bellevue, just 20 minutes outside Seattle.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Sobel — Updated on May 30, 2025